grand forks herald - car care - spring 2010

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S Spring 2010 Advertising supplement to the Grand Forks Herald, Friday, April 16, 2010

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Advertising supplement to the Grand Forks Herald

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Page 1: Grand Forks Herald - Car Care - Spring 2010

SSpprriinngg 22001100

Advertising supplement to the Grand Forks Herald, Friday, April 16, 2010

Page 2: Grand Forks Herald - Car Care - Spring 2010

39 YEARS OF LOCALLY OWNED QUALITY SERVICE!

TECHNICIANS HAVE OVER 80 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE COMBINED!“We are an independent garage and auto service is our only objective”

EE

WW

SSNN

VV

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MMccDDoonnaallddss

masterautoclinic.com

Now Any One Of 5 Great Services At OneLow Price!� Wheel Align (2 wheel)� Coolant Flush & Recycle� Balance & Rotate Tires� Brake Fluid Flush� Throttle Body Cleaning

$3299Vans & 4WD slightly higher. Mag Wheels & Locks extra.

(PARTS, SEALS, SHIMS, WEDGES, FILTERS & FLUID EXTRA) Offer Good Thru 05/29/10

Any Additional ServiceOf $100 Or More. Most Vehicles.

No Special Orders.

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Lube, (where applicable) new oil filter and synthetic blend motor oil, most cars. 21 step safety inspection. Walk-ins or by appointment

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See Our MasterMechanics For:

• Brakes • Wheel • Tires • Tune-Ups Alignments • Batteries • Front Ends • Computers • Engine Repair

1300 S 14th StGrand Forks, ND

772-8118

2 Grand Forks Herald/Friday, April 16, 2010

Investing in a high performance oil filterwill help your car go that ‘extra mile’PRNewswire

The longer you plan on keep-ing a vehicle, the more vital itis to have regular oil and filterchanges on your car’s mainte-nance schedule. Clean, filteredoil lubricating the engine andits components ensures smoothand efficient operation for aslong as the vehicle remains inservice. However, if you are amotorist looking for the opti-mal level of driving perform-ance, going a step further andchoosing a high performanceoil filter may be the best optionfor you.“A high performance oil fil-

ter is especially engineered topay additional dividends,” saidRamon Nunez, Director of Fil-tration for Bosch, the world’slargest supplier of automotiveparts and systems. Bosch offersoil, fuel and cabin air filters tothe North American aftermar-ket atwww.boschautoparts.com.

What makes a highperformance filter?According to Nunez, the

more advanced the materialsand technology used in theconstruction of a filter, thegreater its ability to keep theengine performing efficiently

over a long period of time. Forinstance, the Bosch Distance-Plus(TM) high performance oilfilter keeps oil extraordinarilyclean, protects the engineagainst harmful contaminantsand prevents engine wear. Ad-ditionally, it works with anybrand of synthetic and conven-tional motor oil.Essentially, an oil filter

keeps dirt from harming an en-gine. Dirt is an engine’s mostvirulent enemy that can enterthe engine and damage its in-ternal components.What makes a good quality

filter, Nunez said, is “its effi-ciency in capturing the dirtand its capacity to hold the de-bris.” Since there is no way fora driver to know that the filteris clogged, it’s vital that it has alarge enough capacity to sup-ply clean oil to the engine foras long as possible.The advanced synthetic fiber

media in Bosch DistancePlushas 99.9 percent efficiency inremoving dirt from the oil anda 300 percent greater capacityto hold it than many other fil-ters, Nunez said. In the case ofsome Bosch oil filters, thistranslates into a capacity of29.1 grams of contaminants –almost four times that of aneconomy filter.Other features of Bosch Dis-

tancePlus high performanceoil filters include a pressurerelief valve to prevent oil re-striction and ensure proper oilflow, and a silicone anti-drain-back valve to protect againstdry starts – it also lasts longerthan Nitrile valves. A heavygauge steel base plate and aheavy gauge case provide dura-bility while a spiral-woundcenter tube reinforces internalstrength.

