B8 Wednesday, October 27, 2010 »CAR CARE« Estevan Mercury

634-7977634-7977441- 4th Street, Estevan441- 4th Street, Estevan

www.highenergyperformance.caMonday - Friday 8 a.m. -5:30 p.m.

from anywherefrom anywhere with yourwith your

Blackberry &Blackberry & Smartstart.Smartstart.

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Severe snow condition symbol

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YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THIS WINTER

FORTERA TRIPLETRED

PICK-UPs AND SUVs

ASSURANCE FUEL MAX

ASSURANCECOMFORTREDA 20% smoother ride, onaverage, from an extralayer of cushion.

ASSURANCECOMFORTREDTOURINGDual comfort zones provide,on average, 20% morecushion than standard tires for a smooth, comfortableride and refined handling.

ASSURANCETRIPLETREDThree unique tread zonestackle tricky driving in anyseason.

SIGNATUREPremium touring ride witha performance attitudethat delivers consistenthandling, ride comfort and treadwear.

GRANDTREK SJ-6Powerful traction on ice and snow. Special glass fiber reinforced compoundfor outstanding grip on ice.

WRANGLERSILENTARMORWith DuPontTM KEVLAR®

combines strength and toughness with a smooth ride for your pick-up truck.

* The "Instant Rebate" is a manufacturer’s rebate with a difference. Here is how it works. The participat-ing retailer deducts the amount of the Instant Rebate from the participating retailer’s price at the time ofyour purchase. For you there are no forms to fill out and no waiting for cheques to be mailed. Goodyear re-bates the participating retailer in due course. The participating retailer is solely responsible for determin-ing the selling price of the tires without direction from Goodyear. Instant Rebates shown above are on a setof four tires. Rebates are also available per tire on a pro-rated basis with a minimum purchase of two tires. September 13th to December 18th, 2010. Cannot be combined with any other offer. See participatingGoodyear Select dealers for details. ®/TM Trademarks of AIR MILES® International Trading B.V. Used underlicense by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Goodyear Canada Inc.

RETAILER’S NAME0000, street name, City

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CARS & VANS

Interlocking treads with volcanic sand for icy roads.

Reinforced shoulders for improved handling on dry roads.

Deeply carved Aquachutes™ for wet roads.

Fuel-Saving tread compoundhelps reduce energy loss as thetire rolls to save 4,000 km worthof gas over the life of the tire*.

Dry Tread Zone helps enhancehandling and grip for confidentmaneuvering on dry pavement.

Wet Tread Zone with DualAquachannel® Grooves helpsevacuate water away from thetreadface for great traction onwet roads.

*4,000 km based on a 4% fuel economy improvement, on 105,000km Tread Life Limited Warranty, as compared to the standard Goodyear Assurance tire tested on P195/65R15 size – 2008 Honda Civic. Actualresults may vary based on when tires are replaced, driving and road conditions, and proper tire maintenance.

Don's Tire Shop101 4th St., Estevan • 634-3637

The Best Spotfor aSPOTLESS CLEAN!

MATT’S CAR WASH LTD.• High Pressure Spot Free Rinse

• 9 Car Bays • 2 Truck Bays• Computerized Timers

• Loonie, Toonie & QuartersSELF SERVE WATER DISPENSER

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With over 25 years experience to give you the wash you want!

128 Souris Avenue N., Estevan634-8255

COMPLETE CAR & TRUCK ENGINE REBUILDING

See our Selection of QualityRebuilt Engines in Stock

❋ Large selection of engine parts ❋Crank shaft grinding❋ Cylinder block reboring ❋ Engine rebuilding

❋ Cylinder head rebuilding❋ Fly wheel grinding

AUTO PARTS& SERVICE LTD.

926 Edward Street, EstevanPH: 634-5431 OR 634-4759

We Use OnlyQuality Parts!

FULL AUTOMOTIVE MACHINE SHOP SERVICE!

CelebratingOver 30 Years

of Service!

