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Accidents that occur on the roadways are unpre-dictable and can be caused by just about anything. Impaired or distracted motorists might heighten the risk of an accident, but even things like a squirrel run-ning across the street and scar-ing a driver can lead to an ac-cident.

Tire blowout is another po-tential cause of accident, and such blowouts might be more common than motorists expect. For instance, a 2005 study from the French National Institute for Transport and Safety Research found that, between 1996 and 2002, nearly 61,000 vehicles were involved in crashes with property damage and/or injury on a partic-ular stretch of highway. More than six percent of those accidents in-volved tire blowout, a problem many motorists might mistake as something that only happens in movies.

But tire blowout can put motorists in a precarious position, especially if they don’t know what to do should one of their tires blow out. Surviving tire blowout can be done by adhering to the following tips.

SC123837

What to do if a tire blows out* Don’t respond by hitting the brakes. It might be

counterintuitive to squeeze the gas pedal when a tire blows out, but doing so puts drivers in control of the vehicle and keeps it going in the intended direction. Immediately slamming on the brakes will cause the vehicle to turn, possibly turning the vehicle into on-coming traffi c, a guardrail or other cars traveling in the same direction. When squeezing the gas pedal, drive straight down the lane. Within seconds of pressing the gas pedal, slowly begin to release it.

* Coast to a slower speed. As the accelerator is re-leased, allow the vehicle to coast to a slow speed, but not a speed so slow as to put driver and passengers at risk. Once the car is coasting between 25 to 30 miles per hour, use the turn signal and slowly turn toward the side of the road where the tire is blown. For ex-ample, if the front right tire is blown, turn toward the right shoulder. You want to turn toward this side because it’s always safest to limit your own exposure to oncoming motorists when changing the tire.

* Check tire pressure when you can pull into a parking lot. When you have safely made it to the shoulder and the tire has been changed successfully, fi nd a fi lling station or other parking lot and check the tire pressure on the tires that did not blowout. A blowout is often the result of an underinfl ated tire, so if one tire blows out due to underinfl ation it’s quite possible the others might as well.

Ask anyone who has taken an extended road trip what a car looks like post-trip and visions of food stains, trash and other not-so-pretty things might soon appear. But it doesn’t always take a road trip to create a messy interior. Ordinary day-to-day liv-ing can lead to stains, scratches, clutter and more.

Although many interior messes can be cleaned up, taking a proactive approach to interior cleanli-ness can save time and frustration. These are a few ways to keep the car clean and minimize damage.

Detail the interiorThere are many products on the market that can

be applied to the dashboard and other trims around the car. For the most part, these are leather condi-tioning treatments or vinyl coatings that help pre-vent cracking or drying out of the materials. They also impart a nice shine onto the trimwork, and al-leviate fi nger smudges and other eye sores.

Using a shop vacuum is a smart way to clean the carpeting and mats, as well as catch crumbs and other dirt that can end up staining the seats of the car. A shop vac has more horsepower than a regular vacuum and will draw dirt out more easily.

If you have leather seats, use a mild soap and water solution and dampen a cloth to wipe down the seats. The same solution can be used on the plastic components, such as cup holders and stor-age areas. Use a dry cloth to dry and buff out any streaks. There are leather seat protector products available, and upholstered seats can be protected with a scotch guard-type product.

Create a dirt barrierCarpeted mats are meant to make the car inte-

rior appear sleek and refi ned. Yet many times these mats can get soiled quite quickly. A good invest-ment is to purchase vinyl or plastic mats that have a raised perimeter that will trap any dirt or liquid (like melted snow) on the mat. Then the mats can

be easily removed and hosed off.Along the same lines, car seat covers can be

bought that will serve as a barrier between dirt, crumbs, fur, and anything else that would nor-mally become embedded in the upholstery. There are kick mats that can be placed on the rear side of front seats. This way, if kids in the back put their feet up on the seats or have a tendency of kicking, they won’t dirty the seats.

