Winter Tires

Are you planning on installing winter tires? Do you drive where there's a lot of snow? The condition and type of tires you use are important for safety.

If you install winter tires, switch all four tires, not just two. Using just 2 winter tires can cause the car to spin unexpectedly because of greater traction on only two wheels. Even on front wheel drive vehicles, it is recommended to switch all four tires for maximum control.

Once the temperature dips below -10°C, all season tires can begin to lose their grip. Winter tires have a deeper tread pattern that allows the tire to clear itself of snow as it rotates. Studded tires are most effective on wet ice when the temperature is near zero, but don't outperform other tires in other winter conditions.

Did you know that a tire can lose one pound of air pressure every time the temperature drops 5 degrees? It’s important to check the condition of your tires and air-pressure regularly. You will also want to avoid mixing tires with different tread patterns or size and replace those with damaged or worn treads.

Tires equipped with this symbol meet the requirement for excellent snow traction performance. Designated highways with a history of treacherous winter driving conditions will require tires with this symbol.

Winter Driving Tips:

• When driving in rough winter conditions, pack an emergency kit to include: jumper cables, tire chains, flares, blankets, food, gloves, boots, a flashlight, a cell phone, a first aid kit, an ice scraper, and a towing cable.
• Slow down, especially before corners and before going down hills.
• When you first get on the roads, test your brakes and steering.
• Watch out for black ice, as well as extra ice on bridges, overpasses, and intersections.
• Never use cruise control in the winter.
• Don't follow other cars too closely and give yourself extra room to stop safely.
• Check your local weather forecast and road reports before driving to prevent getting caught in undesirable conditions.
• Handling a Skid: When your vehicle begins to skid, release the accelerator and gradually steer in the opposite direction that you're skidding. Resist the temptation of using your brakes as this will cause you to skid more. If you overcorrect the skid, you'll end up skidding in the other direction. If this happens, gradually steer back the other way.

Our Kelowna location is currently offering 15% off a new set of Hankook Winter Tires. Already have your winter tires? We are also offering a $59.95 Winter Tire Changeover special. Call (250)491-0600 for an appointment.

Winterize Your Vehicle

Winter is right around the corner, is your vehicle ready for the cooler conditions? Here is a handy 10 point checklist to winterize your vehicle:

1. Fluids

Checking fluids is the least expensive and easiest preventive maintenance you can do. Change your oil about every 5000 kilometers and don't forget to change your engine coolant and transmission fluid about every two years. Pure engine coolants can freeze at zero degrees, but mixing with water prevents freezing and provides great protection for the cold weather.

Though fluids like oil and transmission are commonly checked, other fluids integral to your vehicle's performance may go unnoticed. Power steering, brake, radiator and battery fluids also should be filled to recommended levels.

You won’t want to forget to top off your windshield washer fluid. Once the salt trucks have come through to melt snow and ice, you’ll know the importance of windshield washer fluid. Do not dilute washer fluid with water since it can freeze during winter's harsh temperatures. While you're at it, you might want to change the wiper blades to prevent poor vision in already poor driving conditions.

2. Batteries and Corroded Cables

Winter mornings can wreak havoc on an older battery. The average life of a battery is 4 years. If your battery is older than that, it's probably time to replace. Have our mechanic check the battery and cables to ensure your car starts quickly and reliably.

3. Tires

Worn, bald or badly aligned or balanced tires can mean accidents on ice, rain or snow. Have your tires checked for proper inflation and alignment, and rotate them about every 10,000 kilometers. Book an appointment now to have your winter tires installed, especially if you are driving on highways that require them. Canopy West can order and install the best tires for your vehicle.

4. Anything else Rubber

Rubber parts under your hood need maintenance, too. Radiator, heater and vacuum hoses, among others, should be checked for cracks and bulges. Also, inspect all belts for damages and splits.

5. Rust, Minor Scratches and Nicks

Road salt can turn a slight scratch or nick to an ugly rust spot that's completely preventable. If you postpone maintenance, it can spread. Avoid costly body work by restoring spots before they turn into larger problems.

