Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1994-10-26, Page 15CAR CARE CENTRE I October 26, 1994 Page 15 "^n:iss/4 rrr:ram■rg iVATiT . riirt-Ulf Carat r 1:4111111111111111ITT tsdamommir .. 411121_111112,VMAIF, 1 % 1 w'l WA MI '2 2 1 .41111101011 % 7 //11/1i-` MI % .7 /i MOW MIL A MIL el Have you checked your dipstick lately? Are you one of the growing number of car owners who sel- dom checks your oil between changes? If so, you could be in danger of engine trouble. Low oil levels cause in- creased wear of internarengine parts, reduced fuel efficiency and lower horsepower. These problems occur because, over time, oil viscosity increases, which means the oil becomes thick and sticky. Kendall Motor Oil researchers have found that, if a car is one quart low on oil, viscosity increases dra- matically, and oil has trouble flowing to engine parts. Because this sludgy oil flows less easily, the engine can become starved for oil, increasing friction, corro- sion and wear. This can eventually lead to engine fail- ure. "If you were to check the oil levels in cars on the road today, you would find that more than half of them would he at least one quart low - amazingly, some even two quarts," says Keith Bator, a Kendall Motor Oil engineer. Reasons for low oil levels There are several reasons for these low oil levels. One reason is that new cars use less oil than older models. People will usually check the oil several times after purchasing a car, and then cease checking when they notice that oil levels are consistent. These new car owners fail to realize that, as time goes on, their engines will consume more oil, increas- ing chances for engine failure. Kendall engineers re- mind motorists that, as a car ages, it is even more im- portant to check the oil level with each gas fill -up. "The more miles that are put on an oil, the more con- sumption you will experience," says a Kendall engi- neer. Your engine may also develop an oil leak, so it is important to monitor oil levels closely. Another reason that today's automobiles are low on oil is the disappearance of full-service gas sta- tions. There are few stations that still check your oil when you pull in for gas. Conse- quently, there is no constant re- minder of the impor- tance of maintaining a proper oil level. Checking your oil is a quick and simple pro- cedure. You will need only an old cloth or a paper towel, and motor oil to add if the level is low. Make sure the car is off for at least Checking your oil level be- tween scheduled changes is a quick and simple procedure that can help increase fuel effi- ciency and prevent wear of in- ternal engine parts. on level ground and has been turned 15 minutes. This will allow all oil to drain into the oil pan for an accurate reading. Cold weather can be tough on roads - and cars As winter approaches, people are preparing for the al- ternating freezing and thawing they'll face as cold weather battles the warm tempera- tures for control. This fight can be brutal, and it can even leave scars - potholes - on the road before the really cold weather even sets in. These obstacles make driving in slush and snow •more challenging than it already is. Dodging potholes isn't always possible. So, after driving through a deep pothole, one can only hope that he hasn't damaged a tire or broken a spring. Sometimes, a driv- er may even break a bracket that se - Make your drive time more relaxing Driving can be very stressful for even the best of driv- ers. Since Canadians travel many miles in their cars each year, it's important to ease the ten- sion of waiting in traffic or driving during rush hour. Cars need to be comfortable, since people spend so much time in them. One way to make cars feel more like "home" is to redecorate the in- teriors with state-of-the-art fabrics Toughen up against cold weather. After a season of dodging and styling, so they take on a whole potholes, check to see what damage has been done to cars new look and feel. People typically by taking them in for under -car inspections. redecorate rooms in their homes every five years. Now that people are keeping their vehicles for an av- erage of eight years, those interiors probably need some touching up also. cures the muffler and pipe to the frame, and may end up dragging his tailpipe behind him along the street. Strong shock absorbers and struts can help keep people from losing control when driving through pot- holes. However, bumpy rides cause these parts to wear, and they gradu- ally lose their ability to keep the car stable. Worn shocks and struts are un- safe and can increase the wear of other car parts, including tires, ball joints, steering linkage, springs and c.v. joints. Signs that the potholes ,have af- fected shocks and struts include when: • the vehicle rolls and/or sways • Ott turns; • the front end dives when apply- ing the brakes; • the rear end "squats" when ac- celerating; • the vehicle bounces or slides when on a winding, rough road; • the vehicle bottoms out. To discover if potholes have damaged their cars, people should take them in for under -car inspec- tions. When checking cars, experts know to look for leaks, dents on struts or shock bodies, worn bush- ings, abnormally worn tires ,and damaged or missing compression bumpers. To see how bad the dam- age, is alignment checks