OpenRoad Auto Group Archives - Page 18 of 64

Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group named finalist in the EY Entrepreneur Of the Year Awards 2018 Pacific program

OpenRoad Auto Group on July 24, 2018

July 9, 2018 (Vancouver, B.C.) – The finalists in Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of the Year Awards 2018 Pacific program have been announced and Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group, has been named amongst the prestigious list of B.C.’s entrepreneurial trailblazers. As the leader of the region’s largest automotive retail group, Chia is being recognized for his leadership in business innovation and entrepreneurship in the Business to Consumer category.

“It is a great honour to be recognized by EY as a finalist among such an esteemed group of entrepreneurs,” said Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “At OpenRoad, we’ve worked very hard to stay ahead of competition and to offer a superior car ownership experience at every turn, so this recognition is really a tribute to the dedication of the entire OpenRoad team.”

Each year Ernst & Young recognizes entrepreneurs who drive growth and build their businesses with creativity and purpose. This year, 35 finalists across nine categories had made the list of finalists. Over the past 25 years, the program has recognized more than 3,800 finalists and presented more than 1,000 awards to inspiring Canadian entrepreneurs.

The panel of judges has selected Christian Chia as a finalist based on his demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership in the rapid growth of OpenRoad Auto Group since 2000 to become the largest auto retailer in British Columbia, one of B.C.’s forty fastest-growing private companies, and the operator of 26 retail locations: 23 dealerships, 19 brands, and three collision centres. The company plans to expand further in western Canada and Washington State. Chia now employs more than 1,200 staff and has built the company’s success by investing in strong employee and customer loyalty programs; a premium automotive brand portfolio; excellence in business intelligence; an enhanced customer experience online; and a superior overall car ownership experience.

The Pacific finalists will come together on September 25, 2018 in Vancouver, where EY will name one winner in each of the nine categories selected by the independent panel of judges. One of those category winners will be named the overall Pacific Entrepreneur Of The Year and will later compete with regional winners from Atlantic, Québec, Ontario and Prairies for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Canada title. The Canadian winner will go on to compete with winners from across the globe for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year in June 2019.

For full program details, visit ey.com/ca/eoy.

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About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy

The 2018 Pacific independent judging panel consists of Charles Chang, President & Founder, Lyra Growth Partners Inc.; Debra Hewson, President & CEO, Odlum Brown; Sacha McLean, Partner, McLean Group; Ali Pejman, Partner, Fort Capital Partners; Lisa Shields, Founder & CEO, FI.SPAN Services Inc.; Bill Tam, Co-Chair, Digital Technology Supercluster; Cathy Thorpe, President & CEO; Nurse Next Door; and Marsha Walden, President & CEO, Destination British Columbia.

This year’s program national sponsors are ICI RDI, The TMX Group, The Globe and Mail Inc., Media One Creative, Merrill Corporation, Kira Talent, Air Canada and The Printing House Limited. Pacific regional sponsors are Leone, Canada Wide Media, Hunt Personnel, Rocky Mountaineer and the University of British Columbia.

About OpenRoad Auto Group

OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group with over 1,200 associates representing 19 quality automotive brands at 23 full-service car dealerships. Established In 2000, OpenRoad Auto Group offers car buyers and owners an experiential automotive retail service. With sales and service in multiple languages, OpenRoad Auto Group encourages a car buying experience based on openness, participation and expertise. OpenRoad is proud to be one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a CADA Laureate, and the recipient of multiple Canadian Best Employer Awards. www.openroadautogroup.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tanis Sullivan

Tanis Sullivan Communications

604-230-8008

tanis@tanissullivan.com

BMW eDrive Explained

Benjamin Yong on July 24, 2018

The BMW eDrive system architecture.

You’ve seen the logo on the various electrified vehicles offered in BMW’s current lineup: eDrive. What exactly does it mean, and how does it work? We’re going to find out in today’s blog post.

Three components

eDrive is the new drive technology found in all BMW i models and plug-in hybrids, and is essentially comprised of an electric motor, high-voltage lithium-ion battery and an intelligent energy management system.

The electric motor is what allows for complete zero-emissions driving — for example, the X5 xDrive40e is capable of travelling up to 30 kilometres without using any fuel — or in certain situations, provide a boost to acceleration.

