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The Citizen, 2016-10-20, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016. PAGE 19. Automobile theft hurts insurance company customers MS — Vehicle theft is something few people imagine happening to them. Until it does. While many motorists may think technology has done wonders to curb vehicle theft, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that a motor vehicle is stolen every 46 seconds in the United States. Auto theft is sometimes mistaken as a victimless crime. After all, insured motorists are typically reimbursed for stolen vehicles, and drivers whose cars are returned after being stolen can simply submit a claim to have any damages paid for by their insurers. But this characterization of auto theft is untrue, as all motorists, whether their car's been stolen or not, pay for auto theft. The Insurance Bureau of Canada notes that each year auto theft costs Canadians roughly $1 billion. That figure includes the $542 million insurers pay to fix or replace stolen vehicles each year. Those costs are ultimately passed on to customers, who then indirectly pay for the actions of car thieves. Curbing auto theft is not necessarily the job of drivers, but there are things motorists can do to reduce the likelihood that their car will be stolen by opportunistic thieves. • Avoid keyless ignition systems: Drivers who live in areas that are vulnerable to auto theft may want the peace of mind that comes with traditional keyed ignition systems instead of the more modern and flashy keyless ignition systems. While vehicles with keyed ignition systems are stolen every day, some thieves may find it easier and quicker to steal cars or trucks with keyless ignition systems. Thieves Clogged filters reduce efficiency MS — Vehicle maintenance can protect drivers' investments and help their automobiles run efficiently. One area drivers should pay particular attention to is their vehicle's air filters. When operating at optimal capacity, an air filter improves fuel efficiency while ensuring vehicles accelerate smoothly without taxing the engine. But when air filters are clogged, fuel efficiency is reduced and emissions are increased, a one- two punch that costs motorists money and hurts the planet at the same time. Drivers can check their owner's manuals to determine the recommended intervals to replace air filters, but the following are a handful of indicators that suggest it's time to change them. • Gas mileage: Unless you just purchased your vehicle, you likely know how many miles you can drive on a full tank of gas. If that gas mileage is suddenly slipping and you find yourself visiting the filling station more frequently, then it might be time to replace your air filter. • Engine light: Drivers may be alerted to engine issues when the "Check engine" lights up on the vehicle's dashboard. This light may come on to indicate a problem with the air filter, as clogged air filters reduce air flow to the engine, resulting in an imbalanced air -fuel mixture that adversely affects the engine. • Starting and idling problems: Vehicles sometimes don't start up as smoothly as they once did, and drivers may also notice vehicles are not idling smoothly. These symptoms may indicate misfiring spark plugs that are being polluted (and made less effective) by a dirty air filter that is reducing the flow of air to the engine. • Acceleration difficulties: Automobiles that are operating at peak capacity accelerate quickly. But dirty, worn-out air filters adversely affect acceleration. Drivers who notice that their cars are struggling to accelerate when stoplights turn green or on highways may need to replace their vehicle's air filters. • Dirty air filter: Perhaps the biggest indicator that an air filter needs to be replaced is the filter itself. If you cannot find the air filter on your own, consult your vehicle owner's manual to determine where it is. Once you find the air filter, examine it in broad daylight. Clean air filters are white, so if the filter has darkened, it may need to be replaced. Block heaters save gas, cash Continued from page 18 you avoid any gas -guzzling jams. • Don't idle to start up: Are you using a remote starter or starting your engine then running back inside to let your vehicle warm up? Don't fall for the driveway -idle trap; not only does it suck up gas and increase emissions, idling for more than 30 seconds doesn't give any extra benefit. All you need to do to warm up your car is to drive it gently for a few minutes. You'll be warmed up and on your way in no time. • Keep an eye on your tires: Tire pressure changes with air temperature, so check your tires at least once a month to make sure O o Service ,‚/�ly Special 4$5495 starting from 54 Includes: Oil, oil filter, chassis lube and 105 point vehicle inspection includes brakes, steering, suspension and drive train. Lam. g AVM 0 Extend the Life of Your Vehicle PARTS FOR ALL Dripless Oil Undercoating MAKES & MODELS �* Jack Van Dorp is a red seal certified technician with more than 20 years experience HOURS: j MON. - FRI. 8 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. Winter Maintenance Checklist SAT. 8 A.M. - 12 NOON i® ., 4 564 Campbell St., LUCKNOW 519-528-2220 $ �� 1-877-528-2220 Na ` After Hours: `' 519-528-3876 ' ;1 FAX 519-528-2226 � am/ o Ja .. 0 1 BRYAN MARRIAGE they're inflated correctly. Driving on tires that are under -inflated by as little as eight pounds per square inch can cut their life by more than 10,000 kilometres and drive up your gas use to boot. • Use a block heater: Block heaters warm up your car's engine before you start and can cut down on gas use dramatically by eliminating the need for you to warm up the engine at all. Use a timer on the block heater for added convenience; just set it to turn on about two hours before you need to drive, and you're off to the races with a pre -warmed engine, gas in your tank, and money in your pocket. Find more information online at vehicles.gc.ca. gaae Heat ,odd rtiavi Let everyone know about your new bundle of joy! The Citizen Call for prices and details 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 Don't wait until it Snows! Inventory is moving fast Booking now for snow tire installations Light truck and passenger • Sailun • Hercules Let us give you a quote on special orders from • Michelin • Bridgestone • Firestone Prices include: installation, clean and buff rims, balancing, new valves, torqued to spec and OTS (disposal fee). 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