Reaping thedividends oftechnology“Improving performance

through sophisticated engi-neering has been key for Boschin the automotive industry formore than 100 years,” Nunezsaid, “and high performancetechnology products, such asthe DistancePlus oil filter, areyet another milestone in thathistory of innovation.”The Bosch DistancePlus high

performance oil filter is avail-able in the United States,Canada and Mexico.A relatively inexpensive

service item compared to tiresand brakes, investing in a highperformance oil filter can helpa vehicle go the distance plus,Nunez said.

Spend your tax refund onmaintaining your vehicleCarcare.org

How will you spend yourtax refund? Flat-screen TV?IPod? Clothes? The Car CareCouncil has a better idea foryour money: spend it on yoursecond biggest investment,your car.“Whether it’s an oil

change, replacing brakes ornew belts and hoses, that pe-riodic repair bill is a drop inthe bucket compared tomonthly payments on a newcar,” said Rich White, execu-tive director of the Car CareCouncil. “The bottom line isthat a properly maintainedvehicle is safer, more de-pendable, more fuel effi-cient, less polluting andmore valuable. The smartestway to get a solid return oninvestment is to keep yourcar through what we call the‘Cinderella Era’. It’s that pe-riod of time after the payoffwhen your car is still ingreat shape and needs onlymodest repairs.”

The Car Care Council esti-mates that more than $62 bil-lion in vehicle maintenanceand repair is not performedevery year, evidence thatthere is considerably morethat consumers should bedoing to protect their auto-motive investment.“We advise our clients that

if they want a 10-percent in-crease on their investmentsevery year they need to cutdown on their expenses,”said Terry Mulcahy, vicepresident of investments forR.W. Baird in Mequon, Wis.“A new automobile is formost people their secondbiggest investment next to ahome, so a great way to savemoney and increase finan-cial assets is to hang ontotheir current vehicle ratherthan buy a new one everyfew years. Budgeting for anddoing preventative mainte-nance on your car is one ofthe best ways to cut yourcosts and keep your car.”

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Page 3: Grand Forks Herald - Car Care - Spring 2010

Check out our website for other special offers

Rydell service has no hidden costs like disposal fees,weights or valve stems.

Every set of tires includes Road Hazard insurance,Lifetime Rotates & Balances at no charge.

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Service Department Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-MIDNIGHT • Sat 8am-5pmEXTENDED SERVICE HOURS UNTIL MIDNIGHT!

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1954

19.99 OIL CHANGE EVERYDAY**Most vehicles, up to 5 quarts bulk.

Not compatible with other specials or discounts

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If you have a problem with anyof these items on a Nice Care

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we’ll fix it for free!

DiscountOn Aftermarket

Accessories Installed*

Tires, Brakes, Battery,Bulbs, Belts, Hoses,Spark Plugs & Wiper

Blades!

ELIGIBLE TIRE BRANDS:BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Contintental,

Firestone, General, Goodyear,Michelin and Uniroyal.Offer ends May 15, 2010

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Times are changing...cars arechanging. One of the biggestchanges in today’s automotiveindustry is the perception of a“tune-up.” Ask 10 vehicle own-ers their definition of a tune-up and chances are there’ll be10 different answers. The clas-sic “tune-up” was once theheart of the automotive busi-ness and contrary to some be-liefs, today’s modern vehiclesstill need tune-ups to keepthem performing at the mostefficient levels.The tune-up was historically

associated with the routine re-placement of key ignition sys-tem parts like spark plugs andignition points, along withsome basic adjustments to help“tune” the engine. Mountingpressure for increased fueleconomy and lower emissionsdrove the car manufacturers toadopt electronics and to doaway with ignition points inthe ‘70s, along with the carbu-retor in the middle ‘80s.As the pace of technology

quickened, the procedures re-quired to perform a traditionaltune-up changed dramatically.Highly sophisticated ignitionand fuel systems are now thenorm, using one or more on-board computers to controlcritical engine and transmis-sion management functions.Things that were once handledmechanically are now con-trolled electronically throughthe widespread use of onboardcomputer technology.Because vehicles have

changed so much over theyears, the Car Care Council hasintroduced the 21st CenturyTune-up. This program is de-signed to help re-define andeducate motorists as to what atune-up should consist of ontoday’s modern vehicles.“There is a misconception

that today’s modern vehiclesdon’t need tune-ups becausethey never break down, butthat simply is not true,” saidRich White, executive directorof the Car Care Council.As part of the 21st Century

