BALDY the barber almost lost his toupee when he saw the estimate for fixing his blown transmission. “Land sakes, Slim, I’m gonna have to cut hair 24 hours ac pay for aii ist” His old mtr, Closeshave, who lay in front of my water cooler, raised his head mournfdly and tooked concerned. “That was odd, since car problems were rarely a major concern to hin. “My truck ain’r char old,” Baldv continued. “How come my tranny's any bit the dust already? “Might have something to do with that °35 {if sheel trailer you pull down to Mexico every winter,” I pointed out, “along with the face that yeu haven't changed the oi! regularly.” “What do you mean?” he said. “I change oil every 5,000 kilome- Features... © 2.5L, 165 H.P ENGINE © LOW EMISSION VEHICLE (LEV) STANDARDS © ALL WHEEL DRIVE © ABS. (4 CHANNEL, 4 WHEEL, ® SPEED SENSITIVE POWER STEERING ‘th 99 FORESTER ‘L, AUTO, AJ 99 LEGACY SEDAN AUTO 98 VOLVO $70 “That's your engine off; I'm reter- ring to your automat ie transmission fluid.” Though the trans- mission is a inajor component of every vehicle, it’s often ignored. “Most people don't know that the automatic transmis sion needs regular attention.” “How reeular?” he asked suspiciously. Closeshave rolled his eves, Theld up a sample of his wansmission oil. “Your transmission runs notter than your engine, and should be flushed and the filter © (LIMITED SLIP REAR ONFERENTIAL = POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS © POWER, HEATED MIRRORS © POWER MOON ROOF * KEYLESS ENTRY © 16" ALLOY WHEELS © AIR CONDITIONING © ADJUSTABLE STEERING TOLUMN & 4 SENSOR) NE © $28,295 ba changed every 48,000 ki under normal use. More often when AUTO, 28 kin $26,995 94 TOYOTA EXTRA C48 $24,895 96 OUTBACK WAGON, AUTO $24,995 $34,875 95 ACCORD EXR, 2dr, 5 spd $17,750 putling heavy loads.” Baldy sighed. “How much?” Lcould tell the price of haircuts was going up. “Around $190 to drop the pan and change the filter, but char only removes one third of the off. To doa proper itush with cleaning cher.icals. vou're look- ing at the $200 mark, plus taxes.” Pointing to the repair estimate, | added, “Bur it’s a lot cheaper than a new transmission.” A muffied snicker came from the water cooler. { called a cab for Baldy after promising to visit his barbershop on Wednesday to get a hair cut. In fact, i might even get all three done. © CRUISE CONTROL © BOW AMWFAVCASSETTE * 6 WAY POWER DRIVERS SEAT © HEATED FRONT SEATS © ELECTRIC FRONT WIPER DE-ICER © CUP HOLDERS (4) © FLOOR MATS * FOG LALAPS LE BLOWOU 312,995 93 LEGACY SEDAN 94 SUBARU SVX, 86,000 Km $23,995 92 ACCORD EXR, 4 di, ions need at As they went out the front door, Ud almost swear that Closeshave gave me a wink. i think be was reheved to Know the truck would be ready for Mexico. Don't quote me, but | suspect there's a little Chihuahua waiting for his return. Slint’s Tip: Along with the engine oil, regularly changing the fluids in the cransmission, power stecring, braking and cooliag sys- tems is the cheapest path to trou- bie-free driving. Check your own- ers” manual ar ask your local techni- cian for the proper mileage inter- vals. Rick Cegbill is from Summerland, B.C. Along with being a humour columnist in various niagasines and newspapers, be niso owns Rick's Automotive Services Ltd. Dealing with customers asd their curs for over 20 yeurs gives him lots to write acout. He can be contacted vie e-mail at . * VARIABLE SPEED WIPERS @ LEATHER WRAP STEERING WHEEL & SHIFT KNOB © * DUAL AIR BAGS (FRONT) © SIDE iMPACT INTRUSION BEAMS ° RING CAGE CONSTRUCTION * WOODGRAIN DASH ACCENT TRIM » 3 PT. SEAT BELTS (5) $7,995 4 $12,995