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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 1987-04-15, Page 19THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1987. PAGE 19. A guide to checking your cooling system The best way to inspect a hose is to squeeze it firmly along its entire length. If the hose feels very spongy and lifeless or has bulges, it has lost its carcass strength, and may swell and burst under pres sure. If the hose feels hard and brittle or if cracks appear, it has lost its flexibility. In either case, have the hose replaced. CHECKING THE BELTS Next to a dry gas tank and a flat tire, the third most common reason for service station calls is an overheated engine. Routine, simple-to-perform checks of your car’s cooling system can help you avoid the overheating problem this summer. CHECKING THE COOLANT Today’s engines require a heat reducing liquid coolant which is usually 50 percent water and 50 percent antifreeze. You should always use, or insist that your mechanic install, a good quality - brand name - antifreeze. Alumi num engines and radiators require a compatible antifreeze. Your owner’s manual should have speci fic recommendations. The coolant level should be checked once a month. Most cars have a coolant recovery system to maintain the correct level. Look to either side of your radiator for a clear plastic tank with a hose running to the top of your radiator. Check the coolant level in the tank, not the radiator. If yours is too low, add coolant to the recovery tank. CHECKING THE HOSES Four or five cooling system hoses are found in most cars. The two most important are the radiator hoses: One delivers the coolant to the engine, while the other carries hot coolant from the enginetothe radiator. They are usually one to two inches in diameter. Since hoses are so vital to safe engine operation, they should be checked at least every six months. The radiator hoses should be Maintenance benefits replaced when the system is being flushed and antifreeze replaced. This often is the most convenient and practical time to make the change. Hoses over four years old and those showing obvious signs of wear should be replaced immedi ately, however. It’s important to also check the engine V-belts. They transfer powerfrom the engine to accessor ies including the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, and air-conditioning compressor. Yourcar may have from one to four belts. Each is important and should be checked for excessive wear and for the correct tension. Potential failure is often difficult to detect. Even the best mechanic cannot always tell the condition of a belt by just looking. That’s why if your belts are over four years old, you should have them replaced. A national study indicates that most automotive belts fail after the fourth year. If the underside of a belt shows cracks, fraying or missing chunks, the belt should be replaced immediately. The other check is for belt tension. Too little tension allows a belt to slip, while too much tension can lead to failed alternator or water pump bearings. The tension should be checked withagauge. Most full-service gas stations have a professional gauge, and your mechanic can check for belt tension at the same time your car is being fueled. Although most cars use stand ard V-belts, some are now using a new style belt having what is called a V-ribbed configuration. A V-rib- bedbeltisflatonthetop, andis thinner and wider than a tradition al V-belt. Its name comes from the longitudinal ribs on the inner surface. Since the one belt drives all or most of the accessories, a broken belt will put you on the side of the road almost immediately. This V-ribbed belt should be checked frequently, and replaced immed iately if excessive cracks are evident. Routine checks and mainten ance are probably the most important part of automotive care. Followthe recommendations in your owner’s manual for mainten ance and visit your service station or dealer mechanic this spring. KAD^SHWj 482-7770 NEWF0R1987 Re-MFG.GasTanks Quality Guaranteed •Tanks for passenger and light duty trucks in stock. •Full service and repairs to all makes and models •Bring your leaks to us! •Free Estimates COMPLETE RADIATORSERVICE CLEANED-REPAIRED 77 Albert St. CLINTON Let The Professionals At..."