From previous page Obviously my pre- fessional advice wasn’t appreciated, so | shrugged my shoul- ders and left. Something told me this would turn into a fine adventure A week later, our first snowfall came, and after shovelling out muy driveway, | went over to Buck's place for coffee. When [ arrived, I found him digging his car out of the flowerbed. “Mornin’, Buck. Tried to back out without shovelling the drive, did you” He glowered at me and wiped the sweat . from his eyes. “Instead , OF just flappin’ yer lips, why don’t you grab a ~ shovel and give me a hand.” .- I whistled in amazement when I saw his tres. “Buck! These skins are balder than a shaved grapefruit. Why don’t -you buy Old Betsy some new winter treads; then you won't ~ get stuck, and youl have your ‘= Chrisemas gift taken care of.” ‘He leaned forward on his snow shovel and mopped his - > face with a handkerchief. “Slim Shambles, for a mechanic you ~ obviously know nothin’ about : choosing appropriate gifts for yer car.” ; “And you're going to teach : me?” I chuckled. MICRIEMIN. _ WINTER: TIRES » BO% OFF zt 9 free installation _& balancing expires Dec 30, 2000 | _ Wednesday, November 22, 2000 — Mort Shora Nows ~ 37 ake a Paz el good a cine SEERA LE MPLS or wr [AlfTO, REPAIR “Apparently somebody has to,” he retorted. “Buying a set of snow tires for the car is like buying 2 vacuum cleaner for yer wile. Sure, you need it, but it ain't gonna earn you no brownie points.” I puzzled that one over. “And you think bonbons will?” ’ “Works every time,” he . said confidently. After getting the car unstuck, we drove down to Dor-Mart to check out the AA Wustration suppiied there that would not only suit his budget, but would also earn hin: his coveted brownie points. ‘fhe shelves were practical- jy bursting with winter main- tenance ideas, but Buck found fault with them all: An engine block heater (“Naw, I always forget to unplug ‘em”). A new fan belt that won't squeal (“It ain’t broke yet”). An intericr heater so the vinyi seats wouldn’t crack (“Too late for chat”). New “Then just clean out your garage,” | tinal- ly exclaimed in des- peration, “so Old Betsy can stay in out of the weather!” Buck stared at me. “And where do you propose | put my still, er... mean, my home-made wine equipment” He shook his head. “Slim, Pm disap- pointed. When it comes to cars, I fig- ured you'd be the one...” Suddenly Buck's eves lit up, and he pushed past me excitedly. He had spotted the per- fect gift. Christmas would come for Old Betsy after all. Pm sure Pil be doing a few service calls to Buck’s place this winter, to get his old car started, unstuck or thawed out. But at least ("ll know he cares. The pine- scented air freshener dangling from the rearview mirror will be a constant reminder of that. @ Stim’s Tip: Whether it’s a NeW stereo Or just seme gas line antifreeze, put something special under the tree for the family car; it works hard for you all year round. (And to make sure nobody gets jeal- ous, don’t forget the bon- bons either.) “2390 ae Se ORE ut wi Rich Caghill is fram Summeriand, B.C. Along with being a humour colunt- nist in various magazines and newspapers, be alsa owns Rick's Automotive Services sig, SN, Wy Se ST Dan a yi em ne ces nier too Ltd. Dealing with customers and their cars for over 20 sears gives him lots to write about, He can be contacted Pia e-mail at . NORTH SHORE PARTS F Auto Parts Plus “YOUR AUTO PARTS SUPERSTORS” FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELFER - Yep quality. workmanship il work guaranteed . . Bost effigent’ repeirs & service . Free Estimates - We guarantee the lowest, NOVEMBER DECEMBER SPECIALS * Timing % Brakes & Clutches * Engine & Transinission’ Service & Rebuilding ® Tune-Ups * Cooling Systems : belts & chains SHOP RATE # . PER HOUR 7 iain Based on Flat Rate antifreeze (“It's still mostly automotive section. Surely green!”). Buck would find something Replace Front pads qvplace rear shoes, bearings, hos and parking brake cable, i t i ff it Bi Hy a i ! I! i i i : WINTER SPECIAL 15% GFF PARTS & LABOUR @ Oil & filter changed @ All fluid levels checked ® Safety check ; expires Dec 30, 2000 damage by replacing your 5 : 1 $30ca 5) arlene On), tobe & Fitter, shock trond é rear brakes, check alt shuvks, surute A Meeting compunents, check all components of evhaua. check hattery ght. bom and wipers, futate all titzs, peewure test, check boos, chanps, water pump & agiatue, check al belts and henes . and fluid levels, a Comte i in fora stimate Parts & labour. Most cars