AUTOMOTIVE New air-conditioning systems to eliminate ozone-depleting CFCs *““CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS” [IS not a word that slides off the tongue very easily, but if you own a car with an air-conditioning system, you will probably become very familiar with this word over the next few years. The refrigerant in an automobile’s air-conditioner con- tains chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs. When released into the at- mosphere, CFCs destroy the Earth’s ozone layer — that thin, fragile layer of gas in the strato- sphere which protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radia- tion. Scientists estimate that one molecule of CFC-12, the existing automotive air-conditioning refrigerant, has the potential to destroy !0,000 molecules of ozone. Destruction of the ozone layer, and the corresponding increase in the level of ultraviolet radiation, has been linked to increases in skin cancer, suppressed human immume systems and possible DNA damage, as well as reduction in plant growth and crop yields. Scientists estimate that. for every 1% reduction in the ozone layer, there is a 4% increase in skin cancers. CFCs are also linked to the **greenhouse effect.’’ One molecule of CFC has up to 20,000 times the greenhouse warming ef- fect of one molecule of carbon dioxide. Canada is responsible for only 2% of global ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere, but on a per capita basis, we are the second highest contributor after the Unit- ed States. , Automotive air conditioners ac- count for just 8% of global CFC usage, but the potential for dam- age to the ozone layer is so great that the Canadian government has pledged to phase out the use of Greg Wilson AUTOMOTION CFCs in automobile air condi- tioners by 1995. Under the terms of the Montreal Protocol, an in- ternational timetable ‘for eliminating substances that deplete the ozone layer. Canada agreed to phase out all CFCs by 1997. Many vehicle manufacturers, such as BMW and Nissan, have already begun using new CFC- free air-conditioners in some of their new model cars. BMW's 7- series cars and Nissan’s J30 are two examples of vehicles with the new air-conditioning systems and refrigerants. In addition, many automobile companies have started recycling existing refrigerants when air- conditioning units are serviced, and many are working towards eliminating CFCs from paint, manufacturing and parts washing processes. However, the introduction of new refrigerants poses some dif- ficulties for motorists. New refrigerants are not compatible with old air-conditioning systems. They corrode copper and certain other metals found in existing air-conditioning systems, and do not mix well with mineral oil, the lubricant used in today’s systems. Automobile manufacturers have designed new air-conditioners with different metals and lubri- cants, but this won’t help owners of cars with older systems. A more serious problem may be the availability of CFC refrigerants in the future. With demand for CFCs dwindling, and the possibility of CFC production being banned altogether, it’s quite possible that the supply of CFC refrigerants will be limited and expensive to purchase. Automobile air-conditioning systems typically leak coolant and need to be replenished occasional- ly. The alternative for owners of vehicles with older air-condition- ing systems is to have them ~- —* cetrofitted with new systems. This is likely to be an expensive pro- position, and one that may be resented by owners of new cars with old air-conditioning systems. | There is a possibility that scien- tists will develop new refrigerants that are compatible with older air-conditioning systems, but given cucrent technology and the short timetable, this docsn’t seem likely. Automobile manufacturers that use ‘‘ozone-friendly’’ air-condi- tioning systems are likely to reap the benefits from environraen- tally-conscious consumers over the next few years. Van loaded with safety features From page 38 The Villager is one of the few mini-vans.to meet all current pas- senger car safety standards. Safety features inchide side-door beams, five-mile-per-hour bumpers, knee bolsters, rear seat headrests and three-point seatbelts. Curiously, the Villager is not offered with a driver- or passenger-side airbag. | was informed that one will be available for the 1994 model year. As I mentioned, the Villager of- fers the increased ‘safety benefit of anti-lock brakes on all four wheels, unlike many mini-vans which offer ABS on the rear wheels only. The interior is well designed, in both a practical sense and an esthetic one. Headroom and legroom are generous and the front and rear seats are very com- fortable. With full window glass, outward visibility is very good, in- struments and controls are well- marked, and there are lots of storage bins and coin pockets. An AM/FM stereo radio with four speakers is standard equipment, but a cassette player or CD player is optional. Mercury offers op- donal premium stereo systems with separate rear volume and tuning controls. While the base Villager model Starts at just under $20,000, op- tions such as upgraded seating, leather upholstery, sunroof and a rear heating and air conditioning system weuld likely boost the price of the Villager well into the mid-20s. FIREFLY 4 OR. Automatic, AM/FM radio. low mileage. $ bal. GM 5 905 warranty } 1991 PONTIAC 6000 LE 4 DA. 6 cyl.. auto, air-cond., 1 PONTIAC GRAND AM 4 DR. 4 cyl. auto, air-cond., tilt. bucket seats. bal ‘10, 495 GM warranty Monthly gas New monthly “DON'T YOU BUY NO UGLY TRUCK” BRAND NEW PLUS FREIGHT — NET OF REBATES NO CHARGE FOR P.D.I. CONSIDER THIS! (Based on 1,200 miles/mo) if your trade, an older V8 worth $1,000 gets 72 MILES/GAL. 2. This brand new truck (with full warranty) gets 35 MILES/GAL. SAVINGS $179 PAYMENT $179 Plus taxes, 48 mo, net lease Total paid $8592 (plus trade) till, cass., 2 none bd 099 GM warranty NORTH 1 SHORE SUPER STORE + IMMEDIATE DELIVERY! # ON-THE-SPOT-FINANCE! 4 WARRANTY ON MOST VEHICLES! Ss CUSTOMERS. 7 # TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR TRADE-IN! > gawiinis aD &