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OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, August 6, 2009 · 12 autoWORLD (NC)--We all know it's important to take care of our vehicles. Even with the best of intentions we go beyond the recommended change intervals, ignoring scheduled maintenance. And while you may not notice a change in vehicle performance or see any evidence of engine damage, that doesn't mean a potential problem isn't brewing. Below are some key maintenance routines not to ignore. Remember, take your vehicle to a qualified service technician if you are unable to perform the work yourself, and for many situations where professional help may be called for: Suspension and brakes. Squeaking brakes, a low pedal or a bounce in your ride all signal that it's time for some brake or suspension work. This is one area where it's absolutely critical you follow through and make an appointment at your local repair shop. It's not worth jeopardizing your safety. Oil changes. Oil's job is to lubricate an engine and all of its parts ­ rods, bearings, pistons. Over time, and the longer you go between oil changes, the more depleted the oil becomes of important additives. Once depleted past a certain point, the oil loses its ability to lubricate your vehicle's engine. Using a quality oil filter like those available from Fram will help protect your vehicle for the long haul. Fram Extra Guard oil filters provide three times the engine protection compared to the average of leading economy oil filters by offering 95 percent efficiency. Fram Tough Guard offers six times the engine protection by providing 99 percent efficiency. The Fram Extended Guard is an ultra-premium filter that offers 16,000 kilometers of protection under normal driving conditions. It is the perfect filter choice for motorists who use synthetic motor oil. Antifreeze/Coolant. Antifreeze/coolant performs three different functions ­ specifically, it prevents your cooling system from freezing in the winter, boiling in the summer, as well as protecting it from rust and corrosion all year around. (The cooling system consists of many components made Oakville's Source for PreOwned Vehicles and Aftermarket Services What happens when I skip vehicle maintenance? LongLife antifreeze/coolant, could mean the difference between approximately $15 for the jug of antifreeze vs. $1,000 or more for a blown head gasket if you are constantly running low. Spark plugs. Research from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence shows a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. If you are looking to save money at the pump, changing old, worn or dirty spark plugs and keeping your engine tuned should be a priority. "Today's already cash-strapped car owners just can't afford to ignore or forget about basic vehicle maintenance," said Megan Currie, Honeywell Consumer Products Group product manager. "In the long run, $30-$50 for an oil change seems like a pretty small price to pay a few times a year, compared to several thousand for a new engine." You can learn more about this topic online at www.fram.com, www.prestone.com or www.autolite.com. - News Canada from different types of metallic and nonmetallic materials, like the radiator, water pump, hoses, fan(s), heater, and thermostat ­ all kept running efficiently with engine coolant.) Cooling systems remove excess heat from the engine block and heads, keeping the engine operating at efficient temperatures. If the cooling system fails, multiple engine components can become damaged or fail too. Topping off your cooling system with a good quality coolant, like Prestone How to choose the right automotive maintenance products (NC)--When it comes to car care products, the selection can be a little overwhelming. Which type of oil change is best for your vehicle, and what colour antifreeze/coolant should you put in your car? The list of questions can go on and on. To help drivers make good choices when it comes to their cars, Megan Currie of Honeywell Consumer Products Group has some suggestions for the two most commonly confused areas: oil filters and antifreeze/coolant. Oil filters: It's important to understand that not all filters are created equally, and you should understand which one will work best with the oil you use and for your vehicle and driving conditions. Honeywell's Fram filter brand recently launched its engine protection rating system to help drivers better understand the benefits of using a premium filter versus a standard economy filter. Engine protection is the Fram measure of a filter's ability to not just trap dirt, but to hold it for the life of the filter. Fram Extra Guard oil filters provide three times the engine protection compared to the average of leading economy oil filters by offering 95 percent efficiency. Fram Tough Guard offers six times the engine protection by providing 99 percent efficiency. The Fram Extended Guard is an ultra-premium filter that offers 16,000km of protection under normal driving conditions. It is the perfect filter choice for motorists who use synthetic motor oil. (Honeywell testing of filter efficiency and capacity of models equivalent to PH8A, 3387A and 6607 under ISO 4548 12 for particles >20 microns.) Now, what if you drive an older car? "Cars and trucks with high mileage are prone to poor performance, decreased fuel economy and increased emissions," said Currie. "For these drivers, the Fram experts decided to offer their High Mileage oil filter. It features time release technology, which uses a gel additive inserted in the filter and released over time to help reduce engine wear, maintain oil viscosity and keep components clean." Antifreeze/Coolant: Different vehicle models can require a wide range of antifreeze-coolant formulas. So choose one that doesn't put your engine at risk. Prestone developed a 50/50 prediluted antifreeze/coolant that is compatible with any antifreeze/coolant and can be used for all makes and models cars and light duty trucks. It's ready-to-use and compatible with any vehicle's cooling system metals including aluminum- no guess work needed. Above all, Currie reminds drivers not to avoid the repair shop. Your vehicle should be regularly inspected by a good, certified mechanic who can make sure no hidden issues exist. More information and car care advice is available online at www.honeywellcpg.com. - News Canada Tips for keeping your car like new (NC)--You don't have to buy a new vehicle every three or four years if you take proper care of the one you've got. Freeman Young, president of Krown Rust Control Systems, offers these tips for keeping your automobile looking its best and performing well for many years: · Have your car treated annually to prevent rust, preferably beginning soon after you buy it. · If your car has already begun to rust, don't despair. As long as it isn't bad enough to require body work, a rust control chemical can still penetrate the rust, preventing further oxidization and stopping the spread of corrosion. · Find an environmentally safe product, preferably one that has a hydrocarbon (oil) base. · Insist on watching the technicians to make sure they do the job knowledgably and with care. If they won't let you watch, take your business where the service is better. · Keep your vehicle clean and, during the winter months, salt-free; clean the wheel wells frequently with a power washer. · Promptly touch up door dings, scratches and rock chips, which are opportunities for rust. - News Canada EXPERIENCE THE BEST VIEW PHOTOS & VIDEO OF OUR ENTIRE INVENTORY ONLINE @ PATRICK MAGUIRE MANAGER CHADD LOCKWOOD DEALER THIS WEEKEND! Oakville Dodge is Having a Charity Car Wash for the Oakville Rangers AAA Peewee Hockey Team! OAKVILLE DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP & "The only deal we can't beat y is the one we don't see." oakvilledodge.com 270 Oak Park Blvd. T R A FA L G A R D U N D A S 905-845-4211