Tune-up on today’s modern ve-hicles, the following systemsshould be inspected:� battery, charging and start-

ing.� engine mechanical.� powertrain control (includ-

ing onboard diagnostic checks).� fuel.� ignition.� emissions.Vehicle owners ask for tune-

ups for a variety of reasons, in-cluding improvingperformance, maintaining reli-

ability, planning a vacation,preparing for winter/summeror because they’re giving thecar to a friend or family mem-ber.To help ensure good per-

formance, fuel economy andemissions, the Car Care Coun-cil also recommends that mo-torists take the time necessaryto become familiar with theirvehicle from every aspect.Study the owner’s manual tobecome thoroughly acquaintedwith the operation of all sys-tems. Pay special attention tothe indicator lights and instru-ments.“The ‘Be Car Care Aware’

campaign is about helping mo-torists make informed deci-sions about their vehicles’ care

and maintenance,” said White.“With the 21St Century Tune-up, we will continue to help ve-hicle owners make greatstrides in reducing vehicleneglect.”A new brochure is available

that familiarizes motorists withthe opportunities for preven-tive maintenance in andaround their vehicle. Thebrochure contains informationabout the “Be Car Care Aware”campaign, a full-size schematicof vehicle parts, componentsand maintenance recommen-dations. For more information,visit http://www.carcare.org/In-dustry/BCCA_brochure.shtml.

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3 Grand Forks Herald/Friday, April 16, 2010

It’s time for the 21st century tune-up

�� Because vehicles have changed so much over the years, the CarCare Council has introduced the 21st Century Tune-up. Thisprogram is designed to help re-define and educate motorists as towhat a tune-up should consist of on today’s modern vehicles.

Page 4: Grand Forks Herald - Car Care - Spring 2010

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4 Grand Forks Herald/Friday, April 16, 2010

Tire shopping: Likeshoe shopping, foryour light truckCar Care News Service

You wouldn’t wear sandalsin the snow. And sneakers ata wedding would be quiteout of place. Just as properfootwear is critical to yourcomfort and correct bodyalignment, appropriate tiresare vital to affecting the over-all performance and han-dling of your vehicle. If you’ve shod your SUV

with this weekend’s “four for$99” special, you can expectan underwhelming experi-ence on the roadways. Thewrong tire does little to ben-efit the vehicle wearing it.The good news – optimizingyour vehicle’s performance isas simple as shopping for theright shoe. When choosing tires – just

like shoes – start by lookingfor the proper fit. Take a mo-ment to realize how you planto use your vehicle and thenunderstanding basic tire de-signs can help you select theright one for the job. Withthe increasing popularity oflight trucks and SUVs, tiremanufacturers have workeddiligently to offer many tireoptions. Highway or rib design tires

provide traction on wet anddry surfaces. The tread blockelements are aligned in a ribpattern with wide grooves tohelp resist hydroplaning. Ifyou’re one of those 90+per-cent who never take theirSUV or pickup off-road,these tires provide longmileage, a comfortable rideand excellent handling per-formance. Like the casualloafer, these tires are madefor everyday use, commutingto work and for those familyvacations. A tire marked “A/T” is de-

signed for all-terrain use butalso performs well on thehighway. An all-terrain treadhas many independentblocks separated by largegrooves for off-road traction.Varied sizes and shapes of

tread blocks minimize high-way noise. The A/T could becompared to a tennis shoe:comfortable and depend-able, but only able to handlemildly rugged conditions. Ifyou run off-road only occa-sionally, for instance week-end camping trips, or see alot of gravel in your dailydriving, the A/T is your“shoe”. An A/T tire might offer op-