If your car has a trunk, consider lining it with an impermeable material that can absorb spills and catch dirt. With the spring planting season just around the corner, you don’t want the topsoil or fertilizer spilling into the carpet-lined trunk mak-ing a mess. For SUV drivers, a mat or liner can be installed in the cargo area. Check with your dealer-ship or an aftermarket retailer if there are products specifi cally designed for this purpose. Otherwise a blanket, absorbent sheet, etc., can be used in a pinch.

Clean off before drivingThe warm-weather season is one full of frolick-

ing in parks or seaside. Be sure to stomp shoes clean of sand and dirt before entering the car. Pay special attention to the cleanliness of pets and children’s feet before entering the car.

Get a trash receptacleIn a perfect world, there would be no eating and

drinking in a car and no chance for food and bever-ages to spill. However, many people fi nd from time to time they need a snack or a refreshment in the car. Avoid a mess by having a small bag or trash can to collect the remnants of the meal so they don’t end up on the fl oor or seats. Look for drinks with straws and covers for easier drinkability in the car. Only allow foods that won’t cause major stains if spilled, such as water and dry snacks.

SC123871

Keeping a car’s interior clean

Today’s drivers rely heavily on GPS tech-nology, or global positioning system devices. GPS has revolutionized the way people drive and use maps and directions.

While there are no hard statistics on the number of people who own GPS devices, thousands of people have either a GPS de-vice that comes pre-equipped in a car that they purchased or a stand-alone device that was bought after the fact. These devices come pre-loaded with maps that work with satel-lites in space. The GPS receiver fi gures out the distance to each and uses this information to deduce the location of the device in a process called trilateration.

GPS devices have made paper maps obso-lete for many people. While GPS devices can be very convenient, especially on road trips,

there are some tips to keep in mind.* Place the GPS device where it won’t ob-

struct your vision or take your eyes off of the road for a good deal of time.

* Don’t treat the GPS as if it is infallible. Even with map updates and other accessories, a GPS can still make mistakes. Use common sense, es-pecially where it would seem the GPS is guid-ing you in the wrong way.

*Do not play with the controls while operat-ing the car. If you need to adjust something on the GPS, do so only after pulling over to a safe area.

* Have a general idea where you are going so you’ll know if the GPS is potentially guiding you in the wrong direction and can maneuver in advance.

SC123818

GPS usage tips; making traveling easier


Have you ever had a tooth ache? Most of us would say “yes” and some of us would say “maybe not”. When you go to the dentist with your tooth ache, the dentist might say, “you need to start fl oss-ing more regularly”. This approach is how your ve-hicles health should be handled. In the onset, with little or no vehicle maintenance, a small issue could change into a larger problem. This is why your ve-hicles health is of the upmost importance.

Here’s 8 important service reminders for you, your family, and your vehicle:

*(For specifi c vehicle maintenance information, please consult your owner’s manual, or contact a member of your service team).*

1) Oil changes every 5,000 km.2) A transmission service every 100,000 km.3) Change your spark plugs every 50,000 km, and

every 100,000 km for mini-vans.4) Change your diesel fuel fi lter every 25,000 km.5) Rotate your tires every 10,000 km.6) Change your coolant every 100,000 km.7) Change your air fi lter every 25,000-to-30,000

km.8) Replace your drive belts every 100,000 km.Isn’t this list kind of long? You’ll be pleased to

know that during most oil changes, dealerships:a) Replace the oil.b) Replace the oil fi lter.

c) Check and replenish ALL fl uid levels.d) Check your air fi lter.e) Check your belts and hoses.f) Check your wiper blades.g) Check your brake lights, signal lights, head-

lights, and horn.Vehicle service is about providing you with the

best possible service, all of the time; every time. Be-fore the small problems turn into large problems, make sure to take your vehicle into your dealership. After all, why would you want to give your vehicle a “toothache”?

Submitted by Russell Gehlen,Service Manager, South 20 Dodge Chrysler and RV

Does your vehicle have a tooth ache?

The economy might be slowly recovering, but saving money is still foremost on the minds of many people. Men and women have looked to save money in a variety of ways, including at the gas pump. While there’s little drivers can do to reduce the cost of a gallon of gas, there are ways they can make the gas last a little longer.

Improving fuel economy is nothing new to many motorists, but some might still be surprised at the myriad ways they can get more bang for their buck with regards to fuel costs.

