Clinton News Record, 2014-10-22, Page 208 2014 Fall Car Care Guide • Wednesday, October 22, 2014
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Everyone is dependent on the automobile to provide a
safe, comfortable means for transportation. We depend
so much on ourcarsthatsometimes we tend to overlook
the obvious.
So as a service to you, we are going to review some of the
basic maintenance requirements to keep your vehicle safe, for
the benefitofyou and your family. Knowing and understanding
vehicle care should be the first item on everybody's driving
history.
Tires: The main reason we need tires on our cars is to
provide traction for direction and inertia control. Proper tire
maintenance includes rotation, pressure, and alignment for
durability and performance. Make it a routine to check them
regularly.
Battery: An automotive battery typically has a lifespan off
approximately three to four years. Maintenance -free batteries
are nowcommon on all automobiles.Theyonly require cleaning
and to be properly secured to the vehicle. Have the battery
tested once a year with an AVR analysis.
Lubrication: What can be said about lubrication that hasn't
already been said? Regular oil and filter changes are a must for
engine durability and performance. Whether you do it yourself
or have someone else do it, just make sure it gets done.
Brakes:Typical problemsthatarisewith brakes aresquealing,
grinding,vibration,pull, hard pedal, and low pedal. lfanyofthese
symptoms arise between regular brake inspections, be sure to
have the concern looked at as soon as possible.
fes' Clinton Auto Parts Ltd.
Your One Stop to Get Your
Vehicle Ready for Cold Weather.
• Antifreeze
• Snow Brush
• Gas Line De -Icer
• Battery
• Wiper Blades
2 Lulu. Relli Pkc
267 Victoria St" Clinton 462- 934
Cooling system: Be sure that the coolant level is up to the indicated mark, and
check the radiator fan and all hoses. Inspect the radiator for cracks and leaks, and
clean away any debris from the fins. Always check the operating temperature if your
car is equipped with a gauge.
Ignition system: Having a good set of spark plugs in your car assures driving
performance and economy. The ignition system consists of many components for
proper operation, and spark plugs remain the key maintenance item. Whether basic
cooper or precious metal, don't take chances - have your plugs inspected at least
once a year.
Exhaust system: Poisonous carbon monoxide fumes can seep into the passenger
compartmentofyourvehicleiftheexhaustsystem is notproperlysealed.Thisodourless
and colourless gas can cause headaches, nausea, and even death if treated lightly.
Have your repairer inspect the underside of your car at least twice a year.
Being a vehicle owner and having to pay for insurance, fuel, and licenses is enough
to overwhelm most people. Maintenance should not bean overwhelming experience,
and there are many ways to help keep the task under control. Consult your vehicle
maintenance manual, follow the schedule, and then make choices with quality and
durability in mind.
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180 Suncoast Drive, East, Goderich
519-524-8391 or 1-800-265-5507
Forensic
car
repairs
Whatyoudon'tknowaboutthe
electrical system in yourcaris
probablya good thing. Since
automobiles first hit the road, electricity
has been a loyal partner in helping
achieve safe and comfortable mobility.
Simple at first, the electrical system
began asa coupleofstrandsofwire used
to bring powerto headlights and marker
lamps; later to starters and windshield
wipers.
As cars became more complex, so
did the electrical system. Drivers started
demanding more convenience, and that
added even more complexity to the
system, to the point where even the best
mechanics had difficulty repairing them.
Technicians normally balk at doing
electrical repairs. They require tactical
diagnostics, text book references, and
special equipment before the first
wrench hits a bolt.
Electrical problems need to be traced
in ordertogettothe bottom ofthe cause
and the bestwayto do this into reference
a schematic of the entire circuit. This
is a road map of the wiring and the
components connected to them.
Havingtheabilitytoreadand interpret
thesedrawingsisa skill notfound in most
mechanics. With continuous training
and skills upgrading, though, many are
getting the education needed to repair
tough electrical issues on modern cars.
The training helps guide technicians
through the vast information required
to research an electrical issue. It also
includes how to use the various pieces
ofequipmentneeded toworkaround an
intricate and intimidating repair.
Modern day automobiles rely
heavily on electricity. Think of all the
safety devices that depend on this
technology -airbags, ABS brakes, engine
management, traction control, wipers,
lamps, fuel level, etc.
These systems can easily be
compromised by the failure of a simple
electronic link in a complex chain of
technology.That iswhytechnicians have
to be forensic diagnosticians ratherthan
mere parts installers when dealing with
these types of problems.