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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2013-10-31, Page 21THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013. PAGE 21. Neil’s Repair Service Neil Warwick, Owner General repairs to all makes of cars, trucks, farm equipment and ATVs • Tune-ups • Tires • Exhaust • Air Conditioning • Transmissions • Brakes • Licensed MTO Motor Vehicle Inspection Station 519-357-9508 183 Clyde Street, Bluevale Extra systems drain fuel, bank account in winterNC –Winter driving will soon beupon us and that means navigatingCanadian roads in all kinds ofconditions. By understanding the toll that winter driving takes on our roads, vehicles, bank accounts and the environment, we can all contribute to safe, responsible, fuel- efficient winter driving. For starters, it simply costs more to drive in winter because our vehicles use more fuel. Factors such as increased aerodynamic resistance, difficult and constantly changing road conditions, gas with less energy content compared to summer gas and the constant drain on electricity coming from the engine to operatesystems such as heating, defrosting,headlights, interior lights, heatedseats and mirrors and windshield washer pumps are all factors. The way to get around the extra expense is to keep fuel efficiency top of mind at all times. • Don’t idle to warm up.A vehicle left idling for 10 minutes burns about a quarter to half a litre of fuel, resulting in emissions of about 600 to 1,200 grams of CO2, depending on the vehicle and exact conditions. Idling for more than 30 seconds has no benefit for the vehicle and driving for a few minutes is the most efficient way towarm the engine and the cabin.• Monitor your tire pressure.Tire pressure fluctuates with temperature. Pressure should be checked at least once a month and more often during seasonal changes to ensure a proper level of inflation. Tires under-inflated by just 56 kPa (eight pounds per square inch) can reduce the life of the tires by more than 10,000 kilometres and increase fuel consumption by up to four per cent. • Avoid electrical battery blankets and space heaters. Battery blankets and electrical space heaters consume household electricity,causing increased CO2 emissionsfrom electricity generation. Avoidbattery blankets unless it’s extremely cold. Instead of an electrical space heater, use your vehicle’s built-in temperature control system, as it produces no additional emissions and is an excellent use for the otherwise wasted engine heat. • Use a block heater. Block heaters heat the coolant in your engine, which allows your engine to warm-up faster, leading to less fuelcombustion and fewer harmfulemissions. It’s best to use a timer setto turn on two hours prior to starting the engine. According to the experts at Natural Resources Canada’s office of energy efficiency, Canadians can reduce the impact of winter on their fuel consumption considerably by following these tips. There are more winter driving tips at www.vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca. MS –Winter weather is just around the corner, leaving some drivers wondering if their two- wheel-drive vehicles can handle roads covered in snow and ice. Now is the time people flock to car and truck dealerships to trade in their cars for something with a little more power and traction and also to take advantage of end-of-season pricing. When faced with an array of vehicles boasting four-wheel-drive and all- wheel-drive, consumers often wonder about the differences between the two options or if there is any difference at all. Though similar, four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive are not quite the same. Four-wheel-drive systems (4WD), trace their origins to the late 1800s, while all-wheel-drive (AWD), did not arrive until the late 1970s when an AWD system was used on an Audi vehicle for rally racing. Now many cars and trucks come with 4WD or AWD, particularly crossovers and SUVs. Both drive systems engage all four wheels at the same time to provide more traction. On AWD systems, the powering of the wheels is automatic and usually handled by the electronic system of the car. Some vehicles drive in two- wheel-drive (2WD), but then engage AWD when sensors detect a need for more traction and manoeuverability. When operating 4WD vehicles, drivers may have to manually engage the system. True 4WD uses a transfer case mounted by the rear of the transmission. A button or selector lever on older model SUVs would switch the vehicle from 2WD to 4WD. Unlike in AWD systems, the front and rear axles are locked together in 4WD systems. Four-wheel-drive systems are better for off-roading, rock-climbing and driving through mud and water. Individuals who participate in many off-road recreational activities will find that 4WD, especially in vehicles with more gears, is more effective and provides better traction. All- wheel-drive provides stability, largely on roadways, and enables the vehicle to modify the level of power to either the front or rear wheels to improve traction as needed. All- wheel-drive is adequate for many drivers and situations. It is important to note that, on icy or slippery roads, neither AWD or 4WD systems assist with braking or completely prevent cars from skidding on slick surfaces. Having the ability to engage all four wheels at the same time should not be used as a replacement for cautious driving in inclement weather. Four-wheel-drive and all-wheel- drive both provide power to all four wheels on the vehicle but have subtle differences that make each better for certain driving conditions. Don’t wait until it Snows! Inventory is moving fast Brophy Tire 104 Pine St., Wingham 519-357-3712 Booking now for snow tire installations Light truck and passenger • Cooper • Sailun • Hercules Let us give you a quote on special orders from • Michelin • Bridgestone • Firestone Prices include: installation, clean and buff rims, balancing, new valves, torqued to spec and OTS (disposal fee). HST extra We can store your off-season tires ELLIOTT NIXON INSURANCE BROKERS INC. 5 GENERATIONS SINCE 1910 Blyth, Ont. N0M 1H0 519-523-4481 MEMBER OF HURON INSURANCE MANAGERS — GROUP — John, Bev, Rick, Anne & Jeff Elliott, Darren, Barb, Jackie, Bryan, Ruth-Ann, Amanda, Mandy, Janice, Elizabeth & Kurt Call for a quote today for your auto, home, recreational, and farm insurance. Bill Glousher 40655 Cranbrook Rd. R.R.#4 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 Work 519-357-8596 Res. 519-523-9023 glousherautoparts@bell.blackberry.net ~ Driveline & Brake Conversions ~ Electrical Diagnostics and Repair ~ Fuel System Upgrades ~ Power Adders 519-335-6565 2011 Harriston Rd., Gorrie, Ontario Used Vehicle Sales Specializing in 4x4 Trucks Performance is our specialty! pentast@wightman.ca www.pentasticmotors.com Standard & Customized Golf Carts & Accessories Classic Auto Repair & Restoration All-wheel drive better for roads, four-wheel for off-road Find bargains from our advertisers in the Deals section of our website at www.northhuron .on.ca