THIS US the first menth that drivers who own newer vehicles will be required to have their vehicles inspected under the Air- Care system, Superintendent of Motor Vehi- cles Steve Rumsey amnounced recently that [986 and newer veli- cles — that were temporarily ex- cused from the AirCare program in September — are being re- quired to report for AirCare testing in the Lower Mainland. “If you drive a 1986 to 1992 vehicle and your vehicle licensing and insurance expire in March oar later, then beginning in the month of March, you should obtain your AirCare inspection,’’ said Rumsey. “To avoid any delays, 1 urge drivers wiio. must renew in March {0 go to an AirCare inspection stalion as soon as possible. The teething problems we experienced in September have been addressed and we’re ready to accept newer vehicles back into the program,”’ he added. Throughout the Lower Mainland, 1985 and older vehicles musi continue to report for Ajir- Care testing as usual. The increased volume that is be- ing caused by the addition of newer vehicles is not causing ma- jor lineups to form, said Claire F Ul Eraut, director of AirCare. The problems that caused long lineups last fall have been cor- rected, he added. “I owas a combination of a whole lot of minor issues’ such as staffing levels and system speed. The AirCare inspection centres’ are now capable of handling three times the number of vehicies try- ing to get through the clogged system last fall, he said. Since newer vehicles were added to the program this month, the centres have been getting the vol- ume that they had anticipated, Eraut said, adding that while there may be a five-minute wait, gener- ally motorists are able to drive right into an inspection bay. A greater volume is expected within the last few days of each month since some drivers still prefer to wait until then, but waiting times are expected, to be only approximately 20 to 30 minutes, and only at some sta- tions, he said. There are 11 AirCare stations in the Lower Mainland, with one located on the North Shore at 1333. McKeen Avenue in North Vancouver, Cali the AirCare hotline at 433-5633 to have other questions answered. Environmentally friendly driving habits will help reduce pollutants AS RECYCLING, buying earth- friendly products, and par- ticipating in neighborhood cleanups has become com- monplace for Canadians, it is fit- ting ‘that drivers learn to make their cars environmentally friend- y. The key to environmentally sound and cost-effective driving is to keep your car properly main- tained and to seshape some bad habits. First, don’t let your car idle in the driveway to warm up. This is unnecessary, wastes gas, and “spews a cloud of pollutants into the air. The best’ way to warm) your engine is*to lez it sit no longer than 15 seconds, put it in gear and use slow to moderate speeds for _ the first mile. This method iy easier on your engine and the environment, Changing your oil frequently is a crucial step in maintaining your car, and never forget to recycle all used motor oil. At oil change time, replace one quart of oi} with an engine treat- ment containing a solid lubricant. Such products treat eagine parts to help reduce wear, giving your engine more protection than motor oil alone. Another important step in your car’s green routine is making sure the air filter isn’t clogged. A dirty air filter will foree the engine {0 use. more gasoline, reducing your miles per gation and increasing the amount of pollu- tion. Change the air filter every time the oil is changed. Underinflated tires cause un- necessary engine wear and poilu- tion by making your engine work harder than it has to. Check your tires every two weeks to ensure proper. inflation and you may be surprised at the increased fuel efficiency Finally, the less unnecessary driving you do, the better off everyone will be. Short trips, with multiple Start-ups, are the hardest on your engine. Map out your route men- tally, choosing the most efficient path to your. destinations. and try to combine trips. Also, avoid the popular parking fot hide-and-seek game. Pull into the first available space; a little _ walking never hurt anyone. Imagine the amount of gas this country would save if nobody worried about having the closest parking space. Just a few easy changes of habit and implementing quick maintenance ideas can make you an environmentally friendly driver and help reduce your car maintenance expenses, too. Repairs to most makes. SERVICE BAYS OPEN: AirCare Repair Centre oni BOOKS NEWS phato Mike Wakelleld A CANADIAN Tire technician checks the vacuum pressure on the EGR vaive of a car. Working properly, this component should help vehicles pass the AirCare test. * 6 SERVICE BAYS * LICENSED TECHNICIANS SATURDAY SAM - aPpM 1980 MARINE DR. (at Capilano Rd.) 937-4448 We will take your vehicle through the AirCare Test for you and service only if required. All you have to do is call. insiall the best! GENUINE NISSAN PARTS J ~~ SPECIALIZED MAZDA SERVICE RVICE . GENUINE PARTS AND ACCE “SSORIES #50361 CUSTOMER CARE Bloor’ ot FOR AUTOMOTIVE PARTS § SERVICE