All eDrive-equipped vehicles rely on a special performance li-ion battery to store energy, and utilize a built-in cooling device to constantly keep the unit at the ideal operating temperature, helping increase output and maintain service life.

Intelligent energy management guarantees that everything is running as efficiently and optimally as possible. It partially does so via a predictive strategy, such as using navigation data to determine at which point during the route to switch over to pure electric propulsion, or when to start the charging process. Another facet is regenerative braking, transferring the kinetic energy created from braking into the battery.

Different modes

Although the hybrids possess TwinPower Turbo internal combustion engines (ICE), they feature a MAX eDRIVE button that forces the vehicle to use electricity at speeds of 120 km/h and under, although the ICE will kick in under heavy load or if the throttle is wide open. The SAVE BATTERY function, on the other hand, ensures the battery’s charge state is maintained so fuel-free motoring may be enjoyed at a later time — useful on the highway. Pop the transmission lever into S, and the ICE immediately kicks in and stays on for those times when instant power is required.

eDrive is currently offered on several BMW cars and SUVs, including the 330e, 530e and the above mentioned X5 xDrive40e.

Want to learn more? Speak to a BMW Sales Executive today at BMW Langley or The BMW Store!

AJAC EcoRun 2018 showcases latest green vehicles

Benjamin Yong on July 17, 2018

AJAC EcoRun sign _{This year’s EcoRun featured 19 green vehicles and several hundred kilometres of driving through New Brunswick. Photos by Benjamin Yong.}

The wave of pure electric, hybrid and other fuel efficient vehicles continues to get bigger, as evidenced by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada seventh annual EcoRun event held in June.

Taking place for the first time in Atlantic Canada, the intention of EcoRun is to showcase the newest green wheels on sale in dealerships, as well as comparing real-world fuel consumption to statistics published by manufacturers and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

AJAC EcoRun 2018 opening ceremony

“It’s a true joy to be in Moncton today, as this event wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago. New Brunswick has obviously embraced eco-friendly vehicles with a lot of charging infrastructure throughout — it’s been the fastest growing electric vehicle market in the country, and one that’s fully connected,” says co-chair David Miller, referencing the availability of not only Level 2 but also Level 3 fast chargers capable of bringing battery energy level from zero to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.

“But this event isn’t just about pure electrics and plug in hybrids. Automakers are doing an admirable job in lowering fuel economy throughout their product lineups, and that’s despite a lot more SUVs and trucks.”

Indeed, the segments represented ran the gamut and included a total of 19 entries comprised of subcompacts, full-size sedans, crossovers and even a minivan. Journalists were assigned six models each, one for every leg of the 570-kilometre journey taking participants from the starting point in Moncton, through several cities, and eventually to Fredericton. Below are three standout examples I had a chance to drive over two days.

2018 Lexus LS 500h

Lexus’ flagship entered its fifth generation this year, more luxurious than any iteration previous. The hybrid version is especially cutting edge, using a powertrain derived from the LC 500h coupe combining a 3.5-litre V6 gasoline mill and two electric motors to produce a net 354 horsepower.

NRCan rates the LS 500h at 9.1 L/100 km in mixed city and highway conditions, and drivers cumulatively managed 8.0 L/100 km.

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Plus

The plug-in was the third and final piece to arrive in Hyundai’s trio of Ioniq cars that also feature standard hybrid and pure electric offerings. The 1.6-litre internal combustion engine and electric motor are mated to a sporty six-speed double-clutch transmission with optional paddle shifters, giving a bit of an extra kick to the combined 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque output. In zero emissions mode, this Ioniq can travel nearly 50 kilometres on a full charge.

NRCan rates the plug-in at 3.35 Le/100 km in mixed city and highway conditions, and drivers cumulatively managed 3.0 Le/100 km.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Transformed from sensibly styled to sexy new four-door for 2018, the Camry is lower and wider than before and highlighted by a fresh lower grille dominating most of the front fascia. The next-gen Toyota Hybrid System and 2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine work together to generate 208 total horsepower, and a continuously variable transmission boasts a sport setting that can use battery reserves to boost performance.

NRCan rates the Camry Hybrid at 5.1 L/100 km in mixed city and highway conditions, and drivers cumulatively managed 4.8 L/100 km.

Overall, among all the vehicles journalists managed to achieve an average of 1.59 L/100 km better than NRCan’s official numbers.

