Automotive Guide

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What to do if a tire blows out Accidents that occur on the roadways are unpredictable and can be caused by just about anything. Impaired or distracted motorists might heighten the risk of an accident, but even things like a squirrel running across the street and scaring a driver can lead to an accident. Tire blowout is another potential cause of accident, and such blowouts might be more common than motorists expect. For instance, a 2005 study from the French National Institute for Transport and Safety Research found that, between 1996 and 2002, nearly 61,000 vehicles were involved in crashes with property damage and/or injury on a particular stretch of highway. More than six percent of those accidents involved tire blowout, a problem many motorists might mistake as something that only happens in movies. But tire blowout can put motorists in a precarious position, especially if they don’t know what to do should one of their tires blow out. Surviving tire blowout can be done by adhering to the following tips. SC123837

* Don’t respond by hitting the brakes. It might be counterintuitive to squeeze the gas pedal when a tire blows out, but doing so puts drivers in control of the vehicle and keeps it going in the intended direction. Immediately slamming on the brakes will cause the vehicle to turn, possibly turning the vehicle into oncoming traffic, a guardrail or other cars traveling in the same direction. When squeezing the gas pedal, drive straight down the lane. Within seconds of pressing the gas pedal, slowly begin to release it. * Coast to a slower speed. As the accelerator is released, allow the vehicle to coast to a slow speed, but not a speed so slow as to put driver and passengers at risk. Once the car is coasting between 25 to 30 miles per hour, use the turn signal and slowly turn toward the side of the road where the tire is blown. For example, if the front right tire is blown, turn toward the right shoulder. You want to turn toward this side because it’s always safest to limit your own exposure to oncoming motorists when changing the tire. * Check tire pressure when you can pull into a parking lot. When you have safely made it to the shoulder and the tire has been changed successfully, find a filling station or other parking lot and check the tire pressure on the tires that did not blowout. A blowout is often the result of an underinflated tire, so if one tire blows out due to underinflation it’s quite possible the others might as well.

Keeping a car’s interior clean Ask anyone who has taken an extended road trip what a car looks like post-trip and visions of food stains, trash and other not-so-pretty things might soon appear. But it doesn’t always take a road trip to create a messy interior. Ordinary day-to-day living can lead to stains, scratches, clutter and more. Although many interior messes can be cleaned up, taking a proactive approach to interior cleanliness can save time and frustration. These are a few ways to keep the car clean and minimize damage. Detail the interior There are many products on the market that can be applied to the dashboard and other trims around the car. For the most part, these are leather conditioning treatments or vinyl coatings that help prevent cracking or drying out of the materials. They also impart a nice shine onto the trimwork, and alleviate finger smudges and other eye sores. Using a shop vacuum is a smart way to clean the carpeting and mats, as well as catch crumbs and other dirt that can end up staining the seats of the car. A shop vac has more horsepower than a regular vacuum and will draw dirt out more easily. If you have leather seats, use a mild soap and water solution and dampen a cloth to wipe down the seats. The same solution can be used on the plastic components, such as cup holders and storage areas. Use a dry cloth to dry and buff out any streaks. There are leather seat protector products available, and upholstered seats can be protected with a scotch guard-type product. Create a dirt barrier Carpeted mats are meant to make the car interior appear sleek and refined. Yet many times these mats can get soiled quite quickly. A good investment is to purchase vinyl or plastic mats that have a raised perimeter that will trap any dirt or liquid (like melted snow) on the mat. Then the mats can

