Tag Archives: Queenston on Centennial

Congratulations to the Canadian Olympic team!

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As the 2012 London Olympics wind down this weekend, we look back on an Olympics filled with success, defeat, tears and joy. For Canada, this has been an Olympics marked by many great achievements. The Canadian women’s soccer team defeated France 1-0 in the bronze medal match this week – making it Canada’s first Olympic summer team sport medal since 1936. “This was our goal at the start of this”, said team Captain Christine Sinclair. “We all had the childhood dream of being Olympic medalists.” And they achieved it. Although many would argue that the women’s soccer team were cheated out of their rightful place in the gold medal game, which they lost to team USA, they still managed to find themselves on the podium.

Chevrolet has been a long-time supporter of the Canadian Olympic team.  As a national partner they have worked to fuel the Canadian Olympic passion and help the team excel. Chevrolet Canada put together a series of videos that asks the Canadian Olympic athletes the question, “What Drives You?”

Chevy Canada asks Christine Sinclair (Captain of the Canadian National Soccer team BRONZE MEDALISTS AT THE 2012 LONDON OLYMPICS) What drives you?

THE ALL-NEW 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT!

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Who killed the electric car? NO ONE!  If you’re looking for an “electrifying experience”, you need to consider the 2012 Chevrolet VOLT.

What many people don’t realize is that the VOLT is unlike other cars – past and present.  You no longer have to be concerned about how far you can drive, thanks to a range extending 1.4L gasoline-powered generator that takes over when you run out of battery charge.  The 16-kWh lithium-ion battery will charge in as little as 4 hours, and will allow you to travel between 40 and 80 kilometers on electric power.  The Volt can be fully charged in about 10 hours using a regular 120-volt household outlet.  Say goodbye to gas stations – simply pull up to your own garage, plug it in and you’re on your way.

Let’s breakdown some of the state of the art features the Volt has to offer.

  • The Chevrolet Volt features 3 driving modes: Normal, Sport and Mountain
  • Each Volt comes equipped with 8 standard air bags.
  • A charge unit and 5.5m 120-volt charge cord are included with every vehicle purchase.
  • Because the Volt runs in almost complete silence, an audible alert helps warn pedestrians of your approach.
  • The 16-kWh lithium-ion battery combines power from over 288 individual cells and is covered by an 8-year/160,000 km warranty.
  • The StabiliTrak electronic stability control system enhances driver control.
  • When battery operated, this vehicle produces zero tailpipe emissions!

The outstanding efficiency of the Volt is matched with its unparalleled performance, with an acceleration rate that takes you from 0-96km/h in under nine seconds.  Perhaps the most noteworthy feature is the almost silent delivery of the Volt.  When driving this vehicle, you will discover that it is as smooth as it is quiet – It almost feels as if you are floating through air.

The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is the recipient of several awards including 2011 North American Car of the Year, 2011 World Green Car, 2011 IIGS Top Safety Pick, one of Car and Driver’s 2011 10 Best Cars, and Automobile Magazine’s 2011 Automobile of the year .

Embrace the future, reduce your environmental footprint and put your anxieties aside with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt.  If you are interested in purchasing the Volt or would like more information, please contact us at one of our two locations: Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial.

By: Amy Cochren

CREDIT: General Motors, General Motors Canada

GM DEXOS OIL

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The quality of oil is extremely important when it comes to your vehicle and can have a positive effect on your engine’s capabilities.  That’s why General Motors has developed DEXOS, a synthetic blend oil.  Dexos not only increases your fuel efficiency, but extends the life of your emissions system, requires fewer oil changes on your vehicle and has a positive effect on the environment by producing fewer emissions.  This high quality oil has been formatted to demanding specifications in the industry. Its requirements have been made up from a combination of some of the most rigorous tests in the industry, such as those from the American Petroleum Institute and the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.  A higher viscosity oil, Dexos is half the price of synthetic oil, yet it has the same qualities and advantages as synthetic.   

