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onducting routine maintenance on your vehicle is necessary to maintain optimal performance and prevent costly repairs. As colder weather approaches, and with it the potential for treacherous road conditions, giving certain areas of your car special attention can also protect your safety. “Getting your vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a proactive approach to preventive maintenance that helps ensure safety and reliability when severe winter weather strikes,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. The following tips will help you learn how to care for the systems and features most likely to affect your safety as winter approaches. Learn about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair, and order a free copy of the council’s Car Care Guide, at www.carcare.org.
Brakes
Battery
The brake system is a car’s most important safety system. A faulty brake system may impede your ability to safely slow your vehicle in inclement driving conditions or avoid an accident. Brakes sustain normal wear and eventually need to be replaced for both performance and safety reasons. Ignoring routine maintenance and letting brake pads wear too thin can lead to costly rotor and drum replacement, in addition to compromising your ability to execute a sudden stop safely. • Have your complete brake system thoroughly inspected annually and replace equipment as needed. • If your car is pulling to the left or right, or if you hear odd noises when you apply the brakes, you should have your brakes inspected. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing. • Don’t overlook the parking brake, which also may require adjustment or replacement parts.
Your battery should be securely mounted, with connections clean, tight and corrosion-free. If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.
Wheels and Tires When roads become wet or icy, the right wheels and tires can help ensure you have the traction you need to maintain control. Maintaining tire balance and wheel alignment reduces tire wear and improves handling and fuel economy. Tire replacement is necessary if the tread depth is below the minimum legal requirement, or if the sidewalls are severely cracked or punctured. In addition, normal wear and road conditions can take their toll on your car’s steering and suspension system and disrupt the alignment, which in turn reduces optimum handling. • Use the “penny test” to check your tread; if you see Lincoln’s head above the tread, you are ready for new tires. • Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually or at the first sign of improper handling or uneven wear. • Check inflation pressure at least once a month (including the spare) and once per week in the winter. • Rotate and balance tires every 6,000 miles to avoid accelerated wear on shock absorbers and struts.
A P A N W KNO HOW 3 Locations to Serve You 300 S. Union Ave., Newport WA • 509-447-4515 5398 Hwy 2, Priest River ID • 208-448-1412 514 Larch, Sandpoint ID • 208-263-2171
Headlights Headlights play a major role in safe driving; the chances for accidents increase if you can’t see or be seen. The lighting system provides nighttime visibility, signals and alerts other drivers, and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior. • If there is any doubt about whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on. • Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights, making it difficult to be seen by others. • Make sure your headlights are properly aimed. If they aren’t, headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road. • Don’t overdrive your headlights. You should be able to stop inside the illuminated area; otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle. • Replace dimming, rapidly blinking or non-functioning lights immediately, but check first to ensure a loose or faulty fuse isn’t the source of the problem.
Windshield Wipers The wiper system keeps excessive water, snow and dirt from building up on the windshield, maintaining clear visibility. Many factors can accelerate the replacement of wipers, including operating conditions, frequency of use, material and type of wipers and weather. • In general, replace blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering. • Be aware that some vehicles have two washer fluid reservoirs. Check levels monthly and use washer fluid only; do not use water.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
Kettle Falls Auto Licensing
Purchase all Washington Vehicle & Vessel Licenses here.