be easily removed and hosed off. Along the same lines, car seat covers can be bought that will serve as a barrier between dirt, crumbs, fur, and anything else that would normally become embedded in the upholstery. There are kick mats that can be placed on the rear side of front seats. This way, if kids in the back put their feet up on the seats or have a tendency of kicking, they won’t dirty the seats. If your car has a trunk, consider lining it with an impermeable material that can absorb spills and catch dirt. With the spring planting season just around the corner, you don’t want the topsoil or fertilizer spilling into the carpet-lined trunk making a mess. For SUV drivers, a mat or liner can be installed in the cargo area. Check with your dealership or an aftermarket retailer if there are products specifically designed for this purpose. Otherwise a blanket, absorbent sheet, etc., can be used in a pinch. Clean off before driving The warm-weather season is one full of frolicking in parks or seaside. Be sure to stomp shoes clean of sand and dirt before entering the car. Pay special attention to the cleanliness of pets and children’s feet before entering the car. Get a trash receptacle In a perfect world, there would be no eating and drinking in a car and no chance for food and beverages to spill. However, many people find from time to time they need a snack or a refreshment in the car. Avoid a mess by having a small bag or trash can to collect the remnants of the meal so they don’t end up on the floor or seats. Look for drinks with straws and covers for easier drinkability in the car. Only allow foods that won’t cause major stains if spilled, such as water and dry snacks. SC123871

GPS usage tips; making traveling easier Today’s drivers rely heavily on GPS technology, or global positioning system devices. GPS has revolutionized the way people drive and use maps and directions. While there are no hard statistics on the number of people who own GPS devices, thousands of people have either a GPS device that comes pre-equipped in a car that they purchased or a stand-alone device that was bought after the fact. These devices come pre-loaded with maps that work with satellites in space. The GPS receiver figures out the distance to each and uses this information to deduce the location of the device in a process called trilateration. GPS devices have made paper maps obsolete for many people. While GPS devices can be very convenient, especially on road trips,

there are some tips to keep in mind. * Place the GPS device where it won’t obstruct your vision or take your eyes off of the road for a good deal of time. * Don’t treat the GPS as if it is infallible. Even with map updates and other accessories, a GPS can still make mistakes. Use common sense, especially where it would seem the GPS is guiding you in the wrong way. *Do not play with the controls while operating the car. If you need to adjust something on the GPS, do so only after pulling over to a safe area. * Have a general idea where you are going so you’ll know if the GPS is potentially guiding you in the wrong direction and can maneuver in advance. SC123818 3 ECT FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012


Drivers reminded to adjust headrests By Glenn Cooper (NC)—While buckling seatbelts is second nature when getting into a car—how many of us think to adjust the headrest? Reports show that headrests are one of the most overlooked safety features in motor vehicles today and many don’t realize the important role they play in preventing neck, brain and spinal cord related injuries. “Headrests are designed to work alongside the seatbelt so that when an accident occurs it prevents the head from twisting backwards, which subsequently results in whiplash,” explains Mauro Convertini, an insurance and claims expert at Aviva Canada. “Drivers can sustain an injury from an incorrectly adjusted headrest even at speeds as low as 15 kilometres per hour—the same speed as the average bicycle.” According to an Insurance Bureau of Canada study, only 14 per

cent of drivers on the road have their headrest in the proper position. And whiplash being the most common soft tissue injury incurred during auto collisions underlines the importance for all pas-

sengers to ensure their headrest is adjusted properly. Aviva’s Convertini recommends that Canadian drivers follow three simple steps in order to prevent injuries associated with improper headrest position: 1. The top of the headrest should be in a straight line with the top of your head. 2. Position the centre of your headrest so that it is slightly above the top of the ear. 3. Ensure that the distance between the headrest and the back of the head is between five and ten centimetres. An important message for local families with multiple drivers, the next time you get in your vehicle remember to use your brain and adjust your headrest. More information is available from your insurance broker or online at avivacanada.com. www.newscanada.com

Does your vehicle have a tooth ache? Have you ever had a tooth ache? Most of us would say “yes” and some of us would say “maybe not”. When you go to the dentist with your tooth ache, the dentist might say, “you need to start flossing more regularly”. This approach is how your vehicles health should be handled. In the onset, with little or no vehicle maintenance, a small issue could change into a larger problem. This is why your vehicles health is of the upmost importance. Here’s 8 important service reminders for you, your family, and your vehicle: *(For specific vehicle maintenance information, please consult your owner’s manual, or contact a member of your service team).*

