The Citizen, 2012-10-25, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012.
MS –As auto manufacturers
continue to include the latest
gadgets and newest safety features
in their vehicles, some would-be
vehicle buyers wonder if these
gadgets are worth the extra cost.
Today, many vehicles come with
options such as back-up cameras
and parking aides.
BACK-UP CAMERAS
Some people cannot live without a
rear camera in their vehicle, while
others consider such a feature an
unnecessary expense. There are
many advantages to back-up
cameras. Buyers concerned about
the cost of a backup camera should
keep in mind that this option can be
installed aftermarket, and some are
sold as do-it-yourself kits.
Back-up cameras are primarily
mounted in the rear of the car near
the license plate holder. Some also
may be tied to additional reverse
lighting to provide extra
illumination when backing up at
night.
The purpose of the back-up
camera is to provide an unobstructed
view of what is behind the vehicle
when driving in reverse. Sport utility
vehicles and light trucks have higher
profiles and large blind spots in the
rear, which makes backing up tricky.
Although drivers must still pay
attention when going in reverse, the
back-up camera offers an added
Continued from page 16
car and the one in front of you helps
you avoid a collision.
• Be aware of black ice. Black ice
gets its name from its veritable
invisibility. It is so thin and hard to
spot, it just looks like the black
asphalt of the road. Black ice tends
to form in areas that have had snow
or ice melt, which then refreezes at
night when temperatures drop. Be
extra cautious on turns and on
highway exit and entrance ramps,
where black ice frequently forms.
• Steer your car into the skid.
Remain calm and do not panic and
jam on the brakes if your car starts to
skid. Slamming on the brakes will
only exacerbate the skid. Rather,
take your foot off the accelerator,
allowing the car to naturally slow
down as you turn your wheels into
the direction the car is skidding.
This should help right the car and
get you back on track.
• Invest in snow tires. Those who
live in especially snowy climates
and do a lot of driving would be
wise to purchase snow tires. Snow
tires, also called winter tires, have
special tread patterns that offer
better traction in snow and ice. They
also are made from softer rubber
compounds than regular tires that
retain their flexibility in cold
weather, allowing the tire to
conform to the surface of the road.
Although many vehicles come with
technology to prevent accidents,
they cannot do their jobs if tires are
not maintaining their grip on the
road.
All-season tires are not a
replacement for snow tires. All-
season tires are designed to work in
all sorts of conditions, from rainy
weather to dry roads. Therefore, it is
better to invest in a set of snow tires
that will offer you better protection.
When putting snow tires on a car or
truck, be sure to do so on all the
wheels – not just the driving wheels.
Otherwise you may still risk spin
outs or uneven gripping of the road.
It is not a good idea to keep snow
tires on all year. Because they are
softer, snow tires tend to be more
noisy and can wear out faster in
warmer weather. Therefore, switch
out the tires at the beginning of the
snowy season and then before the
spring arrives anew.
Gadgets: are they worth it in new cars?
New technology
Cars are being equipped with more technology now than ever and it’s tough to decide which
gadgets are worth the money and which ones you can live without. (MS photo)
Tires
can lead
the way
during
winter
Don’t wait until it Snows!
Inventory is moving fast
Brophy Tire
104 Pine St., Wingham
519-357-3712
Booking now for snow tire installations
Light truck and passenger
• Cooper • 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). HST extra
We can store your off-season tires
RADAR
AUTO PARTS
"You will find it at CARQUEST"
235 Turnberry St.,
BRUSSELS 519-887-9661
Highway 8 West,
MITCHELL 519-348-8485
20 King St.,
CLINTON 519-482-3445
Also at:
and
Your area 4x4 specialists
for over 12 years
519-335-6565
www.pentasticmotors.com
2011 Harriston Rd.,
Gorrie, ON
Financing available
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Limited
TOWING,
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“Friendly Service & Reasonable Prices”
519-524-2181
Towing 519-524-2182
24
HOUR
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LARGE SELECTION OF NEW & USED PARTS
FOR ALL MAKES & MODELS
“Fuel tanks our specialty”
CANADIAN
TIRE AUTO CLUB National
Auto League
2012 2012FALL CAR CARE 2012
Continued on page 21