Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1987-10-14, Page 27THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987. PAGE 27. Gas shocks offer smoother ride, better control 'Car went out of control' excuse for somebody's mistake Probably you will read “the car went out of control’’ dozens of times this winter. The news reports will carry some very sad stories - sadder because some were preven­ table. What does “out of control’’ mean? Serious accidents so de­ scribed are seldom the result of brake malfunction, a stalling mo­ tor, a blowing tire, running out of gas or slightly exceeding the speed limit. Most of them are caused at the steering wheel. The next time you drive, observe your own steering; or when you are a passenger, keep your eyes on the driver’s hands. Watch for these: one-hand driving; one, twoor three fingers on the wheel; the base of the thumb or hand on the top or bottom with no fingers touching; a couple of fingers of each hand on the radial cross parts with nothing touching the circular wheel itself. Why do people drive like that? Because they can. Modern cars have such fine power-steering mechanisms that drivers can make curves, even turns, with an ease that a few years ago was impossi­ ble. A snare of the first order! Something FREE? With the purchase of any vehicle battery you will receive a FREE battery tester and a FREE battery post cleaner. (Available until Oct. 24th /87) Also Available: • Winter wiper blades • Engine heaters • Gas line anti-freeze SPECIAL: •Radiator anti-freeze & diesel anti-freeze . - ONLY $5 75jA 'TV RADFORD AUTO, FARM & INDUSTRIAL PARTS LTD. BLYTH 523-9681 With no more control of the wheel than what the above allows, in a crucial situation no driver trusts his toyingwiththewheel. He immediately grasps the wheel with both hands. It takes about a second - time enough at a mile a minute (60 m.p.h.) to go 27 metres or 88 feet. That is far enough to start flying downaslope, to bash into a culvert, or go over a cliff, enroute to a wheelchair or a funeral home. On Canadian highways, or on any good roads, you might drive for years without ever meeting a “Crucial situation”. But it only takes a crack across or along a road, a little stone, a slight slope, a strong wind or a spot of grease on a curve to cause your car to turn its course as subtly as it goes without steering through a car wash. The reporter who says “the car went out of control” is really doing the driver a favor. By blaming the car, he avoids blaming the driver, or more specifically the driver’s casual steering. He leaves it to the law to make that decision. In Ireland, the police try to be ahead of that. They fine you for not being in control of your car if both Mon.-Fri. 8:00-5:30 Sat.8:00-12:00 Blyth Store open Weekdays at 7 am your hands are not firmly gripping thewheelatthe 10and2 o’clock positions. By the way, if you like steering casually, remember to pay your insurance to cover the million-dol- lar lawsuit of your former friend, your passenger. Tips on outsmarting thieves 1. Lock your car! As simple as it sounds, many people don’t. 2. Park in high-visibility spots, on busy streets. 3. Don’t own a tempting super- expensive radio, especially if you park in a high-crime area. From car-stereo or auto-security stores buy: 4. Window warning stickers (about$2). They may say “Alarm” or “This Vehicle Protected.” 5. Stereo decoys (S5-S9), to make Continued on page 34 ASSOCIATE BRUSSELS 887-9661 Ifyou’d like a smoother ride, greater control and improved handling from your car, light truck or van, you might want to try gas shocks. You won’tbealoneifyou do. Gas shocks and struts have been used for years on many expensive European automobiles. Today, nitrogen-charged gas shocks, struts and cartridges represent more than 40 per cent of the replacement ride control units sold in the U.S. and are expected to account for 60 per cent by 1990. Exactly what does gas charging do that has made gas-charged shocks and struts so popular? For starters, one of the primary functions of a shock is to help keep thevehicle’swheelsonthe road more efficiently. Gas shocks do this much more effectively than con­ ventional non-gas products. Loud turn signal promotes driving safety One of the main features, especially in luxury cars advertised by car makers today, is a “quiet ride.” To provide drivers with that ride, some manufacturers add baffles behind the dash to reduce engine noise. But baffles also deaden the sound of the turn signal flasher. To gain extra dashboard space, several automotive manufacturers have moved the flasher and fuse compartment away from the driv­ er’s side, further muffling the sound of the signal. In addition, sound equipment for cars has become more sophisti­ cated and also more desirable to drivers. Drivers whoare unaware that their turn signals are flashing are hazardous to themselves, their passengers and to other drivers as well. The Ideal Division of Parker Ask us how to make your car last longer •Fuel efficient engine oils for gas or diesel •Depth type oil filter •By-Pass oil filter •Synthetic automatic transmission fluid •Lifetime air filter •Synthetic Gear Lubes •Moly compound grease •Engine & crankcase cleaner •Power foam carburetor & engine cleaner •Mileage improving fuel additives •Perma balance automatic wheel balancers •Silicone shield auto polish •Endura vinyl & leather cleaner & protectant •Brite Side whitewall cleaner •Chrome Brite chrome cleaner HJJ "The Car Care Specialists” We’ve got the answers! ARTHUR & BETTY PEARSON BOX 342, BRUSSELS, ONT. NOG 1H0 jfMSOH According to experts at Mare- mont Corporation, a major manu­ facturer of gas shocks and struts, the gas charge constantly exerts pressureon a shock’s hydraulic fluid, helping it to react faster to bumps, dips and other changing road conditions. Gas-charged shocks and struts also provide a booster cushion effect that makes your car more resistant to bottoming out on severe bumps and jolts. In addition, in conventional non-gas shocks, driving under severe road conditions can cause foaming in the hydraulic fluid, which causes fade. Gas shocks virtually eliminate fade and thus provide greater driving stability and control. Finally, gas-charged shocks and struts operate more quietly than conventional non-gas units. Automotive, a manufacturer of automotive flashers, thermostats and hose clamps, recently develop­ ed and introduced a replacement Loud Turn Signal Flasher. According to Paul Livingston, marketing manager, the Ideal design replaces existing 12 volt, two terminal turn signal flashers in most cars and light trucks on the road today. “We researched and tested our unit thoroughly with audiologists. They recommended that our de­ sign operate consistently at 90 decibels. That’s about twice as loud as the average turn signal flasher,” Livingston stated. “Ideal has received a tremen­ dous amount of mail requesting a turn signal flasher that can be heard better, especially by hearing impaired drivers, “said Living­ ston. “This is a response to a real need in the marketplace.”