• Summer Driving Tips
• AirCare Certified Repair Centres
• Tour de Delta Cycling Race
• AirCare's Twitter Page
• Canada Day Business Hours

TOP STORIES

Summer Driving Tips

It may not seem like it now, but summer in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley is also "Smog Season". Summer is generally the period when this region may experience air quality advisories because the conditions (extreme hot and humid weather, sunshine and emissions from cars & trucks) are ideal for high smog levels.  During an advisory, persons with existing lung and heart issues, weak immune systems, the young and elderly are urged to limit their time outdoors because they are particularly affected by Particulate Matter and ground-level Ozone.

Here are some ways to limit your emissions contribution to our local air shed.

• Limit the use of your vehicle. If possible combine trips, carpool to work, avoid idling and if you have the option, use your most fuel-efficient vehicle.
• Keep your tires properly inflated.
• Take public transit, bike or walk.
• Limit the use of gasoline powered lawnmowers and trimmers.
• Skip the drive-thru. Park your car and order inside. The exercise will also do you some good!

AirCare Certified Repair Centres

The repair industry plays a central role in the benefits associate with the AirCare program. AirCare endorses AirCare Certified Repair Centres (ACRC) because they have the necessary training and equipment to effectively fix vehicles that have failed an AirCare inspection. As we advise customers to use an ACRC, AirCare also has the dual responsibility to ensure that ACRC's are providing customers with quality service.

AirCare staff monitor and review the repair and customer service performance of ACRC through audits and the Mystery Shopper program. Of the 300 facilities that are AirCare Certified, the program has identified 61 facilities for performance issues over the last two years. With thorough diagnostics, open communication with AirCare technical staff, effective repairs and excellent customer service, 35 facilities were able to improve their repair performance and returned to a position of good standing with AirCare.

Tour de Delta Cycling Race

The AirCare program is proud to once again sponsor the Tour de Delta Cycling Race. This year marks the 10th anniversary for the Tour de Delta which, features local and pro racers competing for over $25,000 in prizes making it the richest event in Canadian cycling. The Tour de Delta will be held on July 9, 10 and 11.

For more information on the race please visit www.tourdedelta.com.

AirCare's Twitter Page

The AirCare program just recently launched the AirCare Twitter page. Follow us at http://twitter.com/AirCareBC for the latest program information, operational issues and emission-related news.

Canada Day Business Hours

AirCare Inspection Centres will be closed on Thursday, July 1 for the Canada Day holiday. The inspection stations will resume normal business hours (8:30 am - 5:00 pm) on Friday, July 2.

OPERATIONAL STATISTICS
May 2010 
Total Inspections: 45,222 
Pass: 39,508 (87.4%)
Fail: 5,569 (12.3%)
Conditional Pass: 145 (0.3%)

Year-To-Date
Total Inspections: 216,332
Pass: 189,329 (87.5%)
Fail: 26,200 (12.1%)