38 — Friday, March 27, 1992 - North Shore News Course for neophytes From page 33 It isn’t uncommon to find peo- ple who don’t know how to use jumper cables to boost a car, yet you can damage your vehicle and hurt yourself if you don't do it *You can burn yourself pretty badly.’’ The Women on Wheels course is particularly good for neophytes who have never owned a vehicle or have always depended on someone else to take care of it. death of opening the hood.”” Teat added that everyone is less likely to be afraid of things if they understand them, and the course serves that purpose. Women on Wheels is taught by Jim Pattison service adviser Koren that although she is mechanically oriented, she is not a mechanic or a professional speaker, as so the students feel more comfortable with her. Registration is required for Women on Wheels, but there are properly, Teat said. “Some people are scared to Carr. Teat was quick to point out no fees involved. Hug your car for a smoother engine ON THE average person's list of things to do, caring for one’s vehicle usually doesn’t even ap- pear, yet we are a socicty ever dependent on four wheels. SER =a QUICK LUBE TUNE-UP SERVICE SPECIAL C) Inspect exhaust Includes spark plugs and rotor if necessary [} Inspect for engine oil Adjust timing, carburetor if necessary (3 Inspect for transmission oil leaks Scope and service battery (2) Inspect drive line By Pamela Lang Features Reporter ‘“‘Maintenance is the key to proper performance,’’ says Subhas Parikh, service manager of Jubilee Plymouth Chrysler in North Van- couver. With autos taken out of our culture we would be lost, he said, so if the auto is so important to us, why not put some care into it? One of the biggest problems his department runs into with auto repairs is time — customers wait until there is a break-down, yet want the repairs done quickly so they don’t have to be without their vehicle. **The fast food philosophy is so widespread,’’ Parikh said, that people expect everything — even car repairs — to be instant. The perception that repair costs are high is because of that “‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’’ attitude. But, he adds, ‘‘preventicn is better than cure. “A lot of people don’t even read the owner’s manual or the maintenance schedule. **A lot of the repairs we do can be prevented.” A small oil leak may require the tightening of some engine part, but left unchecked that leak could cause a seized engine and a huge repair bill, Parikh explained. He recommended listening to our vehicles, and watching for changes in the operation or the sounds. The average driver keeps his vehicle 5.7 years (the average used to be 3.5 years), but that Jife can- not be extended without proper care. The manufacturer’s recom- mended maintenance schedule can be adjusted to compensate for driving habits, climate, and ter- rain, as well as the individual’s budget, Parikh added. Much of this maintenance can be done by the owner. Parikh says you don’t have to be a mechanic or even be very mechanically in- clined to handle the basics. All of the vehicle’s fluids — engine oil, transmission oil, power steering, brake, anti-freeze, wind- shield washer — should be check- ed once a month, he said. As well, check ail of the lights, the wipers, and the horn. “Those things don’t have to take much time.” ““Your vehicle is just a piece of machinery}'said Purikh, “‘It needs more than gasoline and a driver.” He compared caring for your car to hugging it. ‘‘If you hug your car enough, it'll give good service to you.” _} Inspect belts & hoses Inspect suspension Inspect steering C) Inspect tires §_} Inspect emission {) Performance road test © Quick lube by appointmes only 4 Expires April 10, JE REGRET WE ia GENUINE GM FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIANS. (Q QUALITY REPAIRS ON ALL MAKES AND MODELS. Q FREE CLEAN-UP INSIDE AND OUT WITH REPAIRS 0 ICBC CLAIMS CO GM FACTORY PARTS O FREE ESTIMATES Q 23 YEARS ON SITE SERVICE “SPRING CLEANING TIME WITH GENUINE GM PARTS TO GO!! 1 WASH MITTS CLEANERS,WAXES a | CHAMOIS & POLISHES PARTS 4G Mi tpl