Canadas Most Frequently Stolen Cars Trucks
By Drew Berner. (Posted On Yahoo - http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/p/2194/canadas-most-frequestly-stolen-cars).
First, the good news: car truck thefts in Canada are on the decline. But the bad news is StatsCan latest numbers show over 108,000 vehicles were stolen in 2009 - obviously still a lot of cars trucks.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) published its list of the top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles, a list that includes an equal number of older import brands and luxury SUVs. Often those vehicles, particularly high-value cars like the Hummer H2 and the Cadillac Escalade, are exported out of the country, which in years past would have meant they were gone forever. But the federal government's passage of Bill S-9 - a law that gives the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) increased authority to seize stolen cars meant for export - has helped stem the flow of contraband cars out of the country, particularly at ports in Montreal and Halifax. In fact, IBC reports it recovered $30.7 million dollars worth of vehicles, including the seizure of 600 automobiles meant for export.
Professional thieves likely target specific vehicles, and they aren't all newer models - if you think no one would want to steal your 11-year old Honda Civic, think again. Here are the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada:
1. 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
2. 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
3. 2002 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD
4. 2004 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD
5. 2005 Acura RSX Type S 2-door
6. 1997 Acura Integra 2-door
7. 2000 Audi S4 Quattro 4-door AWD
8. 2003 Hummer H2 4-door AWD
9. 2006 Acura RSX Type S 2-door
10. 2004 Hummer H2 4-door AWD
Bill S-9 is a step forward, but as long as people are careless with their vehicles, car thefts will continue to be a problem. According to the IBC, about 20 per cent of stolen vehicles had the keys in them - practically an invitation to even the most amateur thief. Anti-theft devices like alarms, GPS trackers and engine immobilizers are always recommended as a way to prevent theft, but a few simple steps can greatly reduce the chance that your car will be stolen.
- Make sure your windows are rolled all the way up, your doors are locked and you're carrying the key
- Keep your vehicle registration and insurance certificate with you, don't leave it in the car
- Keep valuables out of view - if you have to keep them in the car, lock them in the trunk
- Never leave your car unattended while it's running - you don't want to leave your car warming up in the winter and find it's gone when you return
- Try to park in busier, well-lit areas and close to other cars
- Park in a garage at home if you can, and make sure both the car doors and the garage door are locked.
Auto Paint Protection Film - Worth Every Penny!
Paint Protection - “Do I spend the money?”
Paint Protection Film, or PPF (sometimes referred to as Clear Bra), is a thermoplastic urethane film which is most often applied to the forward or leading painted surfaces of a vehicle. Originally, this type of protective film was designed for military use on helicopter rotors to protect them from sand particles, and over the years it has expanded to general aviation, racing, and finally consumer vehicles and even electronic devices such as mobile phones. Paint Protection Film has been in use on privately owned vehicles for several years now, and with good reason.
From a maintenance standpoint, Auto Paint Protection Film is an excellent investment for any vehicle. The clear coated urethane film helps preserve the paint finish while protecting surfaces vulnerable to stone chips, bug damage, abrasion, and weathering. Not only will your vehicle's paint be preserved from these types of damages, the film will allow your paint to age naturally, and will not yellow from prolonged sun exposure. Additionally, you can clean and maintain your vehicle the same as before. The nearly invisible film can be washed and waxed just like the rest of the painted surfaces to retain that high gloss shine you expect.
These protective films are typically applied to the impact zones on vehicles parts, or otherwise vulnerable areas such as hoods, fenders, side mirrors, bumpers, grills, rocker panels, headlights covers, floodlights, car door protection, luggage areas, rear bumper decks, roof and A-pillars. Most vendors guarantee their product not to haze, yellow or peel and offer a warranty of anywhere from two to five years when properly installed. The film contains ultra-violet stabilizers to prevent discoloration or degradation of the product itself while still allowing the sun's rays to pass through to the paint so if you do decide to remove the film your vehicle will not be two-toned, or "sunburned". Unlike leather car bras or plastic shields, these clear protective films are practically invisible and do not substantially affect the overall appearance of your vehicle.
All things considered, a transparent protective film is a far more appealing solution to many consumers. Leather bras and bug shields do what they're supposed to, but many who enjoy the appearance of their vehicle find that these protective items are not at all appealing. Since paint protection film is virtually invisible, the look of the vehicle is not altered in any significant way, and it performs just as good, if not better, than the alternative. It's like a second, tougher skin for your vehicle.
Most paint protection films, once applied, are 100% safe to remove from the vehicle at any time without damage to the paint and finish underneath. It is also worth noting that no debris can get underneath the protective coat, since it adheres directly to the paint. It can be applied to any painted surface on the vehicle, and even some areas without paint, such as headlight and tail light covers. The value of the film is clear, and it's actually cheaper in many cases to apply a protective film coat than to repaint all or a portion of your vehicle later on once it has been damaged and scratched.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/4580535
AutoTrendz Ottawa offers - Xpel Automotive Paint Protection. Xpel - the world's first 'self healing' film. Call us for professional installation and protect your vehicle's finish.
What is Your STYLE?
Create something unique that reflects your personality.
Car Styling
The rule that 'you get what you pay for' also apply to your styling auto projects. The more you spend - the more complete the transformation will be - with the ultimate aim of creating a truly unique car.
If you purchased your car and you really like it but you want to infuse it with your personality and style you can. Aftermarket auto parts are a great way to customize the look and feel of your car. Depending on how much you want to do and how much money you want to spend, you can even improve the performance of your vehicle. You may find that the more you personalize your vehicle, the more you enjoy spending time in it! For many people their personalized vehicle is a true source of pride.
There are a lot of aftermarket auto parts that you can purchase to improve the look and feel of your vehicle. You can start with simple purchases such as new seats or even just new seat covers. If you want to be sure that you get all of the comfort and support that you can get, this is a great place to start. Many people who are serious about personalizing their vehicle actually buy racing seats or seats that will provide maximum comfort. Other people just like to buy fun seat covers that allow them to express themselves through their vehicle.
Another option is to personalize your vehicle with items such as new wheels. Wheels go a long way toward infusing your vehicle with style and class. If you currently have stock rims on your car you would be surprised how much different it looks with a nice pair of rims on it. While a new set of wheels will set you back more than fuzzy seat covers, it is generally considered a purchase that is well worth it!
Of course, there are other aftermarket auto parts that you may buy more for a performance boost than a boost in style and class. Performance auto parts are very popular and many people are using them to modify their vehicles to get better than average performance when going down the road or even going around the street racing track. There are a lot of items that can help to boost performance in a vehicle such as special intake systems, new drive shafts, upgraded exhaust systems, turbo chargers for engines, and so much more. There are a lot of great products to choose from if you want to improve the performance of your vehicle. You can spend a pretty penny on this type of aftermarket auto parts, but for die hard modifiers, it is worth it!
If you would like to improve the look and feel or even just the performance of your vehicle, there are a lot of great products out there that have been developed to help you do just that. You don't have to settle for stock anything, you can push the limits of your vehicle or expand them to achieve great things!
If you purchased your car and you really like it but you want to infuse it with your personality and style you can. Aftermarket auto parts are a great way to customize the look and feel of your car. Performance auto parts are very popular and many people are using them to modify their vehicles to get better than average performance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1992914