Why buy OpenRoad manufacturer certified vehicles

Benjamin Yong on June 28, 2018

openroad certified

Some of the benefits of purchasing a manufacturer certified pre-owned vehicle at OpenRoad. Photos by Benjamin Yong.

Did you know not all used cars are created equal? Particularly those that are part of manufacturer certified pre-owned (CPO) programs, available at many OpenRoad Auto Group dealerships.

audi boundary certified plus

German luxury brand Audi, for example, calls its version Certified :plus. Before any model on the lot qualifies for the label, it is comprehensively examined, and has imperfections addressed, so the product in question — which cannot be older than six years — is brought back to as close to new condition as possible.

Certified :plus basically means a vehicle has reached certain criteria so that the automaker is willing to back it up with a warranty, like receiving a 300 point inspection (114 exterior checks, 98 interior, 38 engine, 39 undercarriage and 17 road-test),” said OpenRoad Audi Boundary general manager Brad Beckett.

audi boundary sq5

“In addition, certain reconditioning standards have to be met meaning stuff like brakes and tires tires need to have more than 50 cent life remaining, and there can’t be any scratch ding or dent on the body that’s longer than I think it is four centimetres or an inch-and-a-half. So they really put a premium on making sure that the car has been brought up to as close to showroom condition as possible.”

The CPO limited warranty Beckett alluded to kicks in after the original four-year/80,000 kilometre coverage expires, good for an additional two years or 160,000 kilometres, not exceeding past six years from the vehicle’s original in-service date. The warranty will be honoured at any dealer across Canada, and emergency repairs can be performed at a non-Audi service facility.

audi certified plus benefits

Other perks include special financing exclusive to the program, with either monthly or bi-weekly payment schedules available similar to leasing, a CarProof history report, seven-day or 500-kilometre exchange privilege, and 24/7 roadside assistance.

“Audi will provide us with financing rates on all different CPOs at all different terms, anywhere from 24 months up to 72 months usually. As the term increases so does the rate, but I think our highest right now on any car is something like 3.9 per cent, our lowest rate being 0.9 so it’s a really advantageous way of purchasing a vehicle,” says Beckett.

audi boundary certified pre-owned lot

You can search through OpenRoad’s extensive CPO inventory online.

OpenRoad's favourite summer driving routes

OpenRoad Auto Group on June 25, 2018

It’s summertime, and the driving is scenic. Well, if you head out of town, anyways. Do yourself a favour and find a weekend or day off to escape the city’s road closures, construction and rush hour traffic by enjoying one of the many roads beautiful B.C. has to offer. Pick a car, pack some snacks and don’t forget your favourite playlist. Here’s OpenRoad’s three favourite summer driving routes:

Lougheed Highway

If you’re thinking about the parts of the Lougheed Highway that touch Vancouver, Burnaby and Coquitlam, then it’s really not that exciting. But follow the more than 100 kilometres of pavement and it will take you through the municipalities of Kent, Mission and eventually Hope. During the cruise you will be rewarded with views of the Fraser River, rolling hills and greenery as far as the eye can see.

West Coast Road

This one requires a trip on the BC Ferries, but it’s worth it. After you arrive at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal on Vancouver Island, take Highway 17, also known as the Patricia Bay Highway, for roughly 30 kilometres and get off at exit 7 towards McKenzie Ave. Follow exit 14 towards Sooke that eventually turns into West Coast Road. If you like twists and turns, this is the drive for you. Running parallel to the majestic Strait of Juan de Fuca, West Coast Road intersects several natural sightseeing spots like Jordan River and French Beach. Stop in the rustic community of Port Renfrew for a coffee or meal.

Highway 1

As is the case with Lougheed, the stretch of Highway 1 in the Lower Mainland isn’t much to write home about. Go eastbound and that’s another story. I recently did this exact drive and the closer you get to Golden, the more spectacular the scenery becomes (i.e the Rocky Mountains). If you aren’t in a rush, pay a visit to some of the towns along the way including Kamloops, Salmon Arm and Revelstoke to get a taste of just how different other parts of B.C. can be.

Is your car road trip ready?

Before you head out on the road, make sure your vehicle is ready for those summer roads.

Summer Tires

Ensuring you are driving with summer tires is important; their base rubber compound is softer than all-seasons and not only helps you grip the road better, but improves fuel economy as well.

