Se yee Sy, The Castlegar Sun Wednesday, March 23, 1994 Wednesday, March 23, 1994 OTOR TREND ©O© Tune Up Today, Avoid Trouble Tommorrow The Castlegar Sun MOTOR TREND ©@ Some important ‘don'ts’ for do-it-yourselfers Before you tackle that next checked with local authorities for anything other than Car Care, which are available (A 1st Tine Buyers If your club, group or Heat Damage "Abrasion Damage business bas an article they It's that would like to submit for publication on this page, please send to Motor Trend 465 Columbia Ave., Castlegar, B.C. VIN 1G8 or fax 365-7762 713 - 17th St, Castlegar Today's high-tech automo- biles can accumulate tens of thousands of miles with very little evidence of wear. Despite the longevity, cars still need to be inspected reg- ularly to avoid costly repairs down the road. “One area often overlooked is the ignition system,” says Bill Wetzel, senior product for Belden A A ive. “Battery connec- tions and spark plug wires are essential parts in every car that many times go unchecked too long.” In most cases, that all-to- familiar sound of a grinding starter barely turning an engine over can be traced back to the battery. Batteries lose their charge over time, especially in cold weather, and cable connec- tions can corrode. A certified technician can test the strength of a battery's charge. If there is any corrosion where the cables connect to the battery, they should be tive, a division of Cooper ghly “Batteries and corrosion go hand-in-hand,” Wetzel says. “The terminals need to be ‘94 THUNDERBIRD LX Herb Amaral 365-3767 They'll come by train ... they’ come by adie ae wg Mills A.M. TRAIL B.C. 2795 Highway Drive, Trail, B.C. 9 Qg © Bae ie a Toll Free 1-800 96 020 [F samaice [Zz Hawaii [Y Barbados (% Bahamas [A Cancun [YK Las Vegas [4 Bermuda Were Los Angeles [4% Locnordele . they'll come by plane ... they'll even come by car! jours: FORD Wonder to Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; SUA Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Dealer #7336 Castlegar Line 365- Trall Line [‘% Acapulco Wary tome — _ oe [4 Orlando <— N/ ‘1? Gar. NEW 1993 ESCORT LX GRAND MAGERES I Ls 1993 TEMES GL 4 door, $ a £13,374 $25,702 AEROSTAR XL WAGON New! $ rose 1993 F150 4x4 XL Waded cece? 18,846 1994 F150 4x4 XL Jae eee cmensnner® 65987 QUALITY PRE-OWNED ae ee mai SMONYL ? SHVD GSNMO-3ud ALINWNO = tl TOYOTA XCAB 1 d and checked regular- ly. They are simple enough to check, and it could save time and money in the long run if there is a problem.” Another area often over- looked is the spark plug wires. A number of signs to look for when checking the wires include corroded and torn boots, and cracks and abrasions in the wires. The boots will corrode and tear from excessive vibra- tions, while heat may cause rubber insulatiofy to crack Abrasions can occur when a stretched wire comes in con- tact with another object. Also, a spark plug wire soaked in oil may not perform up to par. Warning signs of trouble include misfire during accel- eration, hard starting and reduced gas mileage. “Damaged wires can carry electrical current to the spark plugs, but the charge may not be as strong as it should be,” Wetzel says. “Trouble with. wires can lead to bigger trou- ble down the road, including towing charges and large repair bills.” Just because your car starts every day doesn't mean the ignition system shouldn't be inspected on a regular basis. “Preventive maintenance will help keep you on the road, especially when it comes to the ignition sys- tem,” Wetzel says. “Nothing can ruin a vacation trip quicker than a mechanical breakdown on the highway, especially one that costs a bundle to fix.” —s] 4 Wheel Ant-Lock Brakes + SLE Top Line Models * High Output V/6 Engine» Aic Conditioning + Ni Power Features * ‘Seereo NEW REPLACEMENT COST $28, $19,988 See our ad in the West yorteae Advertiser ,.., repair on. your own, the edi- tors at Chilton Book Compa- ny, publishers of more than 200 books. on automotive repairs for do-it-yourselfers, have some simple advice for safely, servicing your vehicle. ¢ Don't run an engine with- out proper, ventilation. Carbon monoxide is poisonous; it takes a long time to leave the body, and you can build up a deadly supply in your system by simply breathing in a little every day. Always use the power vents, windows and fans, or open the garage doors. ¢ Don't work around mov- ing parts while wearing a necktie or loose clothing, + Don't wear jewelry of any kind. Long hair shjuld be hid- den under a cap. * Don't smoke when work- ing around gasoline or other flammable material. * Don't smoke\when work- ing around the bittery. When the battery is being charged, it gives off explosive hydrogen gas. + Don't use gasoline to wash your hands. Gasoline may - contain lead, which can enter the body through a cut. Gaso- line also removes natural oils from skin, so bone-dry hands will suck up oil and grease. + Don't service the air-con- ditioning system until you've Treating your car like a friend Nobody enjoys being ranked second — especially when there are only two options to begin with. But it's really an insult when you are being pushed aside for something that is neither living nor Of course, this is d bl snow tires for winter... * Massage — How often do you treat yourself to one of these, if at all? Everytime you wax your car, its getting treat- ed to just that. + Protection to the max — Woe to the invader who touch- particularly if the object (yes, object) in question fs many people's most treasured pos- session — their car, (a.k.a. automobile, darling, baby, number 1, ef¢-) Cars are, to some people, better companions than their human counterparts. Think about the time and energy peo- ple put into-the grooming and conditioning of their automo- biles. — it seems as though many car owners are more interested in the well-being of their vehicle than they are in themselves! The attachment people have to their cars is unbelievable, but real. + Let's go shopping. . for the car, that is. Bras, skirts, wings — many cars have smarter wardrobes than their owners do. * Have an annual check-up — Car owners probably are more familiar with their mechanic than they are their physician. * Can't afford a four-star restaurant? Car fanatics man- age to scrape up enough change to fill their tanks with four-star gas! « How about a manicure? In other words, how about dress- ing up the tires, adding rims, es this gi heels! People take caution to the limit — combination locks, high-tech alarm systems, wheel, gear, brake locks, and even cars that tell you, thrgugh an, intercom system, if itis being stéFén-or->~t vandalized. ¢ Everyone needs a friend...and indeed, cars are some owners’ very best friends, as we have all heard people speak more affection- ately — and frequently — about their beloved automo- bile than they do their mate or spouse. * What's in a name? As far as some car owners are con- cemed, a great deal. Owners brand their vehicles with car versions of tatoos — colorful- ly painted signatures on the body of the car, or personal- ized license plates. + Extras, extras! Cars these days look like Christmas oma- ments! Fluorescent lights of neon green, pink or blue, ani- mal skin upholstery, flashing colored lights, textured steer- ing-wheel and gear coverings, and stuffed animals with suc- tion cups customized just for cars. Mover over dogs — your “bark” has been replaced as man's best friend by an engine to determine regulations regarding disposal of CFCs. Also, be sure you have the necessary tools and training. Some _ refrigerants are extremely cold and, when exposed to the air, will instantly freeze any surface they contact, including your eyes. Although refrigerants are normally non-toxic, some become a deadly poisonous gas in the presence of an open flame. * Don't use screwdrivers for anything other than driving screws. A screwdriver used as a pryifig tool can snap when you least expect it. + Don't use a bumper jack changing a flat. Invest ina hydraulic floor jack of at least 1 1/2 ton capacity, and at least two sturdy jackstands, Chilton offers additional do-it-yourself advice in its numerous repair and mainte- nance guides, such as Total at bookstores and automotive parts stores. For more information, please write to Chilton Book Company, Marketing Depart- ment, Chilton Way, Radnor, PA_19089 or call 1-800-695-1214. MOTOR MOUTHS If you have a tip you'd like to share with our readers we will publish it here. It can be anything — how to keep the children amused on trips, backyard vcRT The VCR codes for the TV listings in the WEST KOOTENAY ADVERTISER 1993 ACCURA INTEGRA RS SUPER BUY at $13,100 5 spd coupe * black * only 10,000 km mechanics, vintage restoration, boat or R.V. hints, etc... PLEASE SEND YOUR TIP TO MOTOR MOUTHS Castlegar Sun 465 Columbia Ave., Castlegar of fax 365-7762 VIN 1G8 365-2909 GENERAL MOTORS PROGRAM CARS 1993 BUICK SKYLARK * 3.5.Lt. V/6 Engine © Air Conditioning © Power Door Looks ¢ Antilock Brakes Power Windows® (assette Stereo Systetn NEW REPLACEMENT COST $22,208 MESSAGE FROM NEILW. KALAWSKY Our recent purchase of Ihese General Motors program cars ecinables us to offer you inese exceptional savings. Alt of these cars are thoroughly inspected by our service department and each unit cares the balance.of the General Motors 3 year, 60,000 km. Bumper to Bumper factory warranty. Over the past 5 years, program cars have represented outstanding value to our cui number otveniciesinto | LIDS PONTIAC nereiore picesoesxe | GRAND PRIX to Increase. In my Opinion this is an excellent time to purchase one of these units. Come in and take a test drive. Compare our prices to the original Manufacturers Suggested Retail price for these cars when they were new and! am sure you will agree. flo Nell W. Kalawsky t & * Anti-Lock Braking Systen: * V/6 EFI Engine * Aw Conditioning * All Power Features © Distinctive Pontiac Ride & Handling Supension NEW REPLACEMENT COST $23,203 but the ners 2 ALT Pa epee ATL 410 ca. amps i SPRING CLEAN UP CAR BATTERY $4g WORKGLOVES $449 Mae OIL oe oy ge Auto PARTS ponabeoarsy 13th St., pb BC V1N 2K6 UTO PARTS LTD. 365-7248 BUICK REGAL #3800 V/6 Engine © 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes * Dual Zone Air Conditioning Power Wiiows & Door Locks * Cassette: Stereo System NEW REPLACEMENT COST $21,988 16,988 1992 BUICK LESABRE * 3800 V/6 Engine ¢ Drivers. Side Air Bag © Air Conditioning ¢ All Power Features Cassette Stereo System * Beautiful Luxury Car NEW REPLACEMENT COST $26,146 1993 GMC SAFARI ALL WHEEL DRIVE EXTENDED PASSENGER VANS © 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes ¢ SLE Top Line Models * High Output V/6 Engine « Air Conditioning * All Power Features * Cassette Stereo System NEW REPLACEMENT COST $28,783 *19,988 KALAWSKY PONTIAC BUICK GMC (1989) LTD. 1700 Cohmbia Ave, 365-2155 Collect —— THE KING OF CARS—— | eee TRAN, FRUITVALE, ROSSLAND CUSTOMERS CALL 364-0213 ee