* Don’t break the law. Obeying the speed lim-it might save your life, and it can also save you money. Typically, fuel economy decreases rapidly as a car reaches and surpasses 60 miles per hour. According to the U.S. Department of Safety, driv-ers can assume that each fi ve miles per hour they drive over 60, they are paying an additional $0.26 per gallon for gas.

* Empty the trunk. Though it might be more convenient to keep your golf clubs in the trunk of your car, extra and unnecessary cargo in a vehicle’s trunk drastically reduces fuel economy. An extra 100 pounds in a vehicle can reduce miles per gal-lon by as much as 2 percent, so keep a trunk free of items that aren’t absolutely necessary.

* Stop idling. Many people let their car idle for several minutes on cold mornings. But today’s newer vehicles don’t really need to idle to warm up, and idling can be very taxing on fuel economy. Depending on the size of the car, idling can use be-tween a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour. If you still insist on letting the vehicle idle, a few seconds of idling should be enough to warm the engine up.

* Embrace cruise control on long drives without lots of stopping and starting. Maintaining a con-

stant speed, which a vehicle does when drivers utilize cruise control, can help save fuel, as it’s less taxing on an engine to continue at one speed then it is to constantly switch back and forth between high and low speeds.

* Infl ate the tires. Poorly infl ated tires lower gas mileage and also pose a safety hazard. The DOE notes that properly infl ated tires can improve gas mileage by as much as 3 percent. Ideal tire pressure is different for each vehicle, so check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommended tire pressure. Some vehicle manufacturers also include the rec-ommended tire pressure on the vehicle itself, be it in the driver’s side door jamb or in the vehicle’s glove compartment. Tire pressure printed on the

tire’s sidewall might not be the ideal tire infl ation for your particular vehicle, so always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendation instead.

* Drive the car you need, not the car you want. Drivers who truly need to save money at the pump should consider the type of vehicle they’re driv-ing, and whether it’s the car they need or the car they want. For instance, offi ce workers who own a pickup truck but don’t use it to haul items might want to consider a smaller vehicle that gets better gas mileage.

Improving fuel effi ciency is a great way for mo-torists to save money and reduce the expenses as-sociated with vehicle ownership.

SC123865

Simple ways to improve fuel economy

By Glenn Cooper(NC)—While buckling seatbelts is second na-

ture when getting into a car—how many of us think to adjust the headrest? Reports show that headrests are one of the most overlooked safety features in mo-tor vehicles today and many don’t realize the important role they play in preventing neck, brain and spinal cord related injuries.

“Headrests are designed to work alongside the seatbelt so that when an accident occurs it prevents the head from twisting backwards, which subsequently results in whiplash,” explains Mauro Convertini, an insurance and claims expert at Aviva Can-ada. “Drivers can sustain an in-jury from an incorrectly adjusted headrest even at speeds as low as 15 kilometres per hour—the same speed as the average bicycle.”

According to an Insurance Bu-reau of Canada study, only 14 per

cent of drivers on the road have their headrest in the proper position. And whiplash being the most common soft tissue injury incurred during auto collisions underlines the importance for all pas-

sengers to ensure their headrest is adjusted prop-erly.

Aviva’s Convertini recommends that Canadian drivers follow three simple steps in order to pre-

vent injuries associated with im-proper headrest position:

1. The top of the headrest should be in a straight line with the top of your head.

2. Position the centre of your headrest so that it is slightly above the top of the ear.

3. Ensure that the distance be-tween the headrest and the back of the head is between fi ve and ten centimetres.

An important message for local families with multiple drivers, the next time you get in your vehicle remember to use your brain and adjust your headrest. More infor-mation is available from your in-surance broker or online at aviva-canada.com.

www.newscanada.com

Drivers reminded to adjust headrests


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Dealer Lic. #911672

Dealer Lic. #911672Most people purchase a car for its

looks and performance. However, un-less the auto is kept in a garage and never driven, it is impossible to keep it in pristine condition. In many cases, damage to the clear coat or enamel paint on the car is something vehicle owners expect.

