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
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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