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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1997-10-29, Page 14Page 14 Times -Advocate, October 29, 1997 O� 1.997 FALL --- WINTER CAR CARE The hot and cold Of pre -winter car inspections One autumn ritual that has become as traditional as college foot - hall and apple cider is the pre -winter car inspection. It is a sign of caring to make sure the family car is in good operating condition to make it through winter storms. A good rule of thumb is to remember to check the systems that allow the car to run both hot and cold. You want the engine to run at the correct temperature so it doesn't overheat or fail, but you want • the car's heater to keep the inside toasty warm. A heating and cooling system inspection in the fall is just good preventive maintenance. The heating system inspection checks the condition of the heater, the heater hose assemblies and connecting • parts. The cooling system inspection reviews the radiator, water - pump. engine temperature and antifreeze levels, as well as the condi- tion of the belts and hoses. The mechanic will look'for worn, dam- aged or leaking parts. The goal of the inspection is to identify problems before you end up stranded. The Mechanic should recommend replacing worn or damaged hoses or belts with new parts. Cracks on belts and soft spots on hoses could mean that it just a matter of time before these parts fail. In many cases, a small amount of money spent replacing a belt in- a hose can increase your safety on the road. You can conduct a beating and cooling system inspection yourself or take the car to your local mechanic. Many mechanics participate in the Dayco Cooling System Specialist program and offer free inspections. . Cooling and heating system inspections are not time-consuming. Many mechanics will let you make an appointment in advance, so - you can schedule the inspection for a Saturday morning or during a lunch hour. Because Cooling System Specialists stock a wide range of Dayco belts and -hoses. "chances are most of them will have replacements.:on hand, if replacement is necessary. . - . Make a heating and cooling system inspection your gift of peace of mind for'the entire family by bringing your car to a Cooling System Specialist this fall. Don't get stuck this winter What would you do if your car gets stuck on the.road in the cold of winter? How are you going to keep warm? How could you have avoided getting stuck in the first place? You might consider membership in the Canadian.Automobile ., Association. If you do a lot of winter driving in isolated regions, you might also consider haying a Citizen's Band radio or a cellular phone. • Turn on' the radio and. listen to the local weather forecast. If you hear warnings' of winter.weather conditions for blizzards, heavy '-snow, freezing rain or drizzle, cold waves and winds, then maybe you shouldn't venture out on the highway. •-Blizzards= a combination of falling, blowing, drifting snow,high' winds, low visibility; cold temperatures (less than; IOC): duration - six hours or more. • Heavy snow — 15 em or more in 12 hours. • Freezing rain— An ice storm coating,roads, trees, overheat! wires, etc. with ice. • • Winds — The cause of blizzard conditions, drifting snow, reduced:visibility and windchill effects. Weather offices issue warn- ings when a wind chill (rate o( cooling) of 2,000 watts per square metre is expected. Tltis is cold enough to freeze a liersonls face in less than a minute. (Equivalent to -40C.) , When you travel in winter conditions • Drive with caution. Measure your speed to conditions and be defensive • Don't press on. If the going gets tough, turn hack and seek refuge •Try to keep on main roads " • Don't be foolhardy • Keep your radio tuned to a local station for weather advice. If you get trapped don't panic. Avoid over-exertion and exposure. Shovelling and hitter cold can kill. Stay in your car. You won't get lost and you'll have a shelter. Keep fresh air in your car. Open a win- dow.on the side sheltered from the wind. Run your motor sparingly and beware of exhaust fumes. Ensure the exhaust pipe isn't blocked by snow. You can run the car engine about 10 minutes every half hour - as long as your exhaust system is working well. Set out warning lights or flares. Put on the dome light. Overuse of headlights may run down your battery. Exercise your limbs, hands and feet.vigorously. Keep . moving and don't fall asleep. Kcep watch for traffic or searchers: ' " Put on a haras well as extra socks and mittens. Without a hat you can lose up to 60 per cent of your body heat. Add extra outer wear or a pair of coveralls as the extra layers of clothing will trap warm air near the body, acting as insulation. (Cautioh; do not drink alcohol in - bitter cold as it lowers the body temperature.) Combat the annoying inconveniences of winter . A faulty heater may be one of the most annoying inconveniences of winter driving.. Most passenger compartment heaters use the coolant to warm the ind ring fresh air. Besides providing driver and passenger comfort, the warm air directed against the inside windows generally prevents fogging and icing, which can obscure vision. You can troubleshoot the systein yourself by following these rec- ommendations provided by engineers at The Gates Rubber Company. Caution: The engine should be cool before servicing -the cooling system. Check coolant level Begin by checking the coolant level in the radiator and the plastic reservoir located near the radiator. A low level will reduce or cancel the flow of coolant to the heater, thereby reducing or preventing any heat output. if you must add coolant, you should mix 50 percent antifreeze with 50 percent water for adequate wintertime protection. Check the mix- ture with an economical hydrometer, available at most auto parts stores. The radiator pressure cap helps to raise and control the temperature of the coolant in the system. Replace the cap if the seal or rubber gas- ket is damaged, or