Car Care

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021

carcare

| A29

Random toy car giveaway sparks joy in North Vancouver BRENDAN MCALEER

Contributing writer

Earlier this year, I wrote a brief column looking for volunteers to help be give away 100 tiny cars in a probably silly but well-meaning attempt to spread a little random joy around.

Certainly there are plenty of things to be miserable about, but you never know what difference a small amount of positivity can make. And thus, Wednesday, April 21, 2021, became Hot Wheels Day on the North Shore.

We did not end up giving away 100 Hot Wheels. We did 170. In response to my call, more than a dozen volunteers offered to help hand out cars from West Vancouver right out to Deep Cove, and as I did the math, I realized I was only going to be able to give each person a few.

Happily, a young mechanical engineering student named Raphael Plana stepped up.

He said he had a few extra from his collection he could spare – and when I arrived to pick them up he gave me an enormous cardboard box full of Hot Wheels. I bought a couple of extras from the suspiciously wellstocked display at my local grocery store (there is no way somebody in the inventory department does not have a bunch of Hot Wheels cluttering up their desk), and bagged them up.

The inspiration for this idea, if you missed it, was partly as a reaction to the tragic events of March 27, at the Lynn Valley library. Or rather, it was a reaction to the response of the thousands of good-hearted people who make up the fabric of our neighbourhoods.

A rent had been torn in the fabric, and many hands came together to patch and to bind, to help and to heal. As a father, it was just the most uplifting thing. For weeks afterwards I kept seeing stories about fundraisers hitting their goals, unknown Good Samaritans sought, even a grateful letter to a couple of young guys who helped push a senior’s stalled car to safety.

So, partly that feeling of gratitude, and also the lesson I learned in writing the obituary of a man my age. Ryu Asada, a lead Hot Wheels designer, died of cancer earlier this year, and as I set about talking to the people who knew him, they all said the same thing.

That he was just such and unflappably positive person.

“The whole time I knew him, he was dying,” the ordinarily grumpy Tim Mings told me. “He never said one word of complaint. He was just one of the most legit people I’ve ever met.”

Asada made tiny, joyous toy cars his life’s work, so they seemed fit for the purpose of random acts of kindness. I sanitized

Athena Taylor gets ready to leave a Hot Wheels surprise for the owner of a cool car during a community giveaway event organized by columnist Brendan McAleer. ZACH TAYLOR

everything, printed out explanatory labels, bundled the blister packs into recyclable/ reusable bags, and set out to drop them off at volunteer’s doorsteps.

It was a beautiful bluebird spring day,

Trust Your Vehicle SAVE 25%

WE NOW OFFER FULL DETAILING SERVICES

NEW

SAVE 20% NEW

EVERTREK GT

PROMO

115

49

ea, up

Reg 153.99 ea, up 205/55R16 91H

461 96 TOTAL PRICE/ 4 TIRES

EXTREME CONTACT DWSO6 PLUS PERFORMANCE

PROMO

226

37

ea, up

Reg. 282.97 ea, up 245/40R18 97Y

ROAD RATED: 97.3

905 48 TOTAL PRICE/ 4 TIRES

ROAD RATED: 99.6

ON-OFF ROAD LIGHT TRUCK SAVE $50 SAVE SAVE WITH INSTANT REBATE WHEN $300 25% YOU BUY 4 WHEN YOU BUY 4 TOP RATED:

FUEL TEST

ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2

292

49

ea, up

Reg. 304.99 ea, up 265/70R17 121S

1169

WRANGLER DURATRAC

96

TOTAL PRICE/ 4 TIRES

ROAD RATED: 94.5 ROAD RATED: 99.3

PROMO

248

Auto Service Team

$100 BONUS CT MONEY WHEN YOU BUY 4 TIRES

99

ea, up

Reg. 323.99 ea, up 265/70R17 115S

995

96

TOTAL PRICE/ 4 TIRES

ROAD RATED: 94.1 ROAD RATED: 99.3

DISCOVERER AT3 4S PROMO

191

22

ea, up

Reg. 254.97 ea, up 265/70R17 115T

764 88 TOTAL PRICE/ 4 TIRES

ROAD RATED: 96.9 ROAD RATED: 99.3

SAVE ON SERVICE WHEN YOU SIGN UP TO RECIEVE TEXT MESSAGES!

Text AUTO to 51922 1

WET TEST

Call us for more information and to book your appointment.

PROMO

with the Canadian Tire North Shore

TOP RATED:

ALL SEASON PASSENGER

when the North Shore looks its best. I saw a father and a son picking up garbage, cleaning their street. Somebody let me merge into traffic with a cheery wave. The volunteers Continued on page 31

MICHELIN DEFENDER T+H

to get offers and tips from Canadian Tire Auto sent right to your phone!

