Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Nissan’s next evolution in saftey - Are collision free vehicles in our future?
"All-around collision free" car - the next evolution for safety
The first thought that comes to mind is impossible. We all know for the most part that drivers cause collisions not vehicles, but what if you had a warning system for switching lanes that prevented you from hitting the vehicle that was hiding in your blind spot, or if you had sensors telling you when you are getting to close to the vehicle ahead. What if you had a safety shield technology built into your vehicle that could warn you of hazards ahead. These are just few of the many features that help lower the risk of collisions.In 1995, Nissan unveiled a bold goal: "By 2015 we will cut the number of people killed or seriously injured in Nissan cars in half. In2008 Nissan achieved this goal much earlier than expected in the United Kingdom, and continue to make progress towards their goal each year with the decrease of fatalities and serious injury in vehicle collsions.
www.altagroup.ca
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
What to do in a collision
Winter Driving and Vehicle Collisions.
As the fall comes to an end and the winter season is upon us, we are faced with the dilemma of driving under more severe conditions. Unfortunately when we think of snow and ice we also think about vehicle accidents and mishaps. The good news is that if you are involved in an accident or mishap Number 7 Repair Centre and Alta Nissan Richmond hill body shops are here to help. We are Collision Centres for the Alta Group of Dealers. We can assist with any type of collision or paint repair. We are directly affiliated with all major insurance companies and also have the ability to arrange courtesy and rental vehicles at our collision centres. Our collision centres are fully equipped with the latest repair equipment and paint technology to bring your Nissan or Infiniti product back to original factory specifications. Our collision centres have factory trained staff and use only factory approved parts and materials.
Below are a few quick tips for a driver that has been involved in an automobile collision.
- No matter how minor the accident you must stop at the scene, it’s the law.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident. If necessary, call the police or ambulance.
- Secure names, phone numbers, vehicle and insurance information of all parties involved.
- Never drive a vehicle that could be unsafe from damages.
- If your vehicle must be towed, insist that it is towed to either Number 7 Repair Centre or Alta Nissan Richmond Hill. You have the right to choose where your vehicle is towed. Alta Group collision centres will pay your tow bill.
- Do not sign any release forms or documents other than for police. Be aware that tow operators may try to have you sign a work order for another non-factory collision centre.
- Should a collision happen after business hours or if you are ever unsure, you may request to have your vehicle towed to your home. Any payment that you make to a tow operator will be reimbursed to you by your insurance company or our collision centres. Having your vehicle at home will allow you time to make the proper arrangements.
- Notify your insurance agent or insurance company as soon as possible. Let them know that you would like your vehicle repaired at Number 7 Repair Centre or Alta Nissan Richmond Hill.
- Let us help you through the process of you claim. Feel free to contact our Collision Centres at any time with any questions or concerns, we are here to help.
Dave Ciccolini
Operations Manager
Number 7 Repair Centre
Alta Group Collision Centres
193 Woodstream Blvd
Woodbridge, Ontario
L4L 7Y1
(905)851-2100 Phone
(416)564-7085 24Hr Tow Line
11667 Yonge Street
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4E 3N8
(905) 780-7771 Phone
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Getting to know your tires
A basic fact about tire technology is, all- season tires loose grip as the temperature drops. An opposing fact is, winter tires increase their grip as the temperature plunges. These apposing facts about tire rubber are most effective around the 7 degree Celsius mark , as the rubber on all-season tires hardens and their grip loosens, winter tires stay soft and improve their grip. In fact, the colder it gets, the better grip they have.
When is it time to change to winter tires? Most of us wait until it snows before rushing into our dealerships to make the change. Winter tires show improvements over high performance and all-season tires on dry clean pavement, even at slightly above zero temperatures. This time of year a THUMP sound may come from your all-season tires when first driving off in the morning. This is caused as those all-season tires work out the flat spots on their bottoms, from being parked overnight. The THUMP sound is a message that the all-season rubber on your car is not pliable enough to grip the pavement as temperatures drop. This is the time to change to winter rubber. Another indicator would be around the 7 degree Celsius temperature.
In the past I was fortunate to work as an instructor at various performance driving schools. Some colleagues of mine performed tests in various conditions with a family sedan vehicle using winter, all-season and summer tires. These tests were conducted over several months in the fall and winter season, utilizing braking, cornering and slamon exercises. The data gathered was too extensive to list in this blog however in every exercise the finishing order was winter tires - >all season tires -> summer tires.
Here are some of the results from tests I’ve conducted: In February with the temperature at minus-14 C and no sun on the pavement, a panic stop from 80 km/h produced stopping distances of 49 meters for the summer tire, 39 meters for the all-season, and 34 meters for the Winter tire.
To consider how well these tires can take evasive action on winter tarmac, a simple slalom with cones placed 10 steps apart and a sharp left turn at the end was set up. Again the Winter tire set the pace with a time of 21.3 seconds in February when it was cloudy and -14 C. The all-season came next at 22.1 seconds and the summer tire clocked in at 24.6 seconds.
Stopping distance spreads of 15 meters at minus-14 C can create a huge safety buffer for any driver, just by switching tires for the winter. Even at minus-6 C, the spread was 10.7 meters better for the winter versus the summer tire. Isn’t it time to switch over now?
Ian Phillips
ian@maplenissan.com
Monday, December 5, 2011
We'll Buy Your Car
Need money for the holiday season? or even looking to get a new car? Alta Group will give you a free appraisal and make an offer on your car! Visit www.altagroup.ca
Sunday, December 4, 2011
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