22 - Friday. March 30, 1990 — North Share News Fair weather driving has special demands WHEN IT comes to car care, fair weather seems to lull some motorists into a false sense of se- curiiy. Many vacationers traveling by car or light truck this summer will learn too fate that hot weather makes its own special demands. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a non-profit organization which administers national cer- tification tests to auto, truck, and collision repair technicians, offers the following tips to help you get ready for summer driving. Some are easy to do; others will require the skilled hands of a professional auto technician. 1. Getting started. Whether or not you are a do-it-yourselfer, get involved in the car care process. Start by reading your owner's manual. It contains a wealth of in- formation about your vehicle and its components. The manufactur- er’s recommended service sched- ules are listed and should be followed. A survey of 400 of the nation’s ASE-certified automotive techni- cians revealed that owners could extend the life of their vehicles by 50 per cent or more if they had routine maintenance performed on a timely basis. 2. General cleaning. A’ dirty, streaked windshield causes eye strain and can be unsafe. Replace worn blades — winter's tough on them — and make certain you have plenty of washer fluid to fight the dust and insects of summer. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the windshield too. A dirty, cluttered interior can cause unnecessary siress, so a thorough cleaning is in order, : Special applies for 1 most North American built cars & light trucks. Prices in effect tili April 8/80 What you don’t see now can cost you plenty! Lack of maintenance generaily is responsible for the inconvenience and expense experienced by tens of thousands of motorists every day of the year. Trust your car to one of our service specialists. COMPLETE TUNE-UP Includes new Champion “Copperpius” sparkplugs, new P.V.C. valve, scope test igni- tion, adjust all ignition specs and road fest vehicle. * 2.6 litre V6 & V8 engines slightly extra Customer Satisfaction is NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. Our customers are our most important asset. That’s why when they bring in their cars or trucks for service they receive our undivided attention from start to finish. We have invested in the most up-to-date, state of the art equipment and extensive training programs for our Service Technicians. We carry a comprehensive parts inventory, and a full line of Auto Par and Mopar auto accessories for do it LUBE, OIL & FILTER Lubricate chassis, check transmission oil, dif- terential oi, inspect hoses, belts. check battery condition, power steering, windshield washer tluid, check tire pressures & tread wear. Lube door locks and hinges. BRAKE INSPECTION Remove ait four wheels, ciean out dust and report condition of linings and wheel cylinders. ONLY S¢ This is approximately a three hour service and includes con- sultation time with shop manager, if requested, all for oniy $99.95 parts & labour included. It is a minimum $75.00 SAVING on our regular pricing. Larger motorhomes —— ex- tra charge for brake inspection. yourselfers. For these reasons our customers continue to bring their cars & trucks back to lubilee for service time & time again. Our commitment for 1990 is 100% customer satisfaction. Bring in your automobile and experience what first class service is really like. especially if you plan to travel with children and lots of luggage. Keep your exterior in top shape by using a gentle detergent for- mulated for washing vehicles and a good grade of wax or polish. To Prevent scratching, never clean to- day’s headlights and taillights with dry rags. 3. Cooling system. The number-one cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be com- pletely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and con- centration of the coolant should be checked periodically. Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled down. A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro. 4. Air conditioning. How long has it been since your air condi- tioner was serviced? A marginally operating air conditioning system is likely to fail in hot weather. Have your system examined at a good repair shop. 5. Engine performance. Engine driveability problems such as rough idling, hard starts, stalling, and diminished power should be corrected. The air, fuel, and PCV filters should be replaced accord- ing to the manufacturers’ recom- mendations, more often in dusty conditions. 6. Engine oil. The old-fashioned oil change is one of the most vital maintenance tasks, yet paradox- ically, it is also one of the most neglected. The oil and filter should be changed as specified in your owner’s manual — more often (every 3,000 miles) if you plan long driving with luggage or a trailer in tow, or if you make many short, stop-and-ge trips. 7. Tires. Tires, too, are often neglected, robbing owners of thousands of miles of useable tread life and posing a potential safety hazard. Tires should be rotated about every 5,000 miles. The air pressure should be checked once a month; let the tires “cool down" first. Check the sidewalls for nicks and cuts. Ex- amine tires for tread life, uneven wearing and cupping. An alignment is warranted if your vehicle ‘‘pulls’’ while you are driving on a straight road or if there’s uneven tread wear. Cupping (treads look as though they’ve been cupped out of the tire) indicates a balance problem. Remember to check your spare tire and make certain your jack is in good working condition. 8. Brakes. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your brakes and will prevent more costly repairs due to neglect. Brakes should be inspected as recom- mended by your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distances. 9. Battery. Most people associate battery failure with cold weather. But batteries can fail in hot weather too. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with the professional equipment available at good repair shops, but most people can perform routine care. Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connec- tions. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves to avoid contact with the corrosive deposits and acid. 10. Finding good auto service. An integral part of the car care process includes finding good repair and service. Ask friends and associates for their recommendations — word of See Care Page 24