Ready for summer | Value of used vehicles, choosing your next car and questions about tires

The right opportunity

It used to be said that used vehicles lose value year after year. More today. Over the past two years, this trend has tended to slow down, or even reverse. The reduced supply from manufacturers (shortage of semi-conductors, labour, electrical transition, etc.) has prompted a good number of buyers to turn to the second-hand market.

If the prices of “second hands” have fallen slightly in recent months, they will not soon return to their level before the health crisis. Therefore, the buyer must, more than ever, show resilience since these vehicles are generally sold at prices above market value. Caution too, because regardless of the year, the mileage, the look and the promises, a meticulous mechanical inspection is required, as well as some additional research to ensure that the vehicle is free of any financial ties. And finally patience, because the opportunities to seize are rather rare.

Common sense

If our governments stay the course, in just over 10 years, it will be impossible for us to buy a new gas-powered vehicle. Consequently, consumers are wondering about the motorization of their next purchase. Petrol or electric? There is no immediate answer to this question. Several factors must be considered before making a choice. Among these, one of the most important consists of defining one’s individual mobility needs, environment and imperatives. From an environmental point of view, the choice of an electric vehicle is essential, but considering the availability of the latter and its purchase cost, alternative solutions exist to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gases. Like favoring a vehicle adapted to its real needs (do you really need an F-150 to renovate your bathroom?) and not dreamed of. Then by favoring a hybrid engine (even better if it is rechargeable) which will encourage its owner to adopt more energy-efficient driving.

Saving pennies?

On the shelves of your tire dealer, you will find, among other things, four-seasons and all-seasons approved for winter. Where is the difference ? The latter tattoo their side with the indispensable pictogram (mountain struck by a snowflake) which authorizes them to circulate in Quebec during the winter season. The temptation is then great, for reasons of cost, to prefer the latter. However, you should know that they do not have the same efficiency as a “traditional” winter tire. The latter is designed using a process that allows the rubber to retain its elasticity at temperatures down to -40°C. In addition, the design of its sole has been studied to favor grip on snowy and icy surfaces, hence its deeper grooves. Features missing from all-season tires approved for winter. These are the result of a compromise that ensures that they don’t shine in any way (regardless of the season), but they have the advantage of not making the wallet wince.