All General Motors 2011 and later models are required to operate on Dexos oil.  Only oils displaying green or blue Dexos ™ trademark icon on the front label, have been certified and licensed by General Motors as meeting the tough performance requirements.  If the oil you are considering does not have this symbol, be assured it has not gone through GM’s rigorous testing.

The key features to take away are:

GM Dexos1 ™

  • Exhibits improved oxidization and water performance which provides improved fuel economy.
  • Increased piston cleanliness delivers maximum engine performances.
  • Lower volatility delivers reduced oil consumption.
  • Greater viscosity control helps deliver improved fuel economy.

If you have any questions about DEXOS Oil or would like to schedule an oil change, please feel free to contact us at one of our two locations – Queenston on Centennial or Queenston on the Mountain.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: General Motors Canada

OEM VS. AFTERMARKET PARTS

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It would be nice if nothing ever went wrong with the vehicles we drove and they continued to perform with the same capabilities as when we first bought them.  Unfortunately, sooner or later, something will go wrong with your vehicle you’ll need to replace a part.  When it comes to replacement units for our vehicles, we do have a number of options.  Most often, this choice is between OEM and aftermarket.  The debate over which is better, will forever be ongoing, but it is important that you be informed about the difference between the two.  Ultimately, it comes down to quality and budget.

OEM:

An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer Part) is a part exclusively made by the vehicles manufacturer.  Example: Honda OEM is made by Honda; GM is made by General Motors.

OEM parts are made from the same molds and manufacturing process as the original part.  This allows for maximum performance and a perfect fit when it comes to installation.  OEM parts represent a standard of quality and engineering that only the original manufacturer can authorize.  Another benefit to purchasing an OEM over an aftermarket part is that we can offer warranty not only on the part, but on the labour as well.

Aftermarket Part:

An aftermarket part is made by a third-party vendor and has been deemed by the insurance industry to be a reasonable alternative to an OEM part.  A common misrepresentation is that aftermarket parts are always cheaper, but this is not necessarily the case.  In fact, going with an aftermarket part which is not covered under warranty, could cost you more in the long run.

At our Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial locations, we offer a minimum of 1 year and unlimited kilometer warranty on all GM parts.  Engines and transmissions we provide a 3 year warranty and 160,000 kilometer warranty for parts and labour.  Our Durastop brakes include a 1 year warranty and lifetime for parts and labour.  General Motors also provides various purchase options on OEM parts according to quality.  Whenever you visit a Goodwrench service department, you are given the option to choose from what GM calls “Good”, “Better”, and “Best” parts.

At Image Honda, all OEM parts come with a 1 year, 20,000 kilometer warranty for parts and labour.

When visiting one of our dealerships, you know you are going to receive the absolute best service on your vehicle.  Our technicians are specialized and manufacturer-trained.  Each technician is required to participate in on-going training programs that keep them up-to-date to provide you, the customer, with the very best service that can be offered.

If you have any questions regarding OEM or Aftermarket parts, or you would like to schedule a service appointment, please contact us today!

By: Amy Cochren

        

Also make sure to visit us at www.autohwy.com!

STUDENT AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS – Get In a New Vehicle Today!

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It can be hard work being a student – so why shouldn’t you be rewarded! Wouldn’t it be nice to get in the front seat of your very own new car?  As a student or recent graduate, did you know that you are eligible for outstanding corporate offers from both Honda Canada and General Motors Canada?

Honda Canada Graduate Program

If you are a recent graduate looking to lease or finance a new vehicle, this is for you.  Honda requires no down payment and makes it easier for those individuals who have little or no credit history. 

Who is Eligible?

  • Graduates of an accredited minimum 3 or 4 year university program
  • Graduates of an accredited 2 or 3 year nursing school program
  • Graduates of a police or military school
  • Graduates of an accredited community college (minimum 2 year program)
  • Must have graduated within the last 12 months of an application date

If you would like more information on this Graduate Program, please click here.

General Motors Student Bonus Program

With GM, if you’re a student or graduate, when you buy or finance a new vehicle you can get up to $750 off your purchase!  For complete list of vehicles and rebates, click here.

