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The Lucknow Sentinel, 2016-10-26, Page 710 Lucknow Sentinel • Wednesday, October 26, 2016 Wednesday, October 26, 2016 • Lucknow Sentinel 11 PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM SNOW, ICE & DAMAGE FROM THE COLD Winter can be an unforgiving season. Freezing temperatures coupled with snow and ice can take its toll on people who live in climates where cold weather is a fact of winter life. While winter can test people's patience, it also can be harsh on cars and trucks. Understanding what components of a vehicle can be compromised by dropping temperatures and snowy roads can help drivers take action to safeguard their automotive investments. While the Canadian Automobile Association notes that winter can wreak havoc on just about every part of a vehicle, there are some parts that seem to bear the brunt of Old Man Winter's abuse. Properly servicing and caring for a car or truck can help. Drivers should take their vehicles for a tuneup and inspection before wintry weather arrives. A mechanic will examine the car battery and check antifreeze levels and make sure that the thermostat, defroster, brakes, and even wiper blades are working effectively. Have the tires inspected for adequate tread, which can make navigating roads safer. If the treads are worn, replace the tires. In addition to visiting their mechanics, drivers can perform some inspections and fixes themselves. • Check that all of the vehicle's lights are operational so your car can be easily seen during inclement weather. Exchange your existing windshield washer fluid with one that will not freeze in cold conditions. Check the nozzles on the windshield -washer system routinely and clear out any blockages of ice or debris. While addressing windshield washer fluid, also replace worn out windshield wiper blades with ones that can withstand snow and icy weather. • A new coating of wax can serve as a shield against road salt, snow, sleet, and rain. Try a polymer wax to protect the paint. Whenever possible, rinse off salt and grime so it does not dry on the car and gradually wear away at the paint. Some drivers mistakenly believe that salt stops being a problem once it dries simply because moisture is the active ingredient for a corrosive reaction. But humidity in the air is enough to keep the salt eating away at the car's paint, and that can contribute to rust. Be sure to rinse off the undercarriage of the vehicle as well. • Have your tires' alignment checked toward the end of winter or early spring. A season of traveling over pothole -ridden roads or hitting curbs buried under snow drifts can affect the alignment. Get everything back on track. Similarly, inspect tires routinely, as weather changes can affect tire pressure and strength. • Use a soft snow brush or a foam brush to clear snow off of the car. Avoid hard plastic scrapers you might use on your windshield, as they can scratch painted surfaces. Scrapers should only be used on windows and not on the body of the car. • Try to park the vehicle in a garage or under a car port, each of which can protect cars and trucks from the often harsh elements of winter. Vehicles can be affected by the cold weather. Keep them running efficiently to prevent damage this winter. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIRE FOR YOUR VEHICLE AND SEASON Motorists spend hours behind the wheel and spend lots of money on maintenance to ensure their vehicles are in top working order. But tires are one area of maintenance that often goes unchecked, even by the most diligent automobile owners. Tires undergo a lot of wear and tear, which only highlights the importance of proper tire maintenance. But many drivers do not give tires a passing thought until there is a problem, such as a flat or excessive wear. Also, some drivers think that all tires are the same, failing to realize that the kind of tires vehicles need depends on various factors. In addition to the size and type of vehicle, drivers should consider the type of driving they do and the driving conditions they routinely encounter before choosing tires for their vehicles. Many vehicles come off the lot with all -season passenger tires because these tires are among the most versatile. However, if you live in a particular climate or do a lot of driving that requires specific traction or maneuverability, all -season tires may not be the best bet. The following are descriptions of common tire types and the conditions in which they might make the best fit. All -season All -season tires provide all -season versatility, good wear and ride comfort. They can be dependable tires and offer light snow traction as well. All -season tires provide adequate protection in many conditions, but do not offer specific benefits