A car owner who decides he or she wants the car to remain in the best shape possible will have to take an ac-tive role in maintenence and damage prevention. One of the key things to remember is to never allow any sub-stance to remain on the paint for too long; otherwise the risk for damage in-creases. Also, it may be very diffi cult to clean if the offender is allowed to sit on the paint. Here are some other factors to consider.

* UV light: Just as UV light can af-fect skin, hair and other parts of the body, it also can affect the paint on a car. UV rays oxidize the paint and cause a white, powdery fi lm to form on the car. Washing the car frequently enough and applying the best quality wax will help keep UV rays from pen-etrating through the paint.

* Over sprays: Life does not stop to allow cars to drive through, particular-ly when it comes to construction zones. It’s possible for a car to be doused in paint spray, tar, concrete, and other chemicals that are routinely used in construction. Do not allow these sub-stances to harden on the car. Rinse promptly with automotive soap. Try to avoid construction zones whenever possible.

* Rain: Both acid rain and regular

rainwater (and other sources of wa-ter) can dissolve paint over time. The U.S. Geological Survey has said that water is a universal solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. Whenever the car be-comes wet, it should be dried with a towel or chamois and not allowed to air dry.

* Natural substances: Tree sap, bird droppings and splattered insects con-tain compounds that can erode the paint on a car. Avoid parking under large trees where sap and bird drop-pings may be prevalent. In terms of bug splatter, try to wash it off as soon as possible to alleviate damage.

* Eggs: Oftentimes, rambunctious children think it is funny to egg a car. However, the enzymes and sulfur con-tent in eggs can cause paint and clear coat to dissolve, leaving white spots in the wake of the egg. Because egg can be sticky and very hard to remove once dried, it is helpful to wash it off as soon as possible. It takes only a few hours for the damage to be permanent.

* Bleach: Although a bleach-and-water solution is often heralded for its ability to clean many things, it should not be used on a car. Bleach is an oxi-dizer and it will pit metal and discolor paint. Be careful with pool chemicals as well, as chlorinator is usually regu-lar household bleach.

There are many things that can damage a car paint job. Although it’s impossible to shield the car from ev-erything, there are precautions that can be taken.

SC123863

Things that maran automotive paint job

Certain myths about automo-biles have been around as long as there have been cars on the road. Many drivers adhere to driving and repair theories out of sheer force of habit, without ever know-ing if these strategies are legitimate. Here are some common myths re-vealed and debunked.

* High-octane gas improves per-formance in all vehicles. Most cars will not get any added benefi ts from the use of high octane fuel, which is designed for higher-per-formance engines that burn hotter than those of most vehicles. Driv-ers will only waste their money putting in more expensive gas. Al-ways use the fuel recommended in the owner’s manual.

* Longer cars are more stable.Many believe the longer the wheel-base the more stable the car will be. But wheelbase is only one of the factors that determines a vehicle’s stability and reaction time.

* Four-wheel-drive vehicles are invincible in poor weather. Four-wheel-drive capabilities may im-prove traction and handling when driving off-road or when the road conditions are not ideal. But no car is invincible when it comes to driv-ing on snow and ice..

* Side mirrors are properly ad-justed when you can see the side

of the car in them. Ac-tually, the

mirrors

should be adjusted so you can’t see the sides of the car. The mirrors work in concert to allow a pan-oramic view around the car. This eliminates the need to turn your head to check blind spots, which takes your eyes off the road.

* Automatic braking system (ABS) was designed to shorten stopping distances. ABS was cre-ated to give drivers the ability to steer around obstacles while brak-ing instead of spinning out of con-trol.

* Engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. There’s no need to change engine oil that frequent-ly, as motor oils today are much more durable and protect engines for longer distances. Unleaded fuels and clean-burning engines typically require oil changes every 7,000 to 10,000 miles, but consult your owner’s manual.

* There is a 72-hour “cooling off period” offered on automotive sales in the U.S. There is no such provision for auto purchases, as there is for many consumer prod-ucts and even home sale contracts. Once you buy a car, you’re stuck with it, no matter how quickly you begin to experience buyer’s re-morse.