Tire Pressure

Checking your tires is especially important in the summer, especially when your car is packed to the max with fuel and supplies for road trips. Don’t forget to check your spare tire’s condition as well!

Top-up Fluids

Check your car’s oil and coolant levels. If you have not changed your coolant in the last three years, now is probably the time to do it. Over time, dirt and other engine contaminants can build up in the fluid rendering it less effective.

Wash & Wax

Washing and waxing your car has other benefits aside from aesthetics. With summer weather comes bugs and splatter, which is both unsightly and acidic. Left unprotected and unwashed, the acid will eat through your car’s paint in the summer heat. Washing and waxing your car before a road trip protects adds some extra protection before you hit the highway.

Need help getting your car ready for summer driving? We’re here for you at every turn. Book a service appointment with an OpenRoad Service Advisor today. Earn 15% back in points every time you service your vehicle at any OpenRoad store as a Club OpenRoad member. Learn more about Club OpenRoad here.

Top three cars for new graduates

OpenRoad Auto Group on June 20, 2018

For many, the end of June not only marks the official start of summer, but also school graduation. Whether you are a former student shopping for that first brand new, affordable set of wheels or a parent looking for a safe and economical vehicle to gift a child, there is no shortage of fantastic products on the market to suit every need. We’ve rounded up three of our favourites here.

2018 honda fit sport

2018 Honda Fit Sport (starting at $20,890)

The third-generation Honda Fit was given a major overhaul this year, highlighted by the addition of a Sport trim. The special model has some exterior garnishes such as an orange-frosted splitter underneath the nose of the car, side skirts and a rear bumper diffuser, as well as 16-inch gloss black wheels. The cabin is draped in all-black interior with orange stitching.

Both fun to drive manual and efficient CVT (automatic) transmissions are offered, the latter bundling the Honda Sensing suite of collision mitigation and driver assistance technologies.

Honda Canada’s Graduate Program helps recent graduates lease a car with little to no credit history. Read more about their program here and contact OpenRoad Honda for details.

2018 Toyota Prius c ($23,960)

The smallest hybrid in the Toyota lineup gets some fresh duds for 2018. Designers have changed up the front and rear fascias leaving the hatchback looking its sportiest since being introduced in 2012. The headlamps are more contoured, black aero strakes surround the foglamps and an installed lower front spoiler and hatch wing promote better airflow.

Interior pieces like the instrument panel, air conditioning controls and steering wheel have been updated as well. A backup camera is now standard making reversing a much more easier and hazard-free affair. Under the hood, the familiar Hybrid Synergy Drive continues to provide a stellar 5.1 L/100 km fuel economy rating. All Prius c’s receive the Toyota Safety Sense package encompassing lane departure warning, automatic high beams and more.

Toyota Canada offers special incentives to recent grads with their Graduate Program. Contact OpenRoad Toyota to learn more.

2018 Volkswagen e-Golf

2018 Volkswagen e-Golf (38,125)

How do you make the already great VW Golf even greater? By making it completely electric (say farewell to costly gas bills!). The EV version of the popular compact finally arrived in Canada in 2017 and boasts a high-capacity 35.8 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery, allowing a maximum travel distance of up to 200 kilometres on a single charge.

The e-Golf — which is eligible for the B.C. Clean Energy Vehicle $5,000 rebate — features the same styling changes found on the gasoline variants, for example LED lighting, revised bumpers and an upgraded infotainment system, and each one is equipped with Volkswagen’s Park Distance Control. Also known as ParkPilot, the technology uses ultrasonic sensors mounted in the bumpers to monitor an area up to five feet in each direction, and issues audible and visual alerts when approaching an object while manoeuvring at speeds of 15 km/h or less.

Volkswagen Canada offers rebates to recent graduates, learn more here and contact OpenRoad VW for details.

Club OpenRoad

Did you know Club OpenRoad members are able to transfer their points to other people in their family who are vehicle shopping? Points can be redeemed for discounts of up to $2,500 off a purchase across 16 new car brands or 500-plus used cars. Check your current balance at clubopenroad.ca.

Not a member yet? Anyone can join and there is no fee. Earn 15 per cent back anytime your vehicle is serviced at any OpenRoad dealership. Other perks include exclusive invites to launch events, driving clinics, and free parking at Grouse Mountain.