1) Oil changes every 5,000 km. 2) A transmission service every 100,000 km. 3) Change your spark plugs every 50,000 km, and every 100,000 km for mini-vans. 4) Change your diesel fuel filter every 25,000 km. 5) Rotate your tires every 10,000 km. 6) Change your coolant every 100,000 km. 7) Change your air filter every 25,000-to-30,000 km. 8) Replace your drive belts every 100,000 km. Isn’t this list kind of long? You’ll be pleased to know that during most oil changes, dealerships: a) Replace the oil. b) Replace the oil filter.

c) Check and replenish ALL fluid levels. d) Check your air filter. e) Check your belts and hoses. f) Check your wiper blades. g) Check your brake lights, signal lights, headlights, and horn. Vehicle service is about providing you with the best possible service, all of the time; every time. Before the small problems turn into large problems, make sure to take your vehicle into your dealership. After all, why would you want to give your vehicle a “toothache”?

stant speed, which a vehicle does when drivers utilize cruise control, can help save fuel, as it’s less taxing on an engine to continue at one speed then it is to constantly switch back and forth between high and low speeds. * Inflate the tires. Poorly inflated tires lower gas mileage and also pose a safety hazard. The DOE notes that properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by as much as 3 percent. Ideal tire pressure is different for each vehicle, so check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommended tire pressure. Some vehicle manufacturers also include the recommended tire pressure on the vehicle itself, be it in the driver’s side door jamb or in the vehicle’s glove compartment. Tire pressure printed on the

tire’s sidewall might not be the ideal tire inflation for your particular vehicle, so always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendation instead. * Drive the car you need, not the car you want. Drivers who truly need to save money at the pump should consider the type of vehicle they’re driving, and whether it’s the car they need or the car they want. For instance, office workers who own a pickup truck but don’t use it to haul items might want to consider a smaller vehicle that gets better gas mileage. Improving fuel efficiency is a great way for motorists to save money and reduce the expenses associated with vehicle ownership. SC123865

Submitted by Russell Gehlen, Service Manager, South 20 Dodge Chrysler and RV

Simple ways to improve fuel economy The economy might be slowly recovering, but saving money is still foremost on the minds of many people. Men and women have looked to save money in a variety of ways, including at the gas pump. While there’s little drivers can do to reduce the cost of a gallon of gas, there are ways they can make the gas last a little longer. Improving fuel economy is nothing new to many motorists, but some might still be surprised at the myriad ways they can get more bang for their buck with regards to fuel costs. * Don’t break the law. Obeying the speed limit might save your life, and it can also save you money. Typically, fuel economy decreases rapidly as a car reaches and surpasses 60 miles per hour. According to the U.S. Department of Safety, drivers can assume that each five miles per hour they drive over 60, they are paying an additional $0.26 per gallon for gas. * Empty the trunk. Though it might be more convenient to keep your golf clubs in the trunk of your car, extra and unnecessary cargo in a vehicle’s trunk drastically reduces fuel economy. An extra 100 pounds in a vehicle can reduce miles per gallon by as much as 2 percent, so keep a trunk free of items that aren’t absolutely necessary. * Stop idling. Many people let their car idle for several minutes on cold mornings. But today’s newer vehicles don’t really need to idle to warm up, and idling can be very taxing on fuel economy. Depending on the size of the car, idling can use between a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour. If you still insist on letting the vehicle idle, a few seconds of idling should be enough to warm the engine up. * Embrace cruise control on long drives without lots of stopping and starting. Maintaining a con4 ECT FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012


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The 2013 Sundance 3300CK 5th Wheel was designed with kids in mind. With a completely separate bedroom at the back that sports 4 bunks and an entertainment centre, this is the sanity most parents dream of when extended trips to the lake end up getting rained out. This unit features 13.5 BTU A/C, microwave, 60x80 queen bed, raised panel venetian cabinetry, quick release jack pins, 2nd A/C bedroom prep, 35 BTU furnace, 12 V AM/FM/CD/DVD player, satellite/cable/phone hookups, universal docking station, outside speakers, rear leveling jacks, propane quick connect, range w/ Piezo ignition, 16” tires & alum rims & 6000 lbs axels, exterior shower, 8 Cu ft fridge, ceiling fan, air mattress hide-a-bed sofa, ABS hitch cover, electric rear jacks, electric awning, 12 pack dinette, pillow top mattress, 32” LCD flat screen TV, and an electric fire place. 7 ECT FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012