• Vehicles • Boats • RV’s • Offroad
943 Lakeview Dr., Kettle Falls
Tuesday - Friday 10:00 to 5:00 • Saturday 8:30 to Noon
Emerald Automotive “We Stand in Front of our Brake Jobs” Tune-ups Computer Diagnostics Diesel Repair
900 Bonner Mall Way
208-263-3483
H & D DIESEL, INC. Over 25 Years Roadside Service CAT Dealer Experience Licensed • Insured
Get Your Car Ready For Winter Travel Now! • Brakes • Shocks • Struts • Alignments • Studded Snow Tires (208) 448-2311
Washington Customers Call Toll Free! 1-800-440-8254 Albeni Hwy., Priest River, Idaho
877-447-4699 ROD HILDEN
9381 Coyote Trail Phone (509) 447-4699 Newport, WA
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• Auto • Boats • Furniture
Quality Craftsmanship for over 25 years 402 W. 7th, Newport 509-671-2554
I L LE V L O C Since 1966
Stock photo
Seven reasons to drive to your holiday destination If the approaching holidays have you seeing dollar signs and cringing to avoid the stress the season brings, you may be relieved to know there is one simple step to help bypass many of the common holiday headaches. Traveling by vehicle costs less, is more convenient and is not as stressful as flying, according to the Car Care Council. “With gas prices below $3 per gallon in many parts of the country, more and more travelers are realizing the economic and hassle-free benefits of driving to their holiday destination,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “A family of four can travel 1,000 miles round-trip by car for about the cost of a single airline ticket, so driving is the sensible option.” In addition to direct cost savings, travel by car offers a number of practical advantages over flying including: • Flexible agenda. Without the demands of a flight schedule dictating your timeline, you have the ability to leave when you want. And on the open road, there is no captain asking you to remain seated, so when the need arises, you can simply stop and stretch without worry. Calling your own shots by car, you also won’t risk being hampered by airline weather delays. • Skip the wait. Choose to travel by car and you can forget about waiting in long ticket counter and security lines. An added bonus, you’ll avoid driving in circles looking for an open parking space in the overflow lot miles from your terminal. • No luggage fees. Dodge those hefty charges and load your
Winter is on the way. . . Let us get you ready!
Steve’s Import Auto Service, Inc. Maintenance & Repair
car up with as much luggage as you want – including wrapped gifts that don’t always make it through security
‘A family of four can travel 1,000 miles roundtrip by car for about the cost of a single airline ticket, so driving is the sensible option.’ Executive Director Rich White Car Care Council
intact. • Ride in comfort.
While air travel may be expedient, it often comes at the cost of legroom and overall comfort. Traveling by car also lets you forgo the company of strangers. • Familiar wheels. If deplaning and collecting your baggage isn’t enough, getting behind the wheel of an unfamiliar rental car or cramming your belongings into an overpriced taxi may be the final straw for your sanity. Traveling in your own car ensures you know how to operate all the features for a safe and comfortable ride. • Pet-friendly perks. Although some airlines allow pets to fly, the cost and logistics can be burdensome. Simply loading up your pet and
GLASS
• Home • Business • Auto Glass • Mobile Service • Rock Chip Repair
111 S. Oak St. Colville 509-684-6501 888-254-9973
their supplies in your vehicle is more convenient for you, and less likely to stress your four-legged friend. • An expanded menu. Your hunger is in your own hands when you travel by car. Whether you’re grabbing a quick re-fueling snack on the go or sampling the local fare, traveling by car gives you more and better meal options. • Before you set out, be sure your car is in tip-top shape for a safe holiday travel. Request a free copy of the Car Care Council’s Car Care Guide at www.carcare. org for tips on regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.
LIGHTNING LUBE (208) 263-9696
214 Pine Street • Sandpoint, ID
“We do more than
D 3 2 transmissions” R N 1 P NORMAN MERKEL 509-684-9200 “Trust the Specialist!” 1046 N. Hwy 395 Colville, WA
J. C. Auto Detailing Get Get Your Your Auto, Auto, Boat Boat or or RV RV Ready Ready for for Winter Winter
Complete Detailing
• Hand Wash • Wax • Carpet Shampoo • • Steam Clean • & More •
Community Shuttle
1239 Michigan • Sandpoint, Idaho
208-265-8205
SPOKANE / NEWPORT
Our Mobile Unit Will Come to You in Pend Oreille County “Repair First, Replace When Necessary”
Parker & Sons
1-800-545-2173
Quality Service Since 1980
Whitey’s Wrecking
489-3850
1-800-735-2376 376 Daily Worldwide Shipping ping
Dealing Exclusively with New and Used Import Car & Truck Parts We Also Locate Hard To Find Parts All Major Cards Accepted
SPECIAL MOBILITY SERVICES Monday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday A.M. ARRIVE 6:30 AM 8:15 AM 10:15 AM
DEPART Spokane: Bank of America Howard & Riverside 6:35 AM Newport: Safeway 8:30 AM Spokane Bank of America Howard & Riverside
P.M. ARRIVE
DEPART
2:00 PM
Spokane: Bank of America Howard & Riverside 2:05 PM
4:15 PM
Newport: Safeway
5:45 PM
Spokane: Bank of America
4:30 PM
In the City of Spokane, we pick up or drop off at the Bank of America on Riverside and Howard. Upon request, we can also pick up at the following locations: Spokane International Airport, any of the major Hospitals including VA hospital, NorthTown Mall, Northpoint Wal-Mart, 29th and Regal, Fancher and Sprague or Trent and Fancher.
