FOUR OF the most ne- glected parts of an automobile — the tires — are actually among the easi- est and most economical to maintain. In fact, just a few minutes of attention each month will kelp en- sure longer tire life and perfor- mance. The key, experts agree, is to AVEL SAFE 4 ular maintenance is not on ye ingerous, it costs you more in the lang run. INCLUDES * Complete system check a * Front wheel bearing service ® Machining of front rotors * Installing new metallic pads , ® Topping up fluid © Complete road test “(SR.WD. Ail makes of standard & (oRWD,) auto transmissions Ba TE ET Ge) Rear ends, clutches & fA Es Gli SZ mam aR aaa front end work COUMBLETH: Any size of vehicle INCLUDES * Install new fluid * Clean screens "© Full adjustment * New pon gasket - © Complete road test © C/V joint inspection ® Full condition report 25 Ton motorhome & truck hoist A: All work guaranteed in writing WALL SERVICE INCLUDES A FREE CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSPECTION * MOST CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS ECONO BRAKE $ 84-9581 = p TRANSMISSION & MUFFLER LID. 860 W. 15th Street, North \ Vancouver Dera Bua Ford OFFER EXPIRES 4 JULY 30 ¢ MAINTENANCE PACKAGE (85-92 JEEP PRODUCTS ONLY) INCLUDES: * Topping up transmission, transter case front & rear differentials ° Replace spark lugs » Replace fuel filter « Replace air filter * Service battery * Electronic scope check * Check all belts & hoses ALL OF THIS FOR ONLY 169°... ecre 479% acvi.°189% Gheee $On automate PARTS & SET VANCOUVER ire woes ear! prevent problems before they oc- cur. This is particularly true in the summer, when warmer weather entices people to embark on vaca- tions or weekend getaways. Tires are a-vehicle’s sole contact point with the surface of the road. Therefore, they need to be proper- ly maintained as part of a com- plete car care maintenance sched- ule. Proper tire maintenance also improves traction, promotes smoothness and gives a quieter ride. A, few of the maintenance pro- cedures, such as inflation checks and visual inspections, can be done by the owner at a minimal cost. Inflation pressure can be check- ed at service stations, usually for no charge. It is recommended that a tire pressure gauge be purchased as service station equipment can be inaccurate or inconsistent. Visual inspections of the tires can be conducted for free at home. Three other elements of tire maintenance — rotation, align- ment and balancing — are gener- ally performed by a mechanic or tire dealer as part of a vehicle’s regular servicing. Inflation pressure is the most important aspect of tire maintenance. Improperly inflated tires — whether overinflated or underinflated — result in irregular tread-wear and poor gas mileage. Check air pressure at least once a month with an accurate gauge when the tires are cold. Recommended air pressures usually can be found in owners’ manuals, although it’s best to consult with the tire dealer or manufacturer if the vehicle’s orig- inal tires have been replaced. Improperly inflated tires will sometimes ‘‘squeal’’ around cor- hers at normal speeds, or feel mushy during turns. A tire is considered seriously underinflated or overinflated if it’s four or more pounds per square inch off the recommended level. Generally, tires lose about one pound per square inch each month. A summertime tip: warmer temperatures will cause a rise in pressure of about one pound per square inch for every 10 degrees. Visual inspections are important because they reveal irregular treadwear (one side may be more worn than the other), punctures or other outside damage, the amount of tread remaining on a tire, or even a pebble or stone Jodged in the tread. A simple test using a penny can help determine if a tire’s tread is below the safe — or legal — limit. If the Queen’s head is fully visible after the penny has been placed in the tread, then the tire needs replacing. A more conventional method is to check the wear bar indicators. These can be located by using the arrows on the sidewail as a guide. If the tread is the same height as the wear bar, the tire should be replaced. . Tires should be rotated every 11,000 to 16,000 kilometres (7,000 to 10,000 miles), with city driving requiring the most frequent atten- tion. Tire rotation extends a tire’s life by balancing out the wear variances. : Treadwear can be more pro- nounced at wheel positions that carry more of the vehicle’s weight. Proper wheel alignment also en- sures even treadwear, and may prevent suspension damage that could occur if neglected. When a car is out of alignment . — often caused by driving over . potholes and on rough roads — it Slightly alters the position of the tires, causing one part of the tire to wear more quickly than the other areas. Uneven wear can also occur ‘if the wheel and tires are out of balance. This causes steering wheel vibration, which usually becomes more pronounced at highway speeds. Motorists should have their vehicles aligned and wheels balanced by a professional once a’ NZwSs photo Mike Wakeliald JEEP EAGLE LTD. TIRE MAINTENANCE involves taking preventive measures such as checking air pressure and inspecting the tread. Also, regular .. servicing by professionais prevents serious problems caused by. 1577 Main St., Vancouver (beside McDonalds) neglect.