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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1989-04-19, Page 30Page 30 Times -Advocate, April 19, 1989 SPRING CAR CARE Get Quality Professional Service from These Experts Interpreting car noises helps speed up repair ' Ominous car sounds tell you something may be wrong; under- standing their cause. can help you and your mechanic find and correct the problem before it becomes seri- ous. Here are some of the more common noises, listed by Car Care Council. * A "clunk" from under the car when you start forward or back up could be a warning that a universal joint is failing. That's serious if it breaks and the drive shaft drops while you're driving. If you have a front -wheel drive car, you'll also get a clunking sound if you have a looseness in a CV joint (like a universal joint that connects thc front wheels to the transverse axle). * Whcn you apply the brakes and hear a squeal or a scraping sound, that could indicate worn brake lin- ings or pads. If allowed to contin- ue, it could result in damaging brake drums or rotors, making the repair more expensive. * A thumping sound from a tire could be caused by flat spots on the tread due to improper balance or alignment. It also could be tread separation, which could result in a blowout. * -The sound of ticking in the en- gine nginc -usually is a valve lifter, gener- al heard when the engine is idling. * A sudden screech from under thc hood could be a worn or loose drive holt. * A knocking or pinging from" under the hood when you accelerate could be from low grade gasoline, incorrect timing or other tune-up ad- justments. * A whining sound as you move from a standstill to normal driving speed could be coming from the transmission and could mean that you arc low on transmission fluid. You probably won't hear this sound when the car is idling or in neutral. * A spitting sound or rumble from somewhere under the car could be an exhaust leak. This is a poten- tially dangerous situation, due to poisonous exhaust fumes that could seep into the car. * If you raise the hood and hear a steady snapping sound that speeds up if the engine runs faster, it could mean a spark plug wire is loose or shorting out. The snapping sound is a spark jumping from the bad wire to the metal of the engine. * If you turn on theignition switch and hear a clicking sound, but the starter does nothing, your battery may need charging or replac- ing. If also could be loose or cor- roded connections. The clicking comes from the starter solenoid, which isn't getting enough voltage to engage the starter. • A whirling sound (when the car doesn't start) could be the starter - drive. Replacing this part normally will correct the problem. Listen first - Keeping an ear open to those ominous drivetrain sounds can keep you in your car rather than under it. Keeping your engine's cool in hot weather driving With temperatures on the rise, it's time to gear up for summer driving. Owners of newer model cars and trucks should be aware that today's cars lightweight trucks operate at higher temperatures than older models Operating temperatures have soared, due to improved aerodynam- ics and smaller cnginc compart- ments. Higher temperatures matched with hotter engines spell trouble for summer driving if no protective measures are taken. To help keep your engine run- ning efficiently and to reduce fric- tion that results in overheating, the makers of STP offer the following tips: * Use a premium grade oil - Today's engines are so demanding on motor oil that a new "SG" rated oil has been formulated specifically for newer cars. "SG" oils provide the increased lubrication protection that is vital to newer vehicles. * The more protection the better" - There is no such thing as too much protection - especially with today's engines: Now, there's a new oil additive available that is formulated especially for engines up to four years old. It's called STP Supra Wear Control. By topping off with Supra Wear Control, do-it-yourselfers can fortify existing oil with additional friction reducers, cleaning agents and anti - wear ingredients. * Keep your oil fresh - Most experts agree that changing the oil often is the key to long en- gine life. Generally, most automo— bile manufacturers arc recommend- ing an oil change every 3,000 miles for typical stop -and -go driving situ- ations. As a rule, it is also good practice to replace the filter with every oil change. * Follow a maintenance schedule - All in all, the watch- word. or today's vehicles is preven- tive maintenance. Provided motor- ists