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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2014-10-22, Page 21Wednesday, October 22, 2014 • 2014 Fall Car Care Guide 9 Protecting visibility is essential when driving in hazardous conditions Driving defensively is the best way for motorists to avoid accidents and protect themselves and their passengers from the risks of the road. But the importance of defensive driving is magnified when driving in hazardous conditions, especially when drivers' vision is potentially compromised. Driving when visibility is poor can test the skills of even the most seasoned and careful motorists. Though even novice drivers know to be especially cautious when driving in snow or heavy rain, extreme weather is not the only thing that can make roadways hazardous for motorists and their passengers. Highway construction that produces debris, poorlylitroadwaysanddriving during certain times of the day when everyone seems to be in a rush can all compromise drivers'vision. Asa result, it's imperative that motorists take steps to protect their vision when driving in hazardous oreven potentially hazardous conditions. * Replace old or ineffective wiper blades. Maintaining wiper blades is an easy preventative measure drivers can employ to protect their vision, yet many motorists are unaware ofjust how frequently their vehicle wiper blades need to be replaced. Wiper blades should be changed every 90-120 days, as the blades can easily grow brittle and ineffective over time. Depending on how frequently they are used, wiper blades can wear out rather quickly, especially on older vehicles with pitting onthewindshield.Wiper blades are relatively inexpensive to replace, and can make a world of difference when driving in hazardous conditions. * Don't forget to maintain your windshield. A windshield can be a motorist's best friend or his worstenemywhen driving in hazardous conditions, but savvy drivers know there is no excuse for the latter. Windshield clarity is especially important when driving in hazardous conditions, and windshields that have been treated with a repellant are significantly safer than those that have not. "Driving in wet weather is inherently dangerous, and driving risks increase considerably with the inability to see clearly through the windshield;" said Dennis Samfilippo, General Manager of Philips Automotive. A one-time treatment just a few times per year keepswindshieldscleanandvisibilityata maximum. The Philips Windshield Treatment Kit is a do-it- yourselfkitthat can make windshield glass easierto clean for up to six months after application and can be used by anyone, from veteran auto enthusiasts to novice do-it-yourselfers. In just a few minutes, drivers can dramatically improve their vision thanks to the kit's unique, long-lasting hydrophobic technologydesigned specificallytocoatwindshield glass and make it easier to remove items that may obstruct a driver's vision, including ice, dirt and even bugs. Drivers can even take advantage of a new instructional YouTube video titled "Windshield Treatment Kit Video;' which shows users the exact steps they need to take to help improve their field of vision in difficult driving conditions. The video can be found at www.philipsautolighting.com/ windshieldkit. *Checkwindshield washerfluid.Windshield washer fluid is one of those things drivers typically only notice when it isn't there. Routinely inspect windshield washers to ensure they're working properly, and top off windshield washerfluid so you know it will be there when you need it. * Clean interior glass and mirrors. It's easy to To keep or not to keep Extended warranties don't just exist to make you feel better. They are also a testamentto longer -lasting automobiles. It's not unusual these days to get over 300,000 km on a car without major repairs or engine overhauls that were necessary years ago. Bodyworkisthedecidingfactorwhen itcomesto keeping a vehicleor selling it. lfthe bodywork is cancerouswith rustorstill has somewrinkles from a bang-up ortwo,then you're probably bestto consider a new car. Duringtheaccumulation ofmileage, parts likebrake pads,discs, belts, filters, hoses, and tires are often replaced.There are other components that wear out but are not always replaced. These must be inspected if you intend on keeping your ride as a cruiser or heirloom. Beyond the obvious, these parts are the ones that undergo constant abuse but don't show signs of it until it's too late. So we'd like to give you a few pointers as to what you should inspect on your aging vehicle. We'll start with shock absorbers. Shocks are required to keep the tires on the road while the rest of the vehicle bounces around. Bad shocks not only make the ride feel unusual but are also dangerous in cornering situations. Wheel bearings support the weight of the vehicle via the axles so it's importantthatthey be changed after several years ofservice, ifthey haven't been already. Engine and transmission mounts are a strong replacement consideration. The rubber dries and stiffens over the years, reducing .fdmatSup�l4111/ ALITORIM I+►i?aaa ae OH'ERICH the impact absorption to the pointofexcessivevehicle vibration. Trailing arm bushings and other suspension components such as ball joints, CV shafts, and tie -rods should also be replaced to confirm wheel alignment and service longevity. A good idea is to lookoveryour maintenance records and note what areas ofthe car have had the least attention. Windshields, for example, can become pitted and scratched over the years. When you are doing your post -300,000 km inspection, be sure to have a good look at all the steel lines under the vehicle. These include the fuel, brake, and EVAP systems that use them to carry fluid from front to back. Check the entire length of the tubing for signs of rust or fluid "sweating" out. Your gas tank should also get a good going-over. Inspect for corroded retaining straps or leaks in the filler tube and around the seam. Lastly, include an inspection of the wipers, headlights, wheel studs, and all exterior lamps to complete your everlasting TLC steps. 215 HURON ST., BOX 728 CLINTON, ON NOM 1L0 PHONE 519-482-9363 FAX 519-482-3534 CARTER'S WEST END GARAGE LTD. EXHAUST AND BRAKE COMPLETE COLLISION REPAIR SPECIALISTS AND PAINTING WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND BALANCING OWNER -OPERATOR HARVEY CARTER 24 HOUR TOWING .=1.1= overlook interior glass and mirrors when cleaning a car, butadirtyvehicleinteriorcanbeasdangerousas it can be unsightly.While coffee -stained cup holders or spilled snacks under vehicle seats are largely cosmetic concerns, dirty interior glass and mirrors can significantlycompromise a driver'svision.When cleaning the interior of their vehicle, drivers should remove any film that has built up on interior glass and mirrors. Such buildup, which is often thicker in smokers' vehicles, can reduce vision and create a hazy reflection from the sun, putting drivers and their passengers at risk. More information is available at www.philips. com/automotive. • Prompt Courteous Service • Battery Boosts • Deliveries of All Sorts and Alcohol • Double Drives • Business Accounts Welcome SW -524 -6 4 Pattie Smith 136 Elizabeth St. COM WINCH TIM end Dailrery • Marine/Campground Access • School/Day Care Pickups • Gift Certificates Available • Competitive Rates • All Taxis Fully Insured ua FALL SPEC DRIPLESS UNDERCOAT Mechanical Repair & Used Car Sales 30 Ontario St., Clinton, ON NOM 1L0 Phone: 519-482-8439 Email: aandt@bellnet.ca