Simple rules can save mixups with mechanics All too often, minor Other from repairs turn into major problems due to poor communications between car owners and their mechanics. While mechanics seem to speak a language all their own, consumers can narrow the automotive com- munications gap by following a few simple rules, says Dave Bowman, a former Indy $00 mechanic. “It’s very important that both you and your mechanic understand what you are trying to say,’’ says Bowman. “Good communications in the begin- ning will save you a lot of time later, and will ensure the problem is correc- ted properly. But keep things simple to avoid any mixups."” B Bowman: © Take the car for a test drive with the mechanic. This is the best way for @ mechanic to hear engine noises or get a real feel for the problem. If the mechanic can spare 15 minutes to do this, he may save both himself and you a lot of problems later. In addition, a good mechanic often will suggest a series of diagnostic tests to ensure that the right thing gets fixed the first time. * Describe to the mechanic exactly when the problem occurs. Does it oc- cur when you start the car, after it’s been running for a while, when stop- ping? This information will enable the that you find a mechanic you can trust_and who's willing both to talk and to listen. “Even if you seem to be boring the mechanic, don’t be afraid to describe the symptoms fully, leaving nothing out: If the mechanic seems too bored to listen, you may,want to find one who will,"’ says Bowman. to narrow the possibilities down quickly. © Require a written estimate. Never give a mechanic carte blanche. Tell the mechanic to give you a call if he finds any other problems before doing any work. © Ask if the mechanic guarantees his work in writing or what his policy is repairs that need atten- tion later if not done properly. *® When discussing what needs to be done, be sure to explain when you last had everything checked. If you, haven't had your belts, filters or spark plugs checked in a while, this may be a good time to have it done. Preventive maintenance is the best way to keep your car running smoothly and properly. Also, by keeping a log of repairs (plus oil and filter changes, you'll know what needs to be done and when. “*Most auto repair professionals are honest and most car owners are willing to pay a reasonable price for good repairs,’’ concludes Bowman. “The difficulties between the two groups often are caused by poor communications. “‘Smart consumers avoid problems and save money — simply by talking with their mechanic, making sure both parties understand each other and getting written estimates before any repairs are done."’ is looking to make a purchase. home. You may have begun reviewing your finances, future plans and other factors which could influence your buying decision. Or you've been watching television and reading the paper, and are beginning to wonder if that model you're seeing is right for you. But even if you don’t buy a new car, there are several ways you can take charge of your car's ability to run as smoothly as it did the day you first drove it “The best place to take control of your car is at the gasoline pump,”” says Lewis Gibbs, senior engineering associate with Chevron Research Co. “*It’s really important to pump a gasoline that makes a difference. Today's cars demand a gasoline that can deliver performance. A good gasoline can clean an engine fuel intake system — including keeping the car free of valve deposits.”* Here are a few additional sure-fire tips that will help you save fuel and make your car last even longer: Good gasoline important There's a lot of excitement at your neighborhood boulevard of car dealers. The 1991 cars are making their debut, and chances are you or one of your friends economy. * Avoid lengthy warm-up idling. Once your engine is running smoothly, begin driving — gently. On cold winter days, this may take a big longer. * Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts and plan your driving so as to keep stop-and-go driving to a minimum. © Do not rest your foot on the clutch or brake pedal. What appears harmless actually can cause needless wear and tear, overheating and poor fuel © Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting curbs and be sure to slow down on rough roads. Poor alignment not only wears down your tires but can reduce fuel economy. © Keep your tires inflated at the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires