Here are a few suggestions for items you may want in your vehicle emergency kit:

Hungry Anyone: Energy bars are a great source of nourishment if you find yourself in a situation where you don’t know when your next meal will be. They don’t take up a lot of space and are a quick meal replacement full of vitamins and nutrients. Remember to change-out these bars prior to expiration dates. A bottle of water is also a necessity, and make sure it’s in a plastic container so as not to shatter or freeze. The old saying 3 – 3 – 3 holds true: 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food is a simple guideline to follow when making sure you have what you need to survive an emergency. If you travel with your pet(s) often, then a supply for them as well should be on your list.

Warm Fuzzy Feeling: I always keep a blanket or two in my vehicles year-round…you never know when a freak storm will hit, or if your passengers just want to snuggle up on a longer journey. They’ve also come in handy to offer to a victim when I’ve come across a motor vehicle accident. It’s amazing what comfort a warm blanket can provide.

You light up my life: There are vehicles now with built-in flashlights (the Dodge Caliber, for instance), which sit in their cradle until needed, constantly charging. If you don’t have such an option, make sure you have a flashlight and plenty of fresh batteries. An emergency candle and waterproof matches are also a good idea. Not only will these light sources allow you to make repairs in the dark or administer first aid, but also can alert passersby to your predicament.

Speaking of First Aid: Everyone should take a basic first aid course; for the amount of time and money it will cost you, it could be worth its’ weight in gold if you ever need to use it. As far as a first aid kit, you can find good basic kits at local home improvement or department stores. Bandages, antiseptic, tape, tweezers, scissors, wet wipes, cotton swabs, gloves, aspirin and a first aid guide are essentials. Of course you can always add to this kit with more specific items, such as burn treatment creams, splints or CPR masks. You can always visit the Canadian Red Cross website for more ideas, kits and course information at www.redcross.ca

When I say Jump: Carrying jumper cables is really a necessity, rather than just a good idea. If you’re ever in need of a jump, or someone else is, then at least you know you’ll have the equipment required to get you back on the road again.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland: I know what you’re thinking – it’s still summer for goodness sake! But, it’s not too early about thinking of items to add to your emergency kit to beef it up for the colder weather. Items such as a small shovel (even a folding camping style would work), ice scraper, extra antifreeze and washer fluid, salt or non-clumping cat litter and an extra pair of gloves are all imperatives for snowy drives. Again, depending on where you may be traveling, you might want to add these things now. I lived in Calgary for 7 ½ years, and my first year there; I experienced snow in every single month – even the summer months! So, keep it in mind for those out-of-town drives.

Where in the World are You: It’s always a good idea to map out your route, stick to it and let someone know where you’ll be. This way, if something out of your control were to happen, someone would know where to send help.

The Games People Play: The other things I have in my vehicles are a few travel games, some cards, a portable crib board and paper and pens. I know this really isn’t imperative, however, if you’ve ever spent any amount of time broke down (especially with kids); you will thank me when you have these items. Even more importantly if your vehicle has a DVD player – then the kids are more dependent upon entertainment of some sort, and hours can seem like days when you don’t have what you’re used to normally. Again, if you have pets traveling with you, a few treats and toys and a blanket for them is always a great idea. There’s nothing worse than trying to troubleshoot with a barking dog, a crying child and a cranky significant other complaining about why you didn’t pack the vehicle emergency kit…yikes!

I hope none of you will ever have to use your kits, but if you take a bit of time and effort now to get one together, then if you ever do spend down-time, at least you’ll be as comfortable as possible.

Happy trails!

