Extend battery
life with new
solar charger

Natural
gas Is
plentiful

From page 30

Without taking the cost of con-
version into account, there is a 45
to 50% fuel savings, he said.

A conversion will cost approx-
imately $1,500 plus about $500 for
each tank. Although the cost is
actually higher, B.C. Gas kicks in
$500 for each conversion,
Wheatley explained.

The tanks do not hold as much
as a gasoline tank, so the average
conversion adds two tanks to the
vehicle at a capacity of five litres
per tank.

"You increase the total range of
your vehicle,’’ Wheatley explain-
ed, because a flick of a switch
gives you access to the conven-
tional gasoline tank.

With two natural gas tanks, the
vehicle range will be extended to
approximately 1% as much as the
conventional gasoline tank’s
range.

But, despite the cost com-
parisons, the main reason to
switch is an environmental one.

“It’s a cleaner burning fuel,”
he said, ‘‘so customers want to
use natural gas as much as possi-
ble.”

Particularily while driving in the
city, drivers are more concerned
about the pollutants they are sen-
ding into the air.

Another consideration is that
supplies of natural gas in this
country are plentiful, Wheatley
added.

As for immediate, usable sup-
plies, areas like the Lower
Mainland have a reasonably good
network of natural gas outlets (32
stations with 50 provincially), al-
though Wheatley said, ‘tI still
think there should be more.”

And for those without casy ac-
cess to a station, the fuelmaker is
a new unit that allows B.C. Gas
users to tap into their natural gas
line at home.

But Wheatley warned, ‘‘the cost
is not worth it right now for the
average driver.”’

He expects that the fuelmaker
will be more popular in the
future.

B.C. Gas’ manager of sales for
natural gas for vehicles Glen
Magel said that the fuelmaker can
be rented for $59 a month.

Other alternative fuels are
dismissed by some and hailed by
others.

Wheatley said that while pro-
pane vehicles are currently
operating on our streets, the fuel
is more flammable, creating con-
cerns that have resultcd in some
underground parkades refusing
access to propane-powered vehi-
cles,

‘Natural gas is safer than pro-
pane, it’s safer than gasoline,”* he
said.

Point in the .
Right Direction ©
Ay ea lee

Durell {nternational and is avail-
able in B.C. through Silvertree
imports for about $40.

The small unit is plugged into
your cigarette lighter, then placed
on the dashboard to absorb the
sun's rays.

A NEW’ technological advance
may save you from becoming
stranded the next time your car
battery goes dead.

A new solar car battery
charger has been developed by

WHEN YOU BRING |

YOUR VEHICLE TO

JUBILEE CHRYSLER

WE HONOR ICBC CLAIMS ~

SERVICE
PARTS

1177MARINE DRIVE.
"NORTH PINE ORIVE,, ee ‘

BODY SHOP

Friday, March 27, 1992 - Narth Shore News - 31

Energy is collected in the solar
panel, then converted to electrical
power to jump your battery.

Leave the gadget plugged in
while the car is parked, and you
can be sure of a full charge on
your battery every time you start

We give your vehicle...

A COMPEELESLUNG-UP

it. Company representatives say
that the device will work cain or
shine.

The solar charger has also been

built into the sun roof of Maz-
da’s 929,

. Includes new

Champion “Copperpius" sparkplugs, scope
test ignition, adjust all ignition specs and

road test vehicle.

*V6 and V8 engines slightly extra.

Lubricate chassis,

check transmission A differential oil, inspect
hoses, belts, check battery condition, power
steering, windshield washer fluid, check tire
pressures and tread wear. Lube door locks

and hinges.

Remove all four

wheels, clean out t dust and report condition
of linings and whee! cylinders.

COMPLETE VEHICLE SERVICE
PARTS & LABOR INCLUDED

Lack of maintenance generally 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 professionals.

WITH THIS AD ONLY

This Is i oot ange ge a three hour service and inctudes consultation

$99.95 parts and

time with r, if requested,
labor included sat tisa einimum $75.00 aN Na on bor tegular pricing.
Larger motorhomes — extra charge for brake inspection.

980-8501
980-2055
980-5423

HOURS: MON-FRI 7:30AM - 5:30PM SAT 8: 30 - So

CUST OMER CARE