if the spring is broken. The thermostat, normally located at the engine connection of the upper radiator hose, regulates the flow of coolant to the radiator. When the thermostat fails or malfunctions, the engine will either overheat or take longer to reach its proper operating temperature. It is a good practice to replace the inexpensive thermostat every four to six years, advises Gates. • Make safe driving your first priority The number of cellular phone users in Canada has increased dra- matically, to more than 800,000, since the technology was intro- duced in 1985. The cellular industry recognizes that educating cus- tomers about the safe use of cellular phones is an important . responsibility. " National Cellular Safety. Week ` Canadian cellular service suppliers work with the Canada Safety Council to present an annual National Cellular Safety Week. Last year's campaign ran in May with the theme "Hands On For Safety." The goal of the annual campaign is to help increase awareness of common sense safety guidelines that should be observed when using a cellular phone. The Canada Safety Council helps get .the - message out to various audiences through special information packages and public service. announcements. Cellular Phones as a Safety Tool ' Cellular phones play an important role in community and high- way safety. Cellular users in Canada make over 30,000 calls per . month to 911. However, it is important for callers to remember that 911 should only be used when there is an immediate threat to -life or property. . To allow customers direct access to other emergency services, - some company's have set up several free "star -lines", such as *CAA (*222) for roadside assistance. In Ontario*OPP (*677).connects call- ers with the closest detachment of the provincial police. - Quick,response to emergencies can make a difference in the out- come of a situation and many incidents have occurred where cellu- lar phones have helped save a life or prevent a crime. .There are also programs such as Mobile Watch, a national -organi- zation which encourages cellular users to report activities and other emergencies to the proper authorities. Cellular Safety Tips • ' The cellular industry advocates"the following safety guidelines for cellular phone users: _ • • • Always buckle up, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes. on the road. • Become familiar with the functions of your phone while your vehicle is stationary. • Use your hands-free speaker phone if you use your phone while driving. You should never- pick up your handset while the vehicle is in motion. - - . • • Never use an un -installed portable phone when driving. If you use a portable phone in your vehicle, have an in -car kit installed to allow hands-free operation. - • ,Program frequently -dialled numbers into your phone's mem- ory and use your speed -dial feature.. - - • Dial only when stopped. Wait until a red light, a stop sign, or pull over -to the side of the road if necessary and safe to do so. s • Let your phone's voice mail feature take messages when you are unable to answer the phone. You can pick up your messages later. • Never take notes while you're driving. The vast majority of cellular subscribers are safe and responsible drivers. The -industry encourages its customers, and all drivers, to act. responsibly and make safe driving their first priority. CAR CARE When buying a Car you look for airbags, anti lock brakes and other safety features. - When you get a car loan you get FREE Life Insurance up to $50,000. For a few cents a day you can add health and accident insurance to further protect your investment 235-0640 CLINTON COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1952 48 Ontario -Street " CLINTON 482-346 118 Main St. North EXETER 235-0640 Life comes with enough nasty surprises, so we won't give you any on your final bill. Done in 29 minutes or the next one is free. This is what you get. •15 point inspection includes: quality AC oil filter, lube chassis and replace oil with up to 5 litres of GM Goodwrench Premium oil • Check and top -up the following fluids: brake, power steering, windshield washer • Complete inspection: tires, air filter, coolant, hoses.windshield wipers. drive belt, battery. lights and indicators. • • Limited lifetime warranty on AC Delco pads shoes. 1 year warranty for all installed parts and labour. National Muffler guarantee for as long as you own your vehicle. This is what you get. • Replace front pads or This is what you pay. rear shoes with AC Delco brake pads/shoes including brake fluid • Inspection of master cylinder and calipers • While you wait service • Most'vehicles require new rotors or refacing of existing rotors at an additional charge. This is what you pay. This is what you gat.• •'Install quality AC spark plugs • Check: filters, belts, hoses and PCV, ignition wires and cap • Visual battery check • Road test • While you wait service. This is what you pay. This is what you get. •1 year guarantee on "all other" parts and labour •. Complete replacement of intermediate pipe, muffler, tail pipe. clamps • All labour included • Specifically designed for (INE vehicles • All makes available •While you wait service. This is what you pay. bGoodwrench o Service_g The Plus is in the Service. Not the Price. Huron Motor Products 640 Main St. South 235-0363 Exhaust System Starting from 995,, 'Applicable to most OM vehicles Additional charge for Diesel and Northstar engines and vehicles using synthetic oe PST and OST extra. Dealer may sea for less. • •Applicable to most OM vehicles. Lifetime national warranty covers brake pads/shoes for as long as you own your vehicle PST and OST entre Dealer may sell lor less. See dealer tor details tAppatable to most OM vehicles. Most vehicles will rooters additional parts and labour Additional charge applies for rapidhre and pletinum plugs. PST and OST edra. Dealer may sell for less t tApptles lo 65-9I Astro/Safari Van. a cylinder. PST and OST extra. Dealer may sell lo. less 1