HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-10-25, Page 23By 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 andhigher 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 cycle
of the automobile.”
Here’s a handy checklist aimed at
doubling your car’s life expectancy:
MAINTENANCE MUSTS:
• Tune-Up. A regular tune-up isrecommended, 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 AirFilters. 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 kilometers.
• Check Sparkplugs. Clean or
change sparkplugs if they are badly
fowled or if the gap shows serious
erosion.
• System Check. Assess brakes,
the tires, and the shock absorbers atleast 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 25, 2007. PAGE 23.
Society’s growing obsession with
younger looking faces evidenced by
the Botox craze, is inspiring car
owners to prolong the appearance of
their automobiles as well. Four
billion dollars were spent last year in
the United States on enhancements
to keep the interior and exterior of
vehicles looking like new, according
to the Car Care Council in the
United States. Hundreds of millions
were spent in Canada.
“As consumers spend more time in
their vehicles and drive more
kilometres each year, they are
placing more importance on
comfort, luxury and appearance,”
says Car Care Canada’s Marc
Brazeau.
Many consumers don’t realize that
just as they can buy new carpet for
their home or refinish and repair
furniture, they can also rejuvenate
their second largest investment, the
automobile. Automotive upholstery
and interior repair shops, known as
trim shops, can fix a drooping
headliner, replace worn carpeting,
repair torn upholstery and replace a
weathered convertible top.
“Homeowners don’t sell their
house because someone put a hole in
the wall. But too often vehicle
owners will trade in a vehicle that is
paid off just to get a new ‘look’.
Repair and restoration is a very cost-
effective alternative to buying a new
car and taking on a new car
payment,” says Brazeau.
While leather is still the most
popular upscale option for a
vehicle’s interior, where age shows
first, innovative fabrics offer many
more customization, repair and
restoration options for the average
car owner. Today’s modern trim
shop can replace original materials
like seat or door panels to an
imperceptible condition.
The council advises that, if you
want to preserve the new look and
feel of your faithful car, truck, SUV
or minivan, search for trim and
upholstery shops in the phone book
or on the Internet, which specialize
in repairing and enhancing interior
as well as exterior features of
automobiles.
Some botox for your car
Good car maintenance means money in handOOnn tthhee RRooaadd
Includes oil, oil filter,
chassis lube and 105 point
vehicle inspection, includes
brakes, steering,
suspension and drivetrain.
To keep your car running at top performance, change
your oil every 5,000 km or every three months.
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40486 B-Line Road
WINGHAM
Ph: 357-1997
Fax: 357-9978
We also do
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Andrew Southgate ~ Licensed Technician/Owner
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519-887-6833
We specialize in collision refinishing, classic
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at...
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includes inside doors,
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Service Hrs: Mon.-Fri. 8-5:30
2005 F150
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2007 Escape XLT
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26,400 km
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CALL NO CHARGE 1-800-663-5130
Windshield Repair
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House Glass & Mirrors
(Small frames & screens)
Sun Roofs
Auto Upholstery (seat repair)
Convertible Tops (boat tops)
Vinyl Tops
Truck Accessories
Car Stereos
Window Tinting
Truck Caps & Hardcovers
Trailer Hitches
Detailing
Rustproofing
Auto Trader photo ad centre
Open Saturdays 8 am - 12 noon
• Licensed
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• Computer
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• Safety Checks
• General Repairs
• Brakes, Steering
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• Tire Sales
• Air Conditioning
Steven J. Fritzley
REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES - BIG OR SMALL
54 Goderich St. East (Hwy. 8), Seaforth
519-527-0797
Book your No-Drip Rustproofing now!
(NC)—Reduce your warm-up
idling. On normal winter days, you
can drive away after only 30 seconds
of idling (provided your vehicle is
cleared of snow and your windows
are defrosted).
Contrary to popular belief, the best
way to warm up your car is to drive
it at a moderate speed. Source:
Natural Resources Canada -
ecoaction.gc.ca/vehicles.
Warm up
your car
by driving
not idling
ON $5.00 THURSDAYS
Drop into either of our offices any
Thursday with your word classified
(maximum 20 words) and pay only
$5.00 + GST (paid in advance).
That’s $1.00 off regular rates.
The Citizen