Vancouver Sun

Crave that personal touch? Go the extra mile on your new vehicle

- BLAIR QUALEY Blair Qualey is the president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Associatio­n of BC. You can email him at bqualey@newcardeal­ers.ca.

Agreat aspect about purchasing a new vehicle is that there are several options available, from the size and colour to technologi­es, including navigation systems and backup cameras.

The additional features are part of what makes a vehicle unique to the driver, allowing him or her to customize their ride based on their lifestyle and personal preference­s. In this column, we’ll look at a few extras that could add value to your car or truck.

For starters, upgrading the tires from the factory model can give your vehicle both improved handling and braking, especially in severe weather such as rain or snowstorms. Higher-grade tires are also more durable, which can save you money on replacemen­ts in the long run.

Likewise, high-performanc­e shocks and springs are a good option to help your tires stay in contact with the road at higher speeds and on bumpy terrain, which is prevalent across constructi­on zones throughout the Lower Mainland, going over potholes, or on gravel and dirt roads in more rural settings.

Performanc­e seats are another good option for many drivers. They provide improved support for your body behind the wheel, which is crucial for people who have long commutes into downtown Vancouver from the suburbs. Although these seats may appear stiff, they’re actually surprising­ly comfortabl­e.

If performanc­e seats aren’t your style, you might want to consider upgrading from cloth seats to leather. Leather seats are more expensive, but they last longer and are more durable, helping to improve the value of your vehicle over the long term.

Sunroofs are another popular option for drivers looking for a value-added extra in their vehicle. Sunroofs aren’t just great on dry sunny days when you want the wind in your hair — they also add some light during our darker rainy days.

Other great additions available in new vehicles include navigation systems, mobile electronic­s (in-car DVD players, satellite radio and stereo packages), and backup cameras and safety technology for blind spots and crossing lanes. These features are not only cool, some offer additional safety and security when you’re on the road.

There are also a lot of extras you can add to the exterior of your car or truck, including grills, running boards, step bars and fog lights. If those additions aren’t your style, you might want to consider tinting your windows. The darker shade helps keep the inside of the car cooler when the sun shines, which is great in the summer months.

These are just a few of the many additional features you can choose when purchasing a new car or truck. The next time you’re looking for a new vehicle, or if you’re interested in upgrades to your existing one, visit your local dealer for more informatio­n. Not only can these features potentiall­y add value to your vehicle, they can also make it even more fun to drive.

 ??  ?? If you feel stiff after a long commute, consider upgrading your seats the next time you purchase a new vehicle.
If you feel stiff after a long commute, consider upgrading your seats the next time you purchase a new vehicle.
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