Myths prevail in daily life and in the automotive realm as well. Know the facts to avoid losing money or being unsafe on the road.

FC11A419

Debunking popular automotive myths


A good road trip can be the ulti-mate spring or summer experience. With the open road ahead, life’s troubles seem to melt and there’s just the oneness of the driver and the road.

For a road trip to be successful, it’s not just a matter of taking to the road and putting the pedal to the metal. There are a host of consid-erations to make, which can ensure safety and peace of mind when beginning your excursion. The hot sun that can bake the roadway -- and your body -- can also take its toll on your car, contrib-uting to breakdowns. And there are other factors to be aware of.

Maintenance should never be overlooked when it comes to prepping for a road trip. At the least, The National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration rec-ommends that drivers have their tires, battery, belts, fl uids, and air conditioner checked by a qualifi ed me-chanic prior to starting any long trip. But the list does not stop there. There are many other precautions to heed before taking to the road.

* Be sure to have all necessary documents on hand. Nothing can stall a road trip faster than getting pulled over by a police offi cer and being without your license, registra-tion and proof of insurance. These are required documents to operate a vehicle, and it’s defi nitely worth a second check in your wallet and glove compartment to be sure they are where they should be.

* Get an oil change. Driving long intervals can be taxing on a car en-gine, as can the start-and-stops as-sociated with getting stuck in road trip traffi c. Do yourself and your car a favor by getting an oil change to ensure there will be proper lubri-cation of the engine and that thick, old motor oil won’t contribute to a breakdown.

* Update your GPS. If you will be using a GPS device as your primary tool for navigation, update the de-vice’s maps before departure. Road-ways are always being changed, and without downloading the proper up-dates, you could end up driving in circles instead of moving on to your destination. In addition, many GPS

models come equipped with pin-pointing points of interest, or POI, such as restaurants, tourist areas, hotels, and rest stops, which should be update before beginning the trip. Follow the guidelines spelled out in the owner’s manual that comes with your GPS unit. Consumer Re-ports also advises knowing the local ordinances regarding GPS use. For example, a windshield-mounted unit is not allowed while driving in Minnesota.

* Plan who will drive when. A long road trip -- one that will be done primarily in one day -- could necessitate splitting up the trip be-tween two or more drivers. Not only does this banish boredom, it also reduces the risk of driver fatigue. NHTSA estimates that approximate-ly 100,000 police-reported crashes in

the United States each year involve drowsiness and/or fatigue.

* Protect your eyes. The weather and the position of the sun could change depending on where you are driving. If you wear glasses or con-tacts for driving, be sure you have them with you. Keep a few pairs of sunglasses in your car to shield

your eyes from sun glare. If the sun proves problematic, pull over for a little while or try an alternate route that prevents oncoming sun on the windshield. While you are pack-ing sunglasses, also be sure to bring along -- and wear -- sunscreen, as the sun’s rays can be magnifi ed through the window glass.

* Bring along refreshments. Fre-quent stops for bathroom breaks and simply to stretch your legs are adviseable, but limit rest-stop fare whenever possible. Not only do these foods tend to be unhealthy, they are often expensive. Keep your road trip budget down by packing healthy food and drinks that you can enjoy on the go.

* Keep on top of your car’s fuel level. Play it safe when gassing up the car. On rural roads or stretches

of country with which you are un-familiar, you never know how far away fi lling stations might be from one another. That means you should take the opportunity to top off the gas tank whenever you get the chance. This way you always will be confi dent you have enough gas to get to the next station. Don’t risk

coasting into your destina-tion on fumes, unless you want to arrive at your des-tination hitched to a tow truck.

* Be wary of hitchhik-ers. Although hitchhikers are few and far between nowadays, there is still the possibility of coming across someone thumbing for a ride on the side of the road. Do not pick up a stranger who is hitchhiking, no mat-ter how reputable the per-son may seem. If you come across someone who has broken down, offer to call for help instead of allowing the person into the car.

* Use the bathroom at ev-ery stop. You never know how few and far between restrooms will be. Unless the idea of a road-side pit

stop is high on your list of road trip excitement, play it safe and use the restroom whenever stopping. Few things can make a stretch of road seem more interminable than the pressure of a full bladder.

