MAINTENANCE Faulty wipers dangerous WITH THE average vehicle on the highway over seven years oid, 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 gees unseen — ~ faulty windshield wipers. According to the American Optometric: Association, 90 per cent of all ‘driving ' decisions ‘are based: On: vision: Yet recent industry surveys: show that 52 per centof windshield wipers. on domestic cars fend to be in poor io fair condition. : Another survey. finds | “that; 30 ‘per, “cent: cof the windshield. wiper: These slements deteriorate the wiper biade:and thus’ reduce its abili- : ty: 10 clean: This deterioration usually occurs between six to 12° mon-’ oth Therefore, itis’ essential to replace wipers at least! once 2 year.’ 7 to ensure Safe driving vision. . -Don't wait fora: rainy day to decide whether your wiper - blades need : j replacing. First; make a visual inspection...” “Look for any tears of defects in the blade itself. Also, think back to ing it difficult to see? : : the last-dme you drove in. the’ rain, Dis the. blades. leave streaks, mak-. u should: ‘have any. ‘questions ‘about ‘your: wiper blades, your : local auto parts serviceman will. be glad to help. Fiuic) is ess 47 - Wednesday, December 9, 1687 - North Shore News ential for automatic transmission A CAR equipped withan automatic transmission offers considerable convenience over manual transmissions. However, as with most convenient devices, there are no free rides. An automatic transmission represents considerable cost when purchased as an option and is one of the must expensive items on the car to repair or replace. Fortunately, major repairs are typically not required unless the transmissivuiu is not mainiained. Recent surveys indicate that motorists are not pay- ing proper attention to automatic transmission fluid (ATF) condition and levels. A transmission depends on ATF to lubricate, cool and provide the power to transfer from the engine tc 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; spinn- ing the wheels in mud, snow or sand, and low ATF levels. Remember to check the ATF condition and level periodically when you stop for refuelling. 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 “We're the Professionals... 25 years in the business” SPRUCE UP YOUR 6x 48" with 1” bevelled edge w 95535 “WINDSHIELD SPECIALISTS” PROMPT 1.C.B.C. SERVICE .© Plate & Window Glass ¢Sun Roofs » Sealed Units *Closet Mirror Doors * Mirrors & Mirror Walls Supial - GLASS 1 CANADA, 10... te) fecans Lai 152 PEMBERTON AVENUE NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. V7P 2R4 980-4804. ai] Httie Boya with sitng show For fast, professional repairs and service of your cooling system and/or ait conditioner, come direct to the specialists DRIVE IN SERVICE Just off Pemberton, drive a.ound back. Mon-Fri. 8:00-5:30, Sat. 8:00-3:30 HYUNDAI OVER 35 YEARS ON THE NORTH SHORE NOR EST RADIATORS 1175 West 14th St N.Van 984-0374 steam cleaning, motor, wheels, etc. TOTAL PRICE 585 (most cars) CAR FOR XMAS ! For the finest in custom nolishi ng, interior shampooing, Makes a great Xmas gift Please phone fer appt. NORTH VAN UNDERCOATING 131 Pemberton Ave, Nan. GOd"S477 vou vo RENA ULT impor Car Specialists COMPLETE MECHANICAL REPAIAS _,t¥@ alsa do domestic cars Tune-Ups - Oil Change Brakes - Clutches Transmissions Engine Overhaul — Electrica! Open — Mon.-Sat. Giovanni Ma'3ra 104 Donaghy Ave.. N.Van 183 Pemberton Ave., North Van. has a leak which should be repaired. Faulty gaskets or seals usually cause leaks. For normally operated vehicles, many manufactur- ers do not recommend ATF changes until 100,000 miles. However, considering the cost of transmission repairs or replacement, an ATF change and fiiter replacement at 25,000 to 30,000 miles would be cheap insurance against failures due to burnt or con- taminated fluid. If you operate the vehicle under severe conditicns or tow a trailer, you might want to have an auxiliary transmission fluid cooler installed. Auxiliary coolers are easily installed and inexpensive. If you are driving a late-model car, you may have noticed that the transmission shifts frequently. Your car might also have additional selector positions on the gear shift. This means that the vehicle has a lock-up torque converter 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 econemy. 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 loads can damage the transmission. © COMPLET E MECHANICAL REPAIRS & SERVICE © COMPLETE COLLISION REPAIRS & PAINTING “All makes & models of cars, trucks & R.V.'s”’ x “FREE COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE” » 985-7195 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 Quafiity workmanship — Trustworthy service | 985-7455 174 Pemberton Ave. N. Van.