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Whitby Free Press, Weckosday. Novjember 231914.,Page 25 THE- SE.CTION by JiI Mclntosh To get to spring Yes, I know it's November and if's te be expected, but it was still tough to accept the fact that I had te serape the frost off my truck windows the other morning. ltes going to be even more difficuit when the. snow brush becomes necessary and lim trying net to think about it. But motorists have to think about winter, and even more important, to do something about it. Cold temperatures take their toil on a vehicle, but with a little preparation your car should make it right through te spring. If you haven't changed your oil recently, this is the time to do it. 011 becomes thick when it's cold and if 's too heavy, it won't spread rapidly during start-ups to protect your engine. 01118s graded by its viscosity or "weight," indicated in numbers such as in 5W-30, 10-W40. The first number indicates its viscosity at low temperatures and you should use a lighter "5" oil in winter. If it's difficut to start your car in warm weather, it'll take even longer in cold. Consider a tune-up to avoid this. Many. service stations and dealerships offer 'oseasonal inspections" and if your car hasn't been checked in a while, consider it. These inspections generally check the strength of the antifreeze, the condition of brakes and tires, fluid levels, lights, and other safety or maintenance items. The mechanie will then warn of any potential problems ,And provide an estimate for repairs. Once the snow does bit, it can make driving a lot more difficuit, so consider the following- e keep your car's gas tank filled. A trip that normally takes 15 minutes can stretch to an hour or more in bad conditions. (Womnen who wear high heels to work might consider throwing low-heeled boots in the trunk, just in case it's necessary to walk or push.) In extremely cold weather, add gas-line antifreeze to each tank of gas. 0 always remove snow and frost fromn windows before driving and rememberý to clear snow off the tail-lights. It amazes me when people stili drive around with their brake lights completely obscured by snow. a reconsider your heated garage. It makes for a comfortable start in the morning, but when you corne home, the salty slush that freezes on your car will meit and do more rust damage than if the car were left outside where it remains frozen. 0 if you have antilock brakes, remember that they>re good, but they're net a substitute for leaving plenty of room to stop. Always keep your distance on slippery roads. No matter how many preparations you make, winter driving will neyer be as easy as sumrmer cruising. With a littie foresight and a bit or work, however, difficulties can be kept to, a minimum. Now if only the mails would stop playing Christmas carols and producing Santa Claus on Remembrance Day (I think their calendars show Dec. 25 as being the day after Labor Day), I think I might actually start toerenoy this winter. A QUEEN'S UNIVEFASITY solar car pro- totype was one of the alternative energy vehicles on display (electric car, natural gas vehicle were others) at a forum held recently by the Durham chapter of the Professional Engineers of Ontario at Dur- ham College's skills training centre in Whitby. Photo by Maurice Plfher, Whltby Free Press Big cot ofcrtheft Musan GIhihest thef insurance risk In 1993, Canadian automobile insurers paid about $470 million for theft of automobiles and items stolen from cars. Vehicle Information Centre of Canada president Henning Norup notes that "this amount is ultimately paid by Canadian consumers -- through their insurance premiums. In 1993, the average cost per car insured- was approximately $34." This is an increase of more than seven per cent over the corresponding 1992 loss cost. "This is Iargely due to significant increases in both frequency of dlaimns and average cost of these dlaims in the province of Ontario," says Norup. Thet.elaedinformation is included in VICC's 'Car Theft!' pamphlet which aIse contains comparative charts of insurance theft dlaim results by individual vehicle model. 'Car Theft!' rates cars by relative frequency of dlaims (L.e., SEE, PAGE 26 DOWN PAYMENT NO OBUGATION TO BUY AM/FM cassette, power locks, 1995 J ETTA G L aiarm, dual mirrors, and more. AM/FM cassette, power Iocks, alarm, World's best. Gas or diesel. dual mirrors, Advance safety system. LES RM LEASE FROM $22700* $299. 00* 1995 PASSAT V6 engîne or diesel, ABS traction control, heaed seats, cruse, power Iocs & windows, air bag, air conditioning. LEASE FROM $41 5.00 Epyires November 30,1994. 48 month walk away lease. 80,000 kmn. Free. 0 downpaymient. Freight, P.DI. and ail taxe extra. 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