The Insurance Bureau of Canada has published the top 10 stolen vehicles for 2017.
Check out the link below to find out if yours is on the list!
http://www.ibc.ca/on/resources/media-centre/media-releases/2017-top-10-stolen-vehicles-list/
As the temperature drops and our days shorten, Canadian start to gather their winter essentials; thick coats, warm boots, bags of salt and a sturdy shovel. Winter tires, on the other hand, have always been a point of debate. Some people say they can’t live without them while others say they’re not worth the price tag. Below, you’ll find three reasons why snow tires really are a winter essential.
Tires have to meet strict performance criteria in order to earn the coveted “winter tire” label. When temperatures drop, the rubber used for regular or “all-season” tires hardens making them ineffective on the slick roadways. The rubber used for snow tires, on the other hand, stays soft which allows them to better conform to the texture of the snow and ice covered roads.
Snow tires have unique treads that are wider and larger than standard “all season” tires. The tread on snow tires have two functions. First, it’s designed to wick away moisture from the tires main point of contact which allows for more control. Second, the larger tread means that when the tires rotate, they can grip into the ice and snow and, ultimately, kick it out behind them as the vehicle moves along the slick surface.
Starting a vehicle in slick conditions is hard. Stopping a vehicle in slick conditions is even harder. Studies have shown that snow tires can decrease your stopping distance by up to 37%. That is an enormous advantage on our snowy northern roads. This could not only prevent an accident, it could end up saving a life.
We encourage all drivers to consider purchasing a set of high quality winter tires for their vehicles. Winter tires give you more control in snowy conditions. With that said, if the road are bad and you don’t have to drive, the safest option is always to stay put until the weather – and the roads – clear up.
If you do have winter tires, be sure to call your broker today. You may qualify for a discount on your auto insurance!
Today is the official first day of winter. I don’t know who decides these things, but it seems to me winter has been lingering about for a couple of weeks now. Seeing as old man winter has officially returned, it seems only fitting to address one of the most dreaded winter activities: driving. Below you’ll find some tips to help you stay safe on the winter roads.
The rubber used to make winter tires stays softer in chilly temperatures which gives you a better grip on slippery roads.
Get your breaks, battery and windshield whippers checked. Keep spare windshield washer fluid in your car and try to keep your gas tank at least half full to help prevent freezing gas lines.
Along with the standard ice scraper and a pair of warm winter gloves, it’s a good idea to put together an emergency kit with winter travel in mind. Some useful items to include are:
Check the weather reports before embarking on any trips, especially long distance ones. If the driving conditions are poor and you don’t have to travel, it’s best to stay indoors and off the roads.
If you do have to drive, give yourself lots of extra time, take it slow and be extra diligent. Remember, even if you can drive well in the snow, that doesn’t mean all the other drivers can.