To enroll, simply visit an OpenRoad location, call 1-800-859-9820 or visit us online at clubopenroad.ca.

All-new 2019 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid to arrive early next year

Benjamin Yong on June 19, 2018

2019 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid front three quarter

The SUV enters its third generation for 2019, which includes another S E-Hybrid model with a higher output gasoline engine and electric motor.

Porsche recently announced early next year, a new partially electrified version of its best-selling SUV will be rolling off the assembly line: the 2019 Cayenne S E-hybrid. And the best part? It’s a whole lot more powerful.

The powertrain is composed of a 3.0-litre V6 gasoline engine and a significantly upgraded electric motor together generating a net 462 horsepower — an additional 43 horses compared to before — and 516 lb-ft of torque. That’s good for a 0 to 100 km/h time in a scant 5 seconds, not bad considering the mid-size crossover weighs 2,295 kilograms. As with the rest of the model range, a Tiptronic S eight-speed transmission has been adopted.

2019 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybridrear

Borrowing technology from the 918 Spyder hypercar, the S E-Hybrid can use virtually all of the now larger 14.1 kilowatt-hour onboard battery’s stored energy to provide extra acceleration boost in Sport and Sport Plus modes. Comprised of eight cell modules mounted beneath the floor of the rear cargo area, the battery is fluid-cooled to optimize performance.

Using the standard 3.6-kilowatt charger and a 230-volt, 10-amp connection, a full charge takes approximately eight hours. A 7.2-kilowatt unit is available for use with a 230-volt, 32-amp power source reducing the top-up time to 2.3 hours. Similar to other products in the segment, the process is remotely manageable through the Porsche Connect smartphone app allowing the use to pre-set climate control, turn the car on or off and find nearby charging stations.

2019 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid interior

Drivers looking to tow recreational equipment or a trailer, this Cayenne has an add-on trailer connection and is rated for loads up to 3.5 tonnes. Like the 911 range, an “active hang-on” all-wheel drive system is employed whereby power is permanently distributed to the rear wheels while the front is variable depending on load and road conditions.

Also optional are Porsche Active Suspension Management, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control roll stabilization, and a couple of firsts for the brand, a head-up display projected to the front windscreen showing pertinent driving information and lightweight 22-inch alloy wheels.

Lexus to usher in new era of ES this fall

Benjamin Yong on June 13, 2018

Pair of 2019 Lexus ES

The 2019 Lexus ES is bigger, lower and improved in almost every way compared to the outgoing model.

The Lexus ES, short for Executive Sedan, has long been admired for its comfort, elegant looks and luxury. Performance and cutting edge style, however, aren’t usually in the conversation when talking about the vehicle. Lexus aims to change this when the sixth iteration of the model is ushered in during the fall, complete with the addition of, for the first time, an F SPORT variant in the lineup.

2019 lexus es side view

Built on an all-new global GA-K platform, the mid-size four door sizes up growing 65 millimetres longer and 45 millimetres wider, while dropping five millimetres in height and gaining a wider track front and rear. The hood is lower and the roofline significantly raked, altogether resulting is a silhouette that is much more vibrant and youthful than the one it replaces.

2019 lexus es grille

The front end is characterized by thin, sharply designed headlamps and a choice of two different spindle grilles depending on the trim level. The 350 and 300h hybrid models receive a vertical-slatted unit, the F SPORTs a blacked out mesh grille made up of a repeating pattern of “L” shapes instead. The latter also adds a rear spoiler, lower diffuser, 19-inch wheels and an exclusive Ultra Sonic Blue Mica paint colour.

2019 lexus es f sport interior

The cabin of the 2019 ES is purposefully driver focused, the central display, instrument panel and head-up display all placed in a way to promote easy viewing without having to shift attention away from the road. F SPORT interiors feature special “Hadori” metallic trim, influenced by traditional Japanese sword making. The alloy has a wavy, 3-D appearance to it highlighting the premium level of detail applied to the car.

Compared to the outgoing chassis, the GA-K is stiffer and lighter yielding a better feel of the road and a quieter ride as well. An Adaptive Variable Suspension, like the one on the LC coupe, is offered as optional equipment.

2019 lexus es driver

“We knew that this ES had to feel responsive and easy to drive, no matter what kind of road it was on and that can only be achieved with a solid foundation,” said chief engineer Yashuhiro Sakakibara.

