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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1983-10-26, Page 42•n N' Thermostat ch The same engine thermostat that helped prevent overheating 1st summer will also speed up the time it takes to warm your car this winter. Thermostats restrict the flow of coolant through the radiator until the engine warms up to operating temperature. A thermostat senses the changes in coolant temperature and regulates the flow of coolant to maintain the most efficient operating temperature. This helps to in- crease fuel efficiency and to reduce engine wear. The modern internal combustion engine is designed to operate at high temperatures, usually around 190 degrees F. Operating your engine at temperatures substantially higher or lower than the manufacturer's specification may affect its carburetion. This can result in rough Gas and Go! "Gas -and -go" service station patrons should be particularly aware of the impor- tance of regular car checks. If you're among this growing motoring population, see how well you do on this quiz from Car Care Council. Answers will be found below. 1. You changed oil and filter just a few hundred miles ago and on your weekly dipstick check you discover the oil looks dirty. Most likely, the reason is: a. You have a faulty oil filter. b. This is normal appearance of detergent -type -oil. c. The engine has excessive combustion. 2. When traveling, tire pressure should be checked: a. More frequently. b. At the beginning and end of the trip. c. When tires appear to be low. 3. As a conscientious car owner, you look underneath your car occasionally for leaks and find one of the shock absorbers ap- pears to be leaking oil. So: a. You replace it and keep an eye on the others. b. You replenish the fluid. c. You have new shock seals installed. 4. Power steering and brake fluid levels should be checked: a. Annually. b. Before starting a long trip. c. Monthly. 5. Car battery connections should be checked regularly for accumulation of cor- rosion, which: a. Causes the battery to overheat. b. Reduces battery efficiency. 3. Can ruin the battery plates. ck keeps engine efficient idling, stalling, and increased emission of pollutants. Designing the car engine to operate at high temperatures is beneficial to both car manufacturers and motorists. High coolant system temperatures have helped in the downsizing of automobiles. Because today's cars are designed for high cooling system temperatures, they use smaller radiators. This, in turn, helps reduce the size and weight of the radiator that must be used in your car. High cooling system temperatures have also helped improve a car's heater capaci- ty. Hotter coolant provides more heat in- side the car for your comfort in cold weather. - Like any other car part, thermostats don't- last forever, warns The Gates Rub- ber Company. When a thermostat goes "off calibration," it means that the valve is opening at a temperature lower or higher than the rated temperature of the unit, Too low and the engine may run too cold; too high and the engine may run too hot, resulting in boiling coolant. A thermostat can be checked by letting the engine run at normal idle for 5 to 10 minutes, With a cool engine, the ther- mostat will be closed and very little coolant will flow to the radiator. When the thermostat does open, you can feel the surge of warm coolant passing through the upper radiator hose. This indicates that the thermostat is opening and closing nor- mally. But, if the coolant temperature con- tinues increasing slowly, then the ther- mostat could be stuck in the open position. Never run your engine without a ther- mostat. Doing so will permit the engine to run► too cool singe it then has unrestrieted use of all the coolant in the system, Low temperatures may also lead to rough, id1� ing and increase the amount of pollutants emitted. When your engine runs without a ther- mostat, water from the combustion .pro- cess condenses and mixes with lubricating oil. This mixture combines with other im- purities and forms corrosive acid and sludge which restricts oil flow and leads to accelerated engine wear and damage. Cold weather will accelerate this effect even more. Usually there is no clear sign that this problem is developing until the damage is done. Then, frequently, the only course of action is expensive repair or replacement of engine parts. 1984 DODGE TRUCKS ARE RAM TOUGH Answers to Quiz 1. B is correct. Oil functions as a clean- ing fluid as well as a lubricant inside your engine. That's why periodic oil and filter changes are essential. 2. A, B and C are all correct. Checking tire pressure is a simple chore that's more important than ever when you're on the road. 3. None are correct. A leaking shock ab- sorber is no longer serviceable. Shocks should always be replaced in sets of two or four to ensure stable handling characteristics. 4. B and C are correct. It's easy to check these fluids. For safety's sake do it mon- thly. 5. B is correct. Corrosion acts like an in- sulator between contacting surfaces of the cable and terminal or post. Clean these connections at least once a year. Car Upkeep Want to stay out of the red? Keep your car in the pink of condition! Here are some helpful tips: Check your car's oil, the level of coolant in the radiator, your car's battery and tire pressure twice a month. Belts, hoses, lights, steering and align- ment, brakes and windshield wipers should be checked monthly. Safety Belts Passengers in the back seat who don't wear safety belts are increasing the poten- tial for injuries to front -seat passengers, in the event of an accident. Safety experts say that when an accident occurs, belt -less passengers in the back seat may be thrown forward. Give Your Car Tender and Loving Care! 's G task, Girl:'' . " ' TO RESIST A DEAL LIKE ThIS Make Your Selection From NEW Ready For Immediate Delivery Plymouth i innsi.r:i� Dodge Dodge Trucks SALES/SERVICE 1984 DODGE RAMCUSTOM Moving you with muscle at work or at play, this Rim 50 Custom 2 wheel drive pickup can deliver. Finished In light blue metallic complemented with dark grey bench seat. Powered by the peppy 2 hire silent shaft engine, 5 speed manual transmission, AM radio, black sidewall steel belted radial tires plus/many other standard features. This fine truck has been reduced.. for immedibte.delivery. 751 plus freight Serial No. 800139 Price Effective 'Til Monday, October 31 '83 We've got Chrysler GO D E R I C H PLYMOUTH CHRYSLER LTD. DIAL 5247383 Located 414 Huron Road. Highway No. 8. Across from L.C.B.O.