Times Advocate, 1992-04-29, Page 11Reduce variation expenses
This summer, a motoring vaca-
tion for a family of four will cost
nearly S200 per day for lodging,
meals and routine cur expenses
such as gas, oil and tires.
It could be even higher, however,
if the routine car expenses turn into
a stranded auto, disabled by a
blown radiator hose, or a damaged
engine, caused by a failed drive
belt.
One way to reduce unexpected
car costs, is to have the vehicle
checked and serviced betbre it ever
gets packed.
The cooling system, in particular,
needs a pre -vacation inspection be-
cause of the strains of extra weight,
highway speeds and possibly some
stop -and -go or mountainous driv-
ing.
Here'syhatto look for.
Check the coolant
Because today's engines run at
temperatures high enough to melt
metal, they require a heat -reducing
liquid coolant that is 50 percent wa-
iter. and 5Q_percent antifreeze. Al-
-aeaysmse, .or insist that your me-
- ltanic install, a good quality, brand
name antifreeze.'
Some engines and radiators, such
=as those made of aluminum, require
a special blend of antifreeze. Your
owner's manual should have specif-
ic recommendations.
The coolant level should be
checked one a month during the
summer months. Most cars have a
. coolant recovery system, located
near the engine, which will help
maintain the correct .level. If the
fluid level -in therecovery tank is
below thefull line._add coolant di-
rectly to the to nk;
hoses
Of -the four or 'five cooling sys-
tem hoses found on most cars, the
two most important arethe curved
bypass and the upper radiator. hos-
es.
The bypass and . upper radiator
hoses carry hot coolant from the en-
gine to the radiator, while the bot-
tom radiator' hose delivers the
cooled liquid back to the engine.
Since the hosea.ete. so vital to safe
engine operlation,':they should be
checked at least every six months.
The best way-to:ieepeet a hose is
to squeeze it fumlyalong its entire
length. If .the hose feels spongy,
lifeless and has bulges, or if it feels
hard, brittle and if cracks appear,
replace the hose immediately.
But don't be fooled if the exterior
of the hose appears to be in good
shape.
Most engineers assert that most
hose failures are due to an electro-
chemical reaction in the cooling
system. this cracks the hose tube,
allows liquid coolant to weaken the
reinforcement, and eventually re-
sults in a burst hose or a pinhole
leak.
Because there is no visible, early
waming sign of this failure, replac-
ing these hoses every four years is
recommended.
This also is a good time to install
new hose clamps, tightening them
properly to avoid leaks at the con-
nection to the radiator and the en-
gine.
Check the belts
While the traditional V-shaped
belt has been the mainstay of the au-
tomotive cooling system drive, new
cars, since the early -1980s, have in-
creasingly been -designed awlth a V -
ribbed belt. Today, more than 40
Times -Advocate, April 29, 1992
• •wwraw.,rie+e v4101001,4. • • •
million vehicles use this • multi -
ribbed belt.
Vacationers -- and all motorists --
need to know that when this belt
fails, the vehicle may lose power to
a number of important accessories.
These could include the alternator,
the power steering pump, the au-
conditioning
uconditioning compressor, the water
pump and, in some instances, the
booster for the braking system .
To continue any amount of driv-
ing with a failed V -ribbed belt may
lead to unsafe operation of the vehi-
cle, and potential engine damage.
Of course, if numerous cracks ap-
pear in the ribs, or if parts of the
ribs are missing, then " the belt
should be replaced immediately, be-
fore the four-year safe service life.
Routine checks and maintenance
are probably the most important
pan of automotive care.
Follow the recommendations in
your owner's manual for mainte-
nance and parts replacement, and
visit your service station or mechan-
ic this spring, beforcsyou-pack-the
car fora vacation
opar
CUSTOMER CARE
OUR association began
when you purchased
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asopar
CUSTOMER CARE
•••FOR AUTOMOTIVE
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PARTS AND SERVICE •
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Rentals •
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Page 11
dD`oa:+CCS
111? OIL &
FILTER
CHANGE
Includes Installation kit up to
litres of Mopar Engine Oil and .
Mopar Oil Filler
n1'3SP ask got, $P,vTa Awe
11'
FOR AUTOMOTIVE
PARTS AND SERVICE
EXETER
CHRYSLER
LTD.
136 Main St., N.
Exeter NOM 1S3
Phone: 235-1525
Coolant hoses that feel soft_or h rd should Abe rimed Imme-
diately, says The Gates Rubber company. Without arming,
hoses may also fail because of hidden damage-toVie tube
and reinforcement. Spring is an excellent time to•repIace-all
four-year-old cooling system hoses.
Your Full Service Automobile Dealerships
1991
President's
Triple Crown
Winner and we
Thank You
"The Customers
Tim Hamather The most prestigious award offered by
General Motor and only bestowed upon a few dealers, that have been able to
combine the ultimate in sales, service, and customer satisfaction.
We :are very proud..at Huron Motor Products termer this award. It. total t- ,
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such as this. We believe at Huron Motor Products that the future of our success is
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Competitive low financing
Up to $2,OOO
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Now is the time to buy as we are aiming to meet
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Our prices have never been better
Or if you are looking for a used vehiclef
One of the largest selections of used cars
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Call us today
Bring
Your
Car
In For
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Spring
Tune -Up
HURON MOTOR PRODUCTS
LTD. Serving Western Ontario for over 27 years.
Main Street South, Exeter • 235-0363
Customer
Satisfaction
our 1 Priority
When your Honda needs a little
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who know it best. With thorough Wayne Mental r
knowledge from continual training, and using Genuine Honda parts, you can be re-
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tained. We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you come in and
throughout the!ife of yourcaryou Abe certainbat=Exeter Honda'sexperienced
service team will keep your car in top operating condition) -
Exeter Honda is now offering to our senior citizens, a
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DRIVE UNE
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Pea •rear
92 Point
Bumper
To
Bumper
Inspection
includes
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Oil
Change
only
54 ells
twos
Jeff Heywood
Service Manager
We Service all Makes - Free Pickup and Delivery in Exeter
a
D
Exeter Honda
650 Main St. S. Exeter, Ontario
235-1081
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