6. Boots

Front-wheel drive vehicles equipped with CV (constant velocity) joints should have the boots checked for rips and cracks. Boots protect CV joints, but when the joints are exposed to salt, ice and snow, they can damage the joint. Replacing a joint can costs hundreds of dollars, but replacing a boot costs a small fraction of that.

7. Spark Plugs

Worn or misfiring spark plugs can affect how efficiently a vehicle burns the fuel/air mixture, ultimately affecting engine performance. Worn spark plugs waste gas and increase exhaust emissions, so have them checked and replaced often.

8. Brakes

It's dangerous to drive with poorly performing brakes, especially in snowy weather. Postponing brake service also can cause the cost of overhauling your brake system to skyrocket.

9. Lights

Check your lights as accidents can occur if you can't see where you're driving, or if other drivers can't see you, especially as we approach winter's short days and long nights.

10. Windshield Safety

Last, but not least, check your windshield for minor dings. Repairing a small ding is a minor expense but replacing a cracked windshield can cost hundreds of dollars. Engineers call this temperature stress "thermal shock," and if you have a small ding in your windshield, thermal shock can cause your minor ding to turn into a major crack.

Maintain your vehicle regularly to provide years of service with better performance and safety. Our new automotive shop in Kelowna specializes in winterizing your vehicle and can make sure you are ready for the winter roads. We are located at 4042 Highway 97 N. in Kelowna, call (250)491-0600 to book an appointment.

Check out our Year End Event!

Are you in the market for a great deal on Truck Caps & Accessories? Even if your not, you’ll want to pass on these amazing deals to family and friends so they can take advantage of the savings. Our Year End Event is on now and features great deals on a variety truck caps, covers, accessories and much more!

And Check this out! Until December 31^st, 2010, when you purchase a minimum of $500 in product with coupon, you will receive a $200 instant credit towards any additional product in our store. If you haven’t seen our flyer, click here.

Our automotive shop in Kelowna is offering a Winter Tire Changeover Special for only $59.95. Also receive 15% off the purchase of any new set of Hankook snow tires! We have you covered for the winter weather just ahead!

Visit us in our brand new full-service automotive repair facility for all your mechanical needs. We specialize in Diesel Performance and Off Road Products and offer out of province or Government inspections for only $59.95.  

A.R.E. Commercial Canopies

A.R.E. Deluxe Commercial Unit Series Truck Caps are available at Canopy West.

With over 200 options to choose from, you can create the perfect cap to fit your work needs. Our rugged, fully welded frame construction offers years of durable service, no matter what the weather or job. Choose from a wide selection of door and window configurations, colors, toolboxes, and overall cap heights.

For years, A.R.E. has manufactured high quality fiberglass truck caps as well as rugged aluminum units for  commercial use. With their Contractor Package, you can have the appearance and style benefits of their fiberglass caps with the security and function of their commercial units.

For more information, click here.

Canopy West offers Automotive Repair!

Did you know our Kelowna location has a brand new, fully equipped automotive repair facility? We have two licensed mechanics for all your mechanical needs. Come see us at 4042 Highway 97 N. Kelowna or call to book an appointment at (250)491-0600

Welcome

Welcome to Canopy West’s Blog

We are excited to share updates, news and specials with you through our Blog. Check back often to see what is happening at Canopy West.

We currently have 7 locations across Canada and the U.S.

Edmonton, AB – 14815A Yellowhead Trail  (780)447-1082 

Kelowna, B.C. - 4042 Highway 97. N. (250)491-0600 

Kamloops, B.C. – 170 W. Victoria Street  (250)374-3232

Surrey, B.C. – 13285 King George Hwy (604)583-3132

Auburn, WA – 5141 Auburn Way N (253)854-6771

Tukwila, WA – 11061 Tukwila International Blvd (206)762-5424

Everett, WA – 9320 Evergreen Way (425)353-3171

Stop in at one of our locations to check out our incredible selection of truck caps and accessories!

The Team at Canopy West