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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1981-10-28, Page 40Page 10 Know what to do with an overheating problem Unless a driver knows what to do when he has an overheating problem, he risks serious personal injury and aggravated damage to the engine. Even the simple act. of removing the radiator cap when overheating oc- curs requires a special technique. 1. When the overheating becomes evident, stop the car as soon and as safely as possible. Then turn off the ig- nition. 2. Wait for the engine to cool down. The wait may be several minutes long but it is vital. A fine mist of water will help cool the radiator but do not put a stream of cold water on the engine or radiator. 3. When removing the radiator cap, protect your hands with a thick glove or a heavy wadding of rags. Keep your face as far away as possible from the radiator area. 4. If the cap is equipped with a lever, button, or other pressure release device, use it to allow excess steam to escape. In any case, slowly turn the cap counterclockwise until you feel the seal has been releas- ed. Then wait until the hiss- ing sound stops before removing the cap complete- ly. . 5. After the engine cools sufficiently, start it again and add water slowly. Ad- ding water too quickly to an engine that has not cooled adequately could crack the engine block. If you plan a long trip, it's wise to have your car's cool- ing system checked out in advance. This is particularly Try a car pool and save money Wouldn't it be great to be driven to work instead of driving? Well, if you hire a limousine it'll probably cost you a lot of money. But if you find a carpool partner, you'll probably save a lot of money. As well as saving on gasoline and maintenance, sharing a ride reduces your driving strain. And if you've ever been stuck for a ride when your car is being serviced, you'll appreciate the convenience of a carpool. Not convinced yet? Well,consider the wider implications then. In today's uncertain energy climate, anything you can do to reduce your gasoline con- sumption is welcome. This is especially true in Ontario, a province with lit- tle crude oil of its own. Half the oil consumed in Ontario now is used in transportation. Thirty per- cent of this is used by com- muters, the vast majority of them driving alone. You don't have to be on your way to work to benefit from ridesharing. If you have extra space, why not share your vehicle with neighbours or friends the next time you head for the cottage, the ski trails, the festival in Stratford or Niagara -on -the -Lake? To promote carpools the Ontario government has launched a ridesharing pro- gram with carpool and van - pool demonstrations across the province.These are prov- ing that sharing a ride offers a commuter a less stressful, door-to-door service with significant financial savings. How do you find carpool partners? A few employers help their employees set up carpool programs. If your company doesn't offer this assistance, do it yourself. Put a notice on a company or community bulletin board, in a company or com- munity newsletter. List your name, telephone number, the area where you are com- muting from and to and your hours of work. You should also state whether you prefer to drive or ride and whether you smoke. Once the carpool is set up, establish simple rules: +determine who is to drive and when; +set a regular timetable and be punctual; +decide whom to call if arrangements have to be changed and designate a reserve driver in case a back-up is needed: +decide on cost-sharing arrangements. Now, how do you deter- mine cost? Well, some car- pools base payment on the distance travelled,` others relate it to public transit fares. If you drive in a carpool, it may, be wise to increase your liability insurance. It only costs a few dollars extra. If you accept payment from your passengers, you must have a Standard Auto Endorsement S.E.F. 6A which usually costs about 10 percent of the public liability premium ($10 to $25 a year) It's a shine you can tanto to. Became Pro•Tolr 90 is one of the toughest, deepest corrosive resistant protective finishes aver developed. That's saying a lot. But Pro. Tok 40 will soy a lot for your car. Teflon. It's gone from the frying pan into the sunshine. And it's because of the way'it resists heat, Ordinary car waxes stair to molt at S3°C. But a car's metal surface can reach 80°C. in the sun. Pro•Tob 40 is stable to tem• poraturos above 300°C. So your car's finish won't fade away into the sunset. Tho process is simple. Teflon is buffed onto the cleaned paint surface, whore it becomes bonded to the point. Then it's buffed and hand polished to a lustrous shine. THE PRO-TEK 40 GUARANTEE. E3ondeco's Pro -Tek 40 application is guaranteed for a period of 40 months from the date of purchase against fading. weather deterioration or oxida- tion.The guarantee does not extend lo damage or deterioration from colli- sion. fire. stone chipping or abuse by the owner. Complete line of Texaco Products KIRKEY'S CAR CARE YOUR PRO-TEX 40 DEALER IN GODERICH & CLINTON 60 VICTORIA ST. S. GODERICH and is available from your insurance agent. But also remember to tell your insurance company if you join a carpool as a passenger. Since you don't need your car to commute, your insurance rates might drop. If you take turns using your car, you'll still reduce mileage and probably lower your insurance rate. For more information, write Energyscope, care of the Ministry of Energy, G.M.S. Box 37, Queen's Park, Toronto, M7A 2B7. important it you plan to natal a trailer, or if your car is equipped with air condition- ing. Experts at the Car Care Council suggest the follow- ing services be performed to insure trouble-free opera- tion: + If coolant is laden with rust and other contaminants, have it replaced. Even permanent -type anti -freeze can lose its effectiveness if it has been in use for a year or more and additional water has been added from time to time. If the system is to be drained, it should be flushed thoroughly to remove scale and rust. + Radiator and hoses should be checked for leaks under pressure. During short drives to the station or shopping center, cooling system pressure may not reach its maximum. However, on a long drive, such as a vacation, leaks may occur. + All hoses, including those connected to the heater, the engine block and the radiator, should be in- spected for condition. High temperatures and normal. aging will weaken these hoses. Check for cracks and sponginess. All connections should be tight and leak -free. + The thermostat should be checked and tested for proper action. If it's not opening at the proper temperature, overheating could occur. + the radiator cap should be tested to make sure it holds the correct pressure. If it does not hold the proper pressure your coolant will boil away, and the system will overheat. Have your car's radiator cap tested the next time you are in a ser- vice station or garage. Overheated engines can result in expensive repairs. + Fan belts should be closely inspected. A belt that is frayed, cracked or deteriorated from grease is potential trouble and should be replaced. Proper tension is important, too. If a belt is ,too loose, overheating may result. L. f. + BE PREPARED F • R WINTE We at Haugh Tire are the people to see, if you need snow tires, a battery, your coolant checked a tune-up or anything your car may need for a "no -worry" Winter Season. BE PREPARED. FOR WINTER Con. In and Sao Us Today! WE SPECIALIZE IN: *ALIGNMENTS *ELECTRONIC ANALYSIS TUNE=UP *EXHAUST SYSTEMS *BATTERIES *WHEEL BALANCING *RADS *COMPLETE BRAKE SERVICE. *WHEEL BALANCING *USED CARS