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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-04-10, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2008. PAGE 19. How did we ever get along without air conditioning in our cars? It’s a feature we take for granted until, suddenly, it’s blowing hot air. In the past few years, many owners have discovered that fixing an inoperative air conditioner can cost a few hundred dollars or more, depending upon the make and model of vehicle. The reason is that the old standby R-12 refrigerant, trade named DuPont Freon, has been replaced by R-134a. Touted as being environmentally safer than its predecessor, R-134a has been standard since ‘94. If your older vehicle needs major repairs to the air conditioning system you can expect to replace refrigerant and the oil in the compressor in addition to the old components. You also may need to install a retrofit conversion. Do not allow anyone to mix refrigerants. They’re not inter- changeable. You cannot add R-134a to your older air conditioner without first flushing the system. Further, according to Car Care Canada, some substitutes are volatile mixtures of propane, butane and flammable hydrocarbons. Keep in mind the fact that if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, you’re damaging the ozone layer. An annual inspection of the vehicle, including the air conditioning system, may help forestall costly repairs. Many automotive service shops offer AC inspection specials when warm weather arrives. Otherwise, ask your service centre to evaluate your system before those hot and humid days of summer. That curb you bumped while negotiating an icy corner last winter might not appear to have done any damage, but chances are your vehicle is a candidate for an alignment check. If you hit it – or that frost-heave or spring thaw pothole – hard enough, you might notice your vehicle no longer tracks straight and tends to pull to one side, particularly while braking. In a severe case your steering wheel might even be askew. But in most cases wheel misalignment is more subtle and often goes unnoticed until it becomes obvious through unusual tire wear patterns. When a vehicle leaves the factory its wheels are aligned in a geometric relationship with the actions of the suspension and steering. The main settings, known as camber, caster and toe-in and ride height, determine how it will react during acceleration, braking, turning, hitting bumps or just rolling down the highway. Tire tread wear patterns are a clear visual clue to bad alignment and are easy to detect, but only after they’ve become established, by which time you’ve usually ruined an expensive set of tires. A simple check can be conducted using a coin to measure tread depth on the inside, centre and outside of the tire. If the tread is deeper on the edges than the centre, the tire has been running over-inflated. If the tread is deeper in the centre than the edges, it’s been running under- inflated. Simply inflating them to the correct pressure can solve these problems. If the tread is deeper on one side than the other, however, you have a camber problem. Another check involves running your hand over the tire. If you find the surface is smooth in one direction and jagged in the other, you’ve likely discovered the saw- tooth wear pattern related to a toe-in problem. In both cases professional attention is required. Car Care Canada recommends having an annual alignment and suspension components check-over. It could save you the cost of replacing prematurely worn tires, and will ensure your vehicle operates safely in an emergency. Some cold facts about A/C refrigerant Frost-heaves a recipe for misalignment (MS) — This is the season for planning and embarking on a vacation. For many vacationers, destinations are reached by plane, train or bus. However, many others choose to make the journey as much a part of the vacation as the final destination and travel via RV. RVs come in sizes and price ranges to meet just about any budget. Motorized ones are more expensive and are generally a home on wheels. Towable RVs can be folding or conventional camping trailers that are pulled by another vehicle. When most people envision an RV, they are usually thinking of the motorized variety. While RV owners come in all types, according to a University of Michigan study conducted in 2001, the majority of owners are Baby Boomers — the fastest-growing segment of RV buyers. They likely own their homes and spend their disposable income on traveling. RVs provide a comfortable, affordable and practical method of vacationing, particularly in larger motorized homes. They can also foster a feeling of togetherness among families who RV vacation together. RVs provide one of the most flexible ways to see the country — on your own schedule. They can also be used for non-traditional purposes, such as tailgating, shopping and more. OOnn tthhee RRooaadd BRUSSELS AUTO COLLISION & RESTORATION COMPLETE AUTO BODY REPAIR AND REFINISHING Specializing In Quality Work At Affordable Prices 590 Turnberry St., Brussels Tel: 519-887-8000 Fax: 519-887-8001 ALL INSURANCE CLAIMS WELCOME Has winter been hard on your vehicle? Stop in for a free estimate Carter's West End Garage & Body Shop 215 Huron St., Clinton 519-482-9363 or if busy 519-482-3534 For all your Spring car needs! PARTS FOR ALL MAKES & MODELS HOURS: MON. - FRI. 8 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. SAT. 8 A.M. - 12 NOON 564 Campbell St., LUCKNOW 519-528-2220 1-877-528-2220 After Hours: 519-528-3876 FAX 519-528-2226 BRYAN MARRIAGE JenkinsL.H. LTD. TOWING, AUTO PARTS & REPAIR “Friendly Service & Reasonable Prices” 519-524-2181 Towing 519-524-2182 24 HOUR • Damage Free Towing • Flat Bed Towing • Local & Long Distance LARGE SELECTION OF NEW & USED PARTS FOR ALL MAKES & MODELS “Fuel tanks our specialty” CANADIAN TIRE AUTO CLUB National Auto League Blyth 519-523-9681 We have everything you need to get your vehicle ready for summer • Interior and exterior cleaners and protectants • Aftermarket accessories • Mechanical parts Bill Glousher Ian Hunter Chart an RV this season