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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-10-23, Page 17By J. C. Carroll (NC)—For every dollar spent on maintaining your vehicle, you stand to keep $6 in your pocket, claims a recent study in the automotive industry. “The report, released at the 2000 Canadian Fleet Maintenance Seminar, showed that for the 8,000 vehicles studied, $1.2 million was spent and $7.5 million was saved,” says Freeman Young, president of Krown Rust Control. “This is welcome news for car owners in the face of higher and higher gas prices, repair bills, and insurance costs.” The reported savings factored in the cost of car payments, interest, and insurance. “Most importantly,” said Young, “the key to lowering overall costs lies in avid maintenance to extend the life cycleof the automobile.”Here's a handy checklist aimed at doubling your car's life expectancy: MAINTENANCE MUSTS: • Tune-Up. A regular tune-up is recommended, even with the high- tech performance of today's vehicles. At least once per year, test ignition wires, spark plugs, the fuel and air injector, pcv valves, plus the vital sensors that govern most engines. • Corrosion Treatment. Essential in the Canadian climate, an annual corrosion body treatment helps to reduce rust and deterioration in the electrical system and every moving part of the body is lubricated. • Change Engine Oil and Air Filters. The oil and air filters prevent dirt and harmful particles from damaging the engine and they should be changed at twice a year or every 5,000 kilometres. • Check Spark Plugs. Clean or change spark plugs if they are badly fueled or if the gap shows serious erosion. • System Check. Assess brakes, the tires, and the shock absorbers at least twice per year. • Wash and Polish. Remove the weather and road elements regularly, and protect the paint with polish at least once per season. • Interior Care. Dust and clean dashboard with every car wash. Vacuum at least once per season. Shampoo upholstery whenever needed. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2008. PAGE 17. Practise good car care (NC) -- Purchasing a new vehicle is a major decision involving many factors. The information in the Fuel Consumption Guide, produced by Natural Resources Canada along with other federal departments and industry partners, helps drivers compare relative fuel consumption ratings among vehicles that meet their utility, performance and lifestyle needs. While the fuel consumption ratings of a vehicle are one purchase consideration, the way in which drivers operate and maintain their vehicles also affects the amount of fuel they consume. To optimize fuel efficiency, your vehicle must be properly maintained and run on clean, high-quality fuels. To reduce the amount of fuel you use, always follow the recommendations for fuel formulation and for vehicle maintenance and operation provided in your owner's manual. To read the 2009 guide on-line, go to vehicles.gc.ca and visit “purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle” or call at 1-800-387-2000 to order one. Maintain Maintaining your vehicle puts money back in your pocket. (NC photo) Get fuel consumption guide FFaallll oonn tthhee RRooaadd Don’t Give Up A Thing. High Traction Tread SNOW GROOVE M.G.M. TOWNSEND TIRE WE’LL KEEP YOU ROLLING 40356 LONDESBORO RD., LONDESBOROUGH BUSINESS: 519-523-4742 TOLL FREE: 1-877-619-7877 EMAIL: ttyr@tcc.on.ca 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 1-800-320-0666 519-482-7971 Highway #4 South Clintonwww.huronfuelinjection.com FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMS TURBO CHARGERS STARTER & ALTERNATORS PENTASTIC MOTORS Specializing in trucks 4x4 Trades Welcome 2011 Harriston Rd. Gorrie www.pentasticmotors.com We have financing available USED CARS & TRUCKS Dave Robertson Heather Robertson Bus: 519-335-6565 Fax: 519-335-4090 FALL CLEARANCE ON 4X4 TRUCKS 2004 Chev 2500 Crew Cab 4x4 diesel, auto, only 62,000 kms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24,988. 2005 Dodge 2500 Crew Cab 4x4 diesel, 6 spd., 109,000 kms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27,988. 2005 Dodge 2500 Crew Cab 4x4 diesel, auto, 99,000 kms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,988. 2005 Ford F150 Crew Cab 4x4 Lariat auto, 69,000 kms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,988. 2005 GMC 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 SLE auto, 118,000 kms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,988. 2005 Ford F150 XTD Cab 4x4 Lariat auto, 60,000 kms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,988.