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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2003-04-16, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2003. Some simple steps that can save money Just because you are not a mechanic, doesn’t mean that you can’t take better care of your vehicle — and save some money in the process. Following is a list of basic and common sense tips that can make a big difference in how your vehicle performs and how long it will last. A little bit of effort on your part can go a long way towards protecting this major investment. • Check your tire pressures on a regular basis, especially if you are going on a trip or carrying a heavy load. Improperly inflated tires can have a major effect on the way your vehicle handles, and make a huge difference on how quickly your tires wear out. If you are not comfortable with doing this yourself, go to a reputable full-serve service station and ask the attendant for assistance. • Check your oil yourself or have the attendant check it every time you fill up with gas. It’s basic common sense. A low oil level, which could easily happen through a leak or many other reasons, can do serious damage to your engine. And always remember, the red light on your dashboard is not an oil check light. It is an engine danger light. By the time it comes on, you are most likely already in serious trouble. • If you want to check your oil yourself, it’s easy to do. Fully warm up your vehicle then park it on level ground and turn off the engine (unless you have a dry oil sump like in certain Porsches and a few other high performance cars — in this case you must leave the engine running). Wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the crankcase. Open the hood and identify the oil check dipstick (make sure it is not the automatic transmission dipstick). Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, replace it for a few seconds and then remove it again and check the reading based on the marks. Add a quality brand name oil if necessary and do not overfill. It’s that simple. • Read your vehicle instruction book. Then read your vehicle instruction book again. Thousands of hours have gone into the preparation of this manual and it will be full of excellent recommendations on how to keep your car running well — from the people who actually designed the car. Follow their advice carefully on maintenance, safety and the correct type of lubricants to use. • Change your oil every 5,000 kilometres or every three months. While that probably exceeds your manufacturer’s warranty requirements, it will pay off down the road. Supplying fresh, clean high quality oil is the best single thing you can do for your engine. • Check your automatic transmission fluid monthly. It has a dipstick similar to the engine oil dipstick, but normally is checked with the engine running. Adding a little transmission fluid is a minor cost. Rebuilding your transmission is a major expense. See your owner’s manual for details. • Carry, in proper containers, at all times, a couple of litres of gas, some engine antifreeze or coolant, windshield wiper solvent and a supply of high quality engine oil. • Consider asking your installer for a synthetic oil. It’s a little more expensive but if you want the utmost in protection for a vehicle that you plan to keep, it’s worth the premium. A wealth of interesting and valuable information on motor oils and lubricants can be found at www.castrolcanada.com or other well known petroleum web sites. - News Canada Car Oiling at Lee's Service C (formerly Dave's Car Hood Inner Fenders We use Hot, Acid Free, New Oil CARS & LIGHT TRUCKSThank You everyone for a great 1st year Friday, April 25 Many in-store specials including: Car/Light Truck Oiling hours: Sat. 8 am - 12 noon; Call ahead (Weather permitting) 348 Dinsley St. E., Blyth 523-9151 Tips for aging drivers Seniors are enjoying longer, more independent and productive lives than ever — and continuing to drive. Driving means independence, and . people who have driven for most of their lives want to keep that independence as long as possible, especially in suburban and rural areas where driving is the only way to get around. However, despite modern medicine, certain conditions like hearing loss, reduced reaction time and impaired vision can make driving as an older adult more difficult and hazardous. That’s why safety continues to be one of the main concerns for seniors on the road. Many compensate for their limitations by distances and driving, busy downtown areas driving shorter avoiding night highways and However, other safety precautions can be taken to ensure that a mature driver can continue to enjoy his or her freedom. Here are some tips from the Canada Safety Council. • Get regular vision and hearing exams. If necessary, be sure to wear eyeglasses and/or hearing aids. • Some medications can affect driving or abilities. Be aware of any possible side effects. • Leave space cushions to the sides and behind the car as a safety precaution. • When planning trips, choose familiar routes and avoid dense and/or high-speed traffic. • Background noise should be kept at a minimum. Adjust radio volume, air conditioning and heater blowing units to their lowest settings. Avoid using a cell phone in the car. Stop in and enjoy a hot dog with our staff. "Door Prizes"* RADAR AUTO PARTS 515 Turnberry St., Brussels 887-9661 Glass Cleaner Oil Dry LitterShop Towels $099 Wash & Kitty Wax 455 ml $095 j.l. McCutcheon Oldsmobile Sg95 MAOTORS Chevrolet Downtown BRUSSELS 887-6856 or 1-888-351-9193 CARQUEST * AUTO PARTS LUBE, OIL & FILTER & 10 POINT CHECK W W Trust Your Car to the Experts in Service and Repair. North American TECHNOLOGIES Custom Bent Exhaust in Stainless Steel and Aluminized 10 Point Check ,. ............ '‘"•4L Includes... & Test Antifreeze PH * Check Cooling System Leaks * Check Wiper Blades * Top Up Washer Fluid * Check Air Conditioning Performance * Check Air Filter * Check Fan Belts * Check Rad Hoses * Check Tires Check all Lights I------------------------------------------------------------------- With this Coupon and Lube, Oil & Filter recieve a ! FREE SPRING SPECIAL $Q95 STAINLESS MUFFLERS-TUBING ■CONVERTERS-FLEX PIPES •RESONATORS-FLANGES •DUAL EXHAUST ■IMPORT PERFORMANCE • TIPS-Y PIPES fum) SILENCER PERFORMANCE • PASSENGER CARS • COMMERCIAL • EQUIPMENT Borrmann's Garage RR#1 Bluevale Ont. (519) 335-3857 www.stainlessmuffler.com (value $9.95) Coupon Expires May 31/03 (not valid with any other specials) McCutcheon motorsCHctsmoose C h b v r o l Downtown BRUSSELS 887-6856 or 1-888-351-9193-------------------------- --------------------------------------- Dripless Oil Coat s6995 and up Remember...Every Wednesday is Seniors' Day Receive parts & labour Free pickup and deliver within 5 miles of Brussels j.l. McCutcheon Motors Ltd. Brussels (519) 887-6856