The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

8 WHEELS August 11, 2006 When your brakes are `talking' be sure to pay attention Vehicles can sometimes be dangerously uncommunicative devices, often failing to make their owners aware of potential problems. Unless you know how to interpret their often subtle clues, they might not let you know their tires are worn, their shock absorbers lame, their transmissions failing and their engines losing efficiency. But one system, the brakes, always communicates its ills to the driver. Sometimes they employ sign language. The simplest to read is a red warning light on the dash, although sometimes it can be as subtle as a small puddle of brake fluid. But they also communicate by feel through a soft, spongy or even overly hard brake pedal, or through rhythmic pulsations or vibrations felt through the pedal. Or by juddering or pulling to one side when the brakes are applied. Brakes can be vocal too, emitting a range of highly audible squeals, squeaks, chirps, groans, rattles and grinding sounds. These can be dire warnings or simply pleas for maintenance, but either way prompt response is required to prevent potentially life-threatening situations caused by poor braking performance or outright failure. A vehicle's brakes work by forcing a friction material against a disc or drum that rotates with the wheel. Hydraulic pressure applied by the brake pedal works calipers that clamp brake pads against brake discs, or shoes against the interior surface of a drum. Even normal usage generates a lot of heat, and obviously wear over time. Many of the small mechanical components involved can also wear, rust, seize or otherwise malfunction. Brake fluid can also degrade and must be changed periodically. A new vehicle's brakes should last 60,000 to 80,000 km on average, but a number of factors can shorten this dramatically. A properly done brake job should last at least as long. Car Care Canada recommends brakes be checked at least once a year, or every 20,000 km, to monitor wear and catch developing problems. A number of service providers offer free brake inspections, others maintenance packages that often include an oil and filter change, along with an inspection and minor adjustment of various systems, including the brakes. For more information on automotive maintenance you can check out Car Care Canada's website at www.carcarecanada.ca. $ 14,800. HONDA FIT Fuel consumption: City: 7.3 L/100 km Hwy: 5.8 L/100 km Starting at $ 19,195. 2007 JEEP COMPASS Fuel economy: 8.4 L/100 km Jeep has just expanded into new territory with the all-new 2007 Jeep Compass; a modern-styled Jeep vehicle that delivers fun, freedom, utility and Jeep 4x4 capability. Jeep Compass also provides exceptional fuel economy, a long list of safety features and interior flexibility, all at a great value. 2006 RIO Fuel consumption: City: 7.4 L/100 km Hwy: 6.2 L/100 km The Fit is one amazing car. With the comfort and quality you'd expect from a Honda, combined with peppy performance and unmatched versatility for a car of its size, it's easy to see why the Fit stands out. Dig this. The Fit has room for you and four friends, plus all of their stuff, with 21 cubic feet of cargo space. The versatility really becomes evident with the dive-down capability of the 60/40 split rear Magic Seat®. It allows the seat backs to fold completely flat or the seat bottoms to flip up - all with one hand. "Like all of the company's line-up, it represents amazing value for your money." - Laurance Yap, Toronto Star ·Class-leading 110 hp advanced fuel-efficient CVVT engine ·More space than any vehicle in its class RIO FROM ·Dual airbags $13,595 ·4-speaker CD stereo with MP3 player Georgetown Honda 316 GUELPH ST., GEORGETOWN 905-873-1818 GEORGETOWN CHRYSLER JEEP 336 Guelph St., Georgetown 905-877-0149 Georgetown Kia 314 Guelph St., Georgetown Kia Hotline 1-866-367-3957 Starting at $ FROM 18,499. 2006 FORD FOCUS $ Fuel consumption: City: 8.9 L/100 km Hwy: 6.4 L/100 km Though it has been around for a few years now, the Ford Focus has been sufficiently modified to remain interesting. Its base engine is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder powerplant that delivers 136 horsepower. In its base ZX3 version, it is available with a manual or an automatic transmission. c o n c e p t f o rd www.conceptford.com 905.873.1626 361 Guelph St. (Hwy. 7) at Delrex Blvd. GEORGETOWN With the price of gas hovering on the wrong side of the 90-cent/litre mark in many areas, vehicle buyers should be taking a strong glance at those informative mileage stickers on cars. 2006 has brought us the most economical cars available yet. These cars are easy on both the environment and our wallets however do not sacrifice style, power and comfort. Isn't it time you start saving at the pumps? 15,995. 2007 CALIBRE Fuel consumption: City: 10.1 L/100 km Hwy: 8.4 L/100 km DODGE CALIBRE, IT'S ALL THE TOUGH YOU NEED. It arrives on the scene with a confident swagger that's unmistakably Dodge. It pushes through the crowd with powerful front-wheel drive or the added authority of all-wheel drive (R/T only). It leads with ingenious innovations and follows with tough-looking style, leaving pretenders wondering what hit them. One look at its muscular, broadshouldered stance and you'll know why the experts are buzzing and the competition is sweating. Your life. Your rules. Your ride. GEORGETOWN CHRYSLER JEEP 336 Guelph St., Georgetown 905-877-0149