Loading...
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 '.•::'-'1.11111111111111tili Z.1747.71:. 7 "17. ,1111 . • 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.