not only cause wear and waste fuel, but also can be unsafe. © Get your car ready for winter. Changes in temperature are just around the corner. Get a jump on winter by checking your battery, cables, cooling system and ignition system, including spark plugs. And be sure to check the wiper blades, and use a windshield washer fluid with an antifreeze solution. AUTOMOTIVE ADVERTISING FEAT Octdber'24,1990 CastlegarNews 03 Chryster has introduced a restyled Voyager van for 1991 with refined aerodynamics. Chrysler restyles its 1991 Voyager models Chrysler virtually created the mini- van market and has dominated it ever since. Now, 1991 bring all-new Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager models. Restyled, with refined aerodynamics, the models also feature new interiors, thoughtfully designed and with all the essentials of the original concept — command-of-the-road visibility, seating for up to seven depending on model, with walk-in access to the rear Seat, low step-in height, parking-lot- Practical sliding side door, front- wheel drive and V6 power standard on some models. Also new for 1991, there’s optional four-wheel anti-lock braking (ABS), all-wheel-drive system, and driver's side air bag. Voyager SE offers a combination of and affor- dability. Front seats are time ing system that reclining buckets, with individual in- board armrests. Standard seating for five provides a huge 1.7 cubic metres (60 cubic feet) of cargo space. There's the option of seven-passenger seating packages, with intermediate bench seat or quad buckets, and 0.5 cubic metres (15 cubic feet) for luggage. Yet, with all this spaciousness, Voyager is a trim 447 centimetres (176 + easy to park and Phasis on practicality. An expansive liftgate glass adds to the all-road visibility that makes every Voyager a pleasure to drive, and incorporates a centre high-mounted stop lamp. A new, sophisticated all-wheel- drive option provides Voyager and Grand Voyager models with a full- delivers superior cornering grip on all road surfaces, plus sure-footed trac- tion and handling on wet, slippery or snow-covered roads. There are no switches or levers needed to activate the system — it engages automatically whenever it senses the front wheels slipping, vir- tually within hundredths of a second. Power-assisted brakes come standard on every Voyager and feature a front disc, self-adjusting rear drum system with a load-sensing proportioning valve for smooth braking under varying load conditions. And you may equip Voyager SE/LE and Grand Voyager SE/LE with optional four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) for maximized steering control under hard braking on poor road sur- faces. Seeking to increase sales to young and low-income car buyers, Toyota Motor Corp. introduced a redesigned Tercel subcompact for the 1991 model year and kept the Price of its basic model at less than $9,300. John Koenig, Toyota’s U.S. Product planning manager, said annual sales of the Tercel were Projected to rise to the range of 130,000 to 140,000, compared with current annual sales of about 100,000. “*We hope we’ll be able to get kids straight out of college with this car,"’ Koenig said. Although subcompact cars typically have low profit margins, they are seen as a way to capture the loyalty of young buyers, who eventually may buy more profitable vehicles. Tercel’s base price of $9,248 for a two-door is further evidence of the No. | Japanese auto maker’s aggressive stance in the vehicle market. Tercel models with four doors and other luxury options will cost several thousand dollars more than the base model. Toyota eyes younger buyers with new Tercel Base price $9,248 The totally redesigned 1991 Tercel has the flowing, luxury- sedan styling. Inside, there’s a new level of comfort and quiet. Ther cur- vacous, airy interior is now much larger, with plenty of stretch-out legroom. The split fold-down rear seat on DX and LE models creates @ vast cargo area for even over- sized items. Controls and instruments are within effortless reach. With standard electronic fuel injection (EFI), a more powerful 1.5 litre engine and fine-tuned suspension, the 1991 Tercel gives snappier response and himbler, more precise handling. The Toyota Tercel has been totally redesigned for 1991 with luxury-sedan styling and a larger interior. ll Cin. as vi nce] Leaders will always Innovate! | he _ CARAVAN Wheel Drive Versatile seating 1991 DODGE CARAVAN