Safety Tips for a Winter Holiday Road Trip

1. Tune-up!

If you have time, get a quick winter tune-up including an oil change and cooling system flush. Make sure your windshield wipers are all functioning properly and don’t have any nicks or rubber separating. Make sure to top up your windshield washer fluid so you don’t get caught on an icy highway with a dirty windshield.

If time does not allow for a tune-up, at least check your fluids to make sure you’re topped up.

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How to Check Your Oil…

Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Always check your oil when your engine is cold. The location of the oil dipstick depends on whether your vehicle   is a rear-wheel or front-wheel drive.

Look at the oil on the end of the stick. There will be markings on the dipstick for ‘add’ and ‘full’. This will help you determine if you need to add oil or not. Also check the consistency of the oil, if it is gritty and black or smells like gas, you should take the time to get that oil change before your road trip.

Tip: Look for the separate oil cap for filling as it does not fill where the dipstick goes! Also, different vehicles use different oil, so make sure you fill with the right type of oil for your car or truck.

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Check our Service Specials here…

 

2. Always Have an Emergency Safety Pack On-Board!

Although we all hope that our holiday road trips are safe and without any troubles, sometimes life just happens. Make sure you dress warm and have a preparedness pack in the car with emergency supplies just in case events have you roadside for any length of time. Must haves to include in your pack…

1. First Aid Kit
2. Flashlight and new batteries
3. Bottled water and dried snacks for each passenger
4. Warm blankets
5. Pocket knife or seatbelt cutter
6. Candles
7. Lighter and matches
8. Extra windshield washer fluid
9. Small shovel
10. Snow brush or scraper

Car Safety Tips for a Winter Holiday Road Trip

3. Double Map It!

We don’t recommend relying solely on maps, GPS or navigation systems. If you are using a GPS, have your cell phone pre-routed in case you have any technical difficulties. And in the event of signal failure or any unforeseen tech catastrophe, always make sure that you have an actual old school paper map.  Yes, a paper map! You can still get them at most gas stations, grocery and convenience stores. That way you’re covered and can get to where you’re headed with no major navigational setbacks.

4. Know What’s What and Where it’s at.

Do some route research prior to your trip. It’s amazing what a quick search can turn up. Know where things are on your route like rest stops, gas stations, restaurants, coffee shops and even some landmarks or must see sights along the way.

 

Wishing you and your families safe and happy travels this Christmas Holiday.  From your friends at Mills.

Book your lube, oil and filter service online now and receive $10 off!

The New 2015 Yukon Denali Leading The Way

2015 Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali

A Sneak Peak at the 2015 GMC Canyon Accessories

The newly redesigned Canyon is set to arrive in October and we’re getting really excited! We’ve finally got some more dirt on the Canyon and this time it’s all about the accessories. GMC accessories are the only accessories that are designed, engineered, tested and backed by GMC, which truly sets GMC apart from all the others.

These available GMC packages and accessories can help owners customize their Canyon to their unique lifestyles.

Packages

GearON™ Packages
The GearOn™ Bars, Divider and Utility packages combine individual accessories to create a comprehensive Cargo Management System, which are comprised of Cargo Tie-Down Rings, Tiered Storage Cross Rails, Bed Cargo Divider and Utility Rack Stanchions. The GearOn™ packages offer more integrated flexibility and organization of the truck bed.

Chrome Appearance Package
Want to stand apart from the crowd? Why not put a little flash in to your arrival with the Chrome Appearance Package. It features a gleam at each end, with Chrome Tow Hooks up front and a Chrome Exhaust Tip with Logo at the rear.

Interior Protection Package
You spend a lot of time in your vehicle, which makes the saying “it’s what’s on the inside that counts” quite true. The Canyon is built to be comfortable, equipped and well connected, making it a nicer place to sit and drive, so why not protect it. Included with the Interior Protection Package are Premium All-Weather Floor Mats with Logo featuring a deep-ribbed pattern that will collect rain, mud, snow and other debris for easy cleaning. Also included with this package is The Bed Mat, which protects the bed finish underneath from scuffs and scratches, while making it easier to clean up spills.

