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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-04-20, Page 18Brake fluid vapour lock could end your life Have you ever counted the number of times you need to stop your car, during an average trip? Have you ever thought about what you'd do if you couldn't stop? Every drive depends on brake fluid for stopping capability. The average driver uses his or her brakes approximately 75,000 times a year and expects them to function properly each and every time. Within the braking system all automobiles exists brake fluid, a highly critical component essential to brake operation. Brake fluid produces braking (stopping) action, and protects and lubricates brake system compo­ nents. The use of a high quality brake fluid is essential to assure the safety of the driver and passengers travelling in the automobile. How do your brakes work? An automotive hydraulic braking Travelling tips for the pet owner Many people would think twice before bringing the family cal or dog on an extended trip. However, if you're relocating, going camping or visiting relatives, travelling with a pet can be less of a problem than you think. "Travelling with your cat or dog is quite do-able with some practical advance planning of diet, exercise and sleeping arrangements for your pet," says veterinarian Dan Carey. If considering travel with dog or cat, here are some helpful guidelines. On the road with Rover • It is important to call ahead if you plan to stay at a motel, hotel or campground with your pet. Many establishments are "pet friendly," but most require advance notice. Find out if a pet deposit is required and whether or not it is refundable. • If you're travelling by car, it is a good idea to keep your cat or dog in a carrier. This keeps him from interfering with the driver, and also protects him against sudden stops. Wire pet crates are particularly handy in the summer because they help your pet stay cool; however, be sure to familiarize your pct with this carrier at home and on short trips before the real vacation begins. • If a carrier is not practical for your large dog, specially designed harnesses, which can be used with a normal seat belt, are available. • To help avoid upset stomach problems, feed dogs 2-3 hours before you leave. Feed cats six hours prior to departure. • Bring plenty of fresh water, was well as your pet's regular food. A premium dry pet food will provide your pet with all the nutrients he requires, while at the same lime producing less waste for you to clean up. • Although it might seem easier Novices can do routine work Continued on page 18 failure and, in turn, serious injury to the rider.” Koshollek advises that novice mechanics can still perform routine maintenance such as oil changes and chassis lubes, but more compli­ cated procedures involving vehicle handling and sophisticated braking, electronic and carburetion systems should be left to certificate profes­ sional technicians. system consists of a master cylinder connected to the wheel cylinders by metal piping and flexible hoses. This hydraulic system attaches to frictional components, which are comprised of brake shoes and drums or brake pads and discs. Brake fluid is contained within the system assembly. When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the piston in the master cylinder exerts a force on the fluid. Since the system is completely filled, the piston is acting on a virtually incompresible column of fluid which transmits the applied force to pistons within the wheel cylinder at each of the wheels. This pushes the brake shoes against the drums (drum brakes) or the disc pad against the rotor disc (disc brakes), resulting in brake action. Advances in automotive technology have allowed to give your pet "people food" while on the go, unfamiliar food or water, and even a treat, may upset your cat or dog and is most likely not balanced properly to meet his nutritional needs. • Exercise cats and dogs prior to the trip. In addition, stop the car every 1-2 hours for a break and to allow your pet to relieve himself. (Be sure to keep your pet on a leash for safety.) • Keep your car well-ventilated. You can drape a towel over the carrier to block out direct sunlight, or shades can be attached to your rear windows. In the car, give your pet frequent sips from a thermos of water to keep cool. • Never leave your pet unattended in the car. Heat exhaustion can strike quickly, and can even be fatal. Flying with your feline • The first step in flying with a pet is check the airline's policies. Many airlines require health certificates and vaccination reports. Most restrict pet travel to the cargo area, unless the pet's carrying case fits under the seat. Ask an airline representative if they have pet carrier specifications that you need to note. • If your pet must fly in the cargo area, be sure the pet carrier is sturdy, well-ventilated and lined with papers or towels. It's a good idea to buy a non-spillable water bowl that attaches to the carrier door. In addition, be sure to identify the case, mark it with any instructions and clearly print the words Live Animals. • Most pets travel well without being tranquilized. However, your veterinarian can prescribe mild tranquilizers and medications for travel sickness in case your pet becomes unduly stressed. Use these medications only in a emergency, because drowsy pets can lose their ability to balance or right themselves when their carrier is jostled. • To ensure your pet's maximum comfort while in the air, feed and exercise him before the flight, and, if possible, lake a direct flight. Although it is impossible to predict extreme weather, it is also best to avoid travelling on very hot or cold days. Vacationing at home? Why not spend sortie extra time with your pet, whether it's for a long walk, a game of catch or a snooze beside you in the shade. manufacturers to introduce Anti- lock Brake Systems (ABS) in recent model cars. The ABS is a feedback control system that adjusts brake pressure in response to measured declaration of each wheel, preventing brake lock-up and vehicle shedding. The ABS is the most effective braking system and should replace drum and disc systems by the mid-1990s. The dependence of the motorist on brake fluid for safe vehicle operation absolutely necessitates the selection of a high quality dependable product. To reduce the possibility of excessive moisture accumulation in the braking system, and to protect against the possibility of complete brake failure, many vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the brake fluid periodically or whenever moisture contamination is indicated or suspected. Today's smaller high- performance cars put additional demands on brake fluids. A number of recent automobile design changes affect braking systems: •Front wheel drive vehicles have an increased load on front brakes, which can lead to higher brake fluid temperatures. • Reduction in turbulent air flow to lower the "drag" factor, and the trend toward smaller, wider tires, can lead to higher brake fluid temperatures in the wheel cylinder area. • Semi-metallic pads now used for disc brakes can transfer heat sure to get our top You'll find a complete line of ABSCO brake parts now in stock at Radford Auto's 2 locations, Blyth & Brussels -flBSCO Check out Blyth's new expanded store BLYTH 523-9681 Open: Mon. - Thurs. 7 a.m. -11 Friday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. much more readily than asbestos pads and increase brake fluid temperatures by as much as 50°F under severe operating conditions. A brake fluid must perform effectively on a moment's notice. This performance is critical to safe brake operation, and must not be compromised by vehicle/brake system design or by driving conditions. Today’s cars need a brake fluid that can handle new sources of "brake system stress." The danger of vapor lock Vapor lock is a loss of braking power, caused when brake fluid begins to turn to vapor when it reaches its boiling point. WHEELER AUTO GLASS WHEELER AUTO GLASS Free Mobile Service 1-800-663-9853 Hwy. 4*1 mile south of Wingham 357-1270 EBBS ' FARM AND W L INDUSTRIAL PARTS Unlike a liquid, vapors are highly compressible. As a brake fluid becomes more compressible, it loses its ability to transmit the force necessary to effectively stop the automobile. Loss of response to pedal pressure or even total brake failure can result. The frictional components in the brake system generate very significant amounts of heat, especially in vehicles driven in mountainous regions, those that haul trailers or that are loaded with family and luggage. The addition of an unbraked trailer can increase brake fluid temperatures by as much as 50°F. BRUSSELS 887-9661 Open: Mon. - Frl. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.