CAR CARE WE'VE COME A LONG WAY Tune up takes on new meaning REMEMBER when cars had to be primed to get them started in the morning? A little gas was squirted into priming cups, one per cyclinder. Remember retarding the spark with a hand level before starting? If you can answer yes to the above, you probably remember too, the thousand- mile grease job and oil change. There was no such thing as an oil filter to replace, of course; just change the oil. Keeping the engine ‘‘in tune’’ had to be a regular procedure if the engine was to start without excessive cranking. Remember cranking? We’ve come a long way since that nostalgic era, says Car Care Council. Nevertheless, many com- ponents will retain their essential roles in most automotive engines for a long tume to come. The spark plug, for example, continues as the most frequently replac- ed part in a tune-up. The distributor cap and retor today are replaced as frequently as they were 10 years ago. The air filter, in fact, has increased in replace- ment frequency. And nearly half the cars on our nation’s highways still have conventional! distributor quent tune-up service. Advancements in technology, including elec- tronic ignition, computerized engine controls and unleaded gasoline have resulted in longer maintenance intervals on some parts and systems. People who do an unusual amount. of stop-and-go driv- ing, or whose trips average under 10 miles may fall into the ‘’severe service’’ category. This kind of driv- ing, combined with extreme weather conditions and/or trailer towing may call for more frequent servicing of the car. Check the owner’s manual, suggests Car Care Council, pointing out that ex- tended maintenance is not for , everyone. Service techniques are changing, too. The tradi- tional tune-up has evolved in- to a procedure described as an engine performance analysis. What's the difference? In- stead of routinely replacing things lke the points, con- denser and plugs, the techni- cian must make a thorough mance, reduced fuel economy or increased emis- sions. He can no_ longer replace some parts and make a few simple adjustments to get the engine running like new. If you’re experiencing engine problems, you may or may not need servicing of one of the sub-systems. The igni- tion system, the fuel system and the emission. control systerns must all work in close harmony with one another. That’s where ac- curate diagnosis comes in. What also will help is your ability to communicate with your mechanic so he can isolate and diagnose a specific problem. Give him as many details as possible. For instance, if the engine hesitates, when does it hap- pen? When the engine is 7 cold? When it’s warmed up? When accelerating? Tell him if you hear any noises. And try to describe the noises. Is there a pop, bang, rattle, ping or whirr? The more information you can provide, the quicker and more accurately the techni- CHRYSLER 638 Save the price of mounting and ~ _- rebalancing twice a year, with tires. ,s mounted on extra rims. vamEs B7 - Wednesday, October 10, 1984 - North Shore News cian can isolate the problem, repair it and get you back on the road. Don’t just drop the car off and ask for a tune-up then expect miracles. The tune-up may have been considered a panacea in the past, but to- day, the service requires ac- WINTER WHEELS SALE Most sizes in stock curate diagnosis. The tune-up isn’t extinct, says Car Care Council. It has just’ evolved and become more complex. By telling the doctor where it hurts, you help him make an accurate diagnosis. The same goes for your mechanic. , 2504 Marine Drive West Vancouver 926-7301 points and condenser, diagnosis of what’s causing thereby requiring more fre- hard starting, poor perfor- PORSCHE SPECIALS.IN EFFECT UNTIL OCT. 24 © FOR MOST NORTH AMERICAN BUILT CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS. . GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME $34.00 ne LABOUR We repair ot Unbeatable Value ... Spectacular Savings VW. (limited time often Japanese tmports Drum Brakes Complete Overhaul (TWO WHEELS) OUR MECHANIC WILL Install new brake shoes~ Overhaul hydraulic wheel ¢ ylinders Inspect brake hardware Top up master cylinder Machine brake drums Lubricate and adjust parking Graks. Check brake lines 10 OOD “Moot Care and Light Trucks ‘ Disc Brakes Complete Overhaul (TWO WHEELS) Ou tC MANIC WIL Install new disc pads (A)” Overhaul calipers * Repack wheel bearings Top up master cylinder Machine rotors Chech brake lines +84 25% Moot ( ars and Light Truchs (Ap SEME METALLIC PAOS SLIGHTLY EXTRA ces Natytor State taboo 12 Years service on North Shore TAR Se PERFORMANCE LID 230 McKay Ave Just behind Cap Mall 984 4338 PLEASE GIVE FROM THRE HEART BC HEART FOUNDATION NORTH VANCOUVER INE DRIVE , North Van