DIARY OF CAR’S LIFE Log book can pay divi LOGGING, DEFINED as the act of entering information in a log book, is done by pilots, fleet oper- ators, the military and virtually anyone to whom vehicle perfor- mance and dependability are essential. Maintaining a log book is a good idea for private owners too, says the Car Care Council, which suggests that setting up and main- taining an auto ‘‘diary’’ is a simple procedure. MAINTENANCE It’s a matter of keeping a pencil and note pad handy to record anything of importance about the maintenance and operation of the car or truck. Essentially there are six types of entries, according to the council: 1. Gasoline fill-ups and mileage; 2. Additicn of various fluids such as engine oi!, coolant, power steering fluid and at what mileage; 3. Maintenance services per- formed: what, when, by whom and how much it cost; 4. Services performed other than routine maintenance, i.e. body repairs or paint, accessories in- stalled; Thermostat controls engine temperature dF YOUR car has been slow to warn up during the mornings, your engine may need a new ther- mostat advises. the Car Care Council of the Automotive In- dustries Association of Canada. ‘|. This is a temperature-actuated valve that controls the flow of cool water from the radiator to the engine. Its main function is to hold the engine temperature within specified limits, not only for maxi- mum - efficiency but-.also for pas- - ‘Senger comfort. _ -, Replacing this part is a relatively cminor expense that could pay. for “itself in short order, says the Car ‘Care Council. A thermostat that’s ‘stuck in‘the open: position will ‘allow the engine to run too cold, ‘accelerating wear on critical parts. ‘Cold operation can create con- ‘densation water in the crankcase, " . causing the oil to form sludge, too. --” Further, a cold engine may burn’ ‘10 per cent to 20 per cent more gas i than. it.should. A thermostat that ‘H sticks in the closed position, on the other hand, will restrict coolant ftow, causing overheating. and possible damage to the engine. Another valve in the cooling system is the radiator pressure cap. This keeps the cooling system under pressure, thereby increasing the boiling point of the coolant. When the pressure cap fails, the car may overheat and coolant will be lost to the overflow tank or, on cars without the tank, to the ground. A visual check of the pressure cap may disclose a faulty gasket or ‘a weak spring. The best way to check this cap is with a pressure tester, designed for this purpose. Most service shops are equipped with a pressure tester that not only checks the condition of the cap but also check the rest of the cooling _ system for leaks. A pressure’ test: before installing new anti-freeze could save trouble later. ; Grand Opening April 6 esprit, AUTO DETAILING VEHICLE APPEARANCE SPECIALISTS PROTECT YOUR iNVESTMENT Meticulous interior and exterior automotive cleaning and protection, polishing and camauba waxing. OPENING SPECIALS Complete Detailing © ae Save up to $80 - all cars Hand Wash &. .$ ‘$600 Vacuum reg. $9.95 OFFER EXPIRES APRIL 25th _ 987-8182 "4353 Pemberton Ave., N. Van: 4 blocks south of McDonaid’s) DUN DARAVE SH ELL - 2403 Marine Drive West Vancouver 922-9341 | FISHERMAN’S COVE | "Bud Hirjee 5. Insurance and/or registration information; 6. Basic part numbers and/or specifications which may not be readily found in the owner’s man- ual (belts, hoses, headlamps, spark plugs, filters, etc.). Most businessmen know the im- portance of. maintaining good re- cords. For them and for others there are these additional con- siderations, says the council: Keeping a running record of gas purchases vs. distance driven will show a decrease in gas mileage, warning of a malfunction or need for tune-up. lol iLube & Filter s 610/W/30 motor oif, filter and a . lubrication 29 - Wednesday, March 25, 1987 - North Shore News A Jog book will make you aware of abnormal oil or fluid consump- tion, which could be the tip-off to a leak or other potential problem. It also serves as a reminder that the vehicle is overdue for an oil and filter change, transmission service of other important maintenance. SALE-ABILITY When it’s time to sell or trade, use this kind of documentation to help the vehicle’s sale-ability. A used car buyer likes to know what maintenance has been done and when. er In case of mechanical trouble, especially with an older vehicle, it may be useful to report to a mechanic exactly what work has been done. If yours is an import car, you may want go jot down not only the original numbers for basic parts but also the conversion numbers from among the readily available domestic brands. This can be a big time saver when a crisis occurs far from a major source of auto parts. Acquiring the logging habit can pay big dividends. Check out the other great services wa have : offer! — | ° Brakes Goi rd Clark ° Clutches e Wheel Alignment Mehl SHELL SERVICE (farmerly of 22nd & Marine Gulf) 5775 Marine Drive West Vancouver 921-8811 Al Issac ® Car Wash (North Van Shell only) NORTH VAN SHELL 13th & Lonsdale North Vancouver 986- 1616 "WEST VAN SHELL 4305 Marine Drive West Vancouver 926-3281 |