■ t— j lJZIM * $ everyone A well-maintained car benefits everyone. All motorists will share a cleaner environment, travel in safer cars and save money on repairs and break-downs. Regular maintenance is easy and doesn’t require much time. A tune-up at least once a year will help assure the best fuel economy and performance, protection against pollution, starting difficul ties and expensive repair. Proper maintenance includes checks of: •the oil, and changing of the oil and the oil filter on a regular basis; •the battery, monthly in cold weather, weekly in hot weather; •the tires, to be sure they are properly inflated; •the air filter, at least every two months, and replaced when dirty; •the cooling system, including coolant level, and inspection for leaks, loose and frayed belts and hoses; •all lights; •transmission, brake and power steering fluids; and, •wiper blades. 1986 CHEVY NOVA 4-DOOR SEDAN - 1.6 litre 4 cyl., auto., p.s., p.b., AM/FM stereo, 6,000 miles 1985 OLDSMOBILE DELTA 88 ROYALE BROUGHAM 4-DOOR • 307 C.l. V8, auto/overdrive, air cond., power windows & locks, 44,000 miles 1985 MONTE CARLO SPORT COUPE - 3.8 litre V6, auto., AM/FM stereo, wire wheel covers, 20,000 miles. 1985 CHEVROLET CELEBRITY 4-DOOR SEDAN • 2 5 litre, 4 cyl., auto., air cond., 21,000 miles 1985 GRAND PRIX - 3 8 litre V6, auto., AM/FM stereo, 13,000 miles. 1985 OLDSMOBILE DELTA 88 L.S. 4-DOOR SEDAN • 307 C.I., air conditioning, power windows, locks and seats, 32,000 miles 1985 CUTLASS SUPREME BROUGHAM 4-DOOR - 5 litre V8, air conditioning, power windows & locks, two-tone paint, 28,000 miles 1984 CHEVROLET CAPRICE 4 DOOR SEDAN - 5 litre V8, air conditioning, power locks & windows, divided seat. 50,000 miles 1984 BUICK REGAL 2-DOOR COUPE - 3.8 litre V6, air condi tioning, divided seat, AM/FM stereo, 32,000 miles 1984 GRANO PRIX - 3 8 litre V6, air conditioning, bucket seats, two-tone paint, 35,000 miles 1984 FIREBIRD • V6, 5 speed transmission, p.s.. p b.. AM/FM stereo, 52,000 miles 1984 OLDSMOBILE DELTA 88 BROUGHAM 2-DOOR - 307 C.l. V8, air conditioning, power windows, locks & seat, AM/FM cassette 1984 GRANO PRIX ■ 305 V8. divided seat, two tone paint, sun roof, 53,000 miles. 1984 CHEVETTE 4-DOOR - 4 cyl, 4 speed transmission, electric defroster, 39,000 miles 9,800. 13,900. 10,900 10,900. 10,900. 14,700. 12,900. 10,700. 12,500. 10,800. 9,500. 10,500. 9,800. 4.900. 3.9 FINANCING* OVER 24 MONTHS Chevy Sid or 5.9% over 36 months 7.9% over 48 months OR UP TO $ MV750. OF NO CHARGE OPTIONS $750 with manual trans. $500 with Offer expires April 30/87 auto, trans. Chevy Blazer 1983 FORD FAIRMONT 4-DOOR - Economical 6 cyl., auto., p.s., p.b., two-tone paint, 45,000 miles 1983 CHEVROLET CAPRICE 4 DOOR - 4.3 litre V6. two tone paint, only 28,000 miles 1983 OLDSMOBILE DELTA 88 ROYALE 4-DOOR • 5 litre V8. air conditioning, very clean, 40,000 miles 1983 CELEBRITY 4-DOOR • 2.8 litre V6, auto., p.s., p.b., two-tone paint, sport wheels, 30,000 miles 1983 MONTE CARLO SPORT COUPE • 305 C.l. V8, air condi tioning, divided seat, power windows & locks, 70,000 miles. 1983 CITATION 4-DOOR HATCHBACK - Economical 4 cyl, auto., p.s., p.b., 55,000 miles .,..................... 1981 FORD ESCORT 2-DOOR - 4 cyl auto . AM/FM stereo, 49,000 miles 1981 ARIES K-CAR 4-DOOR - 4 cyl., 4 speed trans., cheap transportation 1981 CITATION 4-DOOR HATCHBACK - 4 cyl., auto , p.s., p.b., radial tires 1986 CHEVROLET % TON PICKUP - 305 C.l. V8. auto . p.s., p.b., step bumper, 30,000 miles 1986 ASTRO CARGO VAN - 4.3 litre V6, auto./overdrive, p.s., p.b., 16,000 miles 5,600. 8,500. 10,500. 7,900. 8,900. 5,600. 3,900. 3,500. 3,900. 10,500. 12,500. THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES HAVE NOT BEEN CERTIFIED 1985 CHEVROLET 4x4 PICKUP - 305 C I V8, 4 speed trans mission, p.s., p.b., on/off road tires, 30,000 miles. 1979 CUTLASS SUPREME WAGON - 305 C.l. V8. auto , p.s . p.b., sport wheels, radial tires, 74,000 miles 1979 PONTIAC 4-DOOR SEDAN - V8 auto . p s , p.b . air con ditioning, 50,000 miles 1976 VENTURA 2-DOOR - V8 auto . p.s . p b . radial tires, 97,000 miles Take advantage of our... ★ Cavalier ★ Ciera ★ Firenza 10,500. 2,900. 3,500. 1,500. Offer onthese fine cars ★ Cutlass ★ Celebrity ’750. Cash Back ★ Monte Carlo ★ Nova ★ Full Size Pick-Ups Hurry! Offer expires April 30/87 Haines 890 WALLACE AVE. N„ LIST0WEL 291-1730