2

699 96

PROMO

174

99

ea, up

TOTAL PRICE/ 4 TIRES

205/55R16 91H

ROAD RATED: 91.8

ALL SEASON LT/SUV/CUV

SAVE 25% WRANGLER SR-A PROMO

193

49

ea, up

Reg. 257.99 ea, up 275/60R20 114S SL

773 96 TOTAL PRICE/ 4 TIRES

ROAD RATED: 99.3

Get Road Ready with Canada’s Garage!

We’ll get you ready for your summer road trip!

Road Ready Package Starting from

$64.99*

We recommend the Road Ready Package twice a year to increase the longevity of your vehicle and to give you peace of mind. This service includes: • Oil change • Battery test • Tire rotation and inflation • Fluid top-ups • Lubrication of door locks and hinges • Visual inspection of brakes, steering & Ask us about suspension, drive axle boots/seals • Analysis of timing belt (based on mileage) our Roadside • Printout of your inspection report Assistance

Gold Plan!

*Using conventional oil; synthetic oil is extra.

Plus environmental fees and taxes.

SALE IN EFFECT THURSDAY, JUNE 24 TO THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021 1350 Main Street, North Vancouver 604-982-9102 • www.canadiantire.ca PROUDLY CANADIAN... LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

EQUAL PAYMENTS NO INTEREST • NO FEE† for 24 months**

on tires and auto service purchases totalling $200 or more.

See store for details. Balancing, sales tax, and eco fees are extra.

**†

A30 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021

north shore news nsnews.com

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE Quality Collision Repair and Paint Since 1975

There’s so much more to your car than meets the eye.

Don’t trust your repair to just anyone!

ARE YOU ROAD TRIP READY? • Alignment • Brakes • Car Battery • Cooling System • Exhaust • Oil Change / Lubrication • Shocks & Struts • Steering & Suspension

COACHE COLLISION, family operated for 45 years! ✓ Factory certified technicians and state of the art equipment. ✓ We handle claims for all insurance companies

And more...

✓ Lifetime warranty on all repairs ✓ We will arrange for a replacement vehicle during your repairs

OK Tire North Shore 212 Fell Avenue 604-985-8265 | oktire.com | elitebodyshop.ca

*VW/Audi approved repair facility.

Booking Available For Any Of Our Locations THE ELITE AUTO GROUP

604.987.2211

Elite Auto Glass

1172 West 3rd Street (at Pemberton) North Vancouver

A Division of CSN Elite Xpress

Or visit our website coachecollision.ca and start your process online to save time!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE ON TIRES

SUMMER ROAD TRIP SPECIAL

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIAL

Ensure your vehicle is ready for Summer and those road trips ahead. The service includes an oil and filter change, tire rotation, a test drive, and an overall general inspection of your battery, brakes, tires, steering and suspension components.

Receive 15% OFF any air conditioning system service, diagnosis and repairs.

We will inspect your vehicle to make sure that you have optimal cooling performance and receive a report back on any possible concerns.

System checks starting as low as $75 OP CODE 35HOACCHECK Valid until July 15th 2021 WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIAL

PACIFIC HONDA’S “LIFETIME BRAKE PAD GUARANTEE” Purchase and install a set of Genuine

$15 OFF!

All for the special low price of $149.88 ($220.00 Value)

Everyday driving puts stress on your vehicle. Properly adjusted wheel alignment ensures directional stability as your vehicle goes down the road.

This also ensures dependable control, increased safety and extends the life of your tires.

OP CODE 35HOSUMMER2021 Valid until July 15th 2021

OP CODE 35HOWA0621 valid until July 15th 2021

Honda replacement brake pads at Pacific Honda and we will provide brake pads for the same brake component system at no charge as long as you own the vehicle.

BOOK ONLINE at PACIFICHONDA.CA 816 Automall Drive, North Vancouver • www.pacifichonda.ca • 604-984-0331 *Not valid with any other, discount or voucher. Prices are plus tax, disposal fee, enviro levy where applicable. Additional charges if alternate oil is required. Offer to specific models. See dealer for details. Some conditional costs may apply if additional labour or parts are required. All coupons must be presented at time of appointment reception.

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021

carcare

| A31

Here’s what you need to know about passing a horse on the road Frequent drivers obviously encounter a lot of other cars and trucks on the road, as well as cyclists and pedestrians and even the occasional guy riding one of those motorized hoverboard things.

But a horse? When was the last time you had to pass a horse?

The concept may seem old-fashioned, but the government of B.C. wants you to be aware of equine travel on roads and know what to do if you come across a horse and rider clip-clopping through town.

