It never fails. With the first cold snap of the season, comes plenty of vehicle breakdowns and crashes. BCAA Road Assist has experienced double the normal call volumes since the cold weather streak hit the province, and is asking drivers to prepare for the challenges of driving in cold, icy and snowy conditions.
To avoid falling victim to “old man winter”, BCAA urges you to fully prepare your vehicle and learn the essentials of good winter driving — that is, to stay alert, slow down and stay in control.
BCAA’s top ten winter driving and vehicle prep tips include:

1.  Give your vehicle a winter check-up. Check fluids, tire tread and
inflation, lights, wipers, brakes and check your battery to ensure
the power is there when you need it.

2.  Install four matching winter tires. Don’t mix tires with different
tread patterns, internal construction and size, as it diminishes
vehicle handling.

3.  If you’re heading out on a long trip, pack an emergency kit including
a shovel, extra windshield washer fluid, sand or kitty litter, fuel-
line antifreeze, a thermal blanket, extra clothing and footwear, and
a first-aid kit.

4.  Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them. If
you have tire chains, make sure you have practiced installing them
before you’re standing knee-deep in snow.

5.  Plan ahead, check road and weather conditions. If driving is risky,
stay home if you can. If not, proceed with caution and keep your
radio tuned to a local station for ongoing weather advisories.
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Subaru of America, Inc. is introducing the 2010 Impreza WRX STI Special Edition at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs December 4-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Available in an initial limited run of 125 units, the WRX STI Special Edition features upgraded performance suspension (derived from the Japanese domestic market spec C), unique Aspen White paint and custom spec C wheels. Pricing will be announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Also at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru is introducing the 2010 Impreza WRX Limited model, which adds a leather interior, standard moonroof and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio over the feature content of the Impreza WRX Premium model. Turbocharged excitement remains courtesy of the 265 HP, 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine powering Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system through a five-speed manual gearbox.

 [Source: Subaru]
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Subaru announced pricing for the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback. The fourth-generation of the World’s First Sport Utility Wagon is a roomier and more capable interpretation of the vehicle that launched the crossover trend 15 years ago. Distinguished by bolder and crisper styling, the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback delivers enhanced performance, comfort and economy with the introduction of an all-new chassis and the new Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Capability is enhanced with a segment-first roof rail and integrated crossbar design, 18.5 gallon fuel tank and an improved 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Interior volume increases 7 percent compared to the previous generation yet the overall length is almost one-inch shorter than the ’09 model. Rear legroom increases almost 4 inches and total cargo capacity is now an impressive 71.3 cubic feet — an increase of 6 cubic feet. Despite the larger size, fuel economy is estimated to increase by 1 MPG in both City and Highway modes with CVT.

As with all Subaru vehicles, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard, which helps driving performance by enhancing traction regardless of weather conditions.

Model Pricing Highlights:

The 2.5i is powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine and is available with either a new standard 6-speed manual transmission for $22,995 (the same price as the outgoing model) or the Lineartronic™ CVT for $23,995.

This base model comes complete with 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering, tilt and telescope steering column, 8 cup holders, 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats, floor mats, cargo tray, electronic parking brake with Hill Holder® system, auto on/off exterior lights (autolights), AM/FM Stereo with single-disc CD player, auxiliary input jack and 4 speakers, dual lit visor mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, updated gauge cluster with ‘eco’ gauge, multi-function display with outside temperature, overhead console with sunglass holder and remote keyless entry system.
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