17 W ednesday , Septem ber 22, 2010 O A KVILLE BEA V ER w w w .o akvillebeaver .co m 345 Speers Rd. (at Dorval), Oakville 905-842-9299 Valid at all GTA locations. Expiry: Oct. 24, 2010 Code: 5691 any oil change package $8OFF Tips on parking lot safety At quitting time, the company park- ing lot can resemble a demolition derby at the racetrack. It sometimes seems that the first driver through the exit will win a trophy. To decrease your chances of being involved in a parking lot collision, think about these safety ideas: Do a circle check of your vehicle before you get into it. Look for any obstacles which you might strike as you start to move - such as another vehicle, a pedestrian, or something on the ground. Even a lunch bag with a glass container might be enough to puncture your tire. Also check to make sure your vehicle is fit to drive - with properly inflated tires and unobstructed windows and lights. Before starting your vehicle's engine make sure your parking brake is applied. Then, while the engine warms up, you will have plenty of time to scrape the ice and snow from the win- dows. Don't drive with just a "peep hole" cleared on the windshield. Take your time backing out of your parking spot. Check the rear view and side mirrors, and look over both shoul- ders. Better yet, park where you don't have to back out. In some instances, it may be safer to back into a parking spot so that you can drive forward when you depart. Always practice defensive driving techniques, especially in a parking lot. Look out for the other person, because he or she may not be looking out for you. Stay alert to changing conditions around you. Take your time and give yourself lots of room to maneuver around the other cars. observe all traffic signs in the park- ing lot such as "Yield", "Stop" or "Slow". These signs are posted for your safety. Use your turn signals to communi- cate your intentions to the other driv- ers. Courtesy and good driving habits are just as important in the parking lot as they are on the expressway. Buckle up! Never move your car even a few feet without fastening your safety belt and harness. Make it a habit to fasten the safety belt before you put the car in gear. When conditions such as rain, snowstorms, or darkness make it diffi- cult to see, use extra caution as you walk to your vehicle - and as you drive out of the parking area. If you park in an unsecured or dark area, have your car keys ready in your hands as you approach the vehicle. Arrange to walk with a co-worker to your cars for better personal security. Remember to check the back seat of your car for intruders - before you open the car door. Falls are a common accident in parking areas. Wear non-slip footwear when conditions are wet or icy. Watch where you are going and be alert for obstacles such as curbs and broken pavement. If you are carrying items, make sure you can see over the load. Check the footing before you step out of your vehicle - it could be icy. Parking lot safety is just good com- mon sense. As children we were taught to look both ways and watch where we are going. Now that we are adults we should remember what our parents taught us. It could help us avoid an acci- dent in the parking lot. Porsche to raffle off restored classic Metroland Newspapers Carguide Magazine Porsche Classic is restoring a 1973 US version 911 T Coupe on behalf of the Porsche Club of America (PCA) under the motto "Back to the roots". The finished gem will be raffled off between PCA American and Canadian members and is to be publicly presented to the winner at the Porsche Parade in the USA in August 2011. Just this once, Porsche enthusiasts with a soft spot for oldtimers and youngtimers will be able to look over the shoulders of the Porsche Classic workshop specialists while they are working. During the next 12 months, this page will con- tain regular reports about the status of the restoration in text, pictures and videos. The idea for this unusual project sprang from a conversation between PCA representatives, Porsche Club Service and Porsche Classic at this year's Porsche "Rennsport Reunion" spectacular in Daytona. The Porsche Club of America, the largest Porsche Club in the world with 104,000 members, traditionally raffles off Porsche vehicles among its members twice a year. The raffled vehicles have always been new vehi- cles. However, this time a classic Porsche will be raf- fled off. But first it will be restored to its original condition by company experts in Zuffenhausen, its old home where it was once produced for the US market. The PCA, Porsche Club Service and Porsche Classic specialists worked closely together in the search to find the right vehicle. Club members were first able to take a look at the vehicle in its current condition at this year's Porsche Parade held in St. Charles in July. The 911 T has an air-cooled flat-six engine with a displacement of 2.4 litres. The engine produces 140 hp at 5,600 rpm. The narrow body of this 911, known as the F model, makes it a favourite among collectors. The vehicle in question was also deliv- ered in the classic colour combination, silver (exterior) and black (interior). Since this F model was of the last model year, its value performance is considered to be especial- ly high. But this vehicle is interesting for Porsche Classic for a totally different reason. Not much is known about its history, but at first glance, time has left clearly visible traces. And over the years many parts have been added. These parts may be many things, but they are certainly not original parts. Jochen Bader, manager of the Classic Workshop said, "We are looking forward to this challenge and are proud to be able to show the general public how we work." For years, the Porsche Classic Workshop in Freiberg/Neckar, located only about 15 kilometres from the main Zuffenhausen plant, has been the place to go for all customers who want their clas- sic Porsches to be kept in top condition. This is true for all models, from the Porsche 356 to the last air-cooled 911, the 993 model. Only genuine Porsche parts are used in this state-of-the-art workshop. Parts that are no longer available are faithfully reproduced. After all, Porsche Classic not only ensures the worldwide parts supply; it can also draw on a large collection of original drawings of parts and tools. The workshop team professionally services around 250 Porsche oldtimers and youngtimers annually - from oil changes to thorough maintenance to elaborate, complete restorations. Including special wishes. As with every restoration, the new owner of the 911 T will receive a book with comprehensive doc- umentation of the work done on the vehicle, an exclusive plaque and a photo CD with around 1,000 pictures - all packed in a valuable leather case.