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The Citizen, 1991-04-24, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1991. Oil, air filters prolong your car’s engine’s life Until the 1950s, car owners expected to overhaul their engines after a mere 20,000 miles. Today, a gasoline engine can run well over 100,000 miles and a diesel can last up to 500,000. What causes the difference? One reason is engine filters. Oil, air and fuel filters, among the simplest and least expensive parts in an engine, are now installed in every car engine. Replacing filters can help prevent damage ranging from $100 to $1,500, making filters the best insurance a car owner can buy against premature and costly en­ gine repair bills. The most common causes of engine wear are dirt, dust, rust, metal particles and other contami­ nants. When these particles enter the engine, they can damage the expensive moving parts. Filters are designed to remove these elements. Constructed from specially treated, pleated filter papers, they come in a variety of Proper maintenance every day task It doesn’t matter whether your car is right out of the showroom, almost new. or ten years old - proper maintenance is an impor­ tant factor in keeping it running smoothly. A tune-up approximately every six months or after 16,000 km. (especially if they are highway miles), is a good idea if you want your car to run to its full potential. This will not only make your everyday driving less stressful, worrying about your car breaking down at inopportune moments, but it will also increase your car’s resale value - as long as you keep the service station receipts. Learning the basics about your car is something you should con­ sider. At times, it would be to your advantage to know how to check or even change the oil in your car, replace wiper blades or change a tire. Many schools have an auto shop where students can learn the basics about car maintenance - something that they may be grate­ ful for at a later time in their lives. It is a good idea to bring your car to a local mechanic if you suspect that it is not running like it normally should. Something that could be a minor problem with your car’s engine today may become a major headache tomorrow if not taken care of immediately. A mechanic will be able to clear up the problem before the cost and aggravation escalate. Don’t try doing any work on your car if you’re not familiar with that part of the engine or chassis. In the long run, you may end up costing yourself more in time and money when you have to bring the car to a mechanic to right your wrongs or pay the hospital bills for the injuries you’ve inflicted upon your­ self. shapes and sizes. As oil, air and fuel pass through these pleats, contaminants are retained in the filtfer. Here are some tips that can help keep your car’s engine running with a minimum of maintenance. •Replace the oil filter with each oil change, and as often as every 3,000 miles. The oil filter is critical to the engine’s performance be­ cause it removes impurities from the engine’s lubricating oil. Since the thin film of oil that separates the moving parts is only a few thousandths of an inch thick, it’s important that the oil be clean. Dirty oil can cause engine wear, damage the oil pump or even result in engine seizure. •Change the air filter every 10,000 miles, more often in dusty areas. The air filter cleans the air entering the engine, catching dust, water and bugs. As the air filter becomes clogg­ ed, air flow to the engine is restricted. This can cause poor engine performance or even engine shutdown. •Replace the fuel filter every 10,000 miles. The fuel filter re­ moves dirt from fuel as it enters the engine. Without the fuel filter, these contaminants could damage the carburetor or fuel injectors. Filters are replaced as a unit. While they can be changed at a service shop or garage, filter maintenance is a relatively easy job. Car owners may want to buy the filters from their local auto parts store and do it themselves. If so, only buy filters of top quality construction. Things to look for include solid construction, good quality gaskets, good instructions and a strong warranty. Car owners should also be care­ ful to use the correct replacement filter and to follow the manufactur­ er’s installation directions care­ fully. Either way, car owners practi­ cing these three simple steps of preventive maintenance will find their money well spent - not on engine repairs! OPEN FOR SPRING DAVE'S CAR OILING Drummond St. E., Blyth 523-4343 We Use Hot, Acid Free, New Oil CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS HoodTrunk Lid Door Panels Inner Fenders Dog Legs Inner FenderUnderside HOURS FOR APRIL & MAY Oil AND FILTER CHANGE $18.95 •Install up to 5 litres of Autopar Engine Oil and an Autopar OH Most Cars & Light Filter ’Inspect C-V joint boots [where applicable}. puty Trucks ENGINE TUNE-UP •Install new Autopar spark plugs ‘Check plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, coil, PCV valve, belts, hoses, compression, air filter and battery ’Adjust timing and die - (N/A fuel injected vehicles}. 34.95 4 CYL. 38.95 6 CYL. 39.95 48.95 V6 CYL.8 CYL. FRONT DISC BRAKE SERVICE • Install new semi-metallic pads • Resurface front rotors ’Inspect front calipers, master cylinder, brake hardware and brake hoses • Repack and adjust bearings [if applicable} *Top-up master cylinder. *FOR MOST NORTH AMERICAN CARS & LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS Turnberry St. N. BRUSSELS 887-6173 Saturday 8:30 -12:30 Thursday 9:00 - 5:00 Weather Permitting