Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Drive Safely this Summer!

More fatalities occur on Canadian roads during the summer months than at any other time of year, including the winter holiday season. Alcohol, fatigue and aggressive driving are often implicated in these tragedies. Whether you’re out for a day trip, travelling to the cottage or on a cross-country holiday, the Canada Safety Council urges all Canadians to put safety first when you set out on your summer travels.

Prepare your vehicle
Before leaving on vacation, have your vehicle checked to make sure everything is working properly. Repair or replace worn parts to avoid the worry and time-consuming costly repairs that could ruin your trip. Check fluid levels and tire pressure. Make sure all lights work, including signal lights.

Keep your passengers safe
Make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up properly at all times. Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to keep yourself and your passengers safe while on the road.

If you are travelling with young children, make sure to make regular stops. Bring plenty of items to keep them occupied. Special travel games and songs also help.

Drive defensively
Drive at a safe speed. Speeding increases the likelihood and severity of a crash. The faster a vehicle is moving, the less time the driver has to react to a hazard, and for other road users to react to that vehicle. A speeding vehicle requires more time and distance to stop. Leave plenty of distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead. Apply the three second rule so you can see around the car ahead and plan a manoeuvre to avoid potential dangers, add more time if you have a heavier vehicle, and in poor weather conditions.
The Canada Safety Council estimates that 85 per cent of collisions are preventable. But simply being in the right will not save you from injury or death. You must be prepared for the unsafe actions of other motorists or for poor driving conditions.
  • Obey all signs and signals, including speed limits, traffic lights, stop signs and railway crossings.
  • If you drive with a wireless phone, avoid unnecessary calls and always make the driving task your top priority.
  • Absolutely never drink and drive.

Stay alert
Canadians often travel long distances when they go on vacation. This creates a temptation to keep driving for extended periods even when tired. On top of this, routes can be quite monotonous, another factor that can make a driver sleepy. Get a good sleep before leaving on a long trip. Fatigue is a form of impairment; so don’t give in to that temptation to push on. If you started early, stop early. Rest stops are important. A break keeps the driver alert by promoting blood circulation, makes the trip more pleasant for passengers and lets the vehicle cool down.

Carrying a heavy load or towing a trailer
Before you tow a trailer or haul a load, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for the job. Check your owner’s manual or if in doubt contact your vehicle dealer. Check that your rear view mirrors give a clear view of the road behind. Driving a heavily loaded car or towing a trailer means you need more space to stop or pass. Leave plenty of distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead. Keep your distance – at least three seconds for each six metres (20 ft.) of vehicle length. For conditions that are less than ideal, increase the following distance. If cars cut in front of you, drop back to keep your separation. When traveling slower than the flow of traffic, be courteous. Pull over where possible to let faster vehicles pass.

Share the road
With the warmer weather, comes the prevalence of vulnerable roads users. Motorists must be cautious of cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Always be on the lookout for and yield to vulnerable road users, even if they don’t have the right-of-way. Summer also brings increased construction on our roads and highways. Be prepared to stop or slow down in construction zones.


Friday, April 11, 2014

Spring Has Arrived... and it is Dangerous... Be Safe With a Few Tips in Mind

It is spring and this is the time of year when it can be easy to forget our normal driving behaviors in lieu of the warmer weather.  Here are some tips to keep in mind to keep you and others safe on the road.

1. Don’t be too eager to take off your winter tires. They should be left on until the ambient temperatures stay above 7 degrees Celsius.  If it gets warmer, flip on the all-season tires to save your winter tires from burning up.

2. We may still see some snow fall which means the warm spring sun can melt ice and snow near the road. This melt water can freeze when the sun stops shining on it and the temperatures drop below zero. If you see wet-looking roads and the temperatures have dropped below freezing, expect ice and slow down.  Be safe than sorry.