Whether we like it or not, winter is just around the corner.

And with the onset of winter, your vehicle is about to face its greatest challenge. To prepare your vehicle for the cold ahead, CAA Saskatchewan encourages drivers to follow these im-portant tips:

• Test your battery: Extreme temperatures can weaken the battery and cause it to fail.

Winter’s coming...

is your vehicle ready?• Test your block heater

and cord: When the tempera-ture falls below -15°C, it’s important to plug in.

• Test your engine cool-ant: Your vehicle needs the right amount and strength to run at its optimal level.

• Check your radiator: Ensure there are no cracks in the hoses, or coolant leaks.

• Check your tire pres-sure: The right pressure is important for traction and fuel economy.

• Check the ignition system: Replace spark plugs as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

• Check brakes: Pull-ing, a soft pedal, or unusual squealing or grinding may mean repairs are needed.

• Check the exhaust system: Leaks could send carbon monoxide into your vehicle.

• Check your washer fl uid: It should be rated in the -40°C temperature range.

Regardless of a vehi-cle’s age, a roadside emer-gency can occur at any time. Drivers should be prepared with a basic kit of tools and equipment to get the car back on the road as soon as

Stocking Vehicle Roadside Repair Kitpossible.

At the very least, a roadside emergency can be an a minor inconvenience. At the worst, it can compro-mise the safety of the driver and passengers. Anything

from a blown-out tire to an overheated engine can necessitate pulling over for a quick fi x. Having the right tools can make the process go far more smoothly and help drivers avoid the seem-

ingly endless wait for ser-vice personnel to arrive.

Stocking a roadside repair kit requires some necessities. It’s also a good idea to routinely check the stock of the kit to be sure everything is in working order. Here are the items to keep on hand.

First aid kit: Handling major or minor emergencies may require a fi rst aid kit to mend scratches, abrasions or minor burns. Become familiar with the kit before it is needed.

Cellular phone: It’s never a good idea to talk on a cell phone while driving. However, a mobile phone can prove invaluable if there is an emergency. Simply call for assistance instead of having to seek out a phone or fl ag down a motorist.

Flares or warning light: A breakdown at night

or when visibility is poor can be dangerous. Keep a warning light, caution tri-angle or fl ares in the trunk to illuminate the location of the vehicle.

Inflated spare tire: Always keep a spare tire on hand, as tire blowouts or leaks tend to be one of the most common causes of breakdowns. Be sure to have a tire iron, jack, and lug wrench.

Spare fuses: A burnt-out fuse may be responsible for an electrical problem. Replacing the fuse is an easy fi x.

Jumper cables: A dead battery can be revived with jumper cables, provided another car is available to offer the jump. A portable battery booster is another handy tool in case there are no other cars to recharge the battery.

• Flashlight: This sim-ple tool can be invaluable at night, especially if keys or tools are dropped.

• Gloves, cleaner and rags: Cars are full of oils, fluids and grease. That means even a simple repair can get a person dirty.

• Pen and paper: Ideal for leaving a note or taking down information in the event of an accident. A dis-posable camera can also be handy to take photos of an accident scene.

• Money: When travel-ing, always carry cash for emergencies. Not every place takes credit or debit cards.

• Snacks and water: A roadside emergency may mean some time spent stranded. Keep a stash of non-perishable items in the car to alleviate hunger pangs and keep riders quenched.

www.estevanmercury.ca »CAR CARE« Wednesday, October 27, 2010 B9

◆ Courtesy Vehicles◆ Collision Repair◆ Custom Paint

Bring your car to us for guaranteed quality repair. We use the latest equipment and technique to restore your car to its pre-accident condition, as quickly as possible, at a fair price. Our entire staff is committed to ensuring your complete satisfaction. We’ll work with your insurance company, take care of all the paperwork and keep you informed through every stage of the repair process. From start to nish, our most important job is making our customers happy!