SE * Refined Aero-Styling . © Choice of Front-Wheel Drive or All Multi-Point fuel injected V6, 3.3 litre DAKOTA © Fuel Injection 1991 DODGE DAKOTA CLUB CAB 4X4 © Standard 3.9 Litre EFI, V-6 Engine * Optional 5.2 Litre V-8 EFI ° Up to 2,500 Ibs. payload RAM PICKUP , Scan 1991 DODGE RAM PICK-UP ° 7yr. 160,000 km. power train warranty ¢ Available in two & Four wheel drive * Turbo Charge Cummins Diesel available WI The World’s Most Advanced Space Program The King of Clubs Nelson a Call Chrysler (28 A DIVISION OF CITY AUTO SERVICE Tough Trucks Finish First Archie and Grant at 352-3542 or Wendy at 352-3817 803 Baker St., Nelson DA. Mo. 5413 Vad Don't wait for winter Many motorists wait until the first cold snap to winterize their automobiles. The result is usually a frantic phone call to their local service station mechanic who, by this time, is deluged already with time-consuming road calls for dead batteries, frozen radiaters and various ignition ailmen- ts. To make sure your engine will run properly when it’s cold: © Examine all hoses, especially the radiator and heater hoses, for swelling, Soft spots, cracks, a partially collapsed condition, cuts and general deterioration. © Tighten all hose clamps. Replace those that can’t be tightened adequately, or that show corrosion. © Check all V-belts for wear on bottom and sides. Pay particular at- tention to the -alternator drive. Replace or tighten as necessary. If belts are more than four years old, replace them regardless of visual con- di n. © Check the coolant for rust and the concentration of antifreeze. Auto Parts stores sell inexpensive testers for checking antifreeze protection. Flushing the system (about every two years) and replacing the coolant with a 50-50 mixture of water and an- tifreeze is a do-it-yourself job. While the cooling system is drained, this is also a good time to replace the upper and lower radiator hoses. © Inspect the condition of the radiator cap gasket and spring. Cneck the radioator filler neck for nicks that could lead to a pressure loss. © Clean bugs, leaves, paper and other foreign matter off the front of the radiator. Remove by spraying with water. This helps the flow of air through the radiator. © After the cooling system has been inspected and serviced, remove the radiator cap and start the engine. If the coolant begins to circulate im- mediately, or if, after you have réin- stalled the cap, the upper radiator hose does not feel like it’s conveying warm coolant, the thermostat will need replacing. Body needs ‘coat' Just like you, your car’s body needs a good**‘coat’’ for wintertime, protec- ting it from ice, snow, salt and grime. A basic step in preparing a car for winter weather is to wash and wax it thoroughly. However, many people risk ruining the car's shine because all they are determined to use for winter prep is a ‘‘durable’’ car wax. Many car waxes that are dubbed “‘durable’’ also may be those that contain harsh abrasives that will damage the ‘‘clear coat’’ finishes of today’s cars. They end up doing more harm than good. Since the early 1980s, most cars haye been painted with a clear coat finish that is actually a non-pigment layer of paint that adds depth ahd durability to the shine. One problem with clear coats is that waxing them with a highly abrasive wax will cause white ‘‘swirl’’ marks or hazing — resulting in a lackluster shine and a damaged finish. ‘*Ideally a wax should be durable, deliver a great shine, be easy to apply and not scragch your car,”’ says Jim Latty, Armor All Product Corp. vice- president of research and develop- ment. JOHN MANWELL General Manager Thursday, October 25 to Wednesday, October 31 1 100% Financing Waneta Plaza Toyota 12th Annual New Vehicle Introduction and 990 Model Clearance Sale 1991—Your Year To Break Out! All 1990 and 1991 Purchase This Sale 6 year—120,000 km. Complete Vehicle Warranty Vehicle d during i, 1991 TERCEL x orm \ 2DOORS......°9,248 “plus P.D.I. and Freight, $550 With No Deductable at No Extra WANETA PLAZA . TOYOTA The one and only #1 Toyota dealership in the West Kootenay Sates Manager 1990 Tercel 3 door, liftback, white, standard shift, 6 yr., 120,000 km. complete vehicle warranty, no eouctenie 9-495" Stk. No. 1004. “plus P.D.I. and Freight, $550 Only 3 available at this price MARVIN LATURNUS LES SCHULTZ Parts Manager Body Shop Manager GARY ASHLEY Sales & Lease CARLOS DeFRAIS Service Manager Across From Waneta Plaza, Trail - Dealer Lic. No. 5605 364-2588