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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1988-05-18, Page 19THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988. PAGE 17. Horsepower ’88 These safety measures help ensure good trip Think about all the glossy brochures you’ve read while plan­ ning for your summer vacation. Full as they were of the beauties of the places they were inducing you tovisit, notoneof them touched upon the single most important Pre-vacation basic check list Here is a basic checklist for you, or your mechanic, to follow before you leave on your trip. Then, have a carefree, safe drive. Inspected 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 [ 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 [ ] 1 1 [ 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 [ 1 1 1 I 1 1 J 1 1 aspect ot a successtul vacation - safety! For, while splendid scenery, well-planned amenities, sites of historic interest and amusements to occupy the kids may all be requirements of a successful vaca­ UNDER THE HOOD All fluid levels All hoses and belts Tune-up Oil change/filter/lube Air filter Cooling system: A/C, heater • Operation, pressure check Battery: Cables, connections • Charging system ROAD TEST Lights: • Internal, instruments, warning • Headlights: Low/high beams • Directionals • Braking/reverse Windshield wipers/washer All panel controls Shocks • Ride, leaks Horn OTHER Tires: Wear, condition, pressure • Rotate and/or balance, if needed Brakes: Wear, leaks • Adjust, if needed All door latches/locks Jack: All parts there are workable tion, none of them will matter very much if a car accident en route to your vacation site, or on your way home, should crop up to spoil the fun. The condition of your car is of primary importance to your fami­ ly’s safety, especially during a driving vacation, when you’re on the road for long stretches, when perhaps with a camping trailer or boat trailer attached behind. Before setting out on vacation, therefore, check your car thor­ oughly, or have your mechanic do it, giving it a tune-up if necessary. Do check coolant and oil levels, filling up as necessary. It’s a good idea to keep spare containers of motor oil, antifreeze, power steer­ ing fluid (if appropriate) and windshield washer fluid, and a plastic jug of water in the truck of your car for emergencies. Make sure your windshield is sparkling clean, before setting out. Visibility is one of the defensive driver’s most important assets. And, be certain you have a complete tool chest in your trunk, with wrenches, screwdrivers, etc., incaseof necessity. Also, make sure you have a jack and all the equipment necessary for changing a tire on your particular car. Breakdowns, when they occur, don’t usually happen 50 yards away from a service station. Before setting out on a driving vacation, is an ideal time to review the rules of the road. It’s also a good idea to have a thorough look at the route you’ll be taking. Study road maps in ad­ vance, so you’ll be able to navigate efficiently - and safely - once you’re on the road. Know your exit in advance. As you’re approaching an exit, is too late to decide whether or not it’s the one you should be taking. A significant percentage of accidents occur when tardy drivers find themselves making last-minute decisions, changing lanes sudden­ ly and swerving over to catch an exit. If you realize, at the last minute, that you’re missing your exit, for safety’s sake go on to the next one, get off, and return. If there ’ s another licensed driver in the car, arrange to alternate. You’ll go father, more safely, with two drivers - both rested - than with one over-tired person behind the wheel for the whole trip. Locally owned and operated 190 MITCHELL AVE. S. Ifyou’re the only driver in the car, avoid long stretches, and don’t cram too many miles into a single day. Always observe the posted speed limit; it’s not only illegal, but unsafe, to exceed it. On the other hand, don’t drive too slowly for the road you’re on. If you don’t want to cruise along at the top of the speed limit, choose a local road, with a lower speed limit, where you can take your time and stop, on occasion, to enjoy the scenery without impeding other drivers and possibly causing an accident. Always wear seat belts - statis­ tics prove that they can save lives. If your children are young, strap them into car safety seats, follow­ ing the instructions provided, and make sure the seat you’re using is the right size for the child who will be occupying it. LUIUUW^S 'AINES 890 Wallace Ave. N., Listowel • 291-1730 You can choose any 1 of these 3 EXTRA OPTIONS INC. ' EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA ' This beautifully equipped vehicle offers you an “EXTRA OPTION” Yes, with your purchase of any Brand New 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Option #1: West Bend Twin Burner Gas Barbecue • 30,000 btu’s Option #2: Moffat .6 cu. ft. Microwave Oven 500-watt cooking power • 10 power levels • auto-start (12 hr. delay) Option #3: RCA 14" Colour Television / Your Choice of one FREE with the purchase absolutely of any Cutlass Supreme Classic zzpnf~r*z/ This offer expires Tuesday, May 31/88