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The Citizen, 1998-10-21, Page 14I Top 10 tips for winter driving (NC) — Let's face it, this country can deliver some pretty nasty weather. Driving in winter conditions is something we have learned to do, even if it's not something we love. Driving expert, Jud Buchanan, has developed -a list of 10 common sense guidelines to help get the most out of this winter's driving conditions while keeping car and family safe. 1. Increase tire pressure to compensate for cold conditions. A drop of 11°C reduces tire pressure by 2 psi. Under-inflation is hard on tire life and reduces control. 2. Check tire pressure outside. If you keep your car in a garage, there's no point checking them there. The pressure won't be the same as when you're outside! 3. Store your summer tires properly. If they're left on rims, decrease the pressure to about 50 per cent of their driving pressure and store them flat. Keep them in tire bags and away from grease or other chemicals. 4. When the first snow falls, try out your car in an empty parking lot in order to reacquaint yourself with its winter handling characteristics. A few practice runs in a controlled environment and you'll be ready to avoid the motorist who's driving out of control. 5. When driving on snow or ice, plan your moves, only ask your car to do one thing at a time. Braking, steering, accelerating in slippery conditions all require the most from you and your car, so be smooth and keep it simple. 6. If you do get stuck and only one wheel is spinning, don't spin too fast. When just one wheel is spinning, the speedometer will NC only show you 1/2 of the actual speed. If it shows 30 km/h, your tire is actually spinning at 60 which could overheat in only a few minutes and damage the tire! 7. Carry a winter emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, two six-inch candles, a car blanket, a flashlight or emergency' strobe, road reflectors, warm gloves, boots, snow tracks or kitty litter (for traction), extra washer fluid, jumper cables, a bag of ice salt (both for weight and to attack ice) and a shovel. 8. In order to maintain the designed handling balance of your vehicle in all driving conditions, install winter tires in sets of four. As a tire wears out, traction and control are reduced, particularly on snow, slush and ice. Buchanan recommends that winter tires be replaced when the tread depth reaches 4 mm. (5/32 inch.) 9. Make sure you're getting the maximum traction by having the most modern snow tires. Don't look for big bulky tread — that's old technology. Ask your dealer to show you the new modern snow tires that offer better traction with reduced road noise. 10. Take it easy. It's true year round, but especially during Canadian winters, drive cautiously and under control so you'll arrive safely at your destination. — News Canada Deal with the "DEALER OF EXCELLENCE" JOHN CULLEN OLDSMOBILE ‘IIMAAN,,N . 61..," 044 s 4 i14il. --,w --,V". ; w 611, 11I..i"M: ;Imm r r- - • 10.1.4 11;;‘,./ Right now, our best prices are on the all-season Peerless Ambassador. Price includes installation, balance and new stems, Road Hazard Warranty, plus a free lifetime tire inspection and rotation every 10,000 km. We also have great prices on a full range of brand name tires, including Michelin, UniRoyal, BF Goodrich, Goodyear, Bridgestone and Firestone. I Tires. Starting at $49.95 13" $49.95 Peerless Ambassador P155/80R13WW 14" $59.95 Peerless Ambassador P185/75R14WW 15" $69.95 Peerless Ambassador P205r75R15WW Chevrolet Oldsmobile CHEVROLET 115 Josephine Street, WINGHAM • 357-2323 SUMMER SALES HOURS: Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Anytime by appt. NO DRIP UNDERCOATING $ 95 (ALL MAKES) - By Appointment Maclean's DEALER Of EXCELLENCE BASIC SERVICE SPECIAL - change oil & filter (includes up to 5 litres of Ford oil) - check under hood fluid levels - check tire pressure $19.95 MOTORING 'YALU HZ GIVE YOUR CAR EXPERT CARE & SAVE ON OUR FALL SERVICE SPECIALS FORD CY.07,0 FALL TUNE UP - includes Replacement of Spark Plugs - inspect air filter - inspect fuel filter - inspect pcv system clean throttle body - check ignition timing ** vans extra ** dual plug system extra ** platinum plugs extra V8 - $79.95 V6 - $69.95 4 Cyl - $59.95 FALL SERVICE SPECIAL OLD MAN WINTER IS ON HIS WAY.. IS YOUR VEHICLE READY? - change oil & filter (includes up to 5 litres of Ford lube chassis - inspect and rotate tires - check all lights - inspect belts & hoses - check air filter - lube door hinges & latches - top up washer fluid - check anti-freeze - inspect exhaust - inspect brakes $39.95 DRIPLESS OIL UNDERCOATING UNDERCARRIABE ONLY INCLUDES: exterior wash $59.95 COMPLETE COVERAGE INCLUDES: - under hood - decklid/tailgate - door, rocker panel - exterior wash - complete undercarriage $79.95 BRIDGE MOTORS LIMITED Hwy. 86 - Just East of Wingham 357-3460 PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1998. -‹S'I Automotive 1998 \;2›.