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automotive myths

Certain myths about automobiles have been around as long as there have been cars on the road. Many drivers adhere to driving and repair theories out of sheer force of habit, without ever knowing if these strategies are legitimate. Here are some common myths revealed and debunked. * High-octane gas improves performance in all vehicles. Most cars will not get any added benefits from the use of high octane fuel, which is designed for higher-performance engines that burn hotter than those of most vehicles. Drivers will only waste their money putting in more expensive gas. Always use the fuel recommended in the owner’s manual. * Longer cars are more stable. Many believe the longer the wheelbase the more stable the car will be. But wheelbase is only one of the factors that determines a vehicle’s stability and reaction time. * Four-wheel-drive vehicles are invincible in poor weather. Fourwheel-drive capabilities may improve traction and handling when driving off-road or when the road conditions are not ideal. But no car is invincible when it comes to driving on snow and ice.. * Side mirrors are properly adjusted when you can see the side of the car in them. Actually, the mirrors

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Things that mar an automotive paint job Most people purchase a car for its looks and performance. However, unless the auto is kept in a garage and never driven, it is impossible to keep it in pristine condition. In many cases, damage to the clear coat or enamel paint on the car is something vehicle owners expect. A car owner who decides he or she wants the car to remain in the best shape possible will have to take an active role in maintenence and damage prevention. One of the key things to remember is to never allow any substance to remain on the paint for too long; otherwise the risk for damage increases. Also, it may be very difficult to clean if the offender is allowed to sit on the paint. Here are some other factors to consider. * UV light: Just as UV light can affect skin, hair and other parts of the body, it also can affect the paint on a car. UV rays oxidize the paint and cause a white, powdery film to form on the car. Washing the car frequently enough and applying the best quality wax will help keep UV rays from penetrating through the paint. * Over sprays: Life does not stop to allow cars to drive through, particularly when it comes to construction zones. It’s possible for a car to be doused in paint spray, tar, concrete, and other chemicals that are routinely used in construction. Do not allow these substances to harden on the car. Rinse promptly with automotive soap. Try to avoid construction zones whenever possible. * Rain: Both acid rain and regular 8 ECT FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

rainwater (and other sources of water) can dissolve paint over time. The U.S. Geological Survey has said that water is a universal solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. Whenever the car becomes wet, it should be dried with a towel or chamois and not allowed to air dry. * Natural substances: Tree sap, bird droppings and splattered insects contain compounds that can erode the paint on a car. Avoid parking under large trees where sap and bird droppings may be prevalent. In terms of bug splatter, try to wash it off as soon as possible to alleviate damage. * Eggs: Oftentimes, rambunctious children think it is funny to egg a car. However, the enzymes and sulfur content in eggs can cause paint and clear coat to dissolve, leaving white spots in the wake of the egg. Because egg can be sticky and very hard to remove once dried, it is helpful to wash it off as soon as possible. It takes only a few hours for the damage to be permanent. * Bleach: Although a bleach-andwater solution is often heralded for its ability to clean many things, it should not be used on a car. Bleach is an oxidizer and it will pit metal and discolor paint. Be careful with pool chemicals as well, as chlorinator is usually regular household bleach. There are many things that can damage a car paint job. Although it’s impossible to shield the car from everything, there are precautions that can be taken. SC123863

should be adjusted so you can’t see the sides of the car. The mirrors work in concert to allow a panoramic view around the car. This eliminates the need to turn your head to check blind spots, which takes your eyes off the road. * Automatic braking system (ABS) was designed to shorten stopping distances. ABS was created to give drivers the ability to steer around obstacles while braking instead of spinning out of control. * Engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. There’s no need to change engine oil that frequently, as motor oils today are much more durable and protect engines for longer distances. Unleaded fuels and clean-burning engines typically require oil changes every 7,000 to 10,000 miles, but consult your owner’s manual. * There is a 72-hour “cooling off period” offered on automotive sales in the U.S. There is no such provision for auto purchases, as there is for many consumer products and even home sale contracts. Once you buy a car, you’re stuck with it, no matter how quickly you begin to experience buyer’s remorse. Myths prevail in daily life and in the automotive realm as well. Know the facts to avoid losing money or being unsafe on the road. FC11A419

