HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2014-10-22, Page 164 2014 Fall Car Care Guide • Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Tips
for a safer drive
Tara Ostner
When it comes to knowing how to care
for your car during the winter months,
the staff at Carter's West End Garage in
Clinton is equipped with a wealth of information.
In particular, the local garage suggests that drivers
keep in mind seven important tips.
First, the garage staff recommends that drivers
test their vehicle's antifreeze strength. During this
time ofyear,this is often included as part ofa regular
oil change.
Second, they suggest that people test their
vehicle's battery and charging system to ensurethat
the vehicle will operate properly in cold weather.
Harvey Carter, the owner and operator of Carter's West End Garage and Body Shop, repairing a vehicle and ensuring that it's
ready for the cold weather
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This is something, the garage says, that
customers should request specifically.
Third, the staff points out that keeping
your gas tank at least halffull is especially
important in the winter months. In
addition to maintaining a half full tank,
they also recommend that drivers use
fuel conditioner as well as a gas line
de-icer.
Fourth, the garage stresses the
importance of using the right kind of
oil for your car. As one employee puts
it, "many new vehicles take special
synthetics" and so exactly what type of
oil a person should use"will depend on
the manufacturer."
Fifth, the staff wants to remind drivers
about the importance of having winter
tires or, at least, tires that are in good
condition. According to a study done by
the Quebec Ministry ofTransport, winter
tires can improve braking by up to 25
percent over all -season tires.
Also, as one employee points out, in
orderto keepone'swintertires in the best
shape possible, "it is not recommended
that people use their winter tires all
year long."
Sixth, the garage recommends that
drivers regularly inspect and clean the
car's wiper blades and to change them if
they streak. As one staff member states,
"it's hardtofind a good wiperthat doesn't
streak."Winter blades, he said, are often
your best betas"they're heavierand keep
the snow from building up"
Finally, the staff at Carter's West End
Garage encourages all people to keep
an emergency kit in their vehicles.
Emergency kits can include a variety
of helpful items, such as, windshield
washerfluid,anice scraper,asnow brush,
a small shovel, a flashlight, booster
cables, a blanket, extra clothes and kitty
litter or traction mats.
As we begin to head into the cold
months, all responsible drivers should
keepthesetipsinmind.Don'tdelay.Book
an appointment now to have your car
winterized so that when the first snow
fall hits you will be fully prepared.
Windshield woes
you've been staring at that chip
in your windshield for months
now, and still remember how
the small stone bounced off a cement
truck and landed square on the glass,
leaving a small reminder ofthe incident.
Unfortunately, that chip is now
somewhat bigger and a crack is
starting to form along the glass. You
also remember that your insurance
deductible is $500, so you head to the
nearest glass shop and inquire about
getting the windshield replaced.
You are told by the nice attendant
that you should have had the chip
fixed the minute it happened and now
a new windshield is the only solution.
OK, time to face the music - how much?
The attendant checks the price from the
computer and gives you the news -$965
plus labour. Now what?
The amount quoted is not worth filing
an insurance claim; however it's high
enough to put a substantial dent in
your pocket book.You askthe attendant
about the sign that says they pay the
continued pg 5
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