◆ Frame Repair◆ Glass Repair◆ Glass Replacement◆ Towing Services

◆ Hail Damage & R.V. Repair

1010 6th St., Estevan • Ph: 634-6060; Fax: 634-8340

* 5 Journeymen Autobody Repair

and Paint Specialists on Staff

* State-of-the-Art Paint Booths

* Hook® Frame Rack

From Dents & Dings...From Dents & Dings...To EverydayTo Everyday

Fender BendersFender Benders... We’re Your... We’re Your Full-ServiceFull-Service

Collision Center!Collision Center!

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Estevan - 238 4th St. •Estevan - 238 4th St. • 634-6276634-6276Weyburn - 150 16th St.•Weyburn - 150 16th St.• 842-6274842-6274

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Your Car Wash & Quicklube Specialists for over 10 Years!

Lube Hours:Monday - Saturday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

200 King Street •200 King Street • Ph: 634-6407Ph: 634-6407

CANADIAN TIRE ESTEVANCANADIAN TIRE ESTEVANOctober 29 - November 4

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A sluggish car could mean any number of things, each of which could be ex-pensive. But drivers often overlook an inexpensive part of the car’s mechanics that can be contributing to slower acceleration and overconsumption of fuel -- the air fi lter.

A vehicle has air fi l-ters and fuel filters that help to remove impurities and promote better engine performance. Over time, these filters can become clogged with grime and

Replace Air Filters for Improved Vehicle Performancedebris. A clogged filter cannot thoroughly do its job and impurities could be making their way into the engine and other systems of the car, compromising performance.

Experts say that thor-oughly maintaining air fi lters is one of the single-most inexpensive and ef-fective ways to improve overall vehicle perfor-mance. Changing a car’s fi lters on a regular basis can have a signifi cant im-pact on engine life. Un-

derstanding how an air fi lter works helps a person realize why replacing them when clogged is essential.

A vehicle’s engine is a large, gas-fi red air pump. Air comes through the air intake and travels through the air fi lter. Gas is added to the air and compressed in the cylinders. When the air-gas mixture is dense enough, the spark plugs fi re to ignite the mixture and power the car’s pis-tons. When all the pistons fire as they should, the

driveshaft turns and the car moves.

Because this process requires a specifi c air and gas ratio, the air fi lter is important. Dirty filters can “choke” the engine, preventing it from turning over. It can also decrease the efficiency of the ve-hicle, thereby decreasing fuel effi ciency.

Many oil change shops will offer to change an air fi lter at an additional charge. Some places will mark up the air fi lter re-

placement, and it could cost drivers a lot of money. Actually, replacing an air fi lter is a relatively easy procedure -- one most do-it-yourselfers can handle.

The air fi lter is gen-erally housed in a large, plastic black box under the hood. The box cover is often held in place with large metal clips or screws. Therefore, bring screw-drivers along for replace-ment.

Once the box is lo-cated, open it up to reveal

Prepare for Canadian winter drivingUnless you plan to

hibernate this winter, you will inevitably be faced with some challenging road conditions in the com-ing months.

“Knowing how to handle the road in harsh weather is one of the most important steps in keeping you and your family safe,” says Bill Hume Vice-Pres-ident of Hankook Tire Canada. Hume notes that simple preparations and preventative measures can enhance safety and reduce stress associated with slip-pery road conditions.

These four important

winter driving tips may help get you through any slippery situation:

1. Keep your dis-tance: Always leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Doing so will give you enough time to brake in a controlled manner and time to react in case of an emergency. Stay vigilant of road conditions, and increase the space if you detect or suspect black ice. A good rule of thumb is that if there are icicles on your windshield wipers or frost on your side view mirrors, there is a good

chance that there is black ice on the road.

2. Use your breaks: If your car is equipped with an anti-lock braking sys-tem (ABS), hit the brakes and let the system work for you: your ABS will pump the brakes at timed intervals without lock-ing your wheels, enabling you to stop safely. It’s normal to feel pulsation in the brake pedal, that’s the ABS working. A lot of people have a tendency to release the brakes as the ABS kicks in; do not lift your foot until you come to a stop. If your vehicle

is not equipped with ABS, pump your brakes to avoid locking which will help you remain in control of the vehicle.