follow the manufacturer's service requirements and perform basic mechanical upkeep, these newer car should enjoy a long and hearty life. —,-,;, PUSH UP pe aping luneUp FREE spark plugs with each tune-up Frayne's Limited time service and parts special offer ends April 30, 1989. For A/C equipped cars see our air con- ditioning spring special. Now is The time to have your AIC checked out. * FREE Spark Plugs ATune-Up by your GM dealer will give you a good run tor your money. Bring your vehiclein today for the Spring Workout! Symptoms Rough idling? Periodic stalling? No passing pep? Frustratinstarts? Visiting the pumps more frequently? These are the symptoms of an engine that needs a tune-up. Cure If you've logged more than 20,000 kilometres in your vehicle and it's suffering from one or more of the problems mentioned above, your engine needs a tune-up. Our Spring Tune -Up Special' Includes • Thermo -controlled air cleaner check • Engine idle speed adjustment. • Early fuel evaporation adjustment • Carburetor or throttle body mounting torque check. • Fuel filter replacement. • Idle stop solenoid and dashoot check • Spark plug replacement. FREE • Engine timing adjustment. distributor and mechanical/vacuum advance check. • PCV valve and filter elements replacement. • Evaporation control system check. and filter replacement. (NOTE For fuel -injected systems. elements of The Tune -Up wit vary ) Most GM cars and Tight duty trucks. Parts extra (Spark plugs are FREE) GUARANTEED SERVICE GUARANTEED GM PARTS GUARANTEED PRICE 11-ri 52.00 6 cyi Conventional 64.95 8cyI&V6 *FREE * HAND WASH WITH TUNE UP Nobody gives your WO a better workout than your GM dealer. Visa, Master Card &i V American Express welcome Service Hours 8 - 5:30 Mon. - Thurs. 8 - 4:30 Fri. all Bruce or chev. olds. exeter Don for Appt. 5E6 Main St.1 Exeter 235-0660 Exeter Auto entre M P r g Cilk bre. Ng—alimillr4iiit. Ft) 4111 t< 1 r: .-. rt. N' OW_ .. 4r1 A tafatllsr�f�rjj!�*�- r r r 1PE7}@i ►'y• • A check list for buying a used car AVE A VEHICLE FOR YOU When -considering a car purchase, consider all :he sellers at your ser- vice. You can make your purchase from a private seller or a car rental company, in addition to the tradi- tional car dealer. * ff you can't bring a mechanic with you, ask a friend with some knowledge of cars to accompany you. Have your inechahic or firer Zr"' staoutside tkc Ee�t you nd ra e, flasher, signal backup, and running, head and tail lights work. * " • ,round the car to check . - t - a sign that the t) ru • underneath. l,.•:k • '1 t. 'ate or trunk arca and u.. . I 1„rt.,1 for rusting, too. Severe rust spots may Icad to expensive rcpai Test drive on different road surfaces at high/low speeds. If the cnginc doesn't turn over in a few seconds, knocks or turns roughly, the car may need higher octane fuel orexpensive repairs. " • Lift the hood and check the condition of belts, hoses and bat- tery. Cracks or leaks may mean de- cline of the car's overall condition. * Be alert to any unusual sounds, vibrations or odors. The transmission should shift smoothly through all the gears, and a manual clutch should not vibrate or grab. A shaky wheel could result for front-end alignment or suspension problems. * Stand back to sec if the car is level and conforms to its natura line. Test shock absorbers by pushing the car down on each cor- ner and let it bounce. Good shock absorbers only bounce once. , . Additional inspection chc pointtapr#-further information to pare you for fail-safe shopping, can be found in a free brochure, "Used Cars -Where to Shop, How to Buy." Have you changed your wiper blades lately? Good visibility during inclement weather requires fresh, flexible wip- er blades. If the ones on your car arc about to celebrate their first birthday, they arc probably due for a change, say CaiCare Council. And here's a tip: Whcn you do rcplacc the old wiper blades with new ones, regular cleaning with a mild detergent of the wiping edge can increase their efficiency...and their life. ' MESTIC, GM Pontiac Buick Cadillac GMC Trucks * Large Selection * Extremely • .. con et�tive paces p * ProfeSS10fla service "WHERE FRIENDSHIPS BEGIN' HURON MOTOR PRODUCTS LTO. S•rving Waat•rn Ontario for over 23 years Main Street South, Exeter • 235-0363 suilfrwai .. 4. . _ •: r IMPORT H Exeter D DISSATISFIED. CUSTOMERS - The photo above" is a group shot of all fhe unhappy people who purchased Hondas from us • over the past year. Be a part of the picture. L Our Service team is qualified to repair and maintain all makes J Exeter © © D Oirr .grit mixt . Hwy. 4 South Exeter • 235-1081