Karen J. Williams is a Sales and Leasing Consultant with Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can reach her at (250) 861-1040 or email at karenw@okanagandodge.com

“Your delivery day is the beginning of a life-long relationship”

1 - DVD Player/Entertainment System(s): When your passengers are happy and occupied, you’re sure to have a better journey. Some vehicles feature dual screens, wherein two rows of passengers can be entertained by different programs. For instance, the second row of seating can watch a movie and the third row of seating can play a video game. And with wireless headphones, the driver can still hear their music while driving. It’s even better than home, where everyone has to watch/play the same thing…this way, everyone is happy.
2 - Driver Side Sliding Door: Not only will this be convenient when putting a little one in their car seat or groceries in the vehicle, it’s also a safety feature. A few years back, my daughter’s ringette team lost a player in a motor vehicle accident because she couldn’t get out of the van due to a lack of a driver’s side sliding door. To this day I wonder if her life would’ve been saved if the vehicle had been equipped with one. Need I say more?
3 - Storage compartments: For all the things you carry back and forth on errands – like the golf clubs and hockey gear; the strollers; toys; groceries; garage sale finds and snacks, wouldn’t it be nice to have enough space to tote everything around? The more storage you have, the more organized you’ll find you will be. If everything has a spot, then there is less chance of it rolling around under brake pedals, causing an accident or in spaces never to be seen again (until you miss it or worse, smell it…eww).
4 - User-friendly fabrics: Leather truly is very easy to maintain with passengers – especially children, but what does one do if they don’t like leather? There are fabrics on the market now that will make clean-ups easier than ever. Now consumers have a choice between leather and fabric and ease of cleaning with either.

A great vehicle I can recommend for choice on all of the above listed features would be our Dodge Grand Caravan or our Chrysler Town & Country. Both offer dual DVD screens; standard driver’s side sliding doors (which can also be power, for even more convenience); Stow’N’Go seating – giving more cargo storage than anything in their class and the choice between leather, or stain-resistant, anti-static, anti-odour cloth material called “YES Essentials.” All of these options will enhance your driving experience and make your passengers comfortable and happy. What more could you ask for?

Karen J. Williams is a Sales and Leasing Consultant with Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can reach her at (250) 861-1040.

“Your delivery day is the beginning of a life-long relationship”

- Take a defensive driving course, or consider taking a refresher class. Many of us who have been driving for several years get into bad habits, so taking a class to remind us how it’s SUPPOSED to be done isn’t a bad idea.
- Seating affects more than just how tired or comfortable you may be on your next journey, it actually affects your reflex ability as well. Your back should be pressed securely against the seat and your line of vision should be clear of any nuisances such things hanging from your rear view mirror or visor, or stored items on your dash board. To avoid possible injuries in the event of air bag deployment, position your driver seat so that you are no closer than 26 cm (10 inches) to the steering hub.
- Can you reach your pedals and steering wheel properly? It sounds odd, but some people can’t. Your arms should be relaxed and slightly bent while gripping in the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. Your legs should also be slightly bent so that you can fully depress the pedals with the ball of your foot.
- Step hard on the brake pedal and maintain the pressure – no pumping. Brake gradually in a straight line to avoid the front-end of the car from dipping downward and the rear wheels losing contact with the road. Avoid unnecessary braking, as braking systems need time to cool down between hard stops.
- Skidding is a fact of driving at times. Maintaining your cool will help immensely in these situations. Front-wheel skids are caused by hard braking or accelerating. If your skid is due to a hard brake, remove your foot from the brake pedal, shift to neutral and wait for the front wheels to grip the road again. Once you have control, return again to the drive gear. If the gas is applied during a front-wheel skid, steering will not respond, but by engaging the neutral gear, all four wheels will have equal traction and control will be regained. To correct rear-wheel drive skids, take your foot off the brake and accelerator pedals and engage the neutral gear. When you feel the vehicle catch, shift back into drive and gently apply the gas.

Of course, common sense dictates the difference between an accident and a near-accident at times. Buckle up, drive at posted speed limits, don’t drive drunk or tired, stay off the cell phone and have the regular maintenance done to your vehicle. If you strive for this every time you drive, you should enjoy a long, happy relationship with your vehicle and the travels that lay out ahead of you.

Karen J. Williams is a Sales and Leasing Consultant with Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can reach her at (250) 861-1040.

