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The Citizen, 1993-04-21, Page 13Hand Washing Makes The Difference Automated car washes just can't compare with our careful hand washing, buffing and waxing. Bumper to bumper, we clean and polish every inch of your car — inside and out. Watch for our upcoming expansion to accommodate large vans and trucks. Spring Special Wash & Wax $1 C00 1.1,o up OUR FIRST YEAR of Auto Glass Repair has been a great success!! sh 09 AUTO GLASS and CAR CLEANING 280 Elma St. W., LISTOWEL 291-1466 Therefore we will continue to pay the $50.00 deductable for insurance claims. Plate glass available soon. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 1993. PAGE 13. On the road again A Guide to Spring Car Care Safe driving tips for the family's holiday Vacation time is rolling around again, and people across the continent are making their travel plans. For many of them, these plans include not only Mom, Dad, the kids - and maybe even Rover - but "Old Betsy," the tried-and-true family vehicle. And, there's no better time than before setting out to make certain at she's in running order. Even if you only plan a weekend outing, it's important to give your car a thorough going-over, checking all systems, the tires (if necessary, inflating appropriately - and don't forget the spare!), and all fluids, adding water and windshield washer fluid as required, and changing the oil and oil filter. After all, as anyone who's had the experience can attest, it's no fun spending precious vacation time sidelined because auto repairs have become necessary - miles from the nearest town, possibly, or involving a sizeable delay awaiting a part - always an inconvenience, sometimes a hazard! Before taking to the road, make sure you are familiar with your route. Even if you've travelled it before, conditions may have altered. Construction may have been initiated, involving delays or detours. Or construction may have been completed, offering travellers a newer, faster way of getting from point A to point B. Estimate how much distance you can cover comfortably (and safely) in one day - it will be greater, if two or more people are sharing the driving, less if infants or very young children, who require frequent stops and tire easily, are among the passengers. On the road, obey the laws - including speed limits - and follow the rules of common sense. Don't drive either too quickly or too slowly. Pull over for a rest and a cup of coffee if you're feeling drowsy. Know your exit in advance; if you happen to miss it, continue to the next exit and go back from there. Make sure the kids have plenty to entertain them (i.e., games, personal stereos), so they don't distract you from the road. Remember, driving while disciplining or entertaining children is an invitation to accidents. If the weather suddenly turns bad, don't try to make it to your potential overnight stop. Instead, call it a day early, pulling off the road to find lodgings nearby, rather than risk finding yourself stranded by the roadside during a raging storm. Remember, too, that accidents happen more easily in inclement weather - and that the problem is compounded by your unfamiliarity with the territory. Perhaps most important of all, keep your mind at all times on your driving responsibilities, and your eyes on the road (not the scenery). Be a defensive driver - after all, not everyone is as careful as you are - and ensure that you and your family will enjoy not only this vacation, but many more in years to come. Without proper care over time, sunlight, weather and age can scratch and dull a once-attractive automotive interior. But according to First Brands Corporation, Danbury, Conn., car owners can prepare automotive interior surfaces to help them withstand these elements, while maintaining their natural beauty and shine. The first step is to completely remove all the dirt and dust that has accumulated during winter. A good all-purpose automotive cleaner can be used to clean all interior surfaces, including glass. Car cleaners of this type contain fast- acting wetting agents and solvents to penetrate, loosen and lift dirt, oily film and dust quickly and safely. Once the car's interior is clean, apply a vinyl protectant, to help bring out the surface's original colour, restore lost luster and help prevent drying that can lead to cracking and peeling. A vinyl protectant also serves as a buffer zone between interior surfaces and potentially damaging elements, and can help reduce static electricity which is responsible for attracting dirt and dust. Many exposed automotive surfaces can benefit from the beautifying abilities of a vinyl protectant: liners, dashboards, door panels, even tires and automotive trim. In addition, a vinyl protectant also can be used to maintain a "just-cleaned" shine. The best way to keep a new car's interior surfaces looking new is to conduct a regular automotive cleaning regimen that includes using a vinyl protectant and an all- purpose car cleaner. It can be an inexpensive and easy way to enhance a car's appearance and protect the investment. And, by doing the same for an older car, an owner can help increase the car's resale value and give it a showroom shine. Keeping the beauty of your car's interior