The Citizen, 2019-04-25, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019. PAGE 19.
Brophy Tire
104 Pine St., Wingham
519-357-3712
* Limited time offers. Some conditions apply. Ask for details
Time to change out your winter tires
Take advantage of
Mail-in Rebates on
BF Goodrich, Firestone,
Michelin and Bridgestone
Continued from page 18
the tires, saving drivers money as a
result. Michelin Tires says that
simply checking the tires’ inflation
pressure can make a significant
difference in how long tires last. For
example, a tire that is consistently 20
per cent under-inflated may see its
life expectancy reduced by 20 per
cent.
Tires that are not properly inflated
also can have a high rolling
resistance. In such instance, the
engine must expend more effort to
move the vehicle – thus eating up
fuel.
Pressure should be checked at
ambient temperature before driving,
states AAA. The recommended
inflation pressure can be found in
the drivers manual or on the tire.
• Check tire tread:Tires rely on
good tread depth to maintain traction
and shed water during wet
conditions. AAA recommends
checking tread with a visual
inspection.
• Learn about tire aging:Check
the owner’s manual for specific
recommendations concerning
replacing the spare tire for the
vehicle. Some manufacturers state
six years, while others say 10 years
is the maximum service life for tires.
While most tire centres will use
newly-manufactured tires when
replacing tires, you can double
check the age of any tire by looking
at the sidewall for the tire
identification number (TIN), offers
NHTSA. The last four digits are the
week and year of manufacture.
• Keep up on maintenance:
Wheel alignment, tire rotation and
tire balancing are all key to
minimizing wear and extending the
life and safety of tires. Each vehicle
has specific recommendations, and
drivers should consult their manuals
to find those specifics.
Tire function is an important part
of maintaining vehicle safety and
performance.
389 Queen St., Blyth
Now is the time to
rid your car of
winter grit and
grime!
& Detailing
519-654-6791
BRUSSELS
CAR WASH
33 King St., Brussels
Keep tabs on tire age for safety
MS –Auto manufacturers have
long embraced technology that can
streamline the automotive experience
for drivers. For example, several years
ago keyless entry and ignition
systems were introduced, initially on
high-end vehicles before they became
standard on many other models.
Keyless entry systems require a
fob, which sends a signal to the
receiver inside the vehicle. The fob
transmits a low-frequency code to
the car’s internal computer system,
which engages the locks and will
allow the driver to push a button on
the dashboard or console to start the
vehicles. The fob can be stashed
away in a pocket or purse and still
send the signal, which makes it
convenient for drivers. Drivers with
arthritis or hand injuries also may
find keyless systems an asset.
Because fobs work on wireless
systems, hackers potentially can
intercept the fob-to-car signal. That
enables a thief to not only open the
vehicle’s doors, but also to
potentially drive away as well. Even
though the fob/car security pairing is
unique and can create billions of
codes, researchers at Radboud
University in the Netherlands and
the University of Birmingham found
that, by intercepting the wireless
signal just twice, they could narrow
down the possible combinations
from billions to just 200,000. After
that, a computer can figure out the
code in just half an hour and unlock
the car. Potentially, a thief can gather
car codes as drivers enter their
vehicles during the day, then return
later to steal a number of cars.
Thieves who purchase signal
amplifiers also pose a threat. These
amplifiers magnify the reach of the
fob signal so that a vehicle owner
can be in his or her house with the
fob, but the thief can walk up to the
car and open it – even if the fob is far
enough away that it should not
engage. One way to circumvent this
is to buy a signal-blocking pouch
that can hold the key fob. Also, an
old-school steering wheel or gear
shift lock is an effective way to
provide another layer of protection.
Drivers also should be aware of
their surroundings as they approach
their vehicles. Thieves may count on
keyless entry systems to be able to
hop into a vehicle once the owner
gets within range and drive away.
Vehicle technology thrives to
make driving as convenient as
possible, but some features also may
make things more convenient for
prospective thieves.
Keyless entry systems offer a new level of convenience
RR #3 Blyth (on the Westfield Rd.)
519-523-4356
Complete Mechanical Service
Tires - Mufflers - Brakes
Vehicle Inspection Station
DAN’S
AUTO REPAIR
It’s
Spring
tune-up
time!
Book your spring tune-up today!
It’s time to remove your snow tires
and get your brakes serviced
The future is now
Keyless entry and ignition systems, previously a hallmark of higher-end vehicles, are
becoming more prevalent on makes and models throughout the auto industry. The system
allows use of a ‘fob’ to identify the driver, allowing entry and push-button ignition. (MS photo)
Go with your instincts and use the Classifieds today.
The Citizen Classifieds
523-4792 • 887-9114
Shoppers with a nose for bargains head straight for the Classifieds.
In the Classifieds, you can track down deals on everything from cars
to canine companions. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you
want, and it’s used by hundreds of shoppers every day.
Sniff Out a Great Deal
in the Classifieds.