* Plan for sightseeing. Part of the enjoyment of a road trip is to actu-ally take the scenic route and enjoy roads which you may have never traveled before. This is not a race and no awards will be given out at the end for making good time. Therefore, slow down and enjoy the scenery. Isn’t that why you’re driv-ing, after all?

Road trips seem to be an essen-tial part of the spring and summer season. They can be all the more fun and safe when you heed a few road trip rules of the road.

SC123819

Travel tips for a safe and successful road trip

(NC)—Owning a car is a big re-sponsibility. It requires regular maintenance to ensure your safety. To protect the lives of your passen-gers, yourself, fellow drivers, pe-destrians and wildlife, follow these 10 important tips:

1. Check for UV damage on your headlights. Do-it-yourself products can help. If yellowed or cloudy, try a headlight restoration kit in the pop-ular Quixx line. Top headline main-tenance can give you up to four more seconds of reaction time.

A professional sanding may be required for severely damaged lens-es.

2. Lighten your load. If you have more than a dozen keys and other knick-knacks hanging from your keychain, it’s time to lighten up. The weight can wear down the tumblers in your ignition and could eventu-ally lead to ignition switch failure.

3. “E” does not mean “Enough.” Don’t let your car’s gas tank get to empty. Not only is it dangerous to drive with low fuel levels, it is also damaging to your car. Sediment from gasoline settles at the bottom of every gas tank. When your gas level is low, you force your car to use the dirtiest gas in its tank for fuel and

risk this dirt getting into your car’s fuel line and engine.

4. Worn wiper blades are a seri-ous driving hazard. Replace wiper blades every 6 to 12 months, as they become cracked, brittle and worn due to ozone, contaminants, expo-sure to sunlight and temperature changes.

5. Get more mileage and respon-siveness out of your tires. Use the PSI (pounds per square inch) rec-ommendation on the door jam of your car, instead of the one on your tires to keep them properly infl ated, especially in extreme weather.

6. Check the battery. Once per year, a car care professional should make sure it is working properly and holding its charge.

7. Check tire tread for wear and use snow tires in the winter.

8. Never, ever text and drive. It’s illegal in most provinces – and it’s deadly.

9. Keep up with oil changes. The frequency depends on the make and model of your car, so check with your manufacturer.

10. Always wear a seatbelt. And make sure your passengers buckle up, too.

www.newscanada.com

Top 10 car safety tips


The going rate of change for on-board instrumen-tation in vehicles is dramatic, to say the least. If you own a new vehicle with touchscreen navigation, you probably know that it’s much more than just a navigation system. It controls several other vehicle functions such as Internet Radio, USB Device reader, Bluetooth Handsfree Calling, DVD player, Satellite Radio, AM/FM Radio, and CD/MP3 player; just to name a few. The role of a sales consultant is to educate you on how to operate the new technology that we’re experiencing. For some, it’s too much all at once so most dealerships are leaving an open in-vitation to come back and spend some time asking questions or simply phoning in for assistance.

To further mystify you, automakers have sepa-rated themselves with their technology. It all started in the mid 90’s when General Motors came up with the fi rst in-vehicle communication system, OnStar. At that time, it was designed to provide your ve-hicle with its own cell phone number, turn by turn navigation, access to a live operator, and collision detection. OnStar was a revolutionary feature and,

16 years later, it is just starting to be mimicked by a few automakers. Recently, companies like Nissan, Lexus, and Kia have been introducing similar tech-nology to their vehicle line-ups, where the driver has the ability to connect with live operator. OnStar has been around for nearly 20 years, with many up-dates and enhancements, culminating in the refi ned product that it is, today.

Today, new vehicles have the 8th generation of OnStar and the capabilities are numerous. The ba-sic principle is still the same: you ask for something and OnStar provides it. Sometimes you’re actually talking to a live operator. It’s your own personal assistant who can diagnose a service engine light code with onboard diagnostics or fi nd a restaurant or hotel when you’re on a road trip. This saves you from having to buy the factory navigation radio, saving you money from the get-go. There’s even a feature called dealer maintenance notifi cation that instantly alerts the dealership of your choice that it’s time for regular maintenance so they can call to book you in.

