THE AVERAGE motorist
deesn’t think of getting
regular checkups of a car’s
wheel alignment, suspension
and steering.

By Chris Wong
Contributing Writer

in fact it’s typicaily the case
that car owners only do so after
tires have become worn.

Mark Smith, general manager
of Levett’s North Shore Frame
and Alignment Centre in North
Vancouver, believes that it doesn’t
have to be that way.

‘Smith says it’s a good idea to.

get a car’s wheel alignment,
suspension and steering checked
-out yearly. ‘‘No matter what the
mileage is, those things should be
checked,’’ he says.

‘The. proactive approach will
help prolong tire life, and improve
driveability, says Smith, whose
shop specializes in steering and
suspension service, Wheel align-
ments and frame repairs.

As Smith explains it, if there’s
something wrong with the steering
‘or suspension, the odds are that
the wheel alignment is off. The
final result is excessive and unnec-
essary wear on the tires, he says.

Another misconception out

therein motorland.is that shocks.

and springs in the suspension
system are the only parts to worry
about getting replaced down there.

PROPER TIRE maintenance
and alignment go hand in
hand. Check the tire pressure
often in summer as it will af-
fect both tire wear and gas
mileage.

Not so,. says Smith. Steering
components can also wear down
and require replacement.

Smith recalls one worst case
scenario when a car was towed in
with a joint broken in the suspen-
sion system. ‘Basically, the wheel
just kind of lay there, limp. You
don’t want that to happen.”’

Several ways to shield paint job

--EVERYBODY’S CAR paint will
‘fade and chip, in time.

Chipping, caused by stones hit-
ting lower. body. panels, takes its
toll,..and- if left unchecked: will
promote rust. ST

‘Sometimes chipping even accurs
while.a new automobile is riding a
railway car.to the dealer, before it
has ever been driven.

Also, the gradual and inevitable
accumulation. of road dirt and
pollutants which build up on a
finish will cause the paint to dry
‘out and fade.

-The durability of a paint finish

depends’ to a-certain extent on
where it was applied — at the
“original ' manufacturer _or at a
body shop.

The disadvantage of many body
shop paint jobs is that there can

occasionally be irregularities in the
mixing of the thinner or pigments.
This cari produce a paint finish
that is either dry and brittle, or
too soft...

Another important considera-
tion is the quality of products ap-
plied to protect the paint finish.
Regardless of whether a car is
fresh from the showroom or: re-
painted, the finish must be pro-
tected.

Wax is effective as a short-term
shield, but in the long run it tends
to accumulate in layers — and
that dries paint, making it brittle
and susceptible to chipping.

An alternative method. of - pro-

tecting a.car’s paint finish is to

have it treated permanently.

Speak to your dealer about op-

tions.

| would like to thank
all our friends &
customers for making
Taylormotive a
favorite North Shore
automobile, light truck
& RV. Repair Centre

WE HAVE

SPECIALISTS FOR

* COMPLETE GENERAL MECHANICAL

wTUNE-UP & BRAKE .

*% AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE & REPAIRS
#AIR CONDITIONER CHARGING & REPAIR

w& WHEEL ALIGNMENT & COMPUTER BALANCING

w VEHICLE INSPECTIONS - GOVERNMENT & PERSONAL
_* COLLISION REPAIRS, FRAME & UNIBODY

wr & FINEST DOWNDRAFT BAKE OVEN PAINTING

AT HOME SERVICE

Distributed by the Los Angeles Times Syndicate

Your Edgemont Village Chevron

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