“Your delivery day is the beginning of a life-long relationship”

1 - Cooling System: Check for leaks in the radiator and for cracks or swelling in the hoses. If your antifreeze is more than two years old, replace it.
2 -  Air Conditioning: Be sure the compressor is working properly and not making any odd noises, as this could indicate that it’s about to die. Make sure you have enough refrigerant as well.
3 - Steering and tires: Does your vehicle pull? This could be an indication that a wheel alignment is in order. Are your tires worn? If so, you could reducing your traction on the road. Match your recommended tire pressure according to your manufacturer. It does make a difference to how much pressure you put in your tires whether or not you have a fully loaded car with maximum passengers, or if it’s just the driver alone. Of course, also check on your spare tire to make sure it’s fully operational.
4 - Battery: Batteries more than two or three years old should be checked for strength. Confirm that the connections between the cables and terminals are free from any corrosion.
5 - Brakes: If you drove last winter through road salt, it could’ve lead to brake damage, so make sure to get your brakes serviced. Your inspection should include a peek at all brake linings and pads and the hydraulic system should be looked at for any leakage. If you feel sponginess or pulling when braking, or a drop in the master cylinder’s fluid level reservoir, let your mechanic know, as these are reasons for concern. When was your last inspection?
6 - Engine Drive Belts: These drive belts operate important parts in your engine, such as the alternator, water pump and air conditioner compressor. Have these belts checked for cracks, dry rot, glazing, uneven wear or frayed edges. Slippage in these belts could result in break downs, loss of your air conditioning, engine overheating or even loss of steering! The timing or overhead cam drive belts are also important because if these break they could cause internal engine damage.
7 - Lights: Obviously make sure your headlights and fog lights are in proper worker order…you never know when you may need them.
8 - Carry emergency gear: A blanket, flashlight, rags, bottled water, oil, extra coolant and something coloured red (flag, cloth) for ease of visibility, if you happen to be pulled over. If you’re traveling with pets, make sure to have a good supply of food and water for them, too. Of course it goes without saying that a first aid kit is always a good idea as well.

And for some non-mechanical advice:

1 - Manage your stress: Leave plenty enough time to get to your destination – remember that you’re probably not the only one vacationing right now. Check local weather and traffic conditions as well as the current road work schedules for any delays to your trip.
2 - When you shouldn’t drive: If you’re drowsy, let someone else take over. Stats show that there should be a switch to drivers every 3 hours in order to keep everyone fresh and relaxed. Stats also show that some drivers actually speed when tired, adding to the danger factor. If you’re drifting from your lane, driving on rumble strips, yawning repeatedly, missing road signs, tailgating or having trouble staying focused, then it’s time to pull over.
3 - Some common-sense advice that isn’t so common: You may think having passengers buckled up properly, a full tank of gas, not drinking and driving and children less than 12 years sitting in the back seat away from front airbags seems pretty redundant to mention, but again, statistics show it isn’t. If you’re on medication(s), make sure they don’t have a side effect which can cause drowsiness. Things like adjusting your headrests to just about even with the top of the ears of each passenger can also reduce injuries during a rear-impact collision. Always secure suitcases and other gear so they don’t become projectiles in a crash. Make sure you don’t have seat covers on seats with seat-mounted airbags. Secure your pet in a proper pet carrier, not on your lap or loose wandering around in your truck box where again they can become a projectile to you and others around you. You secure your children, why wouldn’t you do the same for your beloved pet?

Above all, have a SAFE holiday where you’re making fun memories and not awful miseries.

Karen J. Williams is a Sales and Leasing Consultant with Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can reach her at (250) 861-1040 or email at karenw@okanagandodge.com

“Your delivery day is the beginning of a life-long relationship”

Clean as a Whistle: When looking to upgrade your current vehicle, there are several things to keep in mind to accommodate a pet-friendly trip. A vehicle that offers anti-stain, anti-static and anti-odour material is a must. Our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products offer this material, called “YES Essentials.” It is durable enough to withstand accidents caused by any of your passengers, including a pet jumping in and out of the vehicle. We also have removable cargo areas that can easily be hosed down and popped back in a flash. Many of these cargo areas feature a checkerboard styling to them to help grip those pet kennels to keep them in place, as well as cargo tie-downs so that you can make sure the carrier is secure.