3. As the weather warms it will bring out motorcyclists and cyclists. Every motorist has to practice good vision techniques and stay focused on their driving to spot these smaller road users. We must share the road with all users. Looking out for and respecting these two-wheeled travelers is an important part of safe motoring.  Also, be considerate to cyclists on shoulder highways and/or bike paths beside major routes.

4. Warmer weather brings more children outside. Slow down and pay very careful attention in school zones and residential areas. School kids are easily distracted by play and don’t always notice traffic. 

5. Be alert for anyone who may be fixated on their texting, socializing and cell phones and, as a result, won’t be paying much attention to traffic.  Too many of us are distracted these days with these “mini-computers.”  Additionally, do not text and drive!

6. This time of year is when we can get the wide fluctuations in temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles. This combination causes pot holes to form. Stay well back of the vehicle in front and stay focused on your driving and you can give yourself more time to see these wheel-bending potholes. Staying farther back from the vehicle in front of you will also reduce your chances of being hit by kicked-up rocks. Keeping your vision high is critical to safe driving. Do not become fixated with looking downward at the road looking for potholes and debris. Use quick glances to look for dangers on the road surface.

7. Many animals hibernate through the winter and will now be on the move as they forage for food. Being prepared for this can help prevent animal deaths and damage to your vehicle. Slow down in rural areas or where animal traffic is high. Take a couple extra minutes to get to your destination.  If you are in a hurry and get into an accident, you are not going anyway.  Be safe.

Driver distraction is a leading cause of traffic crashes. It is so important to remember to stay focused on the task of driving and let your passengers enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of spring in safety.  Happy spring everyone and enjoy your drive!



Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Used Vehicle Financing Options

Are you looking for used car or truck financing in Edmonton, Alberta?

Coach Otto, at Coach Auto Sales used car dealership, is here to help! At Coach Auto Sales, credit coaches like Coach Otto are experts in securing a used car loan and car financing for a used car or truck in Edmonton.

Bad credit car loans? Bankruptcy car loans?  No credit car loans? No problem. Regardless of your financial situation, our credit coaches will work with you to come up with the used car or truck financing you require. We will create a winning game plan for you to get you the right used vehicle at the best price and best interest rate. We work with all the major lending institutions.

In fact, as a bad credit car dealer, Coach Auto Sales specializes in helping individuals who need a hand with vehicle loans and truck or car financing in Edmonton. 

We strive to provide a used car financing experience that is simple, fast, worry-free and tailored to meet your needs, all at competitive market rates. Your credit coach will be by your side every step of the way, from finding the right used car or truck to filling out the used car finance paperwork to understanding the terms and conditions of your used car loan.

Choose Coach Auto Sales in Edmonton, Alberta for all of your used car financing needs. Contact us at 587-409-4535, drop by our used truck dealership at 17431-102nd Avenue, or apply online for credit.

We are proud to provide used car and truck sales and financing to Edmonton and surrounding areas, including Leduc, Beaumont, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie.

Get a coach in your corner today!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Scheduling a Test Drive at Coach Auto Sales

You found that used vehicle you have been looking for at Coach Auto Sales.  Now it is time to take it for a test drive.  This is your chance to gauge how well the vehicle will suit your needs and a chance to catch anything that might affect your decision prior to making that purchase.  Before you jump into that vehicle, here are a few tips to help you out.

It is a great idea to bring along a friend or family member along.  Getting a second opinion can make the process go along more smoothly.  If your spouse will also be driving the vehicle you purchase, it would be a good idea to get them into the driver’s seat as well.

Practicality is also important in your decision in regards to which vehicle you should buy.  Is comfort more important to you than gas mileage?  Is reliable handling in rough weather conditions important to you? Maybe a 4x4 truck would suit your needs better than a front wheel drive car?  Plan ahead what features you value most and review your needs when conducting the test drive.