When you subscribe to OnStar, you also get monthly emails from your vehicle and a dedicat-ed website for your vehicle than you can log into and stay up-to-date about future maintenance and vehicle diagnostics. That’s right, I said vehicle di-agnostics. You can actually get real time vehicle diagnostics to your iPhone or Android phone if you have the most recent version of OnStar in your vehicle and download the free application called OnStar Remote Link. With this app, you can also start your vehicle, provided that it has factory re-mote start. The app can tell you about vehicle ser-vice history, provide real time tire pressure, show your fuel level, fuel economy, and can even send turn by turn navigation directions to your vehicle. There are other a la carte features that you can add to your OnStar subscription based on your needs and wants. For further insight, you can visit www.onstar.com, or contact a General Motors Dealer-ship, in your area.

Submitted by Kevin Plemel, General Manager of Colony Motor Products Chevrolet, Buick, GMC in Humboldt, SK

The Technology Trend: All from the press of a button

(NC)—With more and more automakers insisting on specifi c blends of motor oil for their vehicles, you may be surprised to see your car’s “check engine light” come on if you use the wrong oil.

Maintenance advisors tell us to look at a bottle of motor oil and you’ll see its viscosity or weight ex-pressed as two numbers separated by a ‘W,’ which initially stood for ‘winter’. A typical multigrade oil, like 5W-30, is designed to fl ow like a lightweight 5 viscosity oil in cold temperatures, but provide the protection of a heavier 30 weight oil during high-temperature operation.

As auto manufacturers search for every last gram of effi ciency, lighter weight oils, such as 5W-20 or even 0W-20 synthetics are being used. These spe-cialized blends are usually more expensive than “conventional” oil, and for optimal protection, they should be used with a quality oil fi lter. Popular for

this purpose is a product called Fram Extra Guard since it has three times the protection of the average economy fi lter.

Auto advisors remind us that it’s a mistake to think that we’ll get more protection from cheaper, heavier-than spec motor oil. You may quickly fi nd that the ‘check engine’ light will come on because sophisticated diagnostic systems can sense the dif-ference. Heavier oils can also interfere with complex valve-controls, and cause harder starting in hybrid vehicles with start/stop systems, especially in cold-er weather. As importantly, if synthetic oil is used with an economy fi lter for extended drain intervals, it can reach its ability to hold harmful particles.

All of this can be avoided by using the exact vis-cosity that’s listed in the owner’s manual, and the appropriate oil fi lter for the oil.

ww.newscanada.com

Use the right motor oil to extend engine life

(NC)—If you could see your vehicle’s cabin air fi lter right now, you’d probably

exclaim, “You mean I was breathing through that?”

Dust, pollen, in-sects and debris can collect on this fi l-

ter that is designed to clean the air that fl ows into the passenger com-partment. In fact, auto

specialists tell us that a cabin air fi lter is the only line of defense between you and tiny airborne con-taminants like road dust, mold spores and other allergens that can be as small as 5 microns.

Research shows that many people overlook ser-vicing this fi lter. Some people may not even realize that their vehicle has one. In fact, 85% of vehicles built since the 2000 model year have a cabin air fi l-ter, or a compartment where one can be installed. Quite simply, maintaining a clean cabin air fi lter is vital to the air you breathe inside your car.

While clean air should be a concern for every-one, it’s especially important for people who suf-fer from allergies or allergy-induced asthma. Ac-

cording to the Asthma Society of Canada, one in 12 adults has been diagnosed with asthma, and everyone knows people who are affected by sea-sonal allergies.

Most manufacturers recommend replacing these fi lters annually or every 24,000 kilometres. Beyond the important health benefi ts, it also helps your vehicle’s climate control function properly. Retailers tell us that a popular product for its qual-ity in this regard is the Fram Fresh Breeze fi lter with activated carbon and Arm & Hammer baking soda. This combination can even fi lter out certain odours.

www.newscanada.com

Breathe easier – replace the cabin air filter

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automotive guide

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right tire

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surviving tire blowout

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underinfl ated tire

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