HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-10-14, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14,1992.
Save driving headaches with winter precautions
The saying goes, “An ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of
cure.”
As the old, wet weather of winter
takes hold, your response to the
wisdom of these words can make
the difference between how reliable
your car will be in meeting the
challenges of the season.
One of the most important steps
in your preventive maintenance
regimen will be to trouble-shoot
problems under the hood.
Following the proceeding set of
tips, you should be able to keep
your car running well and on the
road instead of in somebody's
service station.
LENGTHY WARM-UPS
UNNECESSARY
Many car owners are under the
misconception that you can hurt the
engine by starting it right away.
However, this just isn't true.
The engine only needs a few
seconds to steady and to circulate
fluids such as the oil. As long as
you are easy on the gas pedal
during the first few minutes of
driving, the engine should become
warmer much faster than through
idling. You will also save yourself
a significant amount of gas in the
process.
CHECK ANTI-FREEZE AND
OTHER FLUIDS
One of the best ways to make
sure your engine doesn't have
problems during the winter is to
keep a close eye on anti-freeze and
other fluid levels (transmission,
brakes, etc.) Depending upon how
low temperatures generally go
where you live, you will need a
varying level of freeze resistance
from your radiator fluid.
A simple hydrometer, which you
can purchase for a couple of dollars
at most retail chain or auto parts
stores, will help you test existing
resistance levels and give you a
good indication of how much anti
freeze you need to add. To help
make your radiator and heater more
efficient, you should use a quality
cooling system flush, such as “No.
7” One Step Cleaner, which will
provide a simple, non-toxic means
to thoroughly clean out rust and
grease.
At the beginning of the winter
you should also inspect your
pressure cap to make sure it is in
good condition and check all lines
running to and from the radiator for
leaks and ruptures. These problems
could cause you to lose anti-freeze
during the strains of winter driving.
Take the pressure cap off (while
the engine is cold) and then turn the
engine over. If more than a quarter
inch of fluid is missing, you should
add anti-freeze.
Repeat the procedure again in a
week. If a significant level of fluid
is missing, you will probably need
to add a quality “stop-leak” product
to your radiator.
CHECK ELECTRICAL
SYSTEM
Cold weather and dampness can
sap the strength of the electrical
system so it is important to give
this area of the car a good
inspection at the beginning of the
season.
Unless you have a maintenance-
free battery, check the water level
in your car battery every few
weeks. Since battery acid is highly
oangerous and volatile, take
precautions to protect your skin and
remove any objects such as
cigarettes before taking off the vent
caps and adding water.
While the battery cables are off,
clean the battery terminals with a
piece of sandpaper. This increases
the odds of getting the car started
on a really cold day.
Other electrical parts such as
battery cables and spark plugs
should also receive some close
attention. If you are looking at a
tune-up in the future, now may be
the perfect time.
FUEL SYSTEM AFFECTS
ENGINE'S PERFORMANCE
Your under-the-hood mainten
ance regimen should include
consideration of the car's fuel
system. Winter is traditionally the
hardest driving time of the year for
your car. Factors such as a dirty
carburetor and deposits on valves
can impede the engine's ability to
perform. Regular use of a gasoline
additive will keep these areas from
becoming a problem during winter
driving.
LISTOWEL RENTAL
AND MOVING CENTRE
LOW,
LOW
RATES
7. 12 Passenger Vans Compact, Midsize
CHECK OIL REGULARLY
As the trend at gas stations
moves toward more self-service,
some car owners are neglecting the
regular process of checking their
oil. This can be extremely
dangerous to your engine parts,
especially during cold weather
when they are subject to greater
strain.
It would be ideal if you checked
the oil level every time you visited
the gas pump. Most car owners,
however, do not follow this
practice. Suffice to say that the oil
should be checked at least once a
week.
For cold weather driving you
should be using multi-grade weight
oils no lower than 10W-30. They
are designed to remain thinner and
circulate more easily. The
frequency with which you change
the oil will depend upon how often
you drive, but keep in mind that
you should put in a new oil filter
after every change.
Jj0^ON7GOMERYl LUCKNOW
528-2813
a vehicle
Is a big decision!
Let us help you
make the right one!
GARRY WOODCOCK
Quality Cara & Trucks
We Can Save You Money
A Little - Save A Lot
CHRYSLER tv
All you have to do
is drive one.
414 Huron Rd., Goderich. 524-7383
WINTERIZE NOW!
New winter radials
have just arrived at
TOWNSEND TIRE
(Beside Radford's in Londesboro)
Call Matt or George at
523-4742
or 522-1624 after 5:00 p.m.
You'll never be
left in the cold,
with our prices!
Jour satisfaction is
always guaranteed.
Getting From Point A
to Point B Is As Easy
As A Signature
SUNCOAST FORD PRESENTS
SIGNATURE CAR & TRUCK RENTALS
□ Small, Mid-size & Luxury Cars
□ Passenger & Mini Vans, & Pickups
□ Daily, Monthly, Weekly Rates
□ Ask about our Free Pickup Service
' Our Signature Is Your Guarantee"
(/CAR AND TRUCK RENTALS
500 Huron Rd., Goderich 524-8347
OUT-OF-TOWN CUSTOMERS CALL COLLECT
As moving day approaches, look to LIs-
towel Rental. We can help make your
move that much easier with our complete
line of trucks, vans, and moving supplies.
Everything you need is available to
purchase or rent at our low prices.
You'll get it all - from the truck size you
need to the moving accessories you'll fill
it with - all at one place. It's one stop
shopping for hassle-free moving.
FOR SALE: -Packing Cartons • Wardrobe
Cartons (with bar) • Tape, Rope, etc.
FOR RENT: • Fridge Carts - for easier
loading of heavy furniture, appliance &
cartons
• Furniture Blankets - large padded
blankets to protect your furniture from
nicks and scratches.
Pickups
0and Luxury
Moving Vans
Cube Vans &
Moving Equipment
Daily • Weekly & Monthy Rates
Big or Small -We rent them all!
910 Wallace Ave. N.
Across from Stop 23 Auto Sales
291-1202
Car Wrecked or Stolen? Ask about our Insurance Replacement Rates!
TOYOTA
SAVE ON OUR
PARTS & SERVICE!
autumn's
blowing
Well keep
ryou going!
COMPLETE CHECK FOR WINTER!
Z Lube, Oil and Filter changed
Z Tires, Belts and Hoses checked
Z Wipers, Battery condition, Antifreeze
Viscosity, and Pressure of Cooling System
Z Complete general check on hoist and road
test to ensuire your winter safety
•ALL MAKESAND
MODELS
•PARTS EXTRA
ONLY...
TOYOTA
$1995
GENUINE PARTS
________ GODERICHTOYOTA
We service all
makes of cars &
have the equipment
& know how to give
you the best value
for your dollar.
524-8411 334 HURON RD. (HWY. 8) GODERICH 524-8311