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Wednesday, October 6, 1999 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER D5 Jfs cheaper to drive in Regina The key to survival C$8,000, a difference of C$1,676 between the most and least expensive locations. "For the individual driver, it is helpful to know what your yearly vehicle expenses are so you can establish an annual bud­ get and plan accordingly," says Louise Arbour, Montreal-based Runzheimer consultant. "For companies that reimburse dozens or even hundreds of employees who operate their personal vehicles on business, establishing accurate driving costs becomes crucial." The three highest cost cities all share one common liability -- high auto insurance rates. Montreal rates for liability, com­ prehensive, and collision insur­ ance ("business use" classifica­ tion, principal operator over age 25, clean driving record) are nearly C$1,800 annually; St. John's rat|s are about C$1,700, and Toronto is nearly C$1,900. In contrast, Winnipeg, Regina, and Charlottetown are all below C$ 1,000 per annum for the same coverage. Maintenance costs also vary. Assuming normal service and maintenance on a vehicle driven 96,000 kilometres over four years, these costs can range from a high of 3.05 cents-per- kilometre in Toronto and Vancouver, to a low of 2.46 cents-per-kilometre in Charlottetown. Even licence and vehicle reg­ istration fees play a role. Drivers in Montreal pay C$256 a year; those in Edmonton and Calgary only C$53. For further information on vehicle costs and business dri­ ving reimbursement programs, contact Runzheimer Canada Inc., 2300 Yonge St., Suite 800, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4; tel. 416- 730-9200; fax 416-730-9283; website www.runzheimer.com. Montreal, St. John's, Newfoundland, and Toronto are the most expensive places to own and operate a typical 1999 mid-size vehicle, with yearly costs exceeding C$9,500, according to the latest analysis by Runzheimer Canada Inc., the Toronto-based management consulting firm. Driving a typical mid-size car (represented by a Ford Taurus 4-door sedan) in the Montreal area costs C$9,874 per year with St. John's close behind at C$9,840, and Toronto in third place at C$9,655 (see Table). Expenses include operating costs: fuel, oil, tires, and mainte­ nance -- ownership costs; insurance, depreciation, licence and registration fees, and financing. In sharp contrast, driving this same vehicle in Winnipeg, Edmonton, or Regina cost the owner only slightly over W e've all locked our keys in our cars at one time or another. Set aside five minutes to hide a spare key som ewhere on the outside of the car and fasten it there. H ere's a tip if you can't find a place. Remove one of the license plate bolts and reinstall a slotted screw with the key between the back of the license plate and the bumper. Turn in the screw using a coin. This will ensure you can take the screw out using a coin. Screw: Oil the screw to prevent seizing. Keep it short. The longer it is, the more turning you have to do with the coin. If your license plate is held Coin: Your portable screwdriver. When you install the key. use the coin to tighten the screw. Don't let your engine crack A recent Zerex antifreeze coolant market study in the United States found that most motorists base when they change their antifreeze on the changing seasons. You should too or, at the very least, flush your cooling system every two years. If the additives in the antifreeze/coolant are worn out, the inside of your radiator could start to rust, and the mixture will lose its ability to withstand freezing temperatures. In extreme cases, frozen antifreeze can lead to a frozen and cracked engine block and costly repairs. Your car's antifreeze should provide the most appropriate freeze-point protection. In most parts of Canada a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water will keep the coolant from freezing, lubricate the water pump and protect the cooling system from corrosion. In very cold areas it may be necessary to increase the concentration of antifreeze/coolant to (but never to exceed) 70 per cent antifreeze/coolant and 30 per cent water. Another simple winter rule is to keep the gas tank at least half full to limit condensation and gas line freezing. Occasionally, add a little gas line antifreeze. Key: Depending on the type, the hole might not be large enough to put the screw through. Be prepared to drill a new, larger hole. Repossessions, bankruptcy, charge off slow pay record and other credit problems will be overlooked during this approval process for A NEWER QUALITY PRE-OWNED automobile of your choice* Protect your car from theft 1999 IKS The Vehicle I n f o r m a t i o n Centre of Canada (VICC) suggests you consider the fol­ lowing to keep your car from being stolen. • Don't leave *36,666 64,000kmWal-Mart nationwide Treadwear Warranty lOstarts an h a tii !• start) lyour carunlocked.• Don't leave your car (locked or unlocked) with the key in the ignition. • Park your car in well-lit areas, preferably where there are lots of people. • When you park your car at home, ask your neighbors to keep an eye on it, and do the same for them. 50J000km Wal-Mart nationwide Tntadwaar Warranty 9ataMtaraHaih la atari) { Trail Mark Radial APR Light Track and RV Tires • All-position, all-season • All-terrain, aggressive tread design excellent for all-weather traction on or off road • Sporty white or Black letter sidewalls. Starting from P205/7W 15(97S) SI OWL Pacemark High Traction Winter Radial Tires • Double steel belts for strength and durability • Polyester radial cord body. sta rting from pm/weij Namebrand all-position, all-season for highway driving Good highway traction and handling for a smooth nde Hard-waking long, even-wear tread ' 2-ply radial polyester with 2 sturdy steel belts. Starting from frM 5/75fr15 Loaded - leather, AM/FM/CD/cassette, 11 speakers, power door locks & windows, deck release, air conditioning, 3.5L engine Plus freight, taxes, license & administration fee. This is a Smiled lime offer! •Passenger all-season steel-belted radial tires • Whitewall sidewall styling • Available in 75 and 80 series (depending on size). Starting from Mu/«n»wwi See Automotive Department for more sizes and prices. Rotation every 10,000 km f Nationwide warranty Available in stores with [ h a s s l e » Automotive Centres only. ^ -Z = . installation New tire valve Flat repair Road hazard warranty EVERY TIRE PURCHASED AT WAL-MART INCLUDES: W E SELL FOR LESS everyday! O N LY 2 LEFT! (1 Black, 11vory) life is about choicesThe Ultimate Riding Machine Dudds'BMW A message from the Halton Council on Smoking and Health. For more information, please call the Halton Regional Health Department at (905) 693-4242 ext. 7525. TTY (905) 827-9833. A Public Health Prefect Photo used with permission from North try and District Health Unit 2400 South Service Road West, Oakville • 845-3577 CREDIT DECLINED IN THE PAST? CALL TOLL FREE 1-877-990-KERR (5 3 7 7) CREDIT HOTLINE FOR HASSLE FREE FINANCING KERRl _ C A D I L L A C P O N T I A C B U I C K IN C 4I0 South Service Rd.AV., Oakville low requirement' muM tv met <> AC ( .ill i.t tleKiiU 175 WYECROFT ROAD (BETWEEN KERR & DORVAL) www.lockwoodchrysler.com AUTOMOTIVE http://www.runzheimer.com http://www.lockwoodchrysler.com The key to survival *36,666 AT WAL-MART INCLUDES: The Ultimate Riding Machine AUTOMOTIVE