It’s more common in rural areas of the province, but there are areas right in Vancouver and on the North Shore where horses can frequently be spotted near roads.

As more people are drawn outdoors with good weather, the

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure sent out a reminder to drivers to stay vigilant and share the road with others, including horses and their riders.

Signage in many areas alerts drivers to use caution and be courteous when passing horses and riders in rural areas. Drivers are advised to watch for these signs, especially at the start of any roadway or along narrow or winding rural roads.

However, even when signs are not present, people are reminded to share the road with all travellers to keep everyone safe.

Horses and their riders are recognized road users in the Motor Vehicle Act. Drivers should be aware that loud noises, like horns or passing vehicles, can startle

horses and trigger unpredictable behaviour, causing risk to riders, animals and drivers. Drivers should also remember to allow extra room for all to share the roadway.

Here are some tips that drivers are encouraged to follow when travelling near horses: ■ Slow down long before getting too close; ■ Pass at a slower speed and give the horse and rider a wide berth (typically a one-car width); ■ Brake and accelerate gently to avoid making extra noise or spraying gravel; ■ Turn off stereos and do not honk, yell or rev the engine; ■ If travelling by bicycle, scooter or motorcycle, ride quietly and approach single file; and ■ If a horse appears agitated,

Drivers who encounter a horse on the road should avoid honks or loud noises and give a wide berth. GETTY IMAGES/SOL DE ZUASNABAR BREBBIA

wait for the rider to get it under control before passing. Once past the horse and rider, accelerate gradually.

Horse riders should use caution when travelling on narrow roads

or in times of low visibility, such as dusk or dawn. Riders are advised to wear reflective vests, as well as outfit horses with high-visibility leg bands when possible.

— Staff writer

Anonymous toy car gifts exciting for the giver and receiver Continued from page 29 were delighted to receive their assignments.

As I’ve mentioned, there were a lot of stops. Some volunteers preferred to remain anonymous, but I wish to thank Wendi Vaiser, Barrie Street, Kim Henen, Joshua Peters, Renee Benoit, Lynda Cameron, David Mazzei, Wing Taylor, and Dasha Postnikova.

Zach Taylor, who I’ve known since Grade 4, took his kids on the expedition. Even Peter Kvarnstrom, publisher of the North Shore News, pitched in.

Everyone involved seems to have had a great deal of fun delighting kids, leaving surprises for strangers, and perhaps being a bit of a kid again themselves. Ms. Vaiser

left one on a police van, which was a bit of cheeky good fun. Zach’s daughter Athena popped one on a wood-framed Morgan, one seriously cool car. Ms. Postnikova and her toddler left them on a couple of cars with kid-seats in the back, and gave out a few at Maplewood Farm.

My daughters and I took a box down to Lynn Valley library itself, and I got the kids to hand out a few to anyone they chose.

“Thanks for the Hot Wheels!” yelled a bunch of delighted boys, and also a pair of women having a socially distanced coffee.

I think I have to make this an annual thing. If nothing else, it’s maybe an excuse for me always buying Hot Wheels at the

What happens when you don’t advertise?

Very little.

News Media Canada Médias d’Info Canada

grocery store? Question mark?

Let me leave you with an account of one volunteer’s experience of Hot Wheels Day. Lynda Cameron was one of the first people to raise their hand, responding on the day the original column was published.

“I had fun placing these out anonymously; in a mail box, on a pedestrian walk button,” she wrote in an email. “I gave out two to two kids I know anonymously (hid them for them to find) and one is being mailed to a house bound senior.

“I have two on reserve to give to emergency responders, just waiting for the perfect time, and I did hand one out to a child in the grocery store who immediately

opened it and lost it a few seconds later under a large produce bin (which was rescued – twice – by a long cucumber, which I ended up buying, because, well COVID germs and you know, eat your veggies).

“I am keeping one maybe, or I will find a perfect secret place to put it when I stumble across it. The Mum in the grocery store stated, ‘I LIVE IN THE BEST NEIGHBOURHOOD!!!’ ...and I think she is right!”

Brendan McAleer is a North Vancouver freelance writer and automotive enthusiast.

You can contact him at mcaleeronwheels@ gmail.com. Follow Brendan on Twitter: @ brendan_mcaleer.

DEROSA AUTOMOTIVE

SUMMER OIL CHANGE & SAFETY CHECK SPECIAL! $42.95 + Tax/Fees* *most vehicles. Exp. July 9, 2021 110 Fell Avenue, North Vancouver

604-988-2239 www.derosaauto.ca

CORNER OF W. 1ST AVE AND PEMBERTON NORTH VANCOUVER

604-987-7111 ritchiecollision.com