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Top 10 car safety tips (NC)—Owning a car is a big responsibility. It requires regular maintenance to ensure your safety. To protect the lives of your passengers, yourself, fellow drivers, pedestrians and wildlife, follow these 10 important tips: 1. Check for UV damage on your headlights. Do-it-yourself products can help. If yellowed or cloudy, try a headlight restoration kit in the popular Quixx line. Top headline maintenance can give you up to four more seconds of reaction time. A professional sanding may be required for severely damaged lenses. 2. Lighten your load. If you have more than a dozen keys and other knick-knacks hanging from your keychain, it’s time to lighten up. The weight can wear down the tumblers in your ignition and could eventually lead to ignition switch failure. 3. “E” does not mean “Enough.” Don’t let your car’s gas tank get to empty. Not only is it dangerous to drive with low fuel levels, it is also damaging to your car. Sediment from gasoline settles at the bottom of every gas tank. When your gas level is low, you force your car to use the dirtiest gas in its tank for fuel and

risk this dirt getting into your car’s fuel line and engine. 4. Worn wiper blades are a serious driving hazard. Replace wiper blades every 6 to 12 months, as they become cracked, brittle and worn due to ozone, contaminants, exposure to sunlight and temperature changes. 5. Get more mileage and responsiveness out of your tires. Use the PSI (pounds per square inch) recommendation on the door jam of your car, instead of the one on your tires to keep them properly inflated, especially in extreme weather. 6. Check the battery. Once per year, a car care professional should make sure it is working properly and holding its charge. 7. Check tire tread for wear and use snow tires in the winter. 8. Never, ever text and drive. It’s illegal in most provinces – and it’s deadly. 9. Keep up with oil changes. The frequency depends on the make and model of your car, so check with your manufacturer. 10. Always wear a seatbelt. And make sure your passengers buckle up, too. www.newscanada.com

Travel tips for a safe and successful road trip A good road trip can be the ultimate spring or summer experience. With the open road ahead, life’s troubles seem to melt and there’s just the oneness of the driver and the road. For a road trip to be successful, it’s not just a matter of taking to the road and putting the pedal to the metal. There are a host of considerations to make, which can ensure safety and peace of mind when beginning your excursion. The hot sun that can bake the roadway -- and your body -- can also take its toll on your car, contributing to breakdowns. And there are other factors to be aware of. Maintenance should never be overlooked when it comes to prepping for a road trip. At the least, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that drivers have their tires, battery, belts, fluids, and air conditioner checked by a qualified mechanic prior to starting any long trip. But the list does not stop there. There are many other precautions to heed before taking to the road. * Be sure to have all necessary documents on hand. Nothing can stall a road trip faster than getting pulled over by a police officer and being without your license, registration and proof of insurance. These are required documents to operate a vehicle, and it’s definitely worth a second check in your wallet and glove compartment to be sure they are where they should be. * Get an oil change. Driving long intervals can be taxing on a car engine, as can the start-and-stops associated with getting stuck in road trip traffic. Do yourself and your car a favor by getting an oil change to ensure there will be proper lubrication of the engine and that thick, old motor oil won’t contribute to a breakdown.

