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Show Fall CAR CARE, 2009, Fall 2009 Page 11 YPreventative From page 9 penny and hold it at its base, and insert it into the tread upside down, with Lincoln’s head leading the way. If any part of his head disappears into the tread, it is still deep enough. If you can see any part above his head, it’s time to replace the tire. This should be done monthly. While you’re at it, take care of your windshield wiper blades by cleaning them with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol, which will remove the oil and grease that ruins the rubber. It only takes a few minutes and will make the blades last for years. When the time comes to find a mechanic, Rogers recommended finding an ASE-certified technician that has been approved by AAA and the Better Business Bureau, and will let you into the garage to inspect fluid samples taken during a scheduled maintenance. He dismissed the idea that insurance policies prohibit customers from going into service areas. “Get to know your fluids. Understand what they should look like,” he said. “You need to find a shop that will let you in the back and pull those fluid samples in front of you and show you what they are.” After they pull the fluids, a simple chart makes it easy to see if any need changing. Fluid levels should be checked monthly, and can be done by anyone who can pop the hood, according to Mike Calkins, manager of AAA Approved Auto Repair. “Check your engine oil level with the dipstick. Today the engine coolant, the brake fluid [and] the power steering fluid typically have translucent plastic reservoirs with markings right on them. You just see if it’s low or high,” Calkins said. Air filters are still easily accessible with nothing more than a screwdriver. Lightly knocking it on a hard surface can dislodge larger pieces of debris. Holding it up to a light will let you know if it needs to be replaced. “Fifty percent or more restricted, then it’s time for a new air filter,” Calkins said. —Tom Roebuck, Creators Syndicate YEconomy From page 8 also get a glass roof, sport steering wheel, CD player and power heated side mirrors when you buy the Smart Fortwo Passion, listed at just under $14,000. While “rakish,” “well appointed” and “loaded with hightech gadgets” may not be the best descriptors for most of the autos in the economy class, many a buyer is content, and maybe a bit smug, with his or her smaller, less opulent choice in this recession-squeezed period. Driving a new car you can afford while getting up to 41 miles per gallon can be extraordinarily satisfying. — Valerie Lemke, Creators Syndicate Support Statesman Advertisers. They make great information, like these supplements, possible! Tell ‘em you saw it in The Statesman! |