If you have a disability that prevents you from reaching one of our stops, please call our office to see if we can arrange a pickup at your home. One-way fares $5.00 Newport/Spokane Reserve seating has priority. Open seating is available without reservations as capacity allows. To reserve a seat, please call 24-hours in advance or during office hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm
1-877-264-RIDE (7433) • 509-534-7171 Imports & Domestic Vehicles VW, Audi, Toyota, Honda & Nissan
Open: Mon. - Fri., 8:00 - 6:00 4330 E. Francis Avenue, Spokane
1111 Michigan Street • Sandpoint, ID
www.whiteyswrecking.com
208-263-4911
Service is open to the general public. Service is available to all regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability. This service meets the requirements of the American’s With Disabilities Act. This service is funded through grants from Washington DOT.
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Maintenance Checklist Whether you do it yourself or take your car to a professional service technician, the Car Care Council recommends these basic maintenance procedures to keep your vehicle operating at its best: 1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. 2. Check the hoses and belts for signs of damage or wear. 3. Check the battery and replace if necessary.
4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change. 5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. 6. Check the heating, ventilating and air condi tioning system, as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.
7. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components. 8. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. 9. Check the wipers and lighting, including both interior and exterior lighting, and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.
Gett R G Ready d ffor Wi Winter Check Our Tire Prices • ALL AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS • BRAKES/ ALIGNMENTS • TRANSMISSIONS • COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS
• TUNE-UPS/ EXHAUST
(509) 684-3581 Stock Photo
Add function and fun to your pickup truck From tailgates to fishing trips to home improvement projects, you depend on your truck to take you from work to play and back again. With the right accessories, you can take your truck performance to another level, whether your need is fun or function. These must-have accessories, compiled by the experts at Pace Edwards, amplify your truck’s versatility to help you make the most of your pickup. • Light your way. Whether you arrive at your campsite after dark or stay on an outdoor job well past sundown, make your task easier with supplemental lighting. Rooftop fog lights allow you to see in the dark no matter where the road takes you. Some can even be turned on and off, and repositioned by remote control, for added convenience. • Keep it covered. Protect all the essential gear for your next home improvement job or a weekend at the lake with a tonneau cover, such as the Switchblade from Pace Edwards. Install Switchblade in minutes using just a wrench and screwdriver. Then, when you’re back to everyday use, the cover retracts in seconds and remains out of site, never obstructing rear visibility. For maximum versatility, the Switchblade can be completely removed when you need total truck bed access and maximum
Riverside
Automotive Service and Repair
cargo capacity. • Add an extension. Long loads are no problem for your rig when you install a truck bed extender. This handy accessory increases your overall hauling area, eliminating the need for one more trip to get the job done, or making extra space for a cooler filled with icy beverages to celebrate the end of a long week. Many extenders can be stored flat in the cab when not in use, and some even adjust to accommodate roof-top hauling.
• Employ a hauling helper. When you regularly transport big items such as plywood or ladders, a rack is the perfect solution. When the weekend arrives, ditch the work gear and repurpose your rack to carry weekend equipment, such as a kayak or paddle board. • Hitch a ride. There is a wide range of tow hitches to meet nearly every imaginable use, from hauling a trailer full of tools to pulling a speedboat to a fun-filled
Planning is your best protection against the unexpected. Call for a quote today.