* Update your GPS. If you will be using a GPS device as your primary tool for navigation, update the device’s maps before departure. Roadways are always being changed, and without downloading the proper updates, you could end up driving in circles instead of moving on to your destination. In addition, many GPS

the United States each year involve drowsiness and/or fatigue. * Protect your eyes. The weather and the position of the sun could change depending on where you are driving. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, be sure you have them with you. Keep a few pairs of sunglasses in your car to shield

models come equipped with pinpointing points of interest, or POI, such as restaurants, tourist areas, hotels, and rest stops, which should be update before beginning the trip. Follow the guidelines spelled out in the owner’s manual that comes with your GPS unit. Consumer Reports also advises knowing the local ordinances regarding GPS use. For example, a windshield-mounted unit is not allowed while driving in Minnesota. * Plan who will drive when. A long road trip -- one that will be done primarily in one day -- could necessitate splitting up the trip between two or more drivers. Not only does this banish boredom, it also reduces the risk of driver fatigue. NHTSA estimates that approximately 100,000 police-reported crashes in

your eyes from sun glare. If the sun proves problematic, pull over for a little while or try an alternate route that prevents oncoming sun on the windshield. While you are packing sunglasses, also be sure to bring along -- and wear -- sunscreen, as the sun’s rays can be magnified through the window glass. * Bring along refreshments. Frequent stops for bathroom breaks and simply to stretch your legs are adviseable, but limit rest-stop fare whenever possible. Not only do these foods tend to be unhealthy, they are often expensive. Keep your road trip budget down by packing healthy food and drinks that you can enjoy on the go. * Keep on top of your car’s fuel level. Play it safe when gassing up the car. On rural roads or stretches

of country with which you are unfamiliar, you never know how far away filling stations might be from one another. That means you should take the opportunity to top off the gas tank whenever you get the chance. This way you always will be confident you have enough gas to get to the next station. Don’t risk coasting into your destination on fumes, unless you want to arrive at your destination hitched to a tow truck. * Be wary of hitchhikers. Although hitchhikers are few and far between nowadays, there is still the possibility of coming across someone thumbing for a ride on the side of the road. Do not pick up a stranger who is hitchhiking, no matter how reputable the person may seem. If you come across someone who has broken down, offer to call for help instead of allowing the person into the car. * Use the bathroom at every stop. You never know how few and far between restrooms will be. Unless the idea of a road-side pit stop is high on your list of road trip excitement, play it safe and use the restroom whenever stopping. Few things can make a stretch of road seem more interminable than the pressure of a full bladder. * Plan for sightseeing. Part of the enjoyment of a road trip is to actually take the scenic route and enjoy roads which you may have never traveled before. This is not a race and no awards will be given out at the end for making good time. Therefore, slow down and enjoy the scenery. Isn’t that why you’re driving, after all? Road trips seem to be an essential part of the spring and summer season. They can be all the more fun and safe when you heed a few road trip rules of the road. SC123819 9 ECT FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012


Breathe easier – replace the cabin air filter (NC)—If you could see your vehicle’s cabin air filter right now, you’d probably exclaim, “You mean I was breathing through that?” Dust, pollen, insects and debris can collect on this filter that is designed to clean the air that flows into the passenger compartment. In fact, auto

specialists tell us that a cabin air filter is the only line of defense between you and tiny airborne contaminants like road dust, mold spores and other allergens that can be as small as 5 microns. Research shows that many people overlook servicing this filter. Some people may not even realize that their vehicle has one. In fact, 85% of vehicles built since the 2000 model year have a cabin air filter, or a compartment where one can be installed. Quite simply, maintaining a clean cabin air filter is vital to the air you breathe inside your car. While clean air should be a concern for everyone, it’s especially important for people who suffer from allergies or allergy-induced asthma. Ac-

cording to the Asthma Society of Canada, one in 12 adults has been diagnosed with asthma, and everyone knows people who are affected by seasonal allergies. Most manufacturers recommend replacing these filters annually or every 24,000 kilometres. Beyond the important health benefits, it also helps your vehicle’s climate control function properly. Retailers tell us that a popular product for its quality in this regard is the Fram Fresh Breeze filter with activated carbon and Arm & Hammer baking soda. This combination can even filter out certain odours. www.newscanada.com

