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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1998-04-29, Page 18Put your car on a diet (NC)—Understanding how a car engine works will help you save fuel and cut down on maintenance costs. The first thing to know is that in order to get the best performance out of your engine, you must put your car onto a strict maintenance regime. While older engines require regular tune-ups to adjust things like ignition timing, mixture and idle speed, thanks to the miracle of technology, today's sophisticated, electronically controlled, fuel injected engines don't need as much maintenance to operate efficiently. They do, however, contain moving parts that wear out over time. As a result, its important to keep newer engines clean and cool. This means regular oil changes, cooling system check-ups and spark plug main- tenance. Following the preventative maintenance schedule in your Owner's Manual is also a must for clean, energy-efficient operation. For more information on how to keep your car on a healthy diet, visit the Auto$mart website at http://autosmart.nrcan.gc.ca or call I -800-387-2000 for a free Auto$mart kit. Your pocketbook and the environment will thank you. Hamm's where See us today for: • Spring Tune-Up • Wheel Balance • Alignment • Air Conditioner Service • General Repairs SHARP DEALS ON QUALITY - CLEAN READY-TO-GO USED CARS Great Savings on These Used Cars & Trucks. Some One Owner Low Mileage. 1996 Taurus GL Station Wagon, loaded 1994 Buick Century, loaded 1994 Ford Tempo GL - 4 door with air, AM/FM 1993 Olds Delta 88 LS, loaded 1993 GMC Half ton pickup with fiberglass top 1992 Plymouth Grand Voyager LE Van - loaded 1992 Dodge Spirit - 4 dr., loaded 1992 Dodge Grand Caravan LE - loaded 1988 Chev Caprice Brougham- 4 door, loaded HAMM'S BLYTH PHONE 523-4342 FREE Break Inspection & Tire Rotation During the month of May at The Blyth Service Centre Call now 523-4800 189 Queen St. S., Blyth ,••=5•IMICIS• roma.= CARTER'S WEST END GARAGE AND BODY SHOP EXHAUST AND BRAKE COMPLETE COLLISION REPAIR SPECIALISTS • AND PAINTING WHEEL ALIGNMENT & BALANCING OWNER-OPERATOR HARVEY CARTER 215 HURON ST., BOX 728 PH: (519) 482-9363 CLINTON, ONT. NOM 1L0 FAX (519) 482-3534 From the insurance bump to the quality of a Ferrari finish. We repair them all! We do all insurance collision claims! Exercise your right to have your collision repairs made where you can feel confident. We specialize in Collision and Refinishing Classic & Antique Car Repairs Antique & Classic Car Appraisals McNeil's Auto Body Brussels 887-6833 Res. 887-9216 PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1998. Spring Car Care '98 Get a check-up before vacation Planning to explore Canada in your car during your spring or summer vacation? Or are you driving to the cottage this summer? Canada is a beautiful country, and there is so much to see and do on your summer vacation, but if your family vehicle will be used on this trip have it checked out before you leave. It could mean the difference between an economical family vacation and a disastrously expensive one. Most Canadians experienced a relatively mild winter, so they may be tempted to think that regular spring maintenance on their vehicle isn't required. For most Canadians, driving a vehicle has become a necessity. Many Canadians are concerned about the environmental affects this can have. Many wonder how can they teach their children to value the environment and still depend on their vehicle? The answer is through regular vehicle maintenance, or Car Care, says Car Care Canada. Properly maintaining a vehicle is a win-win situation. Besides helping the environment, a properly maintained and operated vehicle runs more efficiently and economically, is safer, and should Think again. The winter months, no matter how mild, can cause normal deterioration of certain vehicle parts, such as rubber hoses and belts, exhaust brackets, fluid level depletions, etc. If you are one of the millions of Canadians who will be vacationing in your family vehicle, Car Care Canada recommends you follow this simple advice and avoid the last minute rush for needed maintenance or repairs. It could save you time and money. Planning pays off. Before you leave on your trip, have the following systems checked and serviced as needed: • Cooling system last up to 50 per cent longer. The following tips can put you on the road to environmentally conscious car care. • Keep your engine tuned up - a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 per cent. Follow the service schedules listed in the owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended. You'll help cut down on air pollution too. • Check tires for proper inflation. Under-inflated tires waste fuel because the engine has to work harder. Similarly, wheels that are not properly aligned (as evidenced by the uneven tire tread of vehicle pulling) also rob energy. And, properly maintained tires last longer, meaning fewer scrap tires have to be disposed of. • Do-it-yourselfers should dispose of used motor oil, anti- freeze/coolant, tires, and old batteries properly. Many repair facilities accept these items, and many of these items are now recycled. Call your local • Engine system, including an oil and filter change • Engine and electrical system • Undercar, including brake and exhaust systems, tires, suspension; and wheel alignment • transmission, verify fluid levels, etc. • Lights • Windshield wipers And don't forget the interior and exterior appearance of your vehicle - family travel can be hard on a vehicle. For example, a minor upholstery tear can turn into a gaping hole during a family vacation. A hole in the carpet at the accelerator pedal can become a safety hazard if it catches your heal government for recycling sites. Never dump used oil or anti-freeze on the ground, in your local sewage system, or in streams. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, find a good automotive technician. Ask friends and associates for recommendations. Check the shop's reputation with your local consumer group. • Keep your air conditioner in top condition and have it serviced only by an automotive service technician certified competent to handle/recycle refrigerants. Air conditioners contain CFCs and other gases that have been implicated in the depletion of the ozone layer. These gases can escape during improper service and repair, so it is important to choose a-- qualified technician. Good driving habits are also important. You can get the most out of your vehicle while minimizing environmental damage. Here are some fuel saving tips: • Observe speed limits. Fuel consumption rises sharply with high speed. • Drive gently. Avoid sudden in an emergency. A dragging mud guard can turn into a dangerous projectile for the car behind you. Consider repairing these minor problems before you leave so that they don't become major problems on the trip. It's really quite simple, practising these simple preventative maintenance techniques can save you lots of time and money on your vacation. Replacing a bracket on your exhaust system before you leave will cost you under $20, replacing your entire muffler on your vacation will cost you considerably more money, as well as a great deal of your vacation time. accelerations and jerky stop-and- go actions. Use cruise control on open highways to keep speed as steady as possible. • Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends or family. Today's vehicles are designed to "warm- up" fast, so forget about those five-minute warm-ups on chilly spring or fall mornings. One minute should be enough. • Remove excess items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. • Plan trips. Consolidate daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. Try to travel' when traffic is light to avoid stop-and-go -conditions. Join a car pool. Remember, how your car runs, how you drive it, and how its fluids, old parts, and tires are disposed of affects your vehicle, your maintenance costs, and the environment. Help car be environmentally friendly