Down, Rover: I see people driving with their pets unrestrained so often, and I just cringe to think of a recent stat I read. Apparently the impact of a 28 kilo (60-pound) dog travelling at 77 k.p.h. (35 m.p.h.) is 1,225 kilos (2,700 lbs.)! In an accident, your pet could become a projectile flying about at scary speed and force. To alleviate this issue, there are a few options for you and your furry friend. Nets or bars which can be inserted into your back cargo area of your vehicle would limit your pet’s movement. You can use your kennel to house your animal, or a pet harness that attaches to seatbelts to secure them in place. Any of these options are obviously better than driving with Rover on your lap.

The Lowdown: If you’re lifting heavy kennels in and out, choose one that is lower to the ground with wide openings. Ramps might also be a good alternative, especially if your pet is getting long in the tooth. This may just reduce their chance of injury, and yours too.

Creature Comforts: No pun intended there, but the more comfortable your pet is, the more enjoyable the ride will be for everyone. Favourite blankets, toys, or even portable bowls and window shades can be very soothing for a pet that may be a tad nervous in the vehicle. Just think of how comforting it is for you to have a pillow or blanket when travelling…pets are no exception.

Are We There Yet: As long as you’ve got a few treats, a blanket, and proper restraints, then you should have no worries taking your buddy on a short or long trip in your vehicle.

Just the Basics:  If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take a few short trips to acclimate them first. For those longer journeys, stick to regular feeding routines, but give the main meal at the end of the day, or at which time you arrive at your destination. Stopping every two hours to give you pet a chance to exercise is a good practice and a great opportunity for you to stretch your legs too. You really shouldn’t let pets hang their heads out of the window – again not just for safety, but also dust and dirt particles can get into their eyes and ears and nose; causing injury or infection. And, just as you should have for the human variety in your vehicle, there should be a first aid kit for your pet. Simple items such as antiseptic cream, assorted bandages, gauze squares and the phone number for your vet and vets in the area you will be visiting are a good idea. Consult with your vet for other ideas for your first aid kit. It goes without saying that your pet should have their collar and i.d. tag with your name, current phone number and address labeled on it. In case Rover gets spooked when you let him out for a bathroom break, at least he’ll have the necessary information around his neck for someone to help him find you again.

A Final Thought: Just think of pets as passengers, and common sense will hopefully prevail.

Karen J. Williams is a Sales and Leasing Consultant with Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can reach her at (250) 861-1040 or email at karenw@okanagandodge.com

“Your delivery day is the beginning of a life-long relationship”

1 - Engage your salesperson. The sooner you and your salesperson know one another; it will make things much more enjoyable for you both.
2 - Let them know exactly why you’re there. Are you window shopping, or did you just drive onto the lot in a rental car, because yours has been written off in an accident?
3 - Ask questions and listen to the answers. This will allow your salesperson to understand what your needs and wants are, and will be a good test to see if your salesperson is really listening to you as well.
4 -Don’t be afraid to ask for a different salesperson if you feel there isn’t a connection. First and foremost, you must be comfortable with someone in order to let them help you.
5 - If you’re trading a vehicle in, try to have a good understanding of the true value of your vehicle. Try to be subjective and think about what you’re asking for trade-in value. Would you pay what you’re asking for in trade value to purchase your vehicle on a used car lot?
6 - Be ready to go for a test drive. It doesn’t matter how great of a deal a vehicle is on paper, if you can’t see over the dash, don’t fit into it, or it doesn’t drive the way you thought it would, then it’s not a good deal at all.
7 - Be prepared to take some time to negotiate. Keep in mind that very few car deals happen quickly. If you can, leave the younger children or puppy at home. It’s frustrating for you to try to listen, understand and purchase a big-ticket item if your attention is being drawn elsewhere.
8 - Be open-minded and reasonable, just as your salesperson should be with you.
9 - Try to relax and enjoy the process. It is supposed to be an exciting and fun time.

