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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2009-10-22, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2009. Halloween is the time of year for squeals, squeaks, screeches and things that go bump in the night, but when these eerie and haunted sounds come from your car, it’s time for maintenance. Noise is to the vehicle what pain is to the body: a warning. “Being a car owner doesn’t have to be scary,” said racecar driver and Car Care Canada spokesperson Kelly Williams. “These are just some of the many noises a vehicle makes when there’s a problem, but whenever there’s an unusual sound, it’s a good idea to have the car looked at to ensure safety and reliability and to help prevent costly repairs down the road.” According to Car Care Canada, the following strange and scary noises are clues that trouble is brewing within your car and that it should be checked out by an automotive repair technician. Squeal:A sharp noise that usually means a problem with the brakes or the power steering, fan or air conditioning belt. The entire brake system should be checked every year, including brake linings, rotors and drums. Belts should be inspected every three months or 5,000-8,000 kilometres. Screech:A sound typically caused by brake wear indicators that tell you it’s time for maintenance. Brakes are a normal wear item for any car and eventually they’re going to need to be replaced for both performance and safety reasons. Squeaks:A number of things can cause squeaks, including belts, the water pump or alternator bearings or a pulley. Belts should be replaced when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. And water pumps, tensioners, idlers and alternators all have bearings that can fail and “squeak,” all of which should be checked. Bang:A backfire, which can be caused by lean air/fuel ratio, an ignition malfunction and/or a mechanical failure. Grinding (a metal-on-metal grating noise):A sound that is related to the brake linings. The brake system is your car’s most important safety system and needed repairs should never be put off. Heavy knock:A pounding sound that is usually connecting rod or main bearing failures which are caused by excessive wear. Thump:A sound that usually means there’s a problem with the tires. To maximize tire life and safety, check tire condition and inflation pressure every three months or 5,000 kilometres, and have the tires rotated and balanced. Clang:Gears will make a “clanging” noise when there is excessive “lash” (movement generally describes as “play”). It’s the kind of noise that accompanies one component being allowed to move because of excessive play and the abrupt halt it comes to when encountering the resistance of the part that didn’t move when it was supposed to. Metallic ticking:Also often associated with excessive play in valve train components. Halloween sounds shouldn’t be coming from your car CCC spokesperson clears up some mythsOctober is Car Safety Month and Car Care Canada is preparing Canadians to Be Car Care Aware with myth-slaying tips involving vehicle safety, maintenance and warranty work. All month, Be Car Care Aware spokesperson Kelly Williams will be urging motorists across the country to question what they believe, and to think critically when it comes to safety and maintenance. Kelly will be looking to challenge popular myths about vehicle maintenance, driving safety and even warranty work. As a race car driver, safety promoter, educator and TV personality, Williams knows her way around a car, and she’s not shy about tackling vehicle misconceptions. “Consumers are inundated with all kinds of information about vehicle maintenance and safety. Some of it is true and some of it is certainly not,” said Williams, “The idea behind the Be Car Care Aware campaign is to increase the knowledge of Canadians so that safety and reliability issues are top of mind at all times so they can make intelligent decisions regarding their vehicles.” Car Care Canada estimates there is $2-billion in unperformed automotive maintenance work in Canada that could result in vehicle breakdown, increased costs, or personal injury. The Be Car Care Aware Myth- Slayers have compiled a list of 11 Safety, Maintenance and Warranty Myths. During the month, some of the common myths around safety and maintenance that Williams will slay will include: Myth: Recommended tire pressure is listed on the tire Myth: Your engine should be warmed up before driving. Myth: To maintain my warranty I can only have my car serviced at a dealership Myth: Tire pressure need only be checked when I get an oil change Myth: Cars are so computerized that I should leave all checkups to the professionals: Myth: The windshield is for comfort not safety Myth: Suspension isn’t key to your car’s safety Myth: Hands-free headsets are safer than cellphones Myth: Seatbelts are likely to injure or trap you in a crash. For more information and to download the Be Car Care Aware Safety, Maintenance and Warranty Myth-Slaying Guide, please visit www.carcarecanada.ca. Canadians are urged to empower themselves with knowledge about their vehicles’ maintenance and safety needs. Fall On The Road $50 MAIL-IN REBATE WITH THE PURCHASE OF 4 MICHELIN®TIRES*. From October 12 to November 21, 2009. *Passenger or Light Truck tires. Huron Tire & Auto 519-482-3752 or 519-482-9796 Hwy. 4 South, Clinton, Ont. Stop in to Huron Tire & Auto today and get your mail-in rebate to save $50. with the purchase of 4 Michelin®tires.* You’re Our Security. Priority. Whatever the conditions, choose Michelin®winter tires; an uncompromising combination of starting, stopping and cornering traction that lasts winter after winter. 383 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-9681 1-800-276-4163 24-hour service: 519-524-0599 HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 7AM - 5PM; SATURDAY 8AM - 1PM Service manager, Ian Hunter ~ Parts manager, Bill Glousher -40 Washer Fluid $269 oorr $915 case Sale ends November 30, 2009 New selection of: ~ Belts ~ Spark Plugs ~ Filters ~ Can-Pro Tools See us for all your snowmobile parts and accessories (windshields, belts, plugs and more) Texaco Antifreeze $999 &CUSTOMIZING 519-523-9726 email: countryside@tcc.on.ca 82589 London Rd. 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