3. Impor tance o f winter tires: Studies have shown that at -14 C all-season tires lose up to 60 per cent of their grip com-pared to winter tires. Un-like all season tires, winter tires are made with special rubber compounds that stay soft even at very low temperatures. A softer tire will stick to the road bet-ter, and give your vehicle more traction for optimal control. Some winter tires

like the Hankook Winter I*Pike feature aggressive v-shaped tread patterns which are great on snowy roads. If you plan on do-ing a lot of driving in the winter months having the right winter tire will make a big difference. For more information on how winter tires function, speak to your local tire dealer.

4. Stay calm and control a skid: In the event that you do find your-self skidding out, remain calm and do not suddenly brake, accelerate, or jerk the wheel. Instead, let go of the gas and turn the

steering wheel into the skid in a slow and controlled manner. While it may seem counterintuitive to aim your car in the direction that it is skidding, it may be the best way to get control back. For example, if your rear wheels slip out to the left; turn the steering wheel smoothly to the left and ease your foot off the gas. Your rear tires will slow their rotation to regain their grip, at which point your car will stop sliding and begin to straighten. You can then bring the wheel back to center, re-gaining full control.

the fi lter. Inside the fi lter is often white, bright yellow, orange, or red. Remove the grimy fi lter and set aside. (Older cars may have a doughnut-shaped air fi lter housed in a round box).

A new fi lter costs any-where from $10 to $15. Place the fi lter in the cham-ber and reseal the clips or screws on the cover. Give the car a test spin to ensure the fi lter is working as it should. A driver may no-tice improved pick-up on the vehicle.

B10 Wednesday, October 27, 2010 »CAR CARE« Estevan Mercury

KENDALL'S AUTO ELECTRIC LTD.1020 6th Street, Estevan • 634-2312

Open 6 days a week 6 am - 6 pm, Mon. - Sat.

Start your vehicle - from anywhere,with your Blackberry!

Starts at$479.00

Danger Crossing Deer!Danger Crossing Deer!Accidents happen, when they do trust us.

Over 26 years experience.

445 4th Street, Estevan

634-2815

1139 5th Street Downtown Estevan 634-2823Your friendly neighborhood auto repair shop.

• Oil Changes • Towing & Boosting• Oil Changes • Towing & Boosting • Tune-ups • Tire Repairs • Brakes • Batteries• Tune-ups • Tire Repairs • Brakes • Batteries • Timing Chains • Belts • Wheel Bearings (repacked)• Timing Chains • Belts • Wheel Bearings (repacked) • Front Wheel Drive Axle Repairs (boots)• Front Wheel Drive Axle Repairs (boots) • Starters & Alternators • Shocks• Starters & Alternators • Shocks • Plus many other repairs• Plus many other repairs Appointments not

always necessary

TRANSMISSION Ltd.ROY'SROY'S634-7903634-7903237 3rd Street, Estevan • Fax: 634-9838237 3rd Street, Estevan • Fax: 634-9838

We fix moreWe fix more than justthan just

transmissions!transmissions!

• Automatics • Standards• Clutches • Front Wheel & 4 WD• Transfer Cases • Brake Repairs • Differentials • Imports & Domestics

• Motorhomes• Front Wheel Drive Axle Repairs (CV Joints)• Computer Controlled Transmission• Free Road Test• Fast, Ef cient Service

www.roystransmission.com

Locally owned & operated

by Licensed Mechanics

Serving Estevan & Area forServing Estevan & Area for over 34 Years!over 34 Years!

