32 ~ Wednesday, March 12, 1986 - North Shore News AAA ATTICS AUTON PENDS PEANUT LI MOTI IER ENP PANS NATE NSE IE, sore. LT AAPA REAM ARA LAT PTA TEM: UP LT OPES een Ni SPI eT PS Pa NP ENP Stari te th Ratstchnde A bsdedethnboasl sormerenconmnencies | Sal A A ache Ber Biachis eB she hc asp Brest Se aginst NIST Checking your vehicle’s transmission fluid regularly helps prevent problems A car equipped with an automatic transmission offers con- siderable convenience over manual transmissions. However, as with most convenient devices, there are no free rides. An automatic transmission rep- resents considerable cost when purchased as an option and is one of the most expensive items on the cas to sepair or replace. Fortu- nately, major repairs are typically not required unless the transmis- sion is net maintained. Recent surveys indicate that motorists are not paying proper at- tention to automatic transmission fluid (ATF) condition and levels. As transmission depends on ATF to lubricate, cooland provide the power transfer from the engine to drive axles. The life of ATF can be severely reduced when overheated, and transmission damage can result. Overheating is typically caused by severe usage such as heavy stop- and-go driving: pulling a trailer; spinning the wheels in mud, snow or sand, and low ATF levels. Remember to check the ATF condition and level periodically when you stop for refueling. If you need to add fluid, consult the owner’s manual to determine which type of ATF is required. If the fluid appears dark brown or has a burnt odor, it may need to be changed. If you must add fluid frequently, it may mean that the transmission has a leak which should be repaired. Faulty gaskets or seals usually cause leaks. For normally operated vehicles, many manufacturers do not recommend ATF changes until Some eye-opening facts about windshield wipers ith the average vehicle on the highway over seven years old, car owners have become more aware of the importance of preventive maintenance. Yet while these motorists have become more safety conscious, one potential problem right before their eyes often goes unseen — faulty windshield wipers. According to the American Op- tometric Association, 90 percent of all driving decisions are based on vi- sion. Yet recent industry surveys show that 52 percent of windshield wipers on domestic cars tend to be in poor to fair condition. Another survey finds that 30 percent of the windshield wiper systems on domestic cars do not work properly. Natural rubber is used in the manufacture of windshield wiper blades and refills. These elements deteriorate the wiper blade and thus reduce its abili- ty to clean. This deterioration usually occurs between 6-12 months. Therefore, it is essential to replace wipers at least once a year or more to ensure safe driving vision. Just eight blade and refill part Numbers cover virtually every domestic and import car, truck and van on the road today. This provides complete coverage with few part numbers, To simplify the selection process for the Dl Yer, blade and refill boxes are color-coded by application, win- dows for product visibility and clear- ly marked for blade and/or refill size. Application guides are also color-coded so the DlYer can find what he needs quickly without assistance. An independent tire dealer is the key to safe, long tire life Buying the right tires for your car, its use and your driving habits, are crucial elements in safe driving and optimal tire performance. A local, independent tire dealer is the best source for information about tires, according to Alan M. Bennett, vice president, marketing, Armstrong Tire Company. “Someone who knows how you use your car can recommend the best tire for you}? he explained. “And, because he’s a focal businessman, he cares that your tires are mounted and balanced properly and that you are a satisfied customer’ Armstrong’s Bennett added that an independent tire dealer will also take the time to answer questions about tire maintenance and possible problems that may arise. “And, he'll be there when you need him?’ added Mr. Bennett. “The very specialized design of tires to match specific automobile designs and uses, makes the right tire selection important. You should rely on the tire deaier to help get the best performance from your car and its tires)’ he concluded. BPERFORMANCE ALL SEASON FIRES P77 This brand new steel-belted radial revolutionizes the con- cept of an all-weather tire. it’s the first radiaf to combine two different tread patterns and two different tread com- pounds in one tire. The femarkable dual tread allows the P77 to perform weil in ali conditions — wei, slick, snow or dry. The dual compound is designed to make the Pirelli P77 the longest-wearing all- waather tire you'll ever own. cAlt US FIRST FOR Low Low PRICES 100,000 miles. However, consider- ing the cost of transmission repairs or replacement, an ATF change and filter replacement at 25,000 to 30,000 miles would be cheap in- surance agiins failures due to burnt or contaminated fluid. Typical preventive service to transmissions costs between $20 to $50; on the other hand, overhauls range between $200 and $1,200 If you operate the vehicle under severe conditions or tow a trailer, you might want to have an aux- iliary transmission fluid cooler istalled. Auxiliary coolers are easi- ly installed and inexpensive. If you are driving a late-model car, you may have noriced that the transmission shifts frequently. Your car might also have addi- tional selector positions on the gear shift. This means that the vehicle has a lock-up torque con- verter or overdrive function built into the transmission. This allows the engine to turn slowly while driving the wheels much faster. This is particularly effective for improving fuel economy. Be sure to consult the owner’s manual on the proper way to drive a car equipped with such modifications, Improperly using overdrive at slow speeds or with heavy toads can damage the transmission. March Paint Special includes: * Complete paint job, any colour (exterior) * Install body side mouldings * Pinstripe your car 980-2414 - local 258 Collision ‘Centre car ens ode: ALAND, Ody * Take out all minor, parking /ot dents, chips & scratches * Guarantee your paint job, in writing, for 1 year (excluding rust & chipping) * Use only top quality Acrylic enamel on your 00 Body & Rust repair extra Major credit cards accepted 879 Marine Dr. inspection Planning to buy or already own a used car? Bring it to our shop and we will inspect the body & mechanical condition, then advise you of its value FREE! * Complete body repairs * ICBC Claim Service * Paint refinishing © Frame repairs * Restoration * Courtesy cars Come in and ask for John Paint Speciais Small car $399 — Medium Car $499 — Large Car $599 North-Gate Collision 1985 Ltd. Hours 7am-Spm Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-3pm Sat. “Quality and Personal Service ata fair price