Bruce A. Hunt, Agent Auto • Home • Boat Recreational Vehicles • Life • Commercial 309 South Washington Ave. • Newport bhunt@farmersagent.com
509-447-3428
Locally y Owned & Operated
311 3 11 W. W Walnut Newport, N WA (509) 447-3933
Complete Automotive Repair Tires, Wheels, Shocks, Mechanical & Electric
ASE Certified Tech here to serve you.
Foreign & Domestic Repair • Tune-ups • Diagnostic Service • Brakes • Clutches • Electrical
WHEN YOU BUY A NEW SET OF 4 QUALIFYING TIRES
• Engine •Air Conditioning
34612 N. Newport Hwy 2 Chattaroy, WA C
((509) 292-8979
FROM AUGUST 28 - OCTOBER 31, 2015
Winter Tires
Arriving Daily Open Saturdays • 8am-4pm
destination. Start by determining your truck’s gross trailer weight and tongue weight limits, and then narrow down the features, such as rust-resistant coating and the ability to tuck your hitch out of sight when it’s not in use. Whatever the task at hand, the right accessories help you get the most out of your pickup truck.
We Employ Technicians Certified By The National Institute For Automotive Service Excellence Mon-Fri: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. • 505 S. Main • Colville
Domestic & Foreign Over 35 years of experience in repair & rebuilding
30826 Hwy 200, Ponderay, ID • (208) 263-0589 www.sandpointtransmission.com
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509-928-4000 Stock photo
DIY car care everyone can do While taking your car to an auto service professional is a great way to ensure its performance, the Car Care Council reminds vehicle owners there are few simple vehicle checks that they can easily learn and do themselves to save a little money and help keep their vehicles running efficiently all summer long. With basic knowledge of common maintenance practices and a little time, motorists can inspect the following components in their own driveway: • Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. • Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer fluid and antifreeze/coolant. • Check the hoses and belts as they can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
• Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades. Keep the reservoir filled with windshield washer fluid. • To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle’s radiator should be 50:50. Never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir. As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles.
11125 N. Market St. • Mead www.pullandsave.com
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North Spokane Auto Licensing Auto, Vessel, RV, Cycle, Trailer, Fleet
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. M Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. • WA - Hunting & Fishing Licenses and Discover Passes • ID - Boat, ORV, Snowmobile Licenses, Invasive Species Sticker, Grooming Stickers • MT - Snowmobile Liscenses
(509) 464-2294 • 10208 N. Division Suite 109, Spokane North of the “Y” at Hawthorne
• Check the gas cap to ensure it is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating. • Don’t neglect the exterior. When washing the outside, make sure to include the tires and wheels and the underside and fenders to eliminate any road salt or grime. The body of the vehicle should be washed using a product sold specifically for cars. Wax your vehicle every six months.
To learn more about how to care for you vehicle, and for a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit www.carcare.org.
SERVICE FOR ALL MAKES AND MODELS
Wolf says. .
Diagnostic Pros
TOP TECHNICALLY ADVANCED SHOP IN THE AREA! 208-448-0112 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Priest River, ID
Newport Towing, LLC • Lockouts • Jump Starts • Tire Changes • Recovery Light, Medium, and Heavy Duty Towing
509-447-1200
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Available 24/7 Washington & Idaho AAA • Flatbed Towing Available
“Like it never happened”
AUTO INC CAREY’S BODY Hi-Tech Collision Repair We work with your insurance company to repair your vehicle to “before-accident” condition
• Computer Estimates • Color Matched Electronically OnSite • Semi-Down Draft Bake Spray Booth • Six Tower Frame Rack • Unibody Universal Measuring System with Upper Body Measuring • The Area’s Finest Technicians • Built by Satisfied Customers
509-684-2587 Fax: 509-684-3549
1101 S. Main. St., Colville
www.careysautobody.com
Lifetime Guarantee Loaner Cars All Insurance Accepted Free Estimates Newport, WA • 509-447-4225 www.rogersbodyandframe.com