The Citizen, 1986-03-26, Page 21YOUR CAR'S ENGINE, LIKE YOUR
BOLW HAS ITS IDEAL OPERATING 4
TEMPERATURE. NORMAL BODY
TEMPERATURE IS 98.6°F...
A CARS ENGINE OPERATES IN
THE 210°240° RANGE. 14
A THERMOSTAT
HELPS THE
ENGINE REACH
AND MAINTAIN °
CORRECT TEMPERATURE
SUMMER AND WINTER.
A FAULTY THERMOSTAT WILL
CAUSE THE ENGINE TO RUN TOO
HOT OR 100 COLD, LEADING TO EXCESSIVE
WEAR OR DAMAGE. ACOLD ENGINE WASTES GAS.
THERMOSTATS DO NOT LAST FOREVER AND SHOULD
BE CHECKED FOR PROPER FUNCTIONING WHEN
SYMPTOMS SO INDICATE...
REPLACE IF NECESSARY.
GOC --
Whet to look for
in Cooling system
Among the springtime services
essential toyour car's dependabili-
ty is cooling system maintenance.
This often is overlooked until a leak
develops, after which the car cries
'for help by overheating.
Expert Advice
Here, from the engineers of the
Automotive Cooling System In-
stitute, are several facts motorists
should know about their cars'
cooling systems as we prepare for
spring service:
1) The cooling system performs
several functions on a car. Not only
does it keep the engine operating at
the correct temperature, but it also
provides cooling for the automatic
transmission. In addition, it is the
source of heat for driver and
passengers.
Therefore, cooling system fai-
lure can affect the engine and
transmission as well as the comfort
of the car's occupants.
2) The term "permanent" anti-
freeze implies that it does not have
to be changed. That's wrong.
Anti -freeze coolant has a life
expectancy of about two years,
after which the protective addit-
ives lose their potency. That's
when rust and corrosion set in.
So even though anti -freeze may
show adequate freezing protection
and look perfectly good, it may be
marginal for further use.
3) The thermostat does not last
forever, either. If your car has been
running abit too hot or too cold,
have the thermostat removed and
checked for proper opening and
closing. Thermostats can fail for a
variety of reasons; replacement
costs is minimal.
4) The radiator pressure cap is
another periodic replacement
item. Checking the seal and spring
should be a normal part of cooling
system service.
5) Take a close look at belts and
hoses. Normal life expectancy is
three to four years. When a drive
belt fails, the water pump, cooling
fan, alternator, power steering
and/or conditioning may stop
working.
Note: Be especially careful
about cooling system maintenance
on cars which are subjected to
severe service driving, such as
trailer towing. For added safety it
is wise to install an auxiliary
transmission cooler for this kind of
operation.
New shocks can save
Your car's shock absorbers or
struts do a lot more than cushion
you from the bumps and jolts of the
road; they also provide ride control
protection.
When shocks and struts wear
out, your car's steering can be
impaired, allowing the car to drift
dangerously into turns and sway
around corners, and other suspen-
sion parts can be damaged by
excessive bottoming - or topping -
out.
Yet, because they wear out
gradually over time, many car.
owners aren't aware that their
shocks or struts are worn and in
need of replacement.
In addition to the telltale signs of
irregular or premature tire wear,
poor handling, vehicle drift and
sway and bottoming -out, there is a
simple bounce test you can per-
form to see if your shocks or struts
need to be replaced.
Position yourself directly over
the wheel by the front fender or
rear of the vehicle and press down
as hard as you can. Release quickly
and observe the vehicle body.
If the shocks or struts are
functioning properly, the vehicle
should bounce only once or twice
before returning to a level position.
If the vehicle oscillates more than
this, it could mean your shocks or
struts need replacing.
When replacing worn shocks or
struts, the ride control experts at
Gabriel recommend the new gas -
charged products which offer an
extra dimension of control and ride
stability.
THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 1986. PAGE 21.
Better mechanics needed
for today's cars
With the recent explosion in
high-tech auto systems, do-it-
yourself auto repair and shade tree
tinkering may soon become relics
of the past. With the exception of
the most routine maintenance
tasks, motorists are well advised to
seek out highly skilled auto repair
technicians.
sensor, thereby throwing the car
out of tune? And how many laymen
are familiar with "TCC condi-
tion," "EGR position," "calibra-
tion changes," "A.I.R. manage-
ment" or "canister purge?"
In short, today's high-tech cars
need the attention of proven
professionals.
For example, did you know that
failing to follow the manufac-
turer'sdirections for a task
seemingly as simple as a jump-
start can knock out a modern car's
on -board computer?
Or did you realize that using the
wrong type of valve gasket sealant
can upset the engine's oxygen
Use
Citizen
classifieds
We carry all makes
of tires for cars
and light trucks
Only $22. - $35.
per tire installed
Ask about our
re -conditioned tires
Tri County
Tire
BRUSSELS
(beside the L.C.B.O.)
Open 6 days a week
887-6932 887-9139
Planning to keep your four wheels
on the road for another year???
Spring is the time
for a complete tune-up
Book Now!
Avoid the rush!
• Seiberling Tires • Quaker State Oil
• Fram Filters • Safety Checks
• Computerized Wheel Balancer
• Lifetime Warranty Radiators and Mufflers
• Aim Headlights
We specialize in major drive -line repairs
QUAKER
STATE
DICKSON'S
AUTO REPAIR
BLYTH 523-e706
SEIeIRLING
TIRES
WE'VE JUST ADDED A NEW FEATURE
TO THE MAZDA B2000 CAB PLUS
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
•Tweed front -facing
rear seats
•Double wall bed and tailgate
with one -touch release
•AM/FM stereo with 2 speakers
7 In Stock
•Swing -out rear side windows
•Rear step bumper
• 3 -year service protection plan
•Dual black door mirrors
M -W
MOTORS LTD.
Sales, Service, Parts & Leasing
184 EAST ST., GODERICH 524-2113