2019 lexus es 300h badge

Two powerplants are available. The ES 350 utilizes a 3.5-litre V6 producing 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, and the ES 300h takes advantage of a fourth-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system delivering 215 net horsepower and a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of approximately 5.3 L/100 km.

Be on the lookout for the 2019 Lexus ES in dealerships come September.

2019 Lexus ES rear

Happy 70th birthday, Land Rover

Benjamin Yong on May 28, 2018

Happy birthday, Land Rover! The iconic British automaker turned 70 years young last month, initially debuting back in 1948 at the Amsterdam Motor Show with one self-titled product, meant as a stopgap solution for a country still healing from war. Fast forward to present day and countless global sales later, lets take a moment to celebrate one of the most recognizable and loved 4×4 marques.

“Land Rover was born with the launch of a single vehicle. Today our family of SUVs is testament to the pioneering spirit of innovation that has characterised Land Rover for seven decades. Our family of Defender, Discovery and Range Rover models provides unrivalled capability, versatility and luxury, giving us the perfect foundation for another 70 years of success,” said Jaguar Land Rover CEO Ralf Speth.

land rover series 1

Here’s a brief timeline of the earlier days. The utilitarian Series I came first, followed by a long wheelbase version in 1953. In 1970, the two-door Range Rover Classic was unveiled, the first automobile featuring permanent four-wheel drive. The one millionth Land Rover rolled onto the factory floor in 1976. Land Rover’s third unique offering, the Discovery, was released in 1989, and a fourth, the Freelander, in 1997.

This brings us to the 2000s. The beginning of the new millennium saw the refinement of existing models, with the Range Rover and Discovery both entering third generations. In recent times the company has experimented with integrating lightweight materials and cutting edge technology into production, as well as establishing the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division focused on increasing performance and the level of bespoke luxury.

range rover velar

Since 2010, in keeping with the pulse of the industry, Land Rover has turned its attention to more compact form factors, creating the compact Evoque, then the Discovery Sport and just last year, the smooth-looking Velar wearing the brand’s latest “reductionism” design language.

“Land Rover is so much more than just the most capable all-terrain vehicles. It connects people through a passion for adventure and making more of our world. From our employees to customers and enthusiasts, this is the family that makes Land Rover special,” says Speth.

View the entire lineup of new 2018 SUVs here.

How to properly take your summer vehicle out of storage

Benjamin Yong on May 23, 2018

There’s nothing better after a long cold and damp season than the smell of cherry blossoms, the sound of birds chirping and the sight of shiny sports, classic and luxury cars emerging from garage hibernation. Before you fire up the engine that has been idle for the last few months, here is a checklist of how to properly take your summer wheels out of storage.

Battery check

When tucking a vehicle away for the winter, using a battery tender is ideal. This helps the state of charge stay at maximum as a continuous drain hurts overall battery life. If you haven’t, get access to one and charge to full before turning the key. Examine the cables and terminals as well for corrosion and oxidization — dip a small brush in water and baking soda to fix up any dirty parts to ensure a proper connection. For batteries that were unplugged or became completely discharged, the onboard infotainment system may need to be reset afterwards via a code found in paperwork included with the car or obtained from your dealer.

Oil change

Regardless of whether the engine oil was changed prior to storage, a fresh replacement is recommended as condensation and contaminants may have formed while sitting. A new bottle of oil and filter is a small price to pay for the long-term health of the mill. At the same time, inspect the other fluids to see if anything else requires a top-up. When pumping gas for the first time, use a high-grade octane to smooth out the rough starts often accompanying the initial handful of cranks.

Pump up tires

Tire pressure will have slowly dropped over half a year, so an infusion of air is necessary to bring the psi back up to normal levels. Open the driver’s side door and see what the sticker in the doorjamb indicates is the appropriate pressure and fill accordingly, using a gauge to measure as you go along. Also perform a quick visual check for any irregularities like cracks, nails or bulges, and see if there’s enough tread to last through the summer and early fall.

Listen for noises

It’s normal for a little brake squeal to happen on the maiden drive, as surface rust on the rotor or drum is cleaned off during operation. If braking continues to cause unusual sounds, or you feel that something doesn’t feel right, schedule a service appointment right away.

Happy motoring!