Exterior Convenience Package
We haven’t forgotten about the outside. The 2015 Canyon boasts a great looking exterior so accent it with the Exterior Convenience Package. This package features Molded Splash Guards in Black, with Logo and helps protect the Canyon’s exterior from tire splash and mud. Also included are 5-Inch Rectangular Assist Steps, which make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

Exterior

A wide selection of appearance, utility and trail performance accessories are available for the 2015 Canyon for those who like to work hard and play harder.

Wheels

To further enhance the exterior of the Canyon, two 18-Inch wheels are available, one aluminum and the other aluminum chrome.

18-Inch Wheel, Aluminum, Ultrabright Machined with Dark Argent Paint, 6-Split Spoke

18-Inch Wheel, Aluminum Chrome, 6-Spoke

Bed Accessories and Trailering

Do you constantly look at your precious cargo out the rear view mirror? It’s never a fun ride when you’re worrying about something shifting or falling. The Canyon bed and trailering accessories will put those worries to rest. With 16 different accessories to choose from you’ll never have to worry about securing, storing, protecting, stacking, anchoring and towing cargo.

Assist Steps

With the 2015 Canyon, there are three available Assist Steps styles. Not only do they make it easier to get in and out of the cab, but they look great too! The Assist Steps do their job to accent the Canyon’s appearance.

Assist Steps, 3-Inch Step Bars, Black Assist Steps,

Assist Steps, 3-Inch Step Bars, Black

Assist Steps, 5-Inch Rectangular, Black

Assist Steps, 5-Inch Rectangular, Chrome

These accessories have us eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2015 GMC Canyon.

We announced pricing earlier today, check it out here.

Did you miss our first look at the 2015 Canyon? Read it here.

2015 GMC Canyon Pricing Has Been Announced!

The pricing for the 2015 GMC Canyon has been announced and shipping to Canadian dealers has commenced! The pricing in Canada for the all-new 2015 GMC Canyon mid-size pickup will start at $20,600, plus an additional $1,695 destination freight charge.

The SLE trim level (2WD extended cab) starts at $28,800 plus $1,695 freight and destination. With this model, aluminum interior trim, soft-touch instrument panel and door pads, EZ Lift and Lower tailgate for easier access to the box, eight-inch diagonal colour-touch radio with Intellilink and OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with a three-month or three-GB trial (whichever comes first) are all included.

The 4WD GMC Canyon SLT crew cab short box model starts at $38,850, plus $1,695 freight and destination. The SLT model includes a 3.6L V-6 engine with 305 horsepower, leather-appointed seating, automatic climate control, 18-inch polished cast-aluminum wheels, remote start for those cold winter mornings and an automatic locking rear differential.

Available options include the 3.6L V-6 engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, six speed automatic transmission, Bose premium seven-speaker audio system and the GearOn™ accessory system for a comprehensive Cargo Management System.

The 2015 GMC Canyon will have multiple bed and cab configurations to choose from. The extended cab model with a 6-foot 2-inch box, or a crew cab model with either a 5-foot 2-inch or 6-foot 2-inch box.

Lastly, Pro Grade Protection is included in every 2015 Canyon. In addition to a five-year/160,000-kilometre powertrain warranty and three-year/60,000-kilometre New Vehicle Limited warranty, includes two years/40,000 kilometres – whichever comes first – of standard scheduled maintenance.

More detailed pricing and fuel consumption ratings will be announced closer to vehicle availability sometime in October. You can be assured we’ll have that ready for you as soon as we hear!

Stay tuned for info on Canyon available accessories.

An Oshawa Turul T03’s Update!

 

It’s the last third of the season for the Oshawa Turu T03’s so we thought it was the perfect time for an update on our favourite team. So far, the Turul’s have an impressive 14-4-4 (14 Wins, 4 Losses, 4 Ties) record under the Mills Motors sponsorship.

The Turul T03’s entered the Tier 2 level (2^nd Division) this year to have fun and further develop their skills and techniques in order to enter the highest level competitive league in the next year and a half (OPDL).