in any one area. They're likely to be satisfactory for a vast array of drivers. All -season tires are typically offered in touring and passenger types. Touring will provide lower road noise and better handing, while passenger varieties offer a smooth ride and longevity. Summer tires Summer tires are designed to offer traction and maneuverability in warm weather. Orbital grooves and complex treads maximize traction in hot, humid weather. If you live in an area where the temperature is consistently steamy, summer tires may be a good investment. Winter tires A safety precaution for many people who live where conditions often include snow, ice and cold weather, winter tires can be lifesavers. These tires are designed using several different types of rubber, and feature tread designs that maximize traction during inclement conditions. Winter tires also come in various subcategories. Studdable winter tires provide the extra security of added studs to enhance traction on ice. Performance winter tires offer better dry road handling, but traction on snow and ice may be compromised. lighlitONTGOMERY WINTER SAFETY PACKAGE INCLUDES ✓❑ WINTER TIRES ✓❑ WINTER RIMS ✓❑ TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS GET 0/066 APRPURCHASE FINANCING FOR UP TO 8 MONTHS ON SELECT NEW 2016/17 MODELS left PLUS, GET A NO -EXTRA -CHARGE WINTER SAFETY PACKAGE WHEN YOU PURCHASE OR LEASE SELECT NEW 2016/2017 MODELS 2016 FOCUS SE 2017 ESCAPE SE 2017 FUSION SE 77 Performance tires Performance tires offer a sports car feel. These are meant for drivers who want to feel the road and increase low -speed traction. The higher the level of performance, the increased level of handling and stability at high speeds. Truck tires Trucks, pickups and SUVs also have a variety of tire types. There are off-road varieties, which will offer an aggressive tread design for off-road traction and other obstacles. Light truck tires help provide durability and traction. Specially designed SUV tires may be large, but can still offer comfort -focused applications designed for on -road driving. Drivers looking for better performance from their tires should speak with a tire retailer about the options available to them. SNOW TIRES A WORTHY INVESTMENT Automotive experts say that snow tires are a worthy investment that improve maneuverability and stopping power on winter roads. Many people leave all -season tires on their vehicles throughout the year, but snow tires may help decrease snow -related accidents and may even help drivers save money on their auto insurance. Consumer Reports says that autumn is the best time to buy snow tires. As drivers prepare their vehicles for winter, the following snow tire tutorial can shed some light on why driving in winter is safer with snow tires. • Snow tires are particularly helpful for people who cannot wait for roads to be cleared before they begin their days. Snow tires provide greater traction in wet, snowy or slushy conditions. Snow tires provide ample grip and make it easier for cars to turn corners and stop on slick roads. • As the mercury falls, the rubber used to make traditional tires can become hard and less pliable, compromising its ability to grip the road. However, many snow tires are made with a specialized rubber that remains supple even in very cold temperatures, making it easier for the tire to hug the roadways even when those roads are in poor condition. • People who live in very cold climates and areas where snow and ice dominate the landscape for several months per year often find all -season tires are inadequate and likely to slip. Snow tires make for safer alternatives in such regions. • Snow tires are typically manufactured the previous summer, meaning inventory is finite, according to Consumer Reports. Drivers who wait until the first snowstorm to purchase their snow tires may encounter limited inventory and find it difficult to locate the right size tire for their vehicles. That's why it's important to shop early. • Retire snow tires earlier than you would all -season tires. Snow tires lose almost all of their effectiveness once they reach 6/32 -inch deep tread. Snow tires can make roads safer for drivers who live in locales with long, snowy winters. They also are ideal for drivers who desire more traction, cornering and stopping capacity on winter roadways. A(JFOPRO www.napaautopro.com Lucknow Service Centre Inc. Safety Inspections I Wheel Alignments Regular Maintenance 1 Computer Diagnostics Repairs to all Makes & Models Shane McDougall 121 Bruce Road 1 P.O. Box 791 Lucknow, ON NOG 2H0 Tel.: (519) 812-1003 ayne's Auto body COLLISION, RESTORATION & ACCESSORIES We work for ALL Insurance Companies 519-812-1900 CALL US FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE 121 Bruce Rd. 1 Lucknow, Ontario