- ---**340400.--- • A lifetime preventative maintenance schOule for your auto (NC)—The benefits of a preventive maintenance schedule are many: lower fuel consumption, lower emissions, lower lifetime repair costs, better driveability, higher resale value, longer vehicle life and safety, and less chance of being stranded. If followed, the schedule outlined below should ensure that your vehicle-will run trouble-free, save you money, and reduce the inpact your vehicle has on the environment throughout it's life on the road. Weekly • Check engine oil and windshield fluid levels. • Visually inspect the tires and the exterior of the car, including the ground underneath your car for evidence of leaks. Monthly • Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare. • Visually check the engine coolant, power steering, the automatic transmission and brake fluid levels. • Inspect windshield wiper blades. • Conduct a driving test: check for misalignment or dragging brakes by driving and then stopping with no hands on the wheel (do this only on a level, traffic-free road or parking lot). Every 5,000 km or Three Months In addition to the items listed in the monthly check-up (above): • Change your engine oil and oil filter. klippbricate all hinges, latches and locks. • Check all lights and the horn. • Check all belts, hoses, clamps and fluid levels. Every 10,000 km or Six Months In addition to the items listed in the 5,000 km (three-month) check- up (above): • Inspect the air filter. • Rotate the tires. • Inspect the brake system, including fluid levels, parking brake operation and brake lines. • Inspect the exhaust system for leaks. '• Check and lubricate steering and suspension components, including tie rod ends and drive shaft boots. • Conduct a general engine check- up, including idle speed, ignition timing, mixture control, ignition wires and the distributor cap. • Inspect fuel injectors and throttle linkage; clean and lubricate as necessary. • Clean the vehicle's underbody and ensure that all drain holes are clear. Every 20,000 km or 12 Months In addition to the items listed in the 10,000 km (six-month) check- up (above): • Replace the air filter. •;Pressure-test the cooling system and verify antifreeze strength (to —35°C) • Test the battery, alternator and charging system. Clean the battery terminals and protect them with grease. If the battery is not maintenance-free, check the electrolyte levels and concentration. • Check the PCV and EGR valves and replace the filter and/or valves if necessary. • Apply an undercoat or oil spray for continued rust protection. • Check the wheel alignment. • Inspect fuel lines for leaks and inspect and replace the fuel filter as necessary. • Arrange for fuel injector/throttle body cleaning and service. Every 40,000 or 24 Months In addition to the items listed in the 20,000 km (12-month) check- up (above): • Flush the cooling _system and replace. the antifreeze. Your vehicle's initial cooling system inspection can take place after its first three years or 60,000 km; subsequent inspections, however, should occur every two years or 40,000 km. • Replace the transmission fluid and filter (automatic and manual). • Inspect the differential and transfer case oil (this may be a "lifetime" fl,nid or may require regular replacement, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations) • Inspect the brake fluid. Some vehicles require flushing and replacement; others require fluid replacement as part of a full brake service. • • Replace spark plugs, unless your vehicle uses long-life platinum type, which will usually last up to 100,000 km. For more tips on how to keep your car operating in top condition this summer — and year-round — visit the Auto$mart web site at http://autosmart.nrcan.gc.ca, or call 1-800-387-2000 and order a free Auto$mart Kit.