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Show Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 6 Will you find parts if your car has been discontinued? If your car -- and the dealer who sold it to you -- has gone the way of cheap gas, sidewalk pay phones and service station attendants, don't fret. No matter how troubled the U.S. automotive industry may seem, finding an identical replacement part for a piece of your vehicle's original equipment will be relatively easy for a long time to come -- even if individual models and entire lines seem to have been dumped at breakneck speed. That should bring some relief to Pontiac and Hummer buyers whose vehicles have been added to a growing list brands that have been disappearing almost as fast at the dealerships that sold them. Several thousand dealerships, along with their service and parts departments, have been shut in the United States and Canada since the beginning of 2009. While the wave of bankruptcies, restructuring and belt tightening has forced car makers like General Motors and Chrysler to phase out models or drop entire lines, "there's an ample supply of parts," for now and in the foreseeable future, said Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for Edmunds.com . It also means that you can rest easy if you opted for an extended manufacturer's warranty when you bought your car or purchased one just before the standard factory warranty expired. The parts will be there for as long as your warranty holds out, automotive insiders believe. For consumers, the fallout from the massive fiscal issues faced by the industry may seem scary, but in reality the impact on the average car owner will be minimal when it applies to their being able to replace worn or broken car parts with original equipment. That's because many parts are interchangeable between many brands and models made by the same manufacturer. Air filers, brake pads, and rotors on some discontinued Pontiac models, for example, can be replaced with identical parts used in some Chevrolets, since both vehicles are made by General Motors. It may be quite different if you bought a limited production vehicle. That decision could cost you more, and even more if you need to replace an original part with an exact duplicate once the warranty has run out. It may still be available, but because of the limited number of vehicles produced, it will be at a premium. "It's just going to cost an arm and a leg," Toprak said. If you're like most auto owners and independent repair shops, you'll turn to after-market parts -- those made for your car but not by the car manufacturer. The quality of parts can vary. While it's not the only measure, savvy automotive parts buyers recommend judging by the price of the part. Automotive replacement parts fall into one of three categories, says the United States Federal Trade Commission: * New: Parts made to the original specs, either by the vehicle manufacturer or an independent company. * Remanufactured, Rebuilt and Reconditioned: See PARTS, page 12 Avoid a tow in rain or snow this winter - AAA offers seasonal safety tips SALT LAKE CITY, October 11, 2010 - The season of snow, rain, fog, and weather-related auto accidents is upon us. In preparation, AAA Utah urges motorists to get their vehicles ready for the upcoming fall and winter weather to reduce their chances of being stranded in the cold. "Although summer auto crashes are more often fatal, fall and winter have the highest number of weather-related crashes, deaths and injuries," reports Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokesperson. "The combination of poorly maintained vehicles and driver error, along with loss of visibility and slick roads, causes thousands of preventable crashes each year." There are many ways to help prepare your car for winter driving. Antifreeze Protection A 50/50 solution of engine coolant and water will provide the necessary antifreeze capability. Don't Forget-Check hoses: Visually inspect the cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, feel the hoses to see if any are brittle or if any of them have an excessively soft and spongy feeling. Don't Forget-Flush cooling system: Motorists should have the cooling system flushed and new coolant installed as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Depending on the type of coolant used, it may be necessary every two to five years. Electrical System The efficiency of a vehicle battery decreases in colder temperatures. Heading into cold weather, have the vehicle's battery condition tested, especially if the battery is older than three years (AAA Mobile Battery Service will test members' auto batteries at no charge). If the battery has removable caps, make sure the cells are filled to the proper level with distilled water and that all cable connections are tight and that the terminals and clamps are free of corrosion. Don't Forget-Alternator belt: While the battery provides a reserve source of electrical energy, the alternator provides electrical power once the engine is running and it charges the battery. Make sure the alternator belt is properly adjusted. A loose belt is a common cause of a dead battery. While older vehicles require manual belt tightening, late models typically have automatic tensioners-but those can wear out or fail. Also inspect the alternator belt for signs of wear, such as cracks or missing segments on its ribbed underside. Windshield Check the windshield fluid reservoir before the first freeze of the year and use a windshield cleaning solution with antifreeze components. Also, check the operation of the pump and the aim of the sprayers. Don't Forget-Winter wiper blades: Make sure that wiper blades are completely clearing the windshield glass with each swipe. If there are streaks or missed spots, it's time to replace them. During the snow season, consider installing winter wiper blades. These special units wrap the blade in a rubber boot that prevents ice and snow buildup between the glass and blade. Tires If any tire has less than 3/32inches of tread, it should be replaced. All-season tires work well in light to moderate snow conditions, providing they have adequate tread depth. In areas with heavy winter weather, using snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. Don't Forget-Tire pressure: While motorists should check the pressure in their tires at least once a month, they should increase the frequency during winter months. As the temperature starts to drop, so will the pressures in the tires-typically 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be found on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Also, don't forget to check the pressure in the spare. Brakes Brakes that already tend to grab or pull on a dry road are likely to lock on ice or snow-covered pavement, resulting in a loss of stopping power and/or steering control. Make sure brakes are in properly working order before winter weather arrives. Don't Forget-Brake fluid flush: Brake fluid absorbs water that collects at low points in the hydraulic system and causes rust, fluid leaks and even brake failure. On vehicles with antilock brakes, moisture in the brake fluid also can damage expensive electro-hydraulic control units. Most manufacturers recommend that the brake system be flushed and new fluid installed every two to three years. Check the owner's manual for the recommended service interval. While some do-it-yourselfers might check these items themselves, others can find guaranteed, professional maintenance and repair service t;See AAA, page? ( |