HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-10-22, Page 18(MS) -- Though technology has
made substantial advancements
since the dawn of the 21st century,
those advancements have, in many
ways, made life more complex. A
telephone, for instance, is no longer
just a phone, but rather a portable
handheld device that allows us to
check e-mail, text message friends
and family and, of course, make and
receive phone calls.
The auto industry has not been
immune to this ever-changing and
increasingly complex landscape.
Auto manufacturers continue to
develop hybrid automobiles and
have even altered their longstanding
guidelines on vehicle maintenance.
However, with winter quickly
creeping up, it’s important for driv-
ers to combine both the new industry
standards while maintaining some of
the traditional methods to ensure
their vehicles stay strong throughout
the coming season.
MONITOR MOTOR OIL
Vehicle maintenance often begins
with motor oil. Simply put, without
lubrication, friction between engine
parts results in engine wear. That
highlights the need for routine mon-
itoring of motor oil levels and
changing the motor oil per the vehi-
cle manufacturer guidelines.
However, the type of motor oil
drivers use is also important.
Synthetic motor oils, for example,
provide significant performance
benefits over their conventional
counterparts, particularly in colder
weather when conventional motor
oil thickens as the temperature
drops. As a result, conventional
motor oils slow starting rpm, restrict
oil flow to critical engine parts and
increase wear on bearings and rings.
Each of these decreases engine life.
Conversely, synthetic motor oils still
flow or pump at temperatures up to
60 and 70 below zero, allowing cars
and trucks to start with greater ease.
FIGHT THE FREEZE
Those who aren’t necessarily fond
of winter weather no doubt recall the
harsh temperatures of the 2007-08
winter. To combat the long winter,
people tend to bundle up.
What many vehicle owners might
not know is that cars need to be pro-
tected from harsh winter weather as
well, most notably with antifreeze.
An inadequate antifreeze can result
in serious damage to a vehicle,
including water pump failure and a
cracked engine block.
That said, it’s important for drivers
to maintain antifreeze levels
throughout winter while also using
an antifreeze that can protect an
engine against freezing.
But traditional ethylene glycol
(EG) antifreezes have grown less
appealing in recent years as the
nation has grown increasingly eco-
friendly. EG antifreeze boasts a
sweet smell and taste that’s attractive
to both animals and children.
Propylene glycol-based
antifreezes are safer than ethylene
glycol antifreezes because they are
safe if accidentally ingested by ani-
mals, and don’t smell or taste sweet,
reducing the likelihood that pets or
children will be drawn to them.
PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN,THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2009.
Prepare
Avoid the need for a helping hand this winter by making vehicle maintenance a priority. (MS
photo)
Caress your vehicle throughthe harsh winter weatherFall On The Road
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Car Stereos
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Neil Warwick
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Scott Bridge
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Darryl Patterson
Service Technician
Eric Ross
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Jon Walters
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Jordan Errington
Apprentice
Clare Schmidt
Service Technician
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