Understand that when you’ve been dealing with a salesperson, they have a vested interest in you too. If you deal with one person that you enjoy working with, try to stay with them throughout the whole process. If you happen to purchase with another salesperson at the same dealership, then most often your original salesperson will have to split the commission on a deal, or worse, lose the whole deal to the second salesperson. All the work the original salesperson has done has been for not. There’s nothing worse to a salesperson than working diligently for hours on behalf of a customer to find out that they purchased on your day off. Basically it boils down to the fact that a salesperson should make you feel confident and comfortable when dealing with them, while answering your questions in a friendly manner. I treat my customers the way I’d want to be treated; with respect, understanding and patience. Is that how your salesperson treats you?
Karen J. Williams is a Sales and Leasing Consultant with Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can reach her at (250) 861-1040 or email at karenw@okanagandodge.com

“Your delivery day is the beginning of a life-long relationship”

1 - Measure tire pressure when the tires are cold and look for uneven wear and tear or embedded objects.
2 - Check around and under your vehicle for any signs of fluid leakage. Oil is black; coolant is a bright greenish-yellow, automatic transmission fluid is pink and power steering and brake fluids are clear with a slight brownish tinge. All of these fluids are oily to the touch.
3 - Check fluid levels – not just the oil, but also the coolant, transmission fluid and the power steering fluid.
4 - Take a peek under your hood. There may be a sign of cracked or split wires, cracked radiator hoses or loose clamps and corrosion around your battery terminals.
5 - Check your brakes on a flat and vehicle-free stretch of road. Rest your hands lights on the steering wheel and apply the brakes gradually. If your vehicle swerves to one side or the other, you may need an adjustment or brake linings. Have your mechanic do a full test to determine exactly what needs to be done to correct the matter.

These are just a few ways in which you can become a more involved vehicle owner. If you practice good monthly check-ups and follow your vehicle maintenances guidelines, you should be able to enjoy your vehicle for years to come.

Karen J. Williams is a Sales and Leasing Consultant with Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can reach her at (250) 861-1040 or email at karenw@okanagandodge.com

“Your delivery day is the beginning of a life-long relationship”

Often you will see options bundled up as a “package” which usually saves the buyer money by offering more equipment at a discounted price for that package. Options in packages also make sense, as they are part of a certain type of package – i.e. performance packages or comfort and luxury groups. When you’re ready to flip your vehicle, these packages will most likely yield a decent return.

Here are a few of the more sought-after options and packages that could add to your resale value:

•    Rear DVD Entertainment Systems
•    Power Sunroofs or Moon roofs
•    Leather Interior
•    Upgraded Engines
•    Navigation Systems
•    Performance Packages
•    Sport Packages

Of course, options are a personal thing, as much as choosing colours and makes and models. The options have to make sense for you as well as to your wallet. A base-priced vehicle can jump a few dollars when you start adding all the creature comfort goodies. Just think about options like this: don’t buy them according to what you can live with; buy them according to what you can’t live without. Hopefully when you’re ready for a vehicle change, the new owner can’t see themselves without the options you’ve chosen as well.

Happy shopping!
Karen J. Williams is a Sales and Leasing Consultant with Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can reach her at (250) 861-1040 or email at karenw@okanagandodge.com

“Your delivery day is the beginning of a life-long relationship”