The Technology Trend: All from the press of a button The going rate of change for on-board instrumentation in vehicles is dramatic, to say the least. If you own a new vehicle with touchscreen navigation, you probably know that it’s much more than just a navigation system. It controls several other vehicle functions such as Internet Radio, USB Device reader, Bluetooth Handsfree Calling, DVD player, Satellite Radio, AM/FM Radio, and CD/MP3 player; just to name a few. The role of a sales consultant is to educate you on how to operate the new technology that we’re experiencing. For some, it’s too much all at once so most dealerships are leaving an open invitation to come back and spend some time asking questions or simply phoning in for assistance. To further mystify you, automakers have separated themselves with their technology. It all started in the mid 90’s when General Motors came up with the first in-vehicle communication system, OnStar. At that time, it was designed to provide your vehicle with its own cell phone number, turn by turn navigation, access to a live operator, and collision detection. OnStar was a revolutionary feature and,

16 years later, it is just starting to be mimicked by a few automakers. Recently, companies like Nissan, Lexus, and Kia have been introducing similar technology to their vehicle line-ups, where the driver has the ability to connect with live operator. OnStar has been around for nearly 20 years, with many updates and enhancements, culminating in the refined product that it is, today. Today, new vehicles have the 8th generation of OnStar and the capabilities are numerous. The basic principle is still the same: you ask for something and OnStar provides it. Sometimes you’re actually talking to a live operator. It’s your own personal assistant who can diagnose a service engine light code with onboard diagnostics or find a restaurant or hotel when you’re on a road trip. This saves you from having to buy the factory navigation radio, saving you money from the get-go. There’s even a feature called dealer maintenance notification that instantly alerts the dealership of your choice that it’s time for regular maintenance so they can call to book you in.

When you subscribe to OnStar, you also get monthly emails from your vehicle and a dedicated website for your vehicle than you can log into and stay up-to-date about future maintenance and vehicle diagnostics. That’s right, I said vehicle diagnostics. You can actually get real time vehicle diagnostics to your iPhone or Android phone if you have the most recent version of OnStar in your vehicle and download the free application called OnStar Remote Link. With this app, you can also start your vehicle, provided that it has factory remote start. The app can tell you about vehicle service history, provide real time tire pressure, show your fuel level, fuel economy, and can even send turn by turn navigation directions to your vehicle. There are other a la carte features that you can add to your OnStar subscription based on your needs and wants. For further insight, you can visit www. onstar.com, or contact a General Motors Dealership, in your area. Submitted by Kevin Plemel, General Manager of Colony Motor Products Chevrolet, Buick, GMC in Humboldt, SK

Use the right motor oil to extend engine life (NC)—With more and more automakers insisting on specific blends of motor oil for their vehicles, you may be surprised to see your car’s “check engine light” come on if you use the wrong oil. Maintenance advisors tell us to look at a bottle of motor oil and you’ll see its viscosity or weight expressed as two numbers separated by a ‘W,’ which initially stood for ‘winter’. A typical multigrade oil, like 5W-30, is designed to flow like a lightweight 5 viscosity oil in cold temperatures, but provide the protection of a heavier 30 weight oil during hightemperature operation. As auto manufacturers search for every last gram of efficiency, lighter weight oils, such as 5W-20 or even 0W-20 synthetics are being used. These specialized blends are usually more expensive than “conventional” oil, and for optimal protection, they should be used with a quality oil filter. Popular for

this purpose is a product called Fram Extra Guard since it has three times the protection of the average economy filter. Auto advisors remind us that it’s a mistake to think that we’ll get more protection from cheaper, heavier-than spec motor oil. You may quickly find that the ‘check engine’ light will come on because sophisticated diagnostic systems can sense the difference. Heavier oils can also interfere with complex valve-controls, and cause harder starting in hybrid vehicles with start/stop systems, especially in colder weather. As importantly, if synthetic oil is used with an economy filter for extended drain intervals, it can reach its ability to hold harmful particles. All of this can be avoided by using the exact viscosity that’s listed in the owner’s manual, and the appropriate oil filter for the oil. ww.newscanada.com

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