tions that an off-road enthu-siast would enjoy, but it isnot as aggressive as the M/Ttire. A tire designated withan “M/T” is used for “Max-Traction.” These dutiful sol-diers easily handle muddyand rocky surfaces fre-quented by the serious ad-venturer. The M/T tire is the“hiking boot” of tires.Rugged tread elements withlarge tread voids offer excel-lent traction to handle themost severe driving condi-tions. Whether charging up asand dune, climbing overrocks or heading down thetrail, look for the M/T tire. An “A/S” denotes all-sea-

son tires which are depend-able for many roadconditions. For severe snowconditions, a mountainsnowflake pictograph withan M+S represents the indus-try’s standard for tires, muchlike snow boots, designed forwintry conditions. When shopping for tires,

don’t be intimidated by thechoices. Think of it as achance to shop for shoes — foryour automobile. Search forthe right combination of com-fort, style and performanceto suit your vehicle. Size up options by visiting

your local tire dealer or re-tailer, the professionals whowant to help you “put yourbest foot forward.” For moreinformation visitwww.bridgestonetire.com,www.tiresafety.com, or phonethe Bridgestone/Firestonecustomer service representa-tives at 1.800.807.9555.

Help prevent vehicle rustCar Care News Service

Small stones and debris kicked up from pass-ing vehicles can hit your car and chip the paint,exposing vulnerable sheet metal. In time, theexposed sheet metal can begin to corrode andrust, compromising your vehicle’s good looksand at the same time lowering its value.Many automotive dealerships and independ-

ent installers offer a protective film to helpguard vehicles’ painted surfaces from this kindof damage. Paint protection film is made oftough, durable urethane film, yet it’s clearenough to be virtually invisible so your vehicle’sappearance remains unchanged. The tough urethane film takes the brunt of

damaging road debris, bug damage and weather-ing when professionally applied to painted sur-faces, including the front end, side mirror backs,wheel wells, door edges, fenders, bumper areasand more.

3M was the original inventor of paint protec-tion films, first designed to protect helicopterblades from sand abrasion in the 1960s. Refor-mulated for automotive use, the film is widelyavailable nationwide. Scotchgard™ Paint Pro-tection Film, an official NASCAR Perform-ance™ product, provides proven protection forpassenger vehicles, classic cars, motorcyclesand street rods, boats, semis, tractors, boats andRVs. Professional film installation is highly recom-

mended, and is available through many new cardealerships, or by authorized film convertersand trained applicators across the country. Formore information about the film and sources ofsupply, call 888-663-1394, or visitwww.3M.com/PaintProtectionfilm. Scotchgardand 3M are trademarks of 3M Company.NASCAR Performance® is a registered trade-mark of the National Association for Stock CarAuto Racing Inc.

Please consider donating the value of your newspapers to LOCAL SCHOOLS. When you call in a vacation stop for your Herald, tell customer serviceyou’d like to donate the credit to Newspapers in Education. We appreciate your support. Thank you! 780-1215 or 1-800-811-2580

Going on vacation?

Page 5: Grand Forks Herald - Car Care - Spring 2010

Car Care News Service

Moving into a new area,who’s the most important pro-fessional you seek out? Yourfamily doctor, of course, a den-tist, your pharmacist and,somewhere down the road…your auto mechanic. The decision on your car

care professional is important.Further, that should be madewhen you’re in control of thesituation, not when the carbreaks down and can’t bedriven. Whether you’re a college stu-

dent headed to a strange townor a senior citizen moving to aretirement community, findingthe right service shop warrantsresearch. Making that selectionsooner rather than later helps. Most car owners, being con-

cerned about repair costs,want to deal with facilities inwhich they have faith. Theproblem arises when “blind”faith gets in the way of goodjudgment. The answer, ofcourse, is to know your car andits needs, a message that longhas been espoused byNASCAR and strongly sup-ported by the Be Car CareAware program – an educa-tional campaign that has estab-lished October as National CarCare Month. “You don’t have to know

HOW to fix your car,” says aGoodyear Gemini automotivetechnician and member of theNASCAR Performance Net-work. “You just should knowsomething about things likebrake pads and air filters andother parts that need periodicattention. If your mechanicsays you’re overdue for an airfilter, it’s good to know whathe’s talking about.” So how should you go about

finding this “good” mechanic,the honest guy who will helpyou through the maze of carcare? There are many