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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2018-04-26, Page 18PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018. Sprin ANNIE MI vim- • ►_� —' kW ii. ii moi. MOM www"" AIIMMM AY*YI 11111111•11111 ' *N ' ' Any 1 magmas SW Alit Salim WIMOr �_' `— \--� % WM iiia 'I""wi wwwww tmtllll■A iwwwr Avo• id `topping off' at the pump to protect the vehicle Road trip! As soon as the snow melts and the warm weather hits, many automobile owners are tempted to hit the open road. Those initial trips, however, can be damaging to the driver's vehicle and the environment if some simple tips, including not idling and emptying the trunk, aren't followed. (MS Photo) MS — Many drivers anxiously await the arrival of spring, when they can rev their engines and enjoy the burgeoning greenscapes synonymous with the season. Though the colours of fall foliage might be more closely associated with road trips, many drivers enjoy the first few warm days of spring when they get a chance to hit the open road with their windows down for the first time in months. Driving is not always the most eco -friendly activity. However, there are various ways to enjoy spring road trips without compromising the environment. • Do not idle your vehicle: When engines are running but cars are not moving, this is referred to as "idling". It's hard to blame drivers for idling their vehicles in winter, when many motorists try to warm up their engines and their vehicles' interiors so their morning commutes are as comfortable as possible. Idling cars might not be moving, but they are still burning fuel, meaning drivers who routinely idle their vehicles are adversely affecting fuel efficiency. It's also important to note that idling is no longer necessary in modern vehicles. That's because the electronic fuel injection systems in today's cars require just a few seconds to get full oil pressure throughout the engine. Such systems were not present in older vehicles. • Take it easy on the road: Road trips tend to be more enjoyable and are certainly safer when drivers take their time and don't rush to their destination. And driving slowly happens to be more eco -friendly as well. According to the online automotive resource Edmunds.com, gently gaining speed is much more fuel-efficient than accelerating quickly. Always obey speed limits and avoid quickly accelerating when stoplights turn green. • Empty the trunk: During winter, many drivers understandably carry some extra items in their trunk Neil's Repair Service General repairs to all makes of cars, trucks, farm equipment and ATVs • Tune-ups • Tires • Exhaust • Air Conditioning • Transmissions • Brakes • Licensed MTO Motor Vehicle Inspection Station MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION Neil Warwick, Owner Hours: 8 am - 6 pm Monday to Friday 519-357-9508 183 Clyde Street, Bluevale to account for inclement weather. Keeping ice scrapers, extra coolant or even a snow shovel in the trunk might make sense for drivers who live in regions that routinely encounter heavy snowfall. When spring arrives, drivers should remove any unnecessary items from their trunks. Such items will increase the weight of the vehicle, thereby reducing its fuel efficiency. Athletes and outdoors enthusiasts should also remove golf bags and sporting equipment from their trunks when taking trips where such items won't be needed. • Don't top off at the gas pump: Many drivers, especially those on road trips who want to avoid extra tops at the filling station, top off their gas tanks when nozzles shut off automatically. Such a practice is harmful to the planet and may not be doing your vehicle any favours, either. The U.S. Servicing West Coast Environmental Ontario's Since 1969 191N___ HURON FUEL INJECTION www.huronfuelinjection.com "Qualified Care For Your Complex Fuel Systems" Service & Sales of Diesel Fuel Pumps & Injectors, Gasoline Injectors, Turbo Chargers, Starters & Alternators 77242B London Road, Hwy. #4 South, Box 1471 Clinton Phone: 519-482-7971 Toll Free: 1-800-320-0666 Protection Agency notes gasoline needs some extra room in gas tanks to expand. Without that extra room, the gas may evaporate into the vehicle's vapour collection system, Chamney Auto Repair Car & Truck Sales adversely affecting emissions and potentially damaging the vehicle. Motorists can employ several simple strategies to make spring road trip season more eco -friendly. 38897 Blyth Rd., R.R. #1, Auburn 519-526-7283 or 519-440-7800 Proprietor - Eldon Chamney 7rth29 Now is the time to rid your car of winter grit and grime! Now under new management 0�DE VILLA G4 BRUSSELS SUD SHOP CAR WASH & Detailing 33 King St., Brussels 389 Queen St., Blyth 519-654-6791 • I" qF ice. !/✓.ice_ 1 411 44 PG tO 004 10 Time to change out your winter tires Take advantage of Mail -in Rebates on BF Goodrich, Firestone, Michelin and Bridgestone " Limited time offers. Some conditions apply. Ask for details Brophy Tire " •.° ae�m,�:" 104 Pine St., Wingham v��' 519-357-3712 1„' Win BEEN QFG� O�A Lw4 TTE\ 651