Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1987-10-14, Page 34/ *»■ PAGE 34. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987. Winter tune-up: your best bet for worry-free driving If this winter is similar to others, as many as 30 per cent of motorists will have problems starting their Take the 'Truth in rust' test Some consumers resort to com­ paring vehicle rust protection by price. This “price only’’ philoso­ phy may cost the rust protection buyer more money in the long run because of inferior protection. Toassist consumers, Ziebart Corporation has prepared a “Truth in Rust Test’’ to use when comparison shopping for rust protection. ‘ ‘The Truth in Rust Test” 1. Make sure the rustproofer uses at least two gallons of sealant. Beware of car dealers or rustproof­ ing firms that spray only one quart of sealant in the form of a “fog” or “mist”. Also beware of oiling - it will not protect your vehicle against corrosion. 2. The rustproofer should em­ ployfactory-trained technicians. If the rustproofer tells you they are trained technicians, ask to see their course certificates. 3. To achieve proper access and coverage, approximately 20 holes must be drilled and a high-pres­ sure, directspraymethodused. The holes should be sealed with sturdy, air-tight plugs when the job is completed. 4. A variety of specially-engi- neered tools should be used for maximum sealant coverage on a car’s interior sheet metal. These tools get at every seam and weld where rust can start. 5. A quality rust protection process usually requires three hours to complete; less times means less protection. 6. Ask to see the warranty before buying rust protection. The war­ ranty should cover the entire car, including the roof. Many rust­ proofing warranties only cover the areas sprayed. You should receive a Lifetime Warranty that is transferable. To help you get the best quality rust protection for your vehicle, send for the free ZIEBART bro­ chure, “The Truth In Rust Test,” by writing: Consumers Depart­ ment, Ziebart Corporation, P.O. Box 1290, Troy, MI 48007-1290. cars. They’ll blame the cold or a faulty car battery. But, the fact is, the majority of all winter car problems can be avoided through a simple winter tune-up. Now is the time to winterize your car. To be sure you’re ready for those sub-zero temperatures, the blowing snow and the other wraths of winter. In fact, a complete tune-up is more than twice as effective against winter starting difficulties as a battery service alone. Before the season changes, be sure your service station gives your car a thorough check of all systems. The entire cooling system should also be checked. Your serviceman should look for leaks, rusty coolant, and worn belts and hoses. If the engine belts and hoses are more than four years old, have them replaced, regardless of visual condition. Fresh anti-freeze should be installed for maximum protection against the elements and a rust- clogged radiator. Have your oil and oil filter changed, if necessary. A pre-winter check-up should include a battery service check. The voltage needed to start a car increases when the engine has broken or cracked ignition cables, worn spark plugs or plugs with wide gaps, a worn distributor cap or rotor, or a corroded distributor cap. Wet or cold weather com­ pounds these battery problems. Worn spark plugs will also increase the electrical require­ ment; they may require up to twice as much electric energy as new plugs. In addition to having an engine tune-up, be sure that your car is safe and ready for winter. Have the service station check your snow or radial tires, car brakes, lights and windshield wipers. Have your exhaust system checked to be sure lethal carbon monoxide fumes do not leak into the passenger section. This is especially important during the winter season’s “windowsclosed” driving weather. Once the bad weather hits, keep your car’s body free of salt deposits. Salt contributes to early body deterioration. Following these simple winteriz- ing hints can help your car’s operating efficiency. With proper care and a simple pre-winter tune-up, you can be on the road in snow and cold - while others are wishing they were. Poll shows consumer views When consumers conjure up images of precision and prestige, they think about German cars. When thoughts turn to reliabili­ ty and practicality, it’s Japanese cars. When it comes to American cars, their minds go blank. That’s the finding of Landor Associates, a San Francisco-based image management consultant firm that conducted a U.S. survey to gauge how consumers felt about the image of various cars. “The American consumer no longer has a clear image of what most U.S. cars stand for,’’ said John Diefenbach, Landor presi­ dent. “We live in an overcommun­ icated society. According to the survey, Euro­ pean manufacturers were rated highest for prestige and luxury with Mercedes-Menz, BMW, Porsche, Jaguar and Lamborghini the names most often mentioned. The Japanese makes got the nod for being reliable and practical, but rated very low in prestige and price. Diefenbach said American cars lacked any clear or distinct posi- tioning. Of 24 makes of cars rated in the survey, only four Detroit name plates made the top five in any image category. Cadillac and Lincoln ranked second and third in luxury, Ford and Chevrolet ranked third and fourth in practicality. By category, the makes ranked at the top in each were: most prestigious, Lamborghini; most luxurious, Mercedes-Benz; most reliable, Mercedes-Benz; most practical, Honda; most sporty-fun, Porsche; most innovative, Lamborghini. • TRADE IN YOUR OLD TIRES >TRADE IN YOUR OLD TIRES • UL > < C/) o < CD LU cr K O o ccDO > YOUR OLD TIRES AND SAVE DURING GODERICH PLYMOUTH CHRYSLER LTD FALL SAVINGS! -I > □ m Tips that can save you grief Continued from page 27 your radio look like a cheap A.M. model. 6. A removable system. There are new radios that slide out (usually $350-5600 installed), and kits or boxes that convert your existing radio ($25-580, plus in­ stallation, about $60). Be sure to take the radio with you when you park; thieves may search the car for it. 7. A “broken-if-stolen” device. Cassette locks ($20-530) and new security-cooled radios render the unituselessifremoved. “Youhope that the thief will know that, ’ ’ says John Runnette, publisher of Instal­ lation News. 8. An alarm system (good ones startat$200installed). Thieves oftenbumpavehicletosee if an alarm sounds. “If it does,” says Aaron Lowe of the Vehicle Security Association, “they may move on. ’ ’ Ifyourradiois stolen, call the police immediately - don’t delay. “That’s the only way they can help ’’ says Jean O’Neil of the Nation Crime Prevention Council. LU Q < Ct cn LU CC O —i o cr D O > LU 0 < Ct I— Bring in your old tires regardless of condition and receive $10. each towards an equal number of road hazard guaranteed Autopar Tires i i i i i i i i i I I I l„_____________________________________ ‘Coupon expires October 31/87awvOMOOOOOlJOOOOOOWUuuu 1 90UU0UUIK ivuuuvuuuuuuuuwjuuuuuuuuvuuvvu cs i§ .| B IB L DOUBLE SAVINGS □DERICH VALUABLE COUPON Present this coupon and receive FREE' TIRE INSTALLATION and COMPUTER BALANCING ilYMOUTH Li ^HRYSLER LTD. ’’Shake hands with the Home of the Great Deel" VALUABLE COUPON Present this coupon and receive a 95 FRONT-END Al iriLiB MF-LIT With coupon onlyALIGNMENT lmosl makes] =<T)oporJ3 dutopar - dutopat PARTS Where Service Sells Cars and Trucks! 414 Huron Rd. Goderich 524-7383 < O 33 □ 30 m cn > O cn > < m I • TRADE IN YOUR OLD TIRES *TRADE IN YOUR OLD TIRES •