 

The Durham Region Soccer Association and the T03’s Head Coach are very impressed with their performance. Due to the Turul T03’s outstanding performance, we are so happy to announce that the boys have been awarded a spot in Tier 1 (1^st Division) for the upcoming 2015 season.

The boys still have 4 league games and 2 tournaments remaining and we wish them all the best of luck. We’re so proud of you all!

A First Look at the 2015 GMC Canyon

It’s coming! GM’s introduced the newly redesigned GMC Canyon for 2015, which is set to arrive in October. The 2015 Canyon offers a much more efficient option for those who don’t require a full-size pickup. With its manageable size, much-improved interior, new engines for better power and efficiency, the 2015 Canyon is nothing like its predecessor. It truly redefines the segment and raises the bar for everything from efficiency and horsepower to quietness and refinement.

Let’s take a quick tour of all the features that will be available for the 2015 Canyon.

Exterior

The GMC Canyon has been redesigned to make it simple to manage your cargo and protect your truck bed. With three body configurations: an extended cab model with a six-foot bed, a crew cab with a five-foot bed or six-foot bed, as well as integrated CornerStep rear bumper for easy access to the box and available EZ lift and lower tailgate, loading has never been easier.

The attention to detail is really what sets the Canyon apart. Whether it’s the Canyon’s signature C-shaped LED front lighting, the segment’s only standard projector beam headlamps, the chrome grille, or chrome mirror caps and door handles, which are available on SLT models, these details truly enhance the bold front-end styling of the Canyon.

Interior

The interior of the GMC Canyon is built to be comfortable, equipped and well connected, making it a nicer place to sit and drive. The Canyon’s seats are designed for the long-haul, blending in a touch of sedan-like themes in the cup holders, bucket seats and door armrests.

A central dash control centre boasts a standard 4.2-inch or an available 8-inch diagonal customizable colour touch screen with IntelliLink, which lets you customize your media and connect your smartphone with ease. With the available OnStar 4G LTE and built-in WiFi hot spot available, the Canyon lets you stay connected anywhere you go. USB inputs, GMC’s AppShop, Navigation, Siri Eyes Free Mode for iPhone users and even the new Teen Driver feature are all options available. The new Teen Driver feature allows parents to set a radio volume limit, establish a speed warning and set a speed limiter. It even automatically mutes the radio when the driver or front passenger seatbelt is not fastened. This and so many other features are customizable using a locked PIN, which is set by the parent.

Mechanical (Performance)

The 2015 GMC Canyon offers the segments best horsepower, payload of at least 1,450 pounds and best maximum trailering rating with the capacity to tow up to 7,000 pounds. There are two engines that will be available: a 2.5L I-4 with 200 horsepower with 191 lb-ft of torque or a 3.6L V-6 with 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. Each engine features direct injection and variable valve timing to make the most of power and efficiency. Both engines have been optimized for the demands of a truck, which includes torque at lower RPMs for better towing power that will make you feel more confident while pulling a trailer.

Safety

The Canyon is designed to help keep occupants safe on the road, with standard features including: six air bags, large rear-view mirrors, rear-vision camera system for greater visibility and StabiliTrak stability control system. In addition, optional safety features are available, which include the segment first forward collision alert and lane departure warning. These available features let you know when you’re leaving your driving lane or may be approaching another vehicle too quickly.

Mills opinion: We love this truck for two reasons: improved fuel economy and the size. The Canyon’s fuel economy is greatly improved with the use of an aluminum hood, active aero grille shutters and careful work on the exterior to improve aerodynamics. The size of the Canyon is perfect for those who want the functionality of a truck with the convenience of a crossover and the ability to easily park in the garage or in those tight parking spots.

We can’t wait for its arrival!

Make Your Next Road Trip A Success – An Infographic!

Welcome to the middle of summer! When the days are long and the weather is hot – the perfect mix for a road trip in your vehicle. Road tripping is a great alternative for your next vacation as it can really be designed to fit your style, budget and time frame. However, it’s not always as simple as just jumping in your car and driving anywhere your heart desires. Whether its eight hours or eighteen hours, consider these tips when heading out on the road.

Consumer Reports – Buick Regal

Consumer Reports: Skip BMW and Benz, buy a Buick

The 2014 Buick Regal is the second best premium sedan, Consumer Reports said today.

