The Citizen, 2007-10-25, Page 18A vehicle relies on the effective-
ness of its vital fluids to keep its
moving parts operating efficiently,
reliably and safely and you ignore
them at your peril.
The list of liquids includes gaso-
line, motor oil, anti-freeze, wind-
shield wiper fluid, brake fluid, auto-
matic transmission fluid, specific
lubricants for manual gearboxes, the
transfer cases in four-wheel-drive
vehicles and the differential in rear-
drive vehicles, plus power steering
fluid.
All are specially formulated high-
tech chemical cocktails, so the cor-
rect type and grade must always be
used and, because they can break
down with time and usage, they need
replacement at the intervals speci-
fied in a vehicle’s owner’s manual,
says Car Care Canada.
Fuel chemistry is something we
don’t think much about, but the cor-
rect octane rating is important to
engine operation and poor quality
fuel may not contain the additives
required to meet seasonal require-
ments and keep fuel injection sys-
tems functioning properly.
Motor oil is your engine’s life
blood. It not only lubricates, reduc-
ing wear, but performs the task of
keeping combustion contaminants,
metal fragments and dirt etc. in sus-
pension to be carried to the filter or
removed when the oil is changed.
Another reason not to ignore oil
changes is that its chemical struc-
ture and the ingredients added to it
begin to break down with time, and
it loses effectiveness. Oil life moni-
toring devices are becoming more
common these days, but unless you
have one, stick to the manufacturer’s
recommended oil change intervals.
Transmission fluid performs a
number of functions. It lubricates,
transmits drive in the torque convert-
er, acts as a hydraulic pressure medi-
um and as a coolant. Most older
vehicles should have it changed at
30,000-50,000 km intervals but new
semi-synthetic fluids have stretched
this to 80,000-100,000 km or more
on some new cars. Its level should be
checked after a short warm-up drive
with the engine idling in park. The
fluid on the dipstick should be red. If
it is brown and has a burnt smell, this
indicates a problem. If you do need
to add fluid make sure you use the
correct type.
A number of oils with unique
properties have been developed to
lubricate manual transmissions, the
differentials and 4x4 transfer cases.
Use only the correct product and
while change intervals are often
lengthy they shouldn’t be over-
looked.
Anti-freeze not only acts as a
coolant, allowing today’s engines to
run at higher temperatures than
ever before, but it has lubricating
and anti-corrosion properties
that help water pumps and radia-
tors live longer more productive
lives. Because these additives
can weaken with time anti-freeze
should be replaced every two
years.
Brake fluid is something we rarely
think about, but it too is a complex
product that transmits hydraulic
pressure to and also lubricates brake
components. It also has to deal with
extremely high temperatures and
resist contamination by moisture. It
must be checked regularly (if it
needs topping up leak should be sus-
pected and dealt with) and changed
as required.
Power steering fluid levels should
also be looked at frequently and
changed according to manufacturers
recommendations.
Windshield washer fluid needs to
be of a good quality and meet tem-
perature requirements in your area.
Keep the reservoir full so it’s always
available when required.
PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2007.
Pouring it on
The list of liquids that your vehicle depends upon is vital to
keeping it operating efficiently, reliably and safely. Ignore
them at your peril.
High-tech fluids help keep vehicle healthy
Are you tired of smearing,
screeching and chattering wiper
blades? Do you dread another rainy
drive without the benefit of an
unobstructed view of the road? Buy
a set of wiper blades and install
them yourself. It takes only a few
minutes, and simple instructions are
right on the box.
More than 70 per cent of
Canadians change the wiper blades
themselves.
Before you begin, here are two
suggestions:
• You can make the wiper blade
more accessible by stopping it in
the most convenient location with
the ignition key. Don’t use the
wiper on-off switch, as it causes
the wipers to stop in their parked
position.
• Look for replacement rubber
squeegees to avoid the cost of buy-
ing the entire blade and holder.
They’re usually easily installed
and can restore wiping action, as
long as the rest of the components
are ok.
The normal life expectancy of the
rubber squeegee is six to 12 months.
That’s reason enough to learn to do
it yourself.
Replace blades
for safety
OOnn tthhee RRooaadd
Huron Transmission
& Automotive Repair
371 Parson Crt., Goderich
519-524-2501 or 1-866-426-9502
We accept
• Free Estimates • Front Wheel Drives
• 4x4 Service • Domestic and Imports
• Clutch and Differential Repairs
• Specializing in Automatic and
Computer Controlled
Transmissions
• 1 Year Warranty on
rebuilt Transmissions
Rust Proofing
&CUSTOMIZING
519-523-9726
email: countryside@tcc.on.ca
82589 London Rd.
South of Blyth
• Insurance claims • Collision repairs
• Refinishing • Restoration
• Spray in truck box liners • Oil spray undercoating
ENVIRO LINER
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