may be needed. , Potholes can wreak havoc on cars - and people's nerves. So, stop wor- rying about what damage might have occurred, and take your car to a professional be be checked. Genuine leather upholstery, for example, is gaining popularity as a re -upholstering material for motor vehicles, adding the look and feel of quality. An old vinyl interior can be upgraded with luxurious fabric, available in a wide variety of col- ours and patterns. Cloth fabric, with its comfort and durability, is still preferred by most vehicle owners and car -company interior designers. It stays cool in the summer and warm in the win- ter. To find out about redecorating your vehicle's interior, go to an auto trim specialist to look at sam- ples. It doesn't cost anything to look and you may be pleasantly surprised at the prices. Consider restyling your car, van or truck. It won't improve rush- hour traffic, but it can make the drive more relaxing. 11 SStraight Line L Collision Don't forget to lubricate your door locks and handles from the inside. It's just a little prevention so you don't get locked out of your own car in the cold of winter. 1,111.91 r z. er r'•_� ; . We'd like the opportunity to gain your confidence 4 miles South of Exeter on #4 Hwy. 228-6114 Don Stuckless r When should you wash your car? From the time when an automo- bile is first transported to the deal- er, metallic railroad dust, road grime, tar oil, hugs, salt, acid rain and countless other elements all take their toll on a car's delicate finish. We usually think of washing the car only in the winter to prevent corrosion caused by winter salt, hut did you know that immediately after a rainfall is one of the most critical times to wash your car? That's right, even the lightest shower could cause iii parable acid rain damage to your vehicle's beautiful finish, if not quickly cleaned at a professional car wash. "Acid rain damage is caused when high concentrations of emis- sions from fossil -fuel -burning en- gines_ or plants react with your car's paint to form sulfuric and ni- tric acids," says Dan Palenskc, president of the International Car - wash Association(ICA). He adds, "The result of this process is the penetration and etching of clear - coat finishes, whose protective qualities will then eventually cor- rode, exposing the paint to many harmful, corrosive elements. A car with had acid rain damage could be devalued by up to $1,000 at trade- in or resale time." Although you can't prevent acid rain, you can keep it from ruining' your car's finish by removing it as soon as possible at a professional car wash, advises Palenske. New cars are treated with what's known as a "clear -coat finish," which is nothing more than a layer of paint without color pigment. Pa- Icnske likens this to sunscreens that protect our skin from the sun's damaging rays. Just like removing sunscreen exposes your skin to the sun's harmful rays, if the clear -coat finish is damaged by acid rain, it can no longer protect the car's painted finish. This is why it's important 1) visit a professional car wash frequently, and especially after a rainfall. Keeping your car's finish in the hest possible condition is of vital importance in maintaining and pre- serving the overall appearance and value of the car. A broken engine part - even the entire engine - can be replaced, but once the body is destroyed, the car is worthless. i1- y `�-- EXETER 650 Main. S. 0 D A OIL GARDA FORMULA II 10. a.. Because Rust Never Sleeps Formula II is proven to protect your vehicle with No -Drip convenience. Formula 11 is a blend of oif, rust inhibitors and petroleum semisolids, suitable for domestic or foreign vehicles. The corrosive effects of moisture and salt is relentless, so when you buy rust prevention, buy one you can trust. • CARS • TRUCKS • VANS CALL JEFF FOR APPOINTMENT 235-1081 ,15 TOYOTA BEAT THE COLD AND SAVE! Call to book your service appointment now. Take advantage of these everyday low prices. LUBE, OIL & FILTER $2388 All Toyota With courm' Models Valid until Dec 31, 1991 • Replace engine oil and filter'. • Lubricate locks, all latches Et hinges. • Inspect air filter element. • Inspect lights, hom and wipers. • Check coolant, battery, brake and washer levels. 'Includes required quanuty premium oil and Toyota genuine oil filter COOLING SYSTEM MAINIENANCE All Toyota Models Valid until Dec 31, 1991 • Pressure test the cooling system. • Inspect the hoses, water pump, drive belts and radiator. • Drain system and install Toyota long life coolant for winter and summer protection. 5888 BLOCK HEATER All Toyota jModels Installed Valid until Dec. 31, 1994 • Easy subzero starts • Saves wear & tear on engine & battery • Engineered specifically for your Toyota • Faster interior comfort , • Use with any 110V source • 8 FRONT OR REAR BRAKE REPLACEMENT f4t4V kattr: • Install genuine Toyota disc pads or shoes. • Clean & lubricate calipers or backing plates. • Inspect hoses and lines. • Road test. All Toyota $9888Models Va&d until Dec 31, 1991 Come home to Toyota Service where quality doesn't cost more. " Some restrictions may apply to brake special 'O%on Discount on parts and labour Rickfra EXETER TOYOTA 242 Main St. N., Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S3 (619) 235-2363. 1-800-361-0677 CaN Snips Hodge for appointment today 1 •