Plan out a route ahead of time before taking a test drive.  Do you drive on highways, city streets, and gravel roads?  Edmonton has a variety of driving conditions to put our vehicles to the test.  As you navigate through your routes, you will need to decide how you like the vehicle handles the road.
Every person is different.  Some of us are taller, some of us are shorter, some of us are slender, and some of us are simply bigger people.  You need to decide if the steering wheel is comfortable for you.  Do you need to make constant adjustments when you are seated or does it feel just right?  Make a variety of left and right turns to get a feel of the vehicle.

We have an all-star selection of vehicles fully reconditioned to the highest standards and complete with our 120 point Certificate of Mechanical Fitness. At Coach Auto Sales, you get peace of mind with your used car, truck, van or SUV.  Test out the brakes, check the tires, our mechanics ensure we surpass the standard of quality.

Drop by at Coach Auto Sales today.  Give us a call at 587-409-4535 or toll free at 1-888-263-9716.

Visit us online at www.coachautosales.ca.

Remember to keep up with our weekly specials on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/CoachAutoSales.

Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/CoachAutoSales.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Stony Plain's Source for Used Cars, Trucks, Vans, and SUVs

Coach Auto Sales is Stony Plain’s number one source for quality used trucks, SUVs, vans and cars. Our friendly staff will get you flexible payment terms and a reliable vehicle at a great price, no matter what kind of ride you’re looking for.

All Coach vehicles come with a 120-point inspection, plus our Mechanical Fitness Report, and are backed by our 30-day warranty. You also get our exclusive 30-Day Tryout, so you can shop with confidence. Trade-ins are always welcome and we have on-site financing to get you on the road, fast.
If you are facing credit challenges, Coach staff are specialists in vehicle financing.

We’ll find the terms and rates to suit you and help get the best possible value from your next used vehicle purchase.

Coach is committed to your satisfaction, no matter what you’re looking for. Get the car, truck, van or SUV you want and the finance terms you need, all in one place. Come to Coach Auto Sales in west Edmonton for a different kind of used vehicle experience.

Visit us online at www.coachautosales.ca.

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CoachAutoSales.

Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/CoachAutoSales.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Sherwood Park's Source for Used SUVs, Trucks, and More

Sherwood Park shops at Coach Auto Sales for the best in used vehicle sales, financing and friendly, expert advice. If you’re in the market for a quality used car, truck, van or SUV, come to Coach and discover a new kind of used vehicle experience.

Coach’s sales and financing professionals work with each customer, from beginning to end, to find the right vehicle at the right price under the right terms. Whether you want a compact runabout, a rugged work truck, or a luxurious SUV, we always deliver!

Every vehicle in our inventory has undergone an extensive 120-point inspection and comes with a Certificate of Mechanical Fitness. And with the protection of our 30-day warranty and industry leading 30-Day Tryout, you can be sure that your next vehicle purchase is perfect in every way.

So take the short drive from Sherwood Park, bring us your trade-in to our west Edmonton showroom and see what makes Coach Auto Sales a different kind of used vehicle store.

Visit us online at www.coachautosales.ca today.

Friday, January 31, 2014

About the Coach Auto Sales Customer Experience

Coach Auto Sales provides exceptional customer service and a unique sales experience when you are shopping for used cars, trucks, vans, and SUV’s in Edmonton, Alberta. Coach delivers quality vehicles, easy financing and expert advice under one roof, with

- Certified used vehicles.
- Specialised bad credit or no credit financing.
- Our exclusive 30-Day Tryout.
- A commitment to quality.
 
Every Coach used vehicle undergoes a thorough 120-point inspection and comes with our Mechanical Fitness Report, because everyone deserves a good vehicle at a fair price. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious SUV, a reliable work truck, or a quality used car, Coach Auto Sales and our team of professionals is committed to your satisfaction.

Vehicle financing can be confusing, and if you deal with credit challenges, it can be just plain intimidating. At Coach, you will get the vehicle and the terms that are exactly right for you, all in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere.

Visit us online at www.coachautosales.ca.