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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1998-10-21, Page 18The new 1999 Chrysler LHS is a world class, Canadian built automobile of dramatic and elegant design that imparts a unique presence on the road. The LHS boast an exceptionally smooth and powerful V6 engine, a refined four-speed automatic transmission, and a nimble, agile suspension system. 1999 Chrysler 30011 1999 Chrysler 300M is an ultra modern expression of driving passion, graced with the soul of a champion. The new 300M is a high-performance sports sedan, equipped with the strong, quiet 3.5 litre V6 engine. 4102110 1999 New Chrysler LHS 1999 Chrysler Intrepid This is the family sports sedan for the enthusiast, with strong V6 power, precision handling, and spacious interior 1999 Chrysler Intrepid 1999 Chrysler Concorde stands alone as an exhilarating testament to inspired design and engineering. The Canadian built Concorde features a strong quiet V6 engine beneath its elegant exterior. 1999 Chrysler Concorde Stop in and test drive our new 99's a North End of Brussels 887-6173 41. Plymouth BadgeTrucks CHRYSLER PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1998. --4401101twor— Automotive 1998 Understanding brakes decreases fears In survey after survey, Canadian drivers rank brake failure as their number one fear of mechanical failure. Yet, only 20 per cent 'identified brakes as a system that should be checked regularly. Car Care Canada believes people don't check their brakes because they don't understand them. Discs. Drums. Power assist. ABS. Why does life have to be so complicated? Well, it's not so bad. It all depends on friction — the friction between the brake pad and the lining in a drum or the rotor of a disc brake, and the friction between the tires and the road. When you press down on the brake pedal, that creates pressure in the master cylinder. This is passed through the brake lines to the brakes. If you have power or power assisted brakes, you don't have to press as hard on the pedal to get the same braking effect. In a drum brake, the brake shoes inside the drum press outward against the brake lining to create the stopping force. It's an enclosed unit that's relatively inexpensive to maintain. Disc brakes are like bicycle brakes — the calipers pinch the disc, or rotor, to create the stopping force. Because of their better heat rejection, disc brakes offer up to three times more stopping power than drums. That's why most cars have discs on the front, where most of the stopping work is done, and Get better mileage (NC) Keeping your car in good running order can make a difference not only in gas mileage but also in fighting increased exhaust pollution. Spark plugs greatly reduce the danger of fouling deposits however, constant firing can erode the electrodes to a point where the required sparking voltage may be doubled. Conversely, wear to ignition system components can greatly reduce the amount of voltage available to the spark plug gap. The result is lost mileage (up to 35 per cent for cars in poor shape) and greatly increased exhaust pollution: over twice the carbon monoxide (CO) at idle and double the hydrocarbons (HC) at 30mph. Spark plugs with platinum electrodes can reduce this erosion even further. As the gap increases with erosion, ignitability is reduced and the engine is more likely to misfire: A misfire occurs when a cylinder does not ignite properly or worse, not at all. This causes a loss of power, which in turn reduces fuel economy. The unignited fuel goes into the exhaust stream thus causing increased levels of unburned HC emissions. Precious metals, like platinum, withstand the harsh environment of the combustion chamber much better than standard electrodes. With platinum plugs, combustion is more consistent over a much longer. life. Double platinum plugs offer an even greater protection against gap erosion. This constant gap • means more consistent combustion, emissions-and performance over a longer life. -News Canada drums on the rear. Because of the heat generated in braking, pads used to be made with asbestos. Newer metallic materials have done away with asbestos and its harmful dust. The fluid in the master cylinder is the medium that translates your pedal pressure into brake pressure. It absorbs water very easily, so if you have to add fluid, use a fresh container. And use only the approved brake fluid described in your owner's manual. How do you know when it's time for a brake job? If your brakes squeal or make a grinding noise, or if you feel a lot of vibration or grabbing, it's time for a check up. If your brake pedal sinks to the floor, or feels spongy, you may be low on fluid or have a leak in the system. You should rotate your tires every 10,000 km or so to make them last. When the car is on the hoist and the tires are off, that's an ideal time to do a little preventive maintenance and get your brakes checked. Brakes can last 60,000 km or more — or they can need replacement after 10,000 - 15,000 km. Don't let this simple maintenance item slide, or the next sound you hear could be the crunch of a collision. If you like paying for brake jobs, here's how to ensure you'll need frequent brake jobs: 1. Race up to stop signs and slam on the brakes. 2. Ride your brakes — use your right foot on the gas and rest your left on the brake pedal while you drive. This will also confuse the drivers behind you, because your brake lights will be on all the time and they'll have no warning when you really want to stop. 3. Stay really close to the car in front so you have to be on your brakes a lot to match every little change in speed. 4. Ignore those warning signs, like chirping brakes or grinding noises. Then a simple pad replacement becomes a full replacement of rotors and linings and costs hundreds more. Can you economize on brake jobs? Absolutely. Car Care Canada suggests a simple five point program that could save you hundreds of dollars over the life of your car: 1. Preventive maintenance. Every 10,000 km or so, when you get your tires rotated, have your brakes inspected. 2. Don't neglect your parking brake. Using it regularly will keep the cable from seizing up, and will reduce your need for repairs. 3. Install quality parts and materials. Cheap stuff is a false economy that you'll pay more for in more frequent brake jobs and inferior performance. 4. Driving techniques. Keep a buffer space between you and the car in front, and use it to slow down on the engine so you don't have to use the brakes as often. 5. System flush. Once a year, have a full brake inspection, including all lines and hoses, and replace the brake fluid with fresh fluid.