Getting your vehicle winter ready is a priority during the late fall, so that your not taken off guard once the weather changes and in turn the driving conditions.

So far, we've talked about the need to check/replace windshield blades and the application of silicone spray; two product benefits that can make winter driving more bearable.

Windshield Repellent (commonly known as Rain-X or Aquapel) is a chemical applied (in spray form or applicator) to your vehicle's windshield that enhances visibility against rain, sleet, snow and ice.  

In its simplest form, Windshield Repellent acts like wax on the paint or your vehicle - it provides a barrier between the elements and the surface (in this instance) of your windshield or window. 

Below is a video created by our Accredited Auto Detailing location (JREK Autocare) that demonstrates the application of Rain-X to the windshield of a Toyota Tacoma.

Depending on the product type (Rain-X or Aquapel - examples) you purchase, re-application can vary from one to several months.  Purchase options for this product can be obtained at most common big box department stores (Canadian Tire, Walmart, etc.).

Next week, we'll look at the benefits of winter tires compared to all seasons.

It's late October and cooler temperatures are signalling the onset of winter tires over the next few weeks and with that snow will be here before we know it.  The changing of the seasons also ushers in a change to sporting activities, such as skiing or snowboarding.

Once the snow is firmly on the ground, questions can swirl as to road trip destinations for some weekend or even mid-week (if your lucky!) skiing/snowboarding.  A great spot to look into for your next trip maybe the Eastern Township region (about 1.5 hr east of Montreal, or 3.5 hrs from Ottawa).   

Easily accessible by four hundred highway from Ottawa, Toronto & Montreal, the area offers a cluster of destinations, including: Bromont, Mount Sutton, Mount Orford and Owl's Head (pictured above).

With so many ski/snowboard options to choose from, the area is a great experience to visit multiple ski resorts during a single trip!

Most Eastern Township resorts don't have the built-up resorts atmosphere, such as the likes of Tremblant.  Having said that, most are in close proximity to urban centers, such as Magog, Bromont, Sutton and Sherbrooke - options that offer variety in terms of accommodations and dinning. 
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Below is a map showcasing Owl's Head ski resorts in the area.  Highway 10 is the primary route through the region and easily links up with major auto routes through Montreal and continuing to Ottawa and Toronto to the west. 

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Our Accredited Location, JREK Autocare offers the PPF install/service using 3M Pro-Series film.  The 3M product comes with a 7 year manufacturer warranty and is also self-healing.

Along with stone chip prevention, your paint covered by PPF is also protected against scratching & staining.  Below is a brief video demonstrating PPF install on a pillar of a Toyota FJ Cruiser.  

We've gone through our first couple of frosty mornings so far this fall, along with a couple of flurries as well.  As the days continue to become increasingly cooler, winter vehicle preparation should be considered.

In this week's post, we'll explore the application of silicone spray to your vehicle's door trims.  

Parking your vehicle outdoors in the winter can become a chore.  Aside from warming up your vehicle & de-icing it, sticky doors tend to present problems as well.  Typically, condensation builds in the rubber door trims, as a result of the freeze-thaw cycle from both the elements and warm to cold vehicle operation.

The above picture illustrates the application of silicone spray to a vehicle's door trims.  This application provides a lubricated barrier between the rubber on your door trims and condensation/frost.  Once applied, the silicone can last up to the length of a typical winter, but may have to be re-applied depending on foot traffic in-out of vehicle.

Application typically takes no more than five minutes to complete.  Purchasing a can of aerosol silicone spray can be made at most big box stores in their automotive section.

Next week, we'll look at the application of windshield repellent to enhance driving visibility.  

The days are getting shorter and along with that temperatures are dropping.  Soon enough the roads will become snow covered and road salt will be placed upon it for your driving safety.

While road salt is good for driving safety, it is one of the primary factors that can accelerate surface rust on your vehicle. Those small stone chips that your vehicle incurs on a regular basis are prime areas where this can start.

What can be Applied
Applying a paint sealant to your vehicle in the fall creates a barrier between your vehicle's paint and the winter elements (road salt, slush, dirt, etc.) that can overtime inflict paint damage (if left untreated).  Paint sealants in general have a synthetic make-up to them, while a wax has organic components that provides a better shine, while limiting its longevity. As such, a paint sealant for protection is preferred over a wax application.

Professional Option
Our accredited location JREK Autocare offers a winter preparation package as a special during the fall to prepare your vehicle for the hash realities of winter.   Their winter preparation package includes a paint sealant application that can last up to 1 year (depending on vehicle upkeep), along with a mini detail and free add-ons: windshield repellent (enhances visibility) and silicone spray (applied to door trims to prevent freeze-up).

Your Best Moment
The leaves are turning on the trees and before you know it, winter will be here blanketing the ground in snow.  With that in mind, it's time to reflect on the summer that was and the highlights that it brought and gave you those big smiles!

What's your most memorable road trip moment from this past summer?  Was it a brief instant while stopping to stretch the legs or at days end to reminisce about the day that was?

My moment -- to help
Digging through an amassed list of pictures taken over the past several months, the trip to British Columbia back in July made the list of "Best Road Trip Moment from this Summer" for this writer.  

Our week long BC road trip consisted of a rental vehicle upon landing in Vancouver and driving to the Okanagan Valley and its beautiful arid landscape for the first leg of the trip.

The last leg of our trip took us back to Vancouver and the below picture taken from Queen Elizabeth Park produced the best road trip moment.

​Having previously lived in Vancouver, its natural beauty was never lost upon me, but the view from Queen Elizabeth Park was a brand new place for me.  Taken at dusk, this picture really exemplifies how the urban and natural settings co-exist in this wonderful part of Canada.  (The view is to the east of Vancouver with Grouse and Seymour Mountains in the background.)          ​