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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2006-10-26, Page 19Trades Welcome www.pentasticmotors.com Dave Robertson Heather Robertson PENTASTIC MOTORS 2011 Harriston Rd. Gorrie Specializing' in trucks 4x4 USED CARS & TRUCKS Bus: 519-335-6565 Fax: 519-335-4090 ®O 3 0 17:5 H P 0 0 oi,DE VILLA a. 3 0 Huron Transmission & Automotive Repair • Free Estimates • Front Wheel Drives • 4x4 Service • Domestic and Imports • Clutch and Differential Repairs • Specializing in Automatic and Computer Controlled Transmissions • 1 year warranty on rebuilt ansmissions 371 Parson Crt.. Goderich 519-524-2501 or 1-S66-426-9502 W accept McNeil's Auto Body After 30 years in business we are still going strong in restoration, body work; collision, insurance estimates and everyday rust repair and antique and collector appraisals. Brussels 519-887-6833 CONGRATULATIONS to Andrew Southgate of Walton — a fully licenced auto body technician in receiving his Canadian Inter-Provincial Standard. Andrew Southgate, licenced technician; Andrew McDonald, training apprentice; Devon Illman, co-op student. 2 Licenced Auto Body Technicians e and Detailing £7' eat vaut cat tight! 3Ceep it dean! "Specializing in on-the-farm-service" ALL MAKES OF PASSENGER TIRES, LIGHT TRUCKS, MEDIUM TRUCKS AND FARM 389 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-9725 Tokens available for purchase! THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2006. PAGE 19. GET ON THE ROAD! Forgoe frosty frustration with fall car care (MS) - The cooler days of fall are an excellent time to prepare your car for the potential ravages of winter. According to the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), "Cold weather will only make existing problems worse." That's why a few minutes in the garage this fall could help prevent a much more time consuming and unpleasant experience this winter. Here are a few items that are easy and simple to check before fall turns to winter. (Always read your owner's manual, and follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules. No one knows your car better than the company that manufactured it.) Motor oil - The easiest way to protect and improve the performance of your car is to upgrade to a high-performance synthetic motor oil, and change it regularly. Synthetic motor oils have better low-temperature fluidity and a lower coefficient of friction than mineral-based motor oils. This will help ensure easier start-ups on cold- weather days. Tires - Worn tires can be extremely dangerous on rainy, snowy and icy Replace blades regularly (MS) -- Whenever it rains during rush hour, there's a traffic jam on the highway. Poor visibility is often a major contributing factor, but could be alleviated if more drivers paid attention to the condition of their windshield and windshield wiper blades. Many vehicles have windshield wiper blades and/or washer systems that are barely functional, and many, many drivers never change their wiper blades. Worn-out wiper blades cannot effectively clear the windshield of rain, snow or debris, resulting in blurred vision for the driver. Most of the choices people make when they are driving are based on what they can see. In other words, if old wipers streak during the rain, visibility is severely hampered. Curing the problem is a no-brainer -- new blades are needed for simple safety. With the amount of road grime that today's traffic kicks up on windshields, it is recommended wiper blades be replaced every six months. "They can go longer, but abrasion takes its toll on even the best blades -- as well as the windshield -- and visibility will begin to suffer. For best results, replace the blade assembly, rather than just the insert. Older frames may loosen and fail to keep inserts in proper alignment for optimum cleaning. While a variety of replacement wiper blades are available, some are better than others. And with winter arriving, now is the time to take a good look at your wiper blades.. These days, wiper blades are easy for the consumer to select and replace. Most auto parts stores offer a range of wiper blades, with reference guides to help match one to your vehicle. Installing the fresh blades does not require a mechanic. For optimum wiper-blade performance keep_windshields clean, and wiper reservoirs full of washer fluid -- not straight water, which can freeze in colder weather and damage the washer system. terrain and roads. Examine tires' tread life and wear. Be sure to check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks as well. All-season radials or winter tires are a wise investment for those who must drive in inclement weather regularly. Check tire pressure and rotate as recommended. Don't forget to check your spare, and be sure the jack functions properly. Cooling system - The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. It may be time for a flush and refill if it's been more than a couple of years since the coolant has been changed. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and-water is usually recommended. Additionally, the condition of hoses should be checked for cracks and leaks. Windshield wipers - Check the condition of your wiper blades, and replace them if needed. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad, winter blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on winter-formula windshield washer solvent. You'll be surprised by how much you use. If you don't have an ice-scraper, buy one and stash it in your backseat or trunk. Battery - A dead battery can make a cold winter morning miserable. If your battery is beyond its recommended service life, replace it. Top any low battery cells with distilled water. - Clean and tighten battery terminals to ensure electricity gets from the battery to the starter on chilly fall mornings. If corrosion is present, clean it with a mixture of baking soda and water, and put on a set of battery washers to keep corrosion from returning. Make sure the battery terminals and hold downs are tight. It's also good to clean and lubricate hinges and the hood latch. Fuel - It's important to keep gas lines from freezing in cold weather. No vehicle can run if it can't get fuel. A full gas tank will help prevent moisture and ice from forming. Particularly cold weather may warrant using a fuel de- icer or block heater to prevent fuel lines from freezing. Properly preparing your car for winter is simple and doesn't require a lot of time or technical expertise. The payback in reduced risk of a preventable breakdown and improved performance is well worth the minimal effort.