Conquer your winter driving fearsEvery year, winter

driving is a source of many unpleasant surprises. For many, driving on snowy or icy roads is a cause for alarm and even a source of stress. Black ice, loss of control, other drivers, and snow storms are the four major fears identifi ed by Canadians in a recent Michelin survey. To give you some insights into these problems and allow you to benefi t from the experience of a pro, we asked Rich-ard Spénard, professional race car driver and driv-ing instructor, to share his know-how with you. He offers some simple, effec-tive ways to deal with these four major driving hazards this winter.

Black ice: slow down

That thin layer of trans-parent ice is almost invisible on the road – that’s why it is indisputably the most dangerous of surfac-es. So drive slowly while testing your vehicle’s braking ability by tapping lightly on the brakes to check their reac-tion and the grip of your tires. That way, you’ll be aware of the driving surface and won’t be taken by surprise.

Loss of control: focus on your

destinationShould you have the

misfortune to lose control of your vehicle, keep your foot on the brake until the car comes to a complete stop.

Remain calm and manoeu-vre your car out of the way to avoid any danger of being hit by approaching vehicles.

Never get out of your car on the road or shoulder. Should a car in front of you lose control, rather than looking at that vehicle, brake while

focusing on where you want to steer your car. Vision and planning are your best allies!

Other drivers: keep your distance

Although some peo-ple believe they are past masters at winter driving

–beware. Nobody is safe from dangerous weather and changing road condi-tions. Be wary of other

drivers. Drive defen-sively, slow down, and keep an even longer distance than usual between your-self and the vehicle ahead of you.Snow storms: pre-pare for the worst

Nothing beats preparing your ve-hicle to meet any situation. Get into the habit of checking weather conditions before setting off and

delaying or moving up your departure time based on the forecast. Also prepare an emergency kit containing a blanket, fl ashlight, matches,

toque, mittens and other articles that might be of use. Remember that it’s impor-tant to prepare carefully for every trip and to remove all the snow from your vehicle to ensure maximum road visibility.

Everything you need to know about winter driving with a single click

For more details or tips, stop by Michelin’s Winter Driving Academy. This interactive website offers educational content developed by Canadian experts for Canadian drivers to help you adopt simple, effective habits to conquer your winter driving fears. Test your knowledge at www.michelinwintercentre.com and, above all, drive safely.

Winterize your vehicle – Cold weather’s comingWith cold weather just

around the corner, unpre-dictable driving conditions aren’t far behind. This year, don’t be caught unprepared for winter driving. The ef-fect of winter on your ve-hicle is easily preventable with a few quick checks.

“ D r i v i n g i n c o l d weather conditions can be stressful, but you can make it more bearable by staying a few steps ahead and being proactive with maintenance.” says Henry Blumenthal, Chief Un-derwriter, TD Insurance. “Luckily, some of the most effective steps are also the simplest and in the end, will help make you a more confi dent driver when the snow fl ies.”

TD Insurance offers the following tips for win-terizing your vehicle:

1. Consider investing in winter tires or replace your all-seasons. Worn, bald or badly aligned or balanced tires can mean ac-cidents on ice, rain or snow. By paying just a few more dollars, you will be saving in the long term. In addi-tion, winter tires are manda-tory in some provinces,

2. Check your tire pressure. Properly infl ated tires ensure good contact with the road.

3. Top up al l the fluid, from the oil to an-tifreeze. Make sure your vehicle has what it needs.

4. Typically winter means reduced visibility.

Check your wiper blades and invest in winter wind-shield washer fluid – it won’t freeze when you need it the most.

5. Pack an emer-gency kit for your trunk including items you would

need if you were stuck or stranded on the road. Items in a winter kit could include blankets, candles, non-perishable snacks, and a fi rst-aid kit.

6. Stay alert and pre-pared. Ensure you have

enough fuel, watch for black ice, and keep a mobile phone with you just in case you need to call for help.

7. Plan ahead. Trav-elling in winter conditions can take longer – be pre-pared to drive slower and

for longer in certain weath-er conditions.

Additional tips and information about auto insurance are available online at www.tdinsurance.com or toll-free at 1-888-788-0839.