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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2002-10-23, Page 15M.G.M. Townsend Tire We sell, service & install a full line of farm, truck & passenger tires 1 mile east of Londesboro on County Rd. 15 "We'll keep you rolling" Matt Dan Phone 523-4742 George . Carrie Wes Jack USED CAR & TRUCK SALES, PARTS & TOWING VEHICLES BOUGHT AND SOLD USED CAR & TRUCK PARTS GENERAL REPAIRS - AUTO WRECILERs AUTO REEPAIRs p 1/4 mile south of Brussels r( on Cty. Rd. 12 fj) Ck, Brussels 887-9499 - pW -,40N4. 1 G & M AM Auto Ports Plus Auto Parts Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressors - Different Sizes and Styles Fax 887-8004 Phone 887-8002 , Brussels Gary McArter Res 887-6027 235 Turnberry St. Bill Glousher Res.: 523-9023 Car Oiling (11 Lee's Service Centre (formerly Dave's Car Oiling) Hood ______„---Trunk Lid Doors & Underside Door Panels Inner Fenders Inner Fenders We use Hot, Acid Free, New Oil CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 1 pm - 9 pm; Fri. 1 pm - 6 pm, Sat. 8 am - 12 noon (Weather permitting) 348 Dinsley St. E., Blyth 523-9151 Come In And Check This Out! Is your car Winter Ready? See your local garage for great Winter Tune-Up Specials A IN Auto Parts Plus Supplier of quality: AV Steffen Auto Supply 100 Pine St., Wingham (519) 357-1550 THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2002. PAGE 15. = Car Parenting includes providing sound driving advice Part of parenting is dispensing driving advice. For example, in icy weather young drivers may be told, "Take it slow. Don't drive any faster than the speed at which you're willing to hit a brick wall." Thanks Mom. Thanks Dad. Driving slowly and cautiously is uood . advice. but the Car Cart Council reminds motorists of other cold weather tips. The first and most important is to be proactive. That means making sure your car is mechanically sound before the temperature dips and the streets get icy. Engine and cooling system. First. if you're a Do-lt-Yourselfer, get under the hood. Otherwise, visit your friendly automotive technician.. Winter only magnifies existing problems like pings. hard starts, sluggish performance or rough Year after year, more vehicles fail inspections in National Car Care Month check lanes because of low or dirty engine oil than any other discrepancy. "This is because motorists seldom check under the hood at the gas pumps or. for that matter, any other time," says Car Care Council President Donna Wagner. "Most of us are guilty of just gassing up and getting back on the road, planning to check oil, belts and fluids some other time, if at all." The Council is promoting improved maintenance habits, not only checking but also changing oil when that service is due. It could save money and inconvenience in the long run. Dirty oil does more than accelerate wear -of precision engine parts. It also can turn to thick sludge, clogging oil passages and preventing lubrication from reaching bearings, pistons and valve guides. An engine under stress, such as when towing a trailer, needs clean oil for lubrication and for cooling. In addition to lubricating and cooling, oil acts as a cleaning agent. But when it's dirty and the filter is loaded with contaminants, none of the above can be accomplished. Dirty oil is one reason you'll hear a tapping- sound from an engine, coming from a valve lifter. It's either worn by dirty or insufficient oil or hampered by fine particles of grit in its microscopic passages. Remember, too, that the term "severe service" shown in the vehicle owner's manual, refers to the little old Checklist helps avoid problems Continued from page 14 drive belt. That predicament easily could have been avoided, first by the periodic inspection of drive belts and, later, by acting on the signal from theingtrument panel. Even if your vehicle is fairly new, use this winter check list. The council reports four out of jive vehicles that go through 'their inspection lanes need maintenance. - CC( idling, so make certain the engine is in peak condition. Check • the cooling system, too. Coolant should be flushed and refilled every two years. Your folks will not necessarily know this, so don't wait for their nod on this one. Oil change Check the owner's manual to see if your driving habits are considered to be "severe service." This type of driving requires more frequent oil changes, warns the Council. Have the oil changed accordingly, usually every 5,000-8,000 kms. For less wear and tear on the engine, drivers in cold climes (sub- zero driving temperatures) should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30. Your mom and dad would prdbably suggest simply moving to lady who uses her car only to drive to church on Sunday as much as the family that tows a big boat or trailer. The little old lady's stop and go driving and short trips can take their toll on a car. Another benefit of timely lube, oil and filter service is that the technician has an opportunity to find discrepancies lurking under the hood or under the vehicle. There's a big payoff in discovering a leaking brake someplace warmer. Four other musts The battery and exhaust system are other "must check" items. These should be examined using professional equipment. Make certain the heater/defroster are working properly and keep the gas tank full. In addition to staying ready for the road, a full fuel tank decreases the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Exterior concerns .Now for the outside of the vehicle: tires, -lighting and wipers. Both tire tread and tire pressure should be checked weekly. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. Lights should be inspected regularly. Check to see that bulbs are cylinder, for example, before it results in total failure of the braking system. A seeping shock absorber or power steering component, might show up only when the car is on a lift for routine service. As the Car Care Council says, "It'll save you down the road." For more information, visit www.carcarecouncil.org. — CCC illuminated, and headlights are properly aimed. Finally, replace wiper blades every six months. Consider special snow blades if the weather dictates. Emergencies Even the most meticulously maintained vehicle can develop problems on the road, especially during inclement weather. That's when it pays to be prepared for an emergency. Tapping the Trunk Use that big space for something more than a spare tire (which, incidentally should he properly inflated, just in case). Pack items that would he needed if you got stranded for a several hours. A cell phone (with a car charger) is a good start. Also include the following: ice scraper, windshield de-icer, flashlight. whisk broom, blanket,' extra clothes, candle/matches, bottled water, snacks, needed medication: For more information on winter driving, log Jut www.carcarecounei I.org.. CCC Changing oil when due can save money, hassle