Who is Eligible?

  • Full-time high school students of a recognized high school.
  • Have graduated within the last 4 years from a recognized high school.
  • Are a part-time or full-time student enrolled in an accredited College, CEGEP or University.
  • Are a part-time or full-time student of an adult and vocational program
  • Have graduated within the last 4 years from and accredited part-time or full-time adult and vocational program.

If you would like more information on this Student Program, please click here

These are two programs you don’t want to miss out on.  Make sure and visit us at any of our 3 locations: Image Honda, Queenston on the Mountain or Queenston on Centennial.   Let us do the homework for a change and help get you into a new vehicle come graduation!

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: General Motors Canada
Honda Canada

WAX ON, WAX OFF

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We’ve all heard of waxing your vehicle, but many people undervalue its importance.  How many times have you gone to have your car washed and been asked the question “Would you like to add the wax to your carwash today?” More often than not, we’re willing to bet your answer has been no.  Did you know that it is as important to wax your car as it is to regularly wash it?  A car wax does not need to be done as frequently as car wash; however, it should be performed at a minimum of twice a year.  This process will help seal your car from environmental contaminants and can command a higher resale value for your vehicle.  There are three main reasons why this should be done:

Water Protection:

When you wax your vehicle, you create a layer between the water and the paint.  If a proper wax has been completed, the water will form beads on the vehicle and slide down the sides.  When you do not have that element of protection, the water will cause damage to your vehicle’s paint finish, which over time, will lead to fading and ultimately diminish the paint’s lustre.

Sunlight Protection:

There are a couple ways that sunlight can cause damage to your paint, which is why it is important to wax.  Without the protection from the wax, when it rains or snows, beads of water form on the surface of your vehicle, which act as a magnifier for the sun.  Essentially, this will cause the paint to burn in certain areas creating a lightening and darkening effect on the paint. Without a proper wax, sunlight’s UV rays will also infiltrate and can bleach the paint.

Rust Protection:

Without wax, water can get under paint and cause corrosion.  Wax will also protect against rust caused by humidity.

By: Amy Cochren

Marty Muis – 25 Years of Service!

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Queenston on Centennial would like to congratulate Marty Muis on 25 years of service!  We would like to extend our gratitude for his hard work and dedication over the years.

For those of you who don’t know Marty, he started as a Sales Representative with Queenston in February of 1987.  Since then, he has worked passionately on building solid relationships with his customers.  Always going above and beyond for his clients, Marty values each customer as a friend and has established many relationships both in and out of the dealership.  In fact, because of these relationships, 100% of his business is from repeat customers and referrals.  If you have ever had the pleasure of doing business with Marty, you know for certain that he is a man of his word, and that you can always depend on his honesty. 

In addition to his years of service at Queenston, Marty has been, and continues to be, an active member in our community.  For the last 12 years, he has been a supporter of the Debra Foundation, a charity Marty became involved with through one of his customers. The Debra Foundation is a voluntary, non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing support for families who are affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare genetic skin disorder that causes blisters and shearing of the skin.  On Thursday July 5th, 2012, the 14th Annual Charity Golf Classic is being held in support of Debra Canada and will be taking place at Peninsula Lake Golf Club. This year, Marty will once again be the Tournament’s Master of Ceremonies.  It should also be mentioned that Queenston will be providing a new car for the “Hole in One” contest.  If you would like more information on this Golf Classic or information on Debra Canada, click here.

In addition to his involvement with Debra Canada, Marty is also active with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington.  For the last 5 years, he has been part of the organization committee for their annual Golf Tournament, which raises thousands of dollars each year.  This year’s Tournament is being held on Tuesday June 19, 2012 at Crosswinds Golf & Country Club, please click here for details.

In his time away from selling cars, Marty likes to spend time at his condo in Isla Del Sol, Florida.  He also enjoys spending time on the links as often as possible, or he can be found boating or sea-dooing on Lake Ontario.

Again, thank you Marty!  We honour your 25 years of exemplary service, and look forward to many more.

By: Amy Cochren