HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-04-09, Page 18PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN,THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2009.Change your oil and be ready to hit the road(NC) - A vehicle’s oil is impera-
tive for lubricating the engine and
assisting in cooling. The steady flow
of oil through the engine eliminates
much of the heat that is generated
and seals the piston rings so they
function properly. Good oil will also
clean the engine by removing
sludge, carbon and more.
Changing your oil at home can be
simple and is a great way to save
money. The pros at PartSource have
the following tips for changing your
oil this spring:
Safety First
• Every vehicle is different, so
always follow the vehicle’s owner’s
manual.
• Prepare your tools and supplies
before you begin
• Watch out for hazards in and
around your workspace and always
wear safety glasses, a dust mask and
latex gloves.
• Use the correct tools - substitut-
ing items can compromise your
safety or your vehicle’s perform-
ance.
• If the job requires specialized
knowledge beyond your abilities,
seek the assistance of a parts pro,
professional mechanic or installer.
Getting Started
Step 1
Make sure the engine is cooled
completely before you begin.
Step 2
Pour gunk engine flush into the
crankcase (where you pour the oil
in). This flush will help remove
gum, varnish, and sludge from the
engine compartment.
Step 3
Run the vehicle at idle for 5 min-
utes. Do not drive the vehicle with
the gunk engine flush in.
Step 4
Loosen the drain plug. Put the
drain pan under the drain plug.
Step 5
Once all the oil has drained, place
your new sure drain plug into the oil
pan, and twist on the protective dust
cap. The next time you change your
oil you won’t have to remove the
drain plug; you’ll only have to attach
a drain hose.
Tip:
If you’re using the old drain plug,
remember to install a new drain
plug gasket. This will prevent leaks.
Step 6
Now put the drain pan under the
oil filter. Remove the oil filter with
your oil filter wrench.
Step 7
Install the new oil filter, tightening
according to specs. (See your parts
pro if you need specs.)
Step 8
Fill the crankcase with new oil -
you’re done!
Why Choose Synthetic?
If your vehicle is driven in
extreme heat or often started in the
cold, synthetic oil will help protect
the engine better. Synthetic motor
oil, when compared to conventional
motor oils, offer serious perform-
ance benefits:
o Superior protection in low tem-
peratures, enabling easier and faster
start-ups in cold weather (as low as -
40°F)
o Enhanced high-temperature
durability, reducing oxidation and
wear on critical engine parts (up to
400°F)
o Reduced oil consumption under
high-speed conditions and superior
performance under heavy engine
loads/stresses, such as hauling and
towing.
OOnn tthhee RRooaadd
J.L. McCUTCHEON
MOTORS
Downtown BRUSSELS
519-887-6856 or 1-888-351-9193
LUBE, OIL &
FILTER
$3195
and up
10 Point Check
Includes...
❀❀ Test Antifreeze PH
❀❀ Check Cooling System Leaks
❀❀ Check Wiper Blades
❀❀ Top Up Washer Fluid
❀❀ Check Air Conditioning Performance
❀❀ Check Air Filter
❀❀ Check Fan Belts
❀❀ Check Rad Hoses
❀❀ Check Tires
❀❀ Check all Lights
$1295
Remember... Every Wednesday is Senior's Day
Receive 10%off parts & labour
www.mccutcheonmotors.ca
BUSINESS HOURS:
Monday - Friday 8 am - 5:30 pm; Saturday 8 am - 12 noon
After hour appointments available
APPLE CUSTOM
DETAILING
• Exterior & Interior
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Packages available
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235 Turnberry St.,
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Highway 8 West,
MITCHELL 348-8485
20 King St.,
CLINTON 482-3445
Also at:
and
Andrew Southgate, Licensed Technician/Owner
Quality Auto Body repairs and restorations
From the Ground Up!
All insurance claims welcome.
We specialize in collision refinishing and
classic and antique car appraisals and repairs
SOUTHGATE
AUTO COLLISION
14 Orchard Lane, Brussels 519-887-6833
These days you see more
cell phones than ever, and many of
them will be on the ears of
people behind the wheel of an auto-
mobile.
Some of these phones and their
owners will wind up in car crashes,
but don’t be too quick to blame the
cell phone.
Blame the drivers who use them
in the wrong place at the wrong
time, allowing conversations to
divert their attention from the
road.
“Hands-free devices make it easy
to eliminate reaching and dialing,
but it’s not about having your hands
free,” says Car Care Canada’s Marc
Brazeau.
“It’s about having your mind free
to concentrate on driving. It’s best
to pull off the road, or even better,
call back later.”
There are a variety of other situa-
tions that can distract motorists,
whether they’re en route to their
vacation destination, or simply driv-
ing across town.
Many of these can be addressed
with little or no money.
Examples include:
• Things hanging from the rear
view mirror - Take them down.
They can obstruct vision out of both
the front and rear windows.
• A damaged rear view mirror -
Get it repaired. Many of your driv-
ing decisions are only as good as
the view from your mirrors.
• Worn windshield wiper blades -
Replace them. Smeared glass and
chattering blades can be unnerv-
ing. Blades are inexpensive and
you can probably do the installa-
tion yourself.
• Torn or frayed car mats - Get new
ones. The old mats can catch a
heel, diverting your attention
and/or interfering with the motion
of your foot on the accelerator or
brake.
• Droopy headliner - Purchase a
kit to reattach it or buy a new one.
Material draping down in the back
obstructs the view out of the rear
window.
• Keeping a pet in its place away
from the driver.
Determine what annoyances you
can fix yourself and which ones
need professional attention, says the
Car Care Canada. Take care of
them as soon as possible; to delay
could mean an accident waiting to
happen.
Don’t be
on the
phone
when on
the road