18 - Wednesday, December 24, 1986 - WITH WINTER upon us, North Shore News most Canadians have or are contemplating having their gasoline vehicles serviced to en- sure reliable performance during the country’s coldest mon- ths. If you own or operate a propane vehicle, you should be thinking of the same thing. A myth about a propane engine that should be dispelled is that it is maintenance free. Although sever- al studies by fleet operators have shown a reduction in maintenance costs can be directly attributed to propane, low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. By JOHN MacLISE Contributing weiter A winter tune up and some common sense operating pro- cedures will ensure maximum per- formance from your propane vehi- cle this winter. Your winter tune-up should be done by a shop with qualified pro- pane technicians. To begin with your technician should check your entire propane system for potential leaks, including the tank, fuel lines, lock-off, converter and mix- er. Next, check your ignition system, change spark plugs (if re- quired) and adjust your vehicle’s propane carburetor to ensure the optimum propane/air mixture. All filters on the engine should be checked, including the propane filter, which filters the liquid pro- pane before the converter, The vehicle should have an oil change, new filter and lukvication. Although a propane engine burns cleaner, and motor oil stays cleaner longer, regular oil changes are good insurance against poten- tial engine problems. Oil and filter changes should be done according to the manufactur- er’s recommendations. A low viscosity oi] (5W30) wilt help a vehicle start easier on cold morn- ings. It’s also a good idea to allow your engine’s oil to warm up prior to driving away. All engine fluid levels should be checked, par- ticularly the engine coolant. As the propane converter operates using coolant circulation, improper tevels or a_ plugged radiator will affect the efficiency of the propane system and fuel economy. The cooling system should also be checked for ade- quate antifreeze protection and circulation. Flush the system and fil! with new antifreeze mixture at least every second year, as you would do with a gasoline vehicle. Don’t forget to have your bat- tery terminals cleaned, as well as checking wiper blades. © COMPLETE MECHARICAL REPAIRS & SERVICE © COMPLETE COLLISION REPAIRS & PAINTING “All makes & models of cars, trucks & R.V.’s" x "FREE COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE” * 985-7195 183 Pernberton Ave., North Van. PERFORMANCE CAR STEREG PAUL CA XMAS GIFT IiDEAS— Radar Detectors as iow as °189 — Car Alarms (installed) as low as $150°° AUTHORIZED DEALERS FOR BLAUPUNKT 986-1171 pioneer 150 PEMBERTON AVE. NORTH VAN. SPRUCE UP FOR XMAS FOR THE FINEST IN CUSTOM POLISHING, INTERIOR SHAMPOOING, STEAM CLEANING MOTORS & WHEELS ETC. ON LY 595 °O ost CARS PLEASE PHONE FOR APPOINTMENT NORTH VAN UNDERCOATING 1311 PEMBERTON AVE. WE'RE THE PROFESSIONALS 24 YAS. SAME LOCATION Jaguar Plus IMPORT SPECIALISTS CLAIMS WELCOMED I.C.B.C. MECHANICAL BODYWORK DETAILING MINOR & MAJOR INTERIOR CLEANING EXTERIOR POLISHING RUST PROOFING 1519 CLYDE AVE. WEST VANCOUVER 925-1009 Your Complete One Stop Service Centre a ae INSTALL THE BEST titan: = car meead a “through a e-yea ae SERVICE 985-9311 PARTS 985-1513 NORTHSHORE NISSAN LTD. 1160 Marine Drive, N.Van. 987-4477 | 28th year of service to tens of thousands of domestic & foreign car & light truck owners 1.C.B.C. vendor BCAA approved A.R.A. certified Quality workmanship — Trustworthy service 985-7455 174 Pemberton Ave. N. Van. ACCIDENT REPORT “J was sure the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the road. when I struck him.” LEN MACHT Call 980-4581 today 1315 COTTON DRIVE COLLISION NORTH VANCOUVER up For fast, professional repairs and service of your cooling system and/or air Conditioner, come direct to the specialists DRIVE IN SERVICE dust off Pemberton, drive around back. Mon-Fri. 8:00-5:30, Sat. 8:00-3:30 OVER 35 YEARS ON THE NORTH SHORE NOR EST RADIATORS 1175 West 14th St. N.Van 984-0374