HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2013-10-31, Page 15THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013. PAGE 15.
MS –As fall gradually gives way
to winter, vehicle owners often sigh
at the thought of driving in winter
weather or spending weekday
mornings clearing their vehicles of
ice before heading to the office. Butmanning the wheel through anothersnowstorm or whittling away another
night’s worth of ice from a car’s
windshield are not the only rites of
passage motorists must endure as
cold weather returns.
Winterizing a vehicle can improve
vehicle performance during a time of
year that, in many locales, can be
especially harsh on automobiles.
Low temperatures make for less than
ideal conditions for engines to run,
while potholes left behind by
snowplows can damage a vehicle’s
wheels and may even result in flat
tires and a damaged suspensionsystem. In addition, salt used toimprove traction on roadways can
cause rust. Short of moving to a
locale with mild winters, there’s little
drivers can do to protect their
vehicles from harsh winter weather.
But winterizing a vehicle can prevent
some of the more common issues
drivers may encounter when the
temperatures dip below freezing.
• Take time out for your tires.
Winter weather can limit traction,
putting the safety of drivers and their
passengers in jeopardy. When
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monthly take-home pay and make a
list of your monthly expenses. Many
financial advisors warn car buyers
that their car payment should not
exceed 20 per cent of their take-
home pay. That figure might seem
high, especially when buyers
consider a car payment does not
include fuel or the cost of insurance,
which typically must be full
coverage when financing a vehicle.
After examining your take-home
pay and monthly expenses, come up
with a figure you feel comfortable
with regarding your monthly vehicle
expenses, and let that figure guide
you as you begin the car buying
process.
Lease vs. Buy
The decision to lease or buy a
vehicle depends largely on the buyer.
Many drivers swear by leasing,
while others scoff at the notion of
making monthly payments on a
vehicle they likely will never own.
But each has its benefits, and each
has its drawbacks.
Proponents of leasing point to
lower monthly payments that allow
them to drive a nicer vehicle that
they otherwise can’t afford to buy.
Drivers who lease also like knowing
they will get a new car every few
years and won’t have to worry about
trade-in or resale value after the car
has been on the road for a few years.
Those who prefer buying a vehicle
often cite the freedom to drive their
cars as much as possible (leasing
typically comes with mileage
restrictions) without fear of penalties
come the end of their agreements.
Buyers also can sell and/or modify
their vehicles whenever they’d like.
Both have their ups and downs,
and buyers with no particular
preference should examine their
driving habits and vehicle
preferences when determining
whether leasing or buying is right for
them.
The car buying process should be
an enjoyable experience. But it can
be even more enjoyable when buyers
take some time before they start
shopping to determine what they
want out of their next car and how
much they’re willing to pay for that
vehicle.
‘Winterize’ your car just in time for the snow
To lease or to buy?
People get ready
The snow is coming and not only do you have to be ready, but your car needs to be ready too.
Prepare your vehicle for the snow with these tips. (MS photo)
RADAR
AUTO PARTS
"You will find it at CARQUEST"
235 Turnberry St.,
BRUSSELS 519-887-9661
Highway 8 West,
MITCHELL 519-348-8485
20 King St.,
CLINTON 519-482-3445
Also at:
and
CUSTOM EXHAUST SYSTEMS
& GENERAL REPAIRS
• Auto, light truck & agricultural
maintenance & repairs
• Custom bent exhaust systems
made with precision & pride
• Aluminized & stainless tubing
• Bending up to 3"
• Expanding up to 4"
• Diesel 4" & 5" systems
Bob Jamieson ~ Class A Mechanic
519-482-pipe (7473)
41477 Winthrop Rd.
Londesboro, ON
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