HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2004-10-28, Page 15e -
het reads winter!
Is your car
Winter
Ready?
See your local
garage for great
Winter Tune-Up Specials
• Auto Ports Plus
Supplier of quality: 4/
•
Steffen Auto Supply
100//pine St., Wingnam
(519) 357-1550
J.L. McCUTCHEON
GM MOTORS
Canada. Downtown BRUSSELS
887-6856 or 1-888-351-9193
LUKE, OIL & s2195
FILTER
and uP
& 10 POINT CHECK
WINTER SPECIAL $g95
Includes...
• Test Antifreeze and Check PH Level
• Washer Fluid
• Check Washers
• Lock De-icer
• Check Belts, Hoses, Wiper Blades
• Check Heater & Defroster Operation
• Check Tires & Exhaust
• Lube Door Hinges & Door Locks
•All Fluids Extra
- - -
With this Coupon and Lube, Oil & Filter receive
FREE WINTERIZE
(value $9.95)
Coupon Expires Dec. 15/04 (not valid with any other specials)
McCUTCHEON MOTORS 2114Ftr
Downtown BRUSSELS 887-6856 or 1-888-351-9193
L J
Phone 887-6856 for appointment
Toll Free 1-888-351-9193
C Fi I, V R I. RT
Now Open!
BROPHY TIRE
Under New Ownership
BRENT FOXTON
11 John St. W.
Wingham,
Ontario
357-3712
411th
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•
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2004. PAGE 15.
Make Make sure your car's winter ready
CCNS - 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 Morn. Thanks Dad.
Driving slowly and cautiously is
good advice, but the Car Care
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.
The Council recommends the
following tasks be performed by a
do-it-yourselfer or professional auto
technician:
• Check the coolant (antifreeze);
coolant should be flushed and
refilled every two years in most
vehicles.
• Check the owner's manual to see
if your driving habits are
considered "severe," and if so, have
the oil changed accordingly, usually
every 3,000 miles; consider
CCNS - Henry Ford told buyers of
his Model T they could select any
colour as long as it's black. Today we
see cars in any of 7,000 hues,
including shades of rust that won't
appear on colour chips in new car
literature.
"Serious rust damage, including a
hole right through the metal, can
begin with a minor scratch in a
parking lot from a shopping cart,"
said Rich White of the Car Care
Council. "Steel is strong and lasts a
lifetime when it's protected, but
when that protection is invaded. the
metal is exposed to the elements.
That's when rust begins its
invasion."
Cover paint chips as quickly as
possible, White recommends. For a
quick fix until you can get some
touchup supplies, dab a little clear
nail polish on the scratch. Touchup
paint can be found for virtually every
vehicle ever built, including
antiques-. Use the paint code number
shown on the identification plate
located on a door jamb, in the glove
box, under the hood, in the trunk
under the carpet next to the spare or
wherever else the car maker has
hidden it. The owner's manual will
tell you how to find it.
"Some uncommon colours will
have to be ordered where auto parts
are sold or from the internet. Also
available are scratch repair kits
including everything needed from
preparation to finishing a deep
changing to a "winter weight" oil if
you live in a cold climate.
• Check the battery and exhaust
system.
• Be certain the heater and defroster
are working properly.
• Keep the gas tank at least half full,
decreasing the chances of moisture
forming in the gas lines and
possibly freezing.
• Check tire tread depth and tire
pressure; consider special tires if
snow and ice are a problem in your
area.
• Check to see that lights work and
headlights are properly aimed.
• Replace wiper blades every six
months; consider special snow
blades if the weather dictates.
• Be prepared . for an emergency
with the following items in your
trunk: ice scraper, windshield de-
icer, flashlight, whisk broom,
blanket, extra clothes,
candle/matches, bottled water,
snacks, necessary medications and
a first-aid kit.
Engine and cooling system
First, if you're a do-it-yourselfer,
get under the hood. Otherwise, visit
your friendly automotive technician.
Winter only magnifies existing
problems like pings, hard starts,
sluggish performance or rough
idling, so make certain the engine is
in peak condition. Check the cooling
system, too. Coolant should be
flushed and refilled every two years.
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 3-5,000 miles. 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.
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 slid(
roads. Lights should be inspected
regularly. Check to see that bulbs are
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, jncidentally
should be properly inflated, just in
case).
Pack items that would be 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.
Rust: a nasty four-letter word
scratch," White said. basic rules of body and paint
Small dents can be fixed with maintenance apply:
paintless dent repair, a service found Avoid parking in the hot sun; it can
either through local automotive damage interior surfaces as well as
suppliers, the classified section of the exterior. Wash the vehicle
the phone book or on the internet. frequently, including areas
Like so many aspects of car care, underneath, with mild, safe products.
preventive maintenance is much Select and use cleaners and waxes
easier and beneficial than corrective carefully. A cleaner that is effective
measures. Maintaining the original for one type of finish could be
integrity of the finish keeps the disastrous for another. Consult the
vehicle in "like new" condition. The vehicle owner's manual to be sure.
Some vehicle prep for
eastern standard time
CCNS - Proper vehicle lighting it is important to repair or replace
will be vital' to safety when non-functioning lights immediately.
daylight-savings time ends on Oct Something as simple as a burnt-
31. To prepare for fewer hours, of out brake light could potentially
daylight and the extra hours of have major consequences. Results
darkness, the Car Care Council of vehicle inspections during
encourages motorists to take a few National Car Care Month found:
minutes to inspect their vehicles to • 8 per cent of vehicles inspected
ensure that all of the lights are needed work on at least one of
working properly. their turn signals.
The Car Care Council • 6 per cent of vehicles had
recommends checking all vehicle problems with at least one of their
lighting on a monthly basis, brake lights.
including the headlights, turn • 5 per cent of vehicles failed their
signals, brake lights, side lights, side light inspection.
parking lights, tail lights; backup • 1 per cent of vehicles failed the
lights and license 'plate lights: inspection for their headlights,
Whether you do it yourself or visit a parking lights, tail lights, backup
professional automotive technician, lights and license plate lights.