Soft-cloth washing system keeps vehicle scratch-free

David Chao

OVERDRIVE

IJ HOPE last week’s “myth and truth” stories raised some eyebrows, but in case they didn't, here are some more for you to chew on. Myth: If you want to keep a car for a long time, it has to be rustproofed. Truth: If you want to throw away your hard-earned money, go ahead.

Dealers and independent rust- proofers are always trying to sell you “car care” packages that include such things as diamond- coating, scotch garding, and rust- proofing. They will tell you that the $400 to $600 you spend on this “special” package will help your car last much longer.

But while there is some merit in getting your new car protected this way, the truth is that much of the work is unnecessary (or can be done yourself).

The rustproofing part of the package is the least important, since all new cars go through extensive corrosion-resistant programs at the factory. This process virtually elimi- nates the need for additional body protection (especially here on the west coast).

Over the past several years, car companies have spent millions of dollars developing specia: rust- fighting compounds, sealers, and

paint coatings. and the effect of these new inaterials are quite astounding — you don't see rusty five-year-old cars anyorore.

A veteran paint manufacturing engineer Whom T know al General Motors always tells me that extra rust proofing is a Waste of money, even in the colder eastern provinces.

As for the paint sealant and Scotch garding. youl} have to decide what's more important: time or money. Hf you are willing to get your hands dirty, waxing your car with high quality camauba wax every six months is still the best way to keep your paint shiny and conditioned. You can also perform your own Scotch garding by buying Scotchgard aerosol cans from your local supermarket.

But if you don’t tike getting your hands dirty, or if you just don’t have the time, then paying someanc to have the car waxed/sealed and scotch-garded might make sense. Myth: It’s OK to take your car through car washes because most cars are now clear-coated.

Truth: Clear-coat paint finishes are actually more sensitive to abrasion than traditional paint finishes.

Almost all car companies use a paint process called clear-coating, which applies a layer of clear finish on top of the pigmented paint to give that deep, glossy look.

The trouble is that this extra layer is not as tough as the paint itself (althorgh automakers are working hard to change that), and therefore requires careful washing. The notion that the clear-coat layer makes the paint stronger is com- pletely false.

Regardless of whether your paint is clear-coated or not, never take your car through automated car washes if you want to retain a scratch-free finish. If you absolutely hate washing cars, take your car to a place that offers a soft-cloth wash- ing system. A soft cloth wash uses felt-like materials as opposed to paint-eating plastic brushes.

Better yet, pay your kids or neighbor's kids to hand-wash your car.

Myth: Airbags are more important than anti-lock brakes. *

Trath: It’s more important to avoid accidents in the first place.

Becinse consumers” demand for airbags are higher than for anti-lock brakes (ABS), many automakers ure making ABS optional and airbags standard in their vehicles, This is unfortunate because, in my mind, active safety features (things that help prevent accidents) are more important than passive ones (those that function in the event of un acci- dent).

The best thing to do. obviously, is to make sure that your next new vehicle has both anti-lock brakes and airbags (preferably driver and passenger) — these features will also help retain the value of the car when you sell it some years down the road.

Myth: Trucks and 4X4s are safer than cars because they’re toughér and bigger.

Truth: Trucks just don’t measure up to passenger car safety standards.

So many people purchase I-can- drive-over-everything trucks and utility vehicles nowadays, partly because they believe that they offer better protection than normal family sedans.

Sorry, but the tnuth is that trucks (including minivans and sport utility vehicles) fall under a different cate- gory from cars and therefore are regulated to more relaxed safety standards.

This means that many of these vehicles do not offer such safety features as side-impact beams, rein- forced roof structures, and airbags. Moreover, because trucks are less agile than cars, they can’t be manoeuvred as quickly as cars dur- ing emergency moves. (One of my friends recently wrecked his brand new Jeep Cherokee when he made an abrupt turn to avoid an obstacle on highway.)

If you dsii't believe me, go to the library and ask for the April issue of Consumer Reports (Annual Auto Issue). You'll find that trucks and 4X4s tend to score poorly in the crash tests.

SC400 one of finest lixury coupes

From page 48

250-horsepower 4.0-litre V8 engine purrs to its 6,000.c.p.m. redline before the electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission changes gears with uncanny smoothness. The automatic trans- mission has duai shift programs and an on/off overdrive button on the shift lever, A manu?’ transmission is not available.

A traction control system, which

uses both ABS sensors and throttle sensors, prevents the rear wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces

..under acceleration. Those who don't

like the inhibiting effects of traction contro} during spirited dry-weather handling can turn the TRACS sys- tem off via a button on the dash. The suspension is a fully inde- pendent, double wishbone design with coil springs, gas shocks and front and rear stabilizer bars. Powerlul disc brakes with a

three-channel! ABS system are stan- dard equipment. Tires are low pro- file 225/55 series V-rated Goodyear Eagle performance radials mounted on seven-spoke 16-inch wheels. All-season radials are now available as an option.

The suggested retail price of the 1995 SC400 is $68,295. That's a lot, even in this class, but in my view, the §C400 qualifies as one of the finest cars luxury coupes avail- able, and certainly the most refined.

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« 200 Horsepower vortec engine

¢ Genuine leather seating

¢ 4 speed electronic transmission

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