In testing conducted by the influential magazine, the recently refreshed Regal ranked one point behind the class-leading BMW 328i and tied the Mercedes-Benz C250 for second place in the magazine’s overall ratings of premium sport sedans — even though it costs thousands less.

“The Regal is a thoroughly developed and satisfying mid-sized sports sedan that’s more reminiscent of a German sports car than the softly sprung luxo-barges that Buick was once known for,” Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports’ director of automotive testing, said in the report.

Consumer Reports said its engineers found the Regal’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes the car quicker and more fuel-efficient than the previous model. It also accelerates easily and shifts smoothly. Consumer Reports also gave General Motors credit for building a turbo-charged engine that doesn’t require premium fuel, unlike many competitors.

The magazine also released test results for the Volvo S60 and called it a “solid, practical performer,” that also is a serious competitor among mid-sized premium sedans.

Consumer Reports said the Volvo S60’s new, 240-hp, 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a “marked improvement in drivability, fuel economy, and refinement over the previous five-cylinder engine.”

By Brent Snavely
Detroit Free Press Business Writer

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Mills Community Cruiser

The Mills Community Cruiser was on full display and helping out a great cause on Monday July 21st. Krown Rust Control in Whitby along with other locations across the country were trying to break the record for most cars washed in a day to raise money for The Children’s Wish Foundation. They are striving to meet their fundraising goal of $100K.

Have you seen the Mills Community Cruiser in your neighborhood?

A sneak peek at the 2015 GMC Yukon

GMC has released the first sneak-peek at the redesigned 2015 GMC Yukon, which promises to fit in not just your entire family (and then some) but packs something remarkable into every square inch. Almost everything in the vehicle is just a touch of a button away, whether you’re looking to fold the third-row-seating flat or use the 8-inch touch screen on the IntelliLink multimedia system.

Here’s a quick tour of all of the features that will be available in the 2015 Yukon, Yukon XL and/or Yukon Denali:

EXTERIOR

The GMC Yukon has been redesigned to make a powerful first impression; it is both innovative and comfortable to drive. The new 2015 model incorporates all-new sheet metal body and front end which highlights the appearance of the standard GMC C-shaped headlights. Unique to the Denali model, you will find a signature chrome grille, HID projector beam headlights and chrome exterior accents on the door handles, bodyside molding, roof rack and rear tailgate.

 

 

 

INTERIOR

Like all of GMC’s recent offerings, the 2015 Yukon and Yukon Denali offer the best that in-car infotainment has to offer, with the built-in Intellilink system on the 8” touch screen with optional navigation. The system offers natural language voice recognition technology and smartphone integration for safe, hands-free use while driving.

In addition to the IntelliLink system, the Yukon offers a host of other technology features for convenience and control, like USB/SD Card and MP3 inputs, Bluetooth for phone and audio and Bose premium sound systems.

The cabin of the vehicle offers comfort and flexibility, with the third-row fold-flat seats and available power release option that fold flat to attain ideal cargo management. A new upper door storage compartment allows for better access to belongings during long trips and a center console that is large enough for hanging folders or a laptop, perfect for the office on the road!

 

 

PERFORMANCE

The 2015 Yukon features all-new EcoTec3 V-8 engines, which combine innovative new EcoTec3 technologies with more than 50 years of proven GM small-block performance. The result: power and efficiency that is equally impressive. The Duralife Brake Rotors offer a ferritic nitro-carburizing technology is a GM-exclusive process that hardens and strengthens rotors. The new electric variable assist power rack-and-pinion steering system tunes out vibrations and improves handling.

 

SAFETY

The Yukon offers a full suite of Driver Alert and Driver Assistance technologies that use Yukon’s network of cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors all designed to help prepare you to handle the unexpected. The innovative Safety Alert Seat in the all-new Yukon vibrates to alert you of potential hazards. With Lane Departure Warning, either the left or right side of the seat vibrates, depending on the direction of lane drift. Forward Collision Alert signals both sides of the seat to vibrate.

We think the 2015 GMC Yukon is definitely worth taking a look at!