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Home My WebLink AboutClinton News-Record, 1986-10-29, Page 31Jacks for the do-it-yourself mechanic From page 7 hydraulic jacks do require a little more maintenance. But, if properly cared for, a hydraulic hand jack will long outlast a scissors jack. The service jack is the most sophisticated — and expensive — aftermarket jack, although prices have come down dramatically in recent years. Service jacks are the choice of professional mechanics and serious do-it-yourselfers for many good reasons. Mounted on wheels, a service jack is easier to place underneath a car — and with its hydraulic action, easier to raise and lower once in position. While most scissors` and hydraulic hand jacks must be operated from underneath a car, a service jack_can be•operated by a mechanic kneeling alongside the car. By getting the mechanic out from underneath the car, • the service jack provides a real measure of added safety. Service jacks also have larger saddles and bases, making the jack more stable under load. Service jacks are available from $35 to $250. While most will find a lower -price ser- vice jack suitable for their needs, the do-it- yourselfers who often use a jack will ap- preciate the secial features, added conve- nience and extra durability that are built in- to higher -priced service jacks. Since jacks are niade for lifting loads, not supporting them, it's absolutely essential you use welded steel jack stands to hold up a vehicle for safety's sake. Other types of sup- ports, like blocks and stamped' or tubular steel jack stands, aren't strong, stable or safe enough. A pair of good quality jack stands can be had for less than $50. They should be among the first pieces of equipment a do-it- yourselfer purchases. How to Gauge Quality Carl Goeb, a spokeperson for AUSCO Pro= ducts (a major supplier of hydraulic and mechanical jacks that produces over 40 per- cent of the jacks found in new cars and trucks) offers these tips for determining the quality of an aftermarket jack. First, look at the warranty. It indicates the maker's confidence in its own product. A warranty, that offers repair over one year Ssuggests much higher quality than a 90 -day, exchange only warranty. Simply put, the better the warranty, the better the jack. If you are buying a scissor jack, make sure it meets OEM standards. A major manufacturer, like AUSCO, constructs mechanical jacks to standards set by the auto industry.. This assures you of a safe, long-lasting unit. Carefully examine the jack's construc- tion. For jacks, bigger and heavier is better. It means stronger materials went into the product. Welded seams and heavy gauge steel guarantee you durability and reliabili- ty, while a jack with light gauge steel and steel stampings literally may not stand up under heavy use. AUSCO says the average do-it-yourselfer can outfit himself with a basic service jack and a pair.of welded jack stands for $70 to $90. And he suggests when shopping for a jack, always keep this rule of thumb in mind: The more you use a jack, the better jack you'll need. " Whenever you use a jack, be sure to follow safety procedures. Never try to lift a load that exceeds the lack's rated capacity. Always lift on a hard, level surface that provides a good solid base for the jack. Block the wheels that will remain on the ground before lifting. Slowly raise and lower the vehicle. Once a vehicle is raised, support it with jack stands. And of course, always follow the maintenance and operating instructions that are packed with each jack. Safe driving tips for all conditions Winter weather puts extra demands on you, as a driver. Here are some tips on how to cope with different road conditions. Ice: As weather conditions change, so do road conditions. Be especially wary of shad- ed areas, bridges and overpasses. These sections freeze first and stay frozen long aft' the sun has come up. Black ice: The road ahead may appear to be black and shiny asphalt, but it could be covered with a thin layer of ice. Generally, in winter, asphalt has a grey-white colour. SO, if you do see "black ice" ahead, slow down, be ready to declutch or shift to neutral and, if you must brake.;. do so smoothly and gently. Hard -packed snow: This can be as slip- pery as ice. It can also be rutted„ full of hard tracks and little gullies. However, the colder it is, the better traction your ear has on hard -packed snow. But as the snow warms up, it becomes more slippery. Slow down, drive relaxed and avoid abruptSteer- Mg, braking or acceleration that could cause a skid. Deep snow; This gives you fairly good traction if ,your car is equipped with snow tires. However, the adding_ drag can actual- ly cause the engine to labour and overheat. So,• keep an eye on the temperature. gauge. Wet roads: It can ram in winter, and wet roads can be just as treacherous as icy roads. Rain acts as, a lubricant, ,making road"surfaces very slippery, especially as Piga, 9 the first drops fall. So, slow down and, put your headlights on. As rainfall increases, tires have a difficult job of maintaining contact with the road. If you're going too fast, the tires may start to ride on top of the water — just like a water ski. This is called "aquaplaning or hydroplaning". And when a vehicle aquaplanes, you can lose control. Therefore, reduce your speed and be sure you have good tires with lots of tread. Wet snow: It can build up slush in the wheel wells of your car, and actually restrict your ability to steer or manoeuvre. It's a good idea to clear out the wheel wells Periodically, perhaps when you stop for gas. uguinst uSt;----::'_ OIL GARD IS THE SENSIBLE ANSWER! Oil Gard will penetrate and slow down the growth of rust if already present. Oil Gard will soften and help to preserve your present undercoating. 011 Gard is affordable. Oil Gard is a proven product for new or used vehicles. It is the preferred method of most car collectors. OIL GAID OIL GARD CAR CARE 50 PICTON ST., GOD@RICH 524-9094