HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2019-10-10, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019. PAGE 19.
Regular maintenance determines cars’ usable lives
MS – Owning a car is a big
responsibility. Drivers who plan to
keep their vehicles for the long haul
must emphasize maintenance if they
want to keep adding miles to their
odometers.
In fact, the automotive information
site CarAdvice says that routine
maintenance may be the most
important thing drivers can do for
their vehicles.
A vehicle needs consistent care if
it is to run efficiently. Maintenance
also reduces the risk of roadside
breakdowns and costly repairs.
Here's a look at some of the
benefits of staying on top of
maintenance.
• Saves money: Even though
maintenance costs money, sticking
to a consistent maintenance schedule
can save big bucks in the long run.
For example, the cost of rotating and
aligning tires is considerably less
than repairing a car after a major
blowout and paying for a tow and
tire replacement.
• Improves performance and
efficiency: Routine maintenance
includes oil changes, filter changes
and fluid top-offs. Such tasks keep
engines running smoothly. Ignoring
this routine maintenance can put
engines in jeopardy of breaking
down and adversely affect vehicle
performance, diminishing fuel
economy and leading to a sluggish
ride.
• Identifies safety issues: Routine
inspections and work performed by
reputable service stations help
drivers stay abreast of recalls or
issues that can affect the safety of
the vehicle.
• Maintains a maintenance
record: When the time comes to sell
the vehicle, having a log of routine
maintenance indicates to potential
buyers that the vehicle was well
cared for.
• Keeps compliance: Vehicles
covered under manufacturer’s
warranties typically need to be
maintained in adherence to factory-
recommended maintenance
schedules. This ensures that the
vehicle is in compliance and will be
covered in the event of a warranty
claim.
Routine vehicle maintenance is
important for a variety of reasons.
Drivers can work with a trusted and
reliable mechanic to develop a
schedule that keeps their cars and
trucks on the road.
Top to bottom
Everything from oil changes to rotating tires can save a vehicle owner a significant amount of
money. Regular oil changes can prolong the life of an engine, preventing costly mechanical
failures that may leave a vehicle completely unusable. Regularly rotating tires can prevent a
blowout which results in costly repairs, towing and significant stress for the owner. By keeping
regular vehicle maintenance in mind, automobile owners can significantly extend the life of
their vehicles and reduce the amount they need to invest in them. (MS photo)
Don’t wait until it Snows!
Inventory is moving fast
Brophy Tire
104 Pine St., Wingham
519-357-3712
Booking now for snow tire installations
Light truck and passenger
• Sailun • Hercules
Let us give you a quote on special orders from
• Michelin • Bridgestone • Firestone
Prices include: installation, clean and buff rims,
balancing, new valves, torqued to spec and
OTS (disposal fee). HST extra
We can store your off-season tires
Complete Collision
Repairs
BLYTH, ON N0M 1H0
24 Hour Towing
“Big or Small, Will Tow ’em all!”
Auto Body & Towing Ltd.
519-523-9474 • TOLL FREE 1-800-350-6993
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.
Continued from page 18
ensure 100 per cent of the profits go
to the charity. Charity Navigator even
notes that many charities already
have auto donation programs, even if
they do not advertise such services.
• Protect yourself when
donating: Donors may be
vulnerable to certain penalties if
they don't formally sign their
vehicles over to the nonprofit
organization when donating them.
Charity Navigator notes that some
charities may ask donors to avoid
officially signing over the vehicle so
they don’t have to re-title it.
However, doing so means donors are
responsible for any parking tickets
issued to the vehicle and may even
be liable if the car is used in the
commission of a crime.
• Complete necessary
paperwork: When donating the
vehicle, make sure you receive and
keep all documentation provided by
the charity. The documentation you
need and the forms you will have to
fill out for your tax returns will
depend on the value of the car,
so maintain contact with the
charity even after donating the
vehicle.
The organization should be able to
help you and advise on which forms
will be necessary to claim your
deduction.
Additional information about
what to look for when donating cars
to charity can be found at
www.charitynavigator.org.
vernsauto@eastlink.ca 519-357-1997
Vern Steffler ~ owner/mechanic
40486 B-Line Road,
Wingham
Vern’s Country Auto & Leisure
Free Battery & Brake Inspections
Safety Vehicle Inspections
Classic Cars Specialist
All Models - Cars and Light Trucks
Motorcycles & ATVs
Lawn & Garden Equipment
Snowmobiles
Trailers
U-Haul Depot
Service
Special
Includes: Oil, oil filter, chassis lube and
105 point vehicle inspection includes brakes,
steering, suspension and drive train.
starting from
$5995
Tips for safely donating autos