24 - Friday, October 26, 1990 - North Shore News yf J Proper inflation important for tires PROBABLY NO other consumer product endures as much abuse as tires — especially in the fall and winter. Whether driving on slick streets, through snow, or over potholes and ice patches, tires are expected to master the elements. Tires will not fast long, howev- er, if they are continually mistreated and not properly main- tained. To get the most from tires during this season, and conse- quently the vehicle they are at- tached to, a regular maintenance program should be implemented. The single greatest cause of tire damage is improper inflation pressure. Driving with overinflated er underinflated tires puts unnec- essary stress on tire sidewalls, which in turn cause irregular treadwear and poor gas mileage. According to Jeff Carpenter, marketing manager of consumer products for Yokohama Tire Corporation, tire inflation will fluceuate with the outside temperature. “A drop of ten degrees Fahr- enheit causes a drop of about one pound per square inch (psi),"' Carpenter said. ‘‘In the fall, when weather changes rapidly, it’s a good idea to check pressures more often.” The safest way to check infla- tion is with an accurate air pressure gauge. A tire’s proper in- flation level is usually between 20 and 35 psi, and can be found on a placard in the glovebox or on the car door. A tire is considered seriously underinflated at four or more psi below the recommended pressure. Carpenter also recommends that tire pressure be checked when tires are cold, or at least three hours after the vehicle has been driven. “*If air must be added when a tire is hot, the driver should add four If your Car is listed below call for an appointment. 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Notthshore> NISSAN 2l4 McKay Ave. North Vancouver, B.C. 988-4170 HARALD ZOELLER LABOUR $45 HOUR ie wa then why leave your NISSAN with one? aa MAX'S SPECIAL 9 5 TUNE-UP ut SPECIAL ++ e *#Six cylinder, diesel, turbo and Pulsar with twin cam engine extra. psi above the recommended cold tire pressure, and then recheck the pressure when the tire is cold,"’ he said. Treadwear is another important component of tire maintenance. As tread wears, it loses its ability to grip the road in adverse condi- tions. If the tire is not replaced, it can wear past the tread to the cas- ing, making the vehicle a safety hazard. To check for treadwear, tire manufacturers have installed wear bar indicators, small raised poinis of rubber in the tire’s groove. If the tread is the same height as the wear bar, the tire should be Wash car WINTER MAY not be the most enjoyable time to wash your car, but you can be assured that it’s one of the most important times. Environmental conditions, coupled with sand and road salts, can be harmful to today’s special clear coat paint finishes. The first step to proper car care is to determine whether the vehicle has a conventional or clear coat finish. Without this knowledge, good intentions may lead to irreparable damage in the form of swirls and tiny scratches in the finish. The best way to identify a clear coat finish is to ask your dealer. A ‘‘clear coat’’ finish is essen- tially a clear acrylic layer that seals in a thin color coat. While a clear coat provides increased depth and lustre, it is susceptible to abrasions. Since 1980, clear coat finishes replaced immediately. While most people are capable of checking tre inflation and treadwear on their own, there are other tasks, essential to. tire maintenance, that should be done by a professional. Tire rotation, for example, is a job for a professional mechanic. Ideally, tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or more frequently if most of the driving is done around town, In addition, every 10,000 miles, a reputable tire dealer or align- ment shop should check the alignment so the tires can perform up to standard. in winter have played an increasing role in the manufacture of imported and domestic automobiles. As many as 90 per cent of newer cars have clear coat finishes. Fall is the perfect time to ~ prepare your car’s exterior for the onslaught of winter. Begin with a thorough washing. Make sure to hose down the car, and wash with a mild non-streaking detergent. After drying the vehicle, apply a non-abrasive car wax for a safe shine to your clear coat finish. To keep your car’s finish sparkling all winter, just follow a few quick and simple tips. 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