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The Citizen, 1993-04-21, Page 144c4Pantera Sunroof • Flip-up • Removable $1 99 .00 when booked in April CARS • VANS • PICKUPS WHEELER AUTO GLASS SUNROOF SPECIAL! WHEELER AUTO GLASS free mobile service 1-800-663-9853 Hwy. 4, 1 mile South of Wingham 357-1270 TOYOTA GENUINE PARTS IT'S SPRING and time for your free exhaust system inspection +20% DISCOUNT Aiotot. & FREE INSTALLATION ON ALL EXHAUST PARTS • Offer Expires April 30, 1993 WE KNOW YOUR CAR BEST BRIDGE MOTORS LIMITED ...EMI La_F_ Hwy. 86 E WINGHAM FORD 357-3460 UST PLUS 4 wheel alignments are still Only $59 •95 until May 30, 1993 THEY'RE OUR SPECIALTY... For over 20 years we've been spring tuning your TOYOTA. But did you know we also have factory trained technicians for work available on Chrysler, Ford & G. M. Call Andy today for your appointment 524-9381 PRING TUNE UPS PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 1993. In the desire to keep their cars in top condition, do-it-yourselfers tend to needlessly replace spark plugs well before the recommended mileage interval. Yet other important tune-up parts are often- neglected when replacement is recommended," says Lee Taylor, Marketing Manage for Standard Motor Products, the leading supplier of replacement ignition engine control parts to automotive service professionals. For reliable performance with modern, high-voltage ignition systems, spark plugs, distributor caps, rotors, and plug wires should all be replaced at 30,000 mile intervals, Taylor says. According to Taylor, replacing these parts can prevent some of the following performance problems: • Erratic idle and hesitation; • Poor fuel economy; • Erratic shifting with automatic transmissions; • Loss of power at high RPMs; • Failure to pass emissions inspection. The toll of engine heat "Engine heat is the main reason why plug wires in particular, as well as distributor caps and rotors, should be replaced every 30,000 miles," Taylor explains. "Plug wires are usually close to exhaust manifolds, where they get baked pretty badly," he adds. "Also, to satisfy emission standards, normal engine operating temperatures have increased to around 220 degrees for later model cars. The trend to downsized cars has just concentrated this heat in a smaller area under the hood," he notes. "Under these conditions, it's remarkable that modern ignition components can handle the onslaught of electrical surges at 20,000 volts or more and still perform well for 30,000 miles." Effects of high voltage "Modern ignition systems generally operate in the 20-50,000 volt range or higher. That's a lot of juice compared to the 5,000 volt breaker point ignition systems of yesteryear," Taylor remarks. "Since 30,000 volts can arc a spark an inch and a half, any breakdown in the insulating properties of the cap, rotor or wire can allow the spark to arc to ground before it reaches the plug. This is why it's so important to keep caps, rotors and wires in top notch condition," Taylor emphasizes. Advice for do-it-yourselfers "With a properly functioning modern ignition system, the spark plugs will still be clean after 30,000 miles," Taylor says. However, after Top notch For top notch performance with electric ignitions, new plug wires, distributor cap and rotor are recommended at 30,000 mile intervals, when spark plugs should also be replaced. Plug wires should be replaced one at a time in exactly the same order as the originals to maintain proper firing order. long exposure to 2,000 degree solve a performance problem that a combustion temperatures, spark qualified service specialist would plugs suffer from erosion, he correct as standard procedure explains. "Plugs should be replaced Continued on page 15 at 30,000 miles because they will be eroded, not because they are dirty," he points out. "In a modern ignition system, dirty plugs before 20,000 miles indicate some other problems such as a cylinder blowing oil," he adds. "A reasonably skilled do-it yourselfer can certainly replace plugs, plug wires, the distributor cap and rotor himself at the recommended intervals. We always urge the car-owner to use quality parts from a supplier to the professional community. These parts should meet or exceed original equipment specifications. "Yet there are several strong reasons for having this service performed at a reputable service specialist. High-tech cars require qualified touch "The 1980s brought many advances in electronic engine controls," Taylor continues. "During this period of change to fuel injection and electronic ignition, many different bugs have developed in many different models," he explains. "Automotive suppliers have issued volumes of technical information to keep professional technicians aware of specific problems with specific models. "The do-it-yourselfer, on the other hand, doesn't have ready access to this type of information, or the training and experience to go along with it. As a result, a car owner may spend hours beating his head against a brick wall trying to TOYOTA QUALITY SERVICE STRICKLAND 346 HURON RD. GODERICH 5Z4-9381 Professional tuneups best Get Ready For Great Summer Memories