•    Hard and/or fast acceleration is one of the biggest gas guzzling exercises one can do, not to mention it wears out your tires and engine prematurely. Try to anticipate traffic disruptions so that you can maintain a steady speed. Take your foot off the gas pedal well before you have to, so you can glide to the next red light, instead of braking at the last moment. Who knows? The light may even turn green before you get there so you can maintain your speed.
•    Aggressive city driving saves little time but increases fuel consumption and emissions. A recent European test concluded that “Jackrabbit” starts from lights and hard braking reduced travel time by only 4% (equivalent to 2 ½ minutes out of a 60-minute trip). The flip side proved that this same exercise increased fuel consumption by 37% and some toxic emissions were more than 5 times higher!
•    It takes energy (and fuel) to get a vehicle up to your cruising speed. Every time you slow down unnecessarily, like approaching another vehicle too quickly, you lose that energy. Leave plenty of room between vehicles for safety as well as fuel economy.
•    Cruise control is another way in which some people like to save fuel. In certain situations, though, a skilled driver can actually get better fuel efficiency by driving according to the terrain. For instance, if in a hilly situation, let your speed drop going uphill and build it up again going down the decline. Keep in mind that with most vehicles, increasing your cruising speed from 100 km/h to 120 km/h will spike consumption by about 20%. However, if you reduce your speed from 100km/h to 90km/h you should see an increase of about 10% to the good.
•    Some motorists drive with their left foot resting on the brake pedal; a bad habit which increases fuel usage as well as wearing out their brakes before their time. It will also cause heat buildup in the brakes, reducing their braking power. And think about it – if you’re constantly on the brake, your brake lights will always be on, which will not give the driver behind you any indication to when you’re actually applying the brake or slowing down.
•    To get the full benefit from a manual transmission, shift up to the next gear as soon as possible and always keep your vehicle in the highest gear possible without lugging. Most vehicles can run in top gear even as speeds below 60 km/h.
•    Minimize air conditioning usage. Instead use your vehicle’s flow-through ventilation system. The impact of aerodynamic drag is relatively small at low speeds, so you will hardly feel increased drag by an open window. If you still must use you’re a/c, use only when necessary and keep your windows closed.
•    Front-mounted bike racks, ski racks and luggage racks increase vehicle drag. Remove these items when not in use.

It really comes down to common sense, but sometimes we just get caught up in our own busy lives and forget. Even if you can do one or two things I’ve suggested, you will be amazed at the difference it can make to your wallet!

Karen J. Williams is a Sales and Leasing Consultant with Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can reach her at (250) 861-1040 or email at karenw@okanagandodge.com

“Your delivery day is the beginning of a life-long relationship”

Here are a few things to look for when vehicle shopping:

- Passenger Compartment Storage and Folding Seats – great for extra cargo room when hitting the yard sales
- Airplane-Style Overhead Consoles and Bins – complete with lights for ease of usage even in the dark
- Advanced Multi-Stage Glove Boxes – two are better than one…now you can store your vehicle manual and maintenance schedule books and still have space for all the personal items you need on your journey
- Enhanced Cargo Loading – slide-out trays help to make loading less hassle, while saving your back from undue stress and strife
- Washable Interior Surfaces – great for those with little ones, or not-so-little ones
- Under-Seat Storage and Cooler Bins – add ice to the in-floor cooler and those cold drinks will stay that way
- Anti-Static, Anti-Odour, Anti-Stain Fabrics – these cost-effective materials give those who prefer fabric a more user-friendly option than traditional fabrics
- Reversible Rear Cargo Trays – flip the tray to provide a walled deep-well of storage space to keep things from rolling around the vehicle
- Multi-Stage Sliding Centre Consoles – who says sitting in the second row doesn’t have advantages? Just slide the centre console to meet those passengers with cup holders and storage convenience
- Swivel Seats with Pop-Up Centre Tables – turn the second-row seats around, put up the table and play cards, have a meal or just sit and talk
- Dash Bins – to hide those small-sized items that get lost in larger compartments
- Multiple DVD Screens – not one, but two DVD screens for second and third-row passengers to watch different entertainment simultaneously
- Seat Compartment Storage – flip up the seat bottom up and store your pizza box to keep any grease off the seats
- 12V as well as 115V outlets – plug in your cell phone as well as your laptop

For the most part, these options are offered at a minimal cost for the value they offer. Imagine how much better your next road trip would be with a built-in cooler, or the next sports tournament with swivel seats and a table, or even how much more convenient it is to search for something overhead in the dark with airplane-style lights and movable storage bins? Ask your next salesperson about the standout organizational solutions their vehicles have to offer!

Karen J. Williams is a Sales and Leasing Consultant with Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can reach her at (250) 861-1040 or email at karenw@okanagandodge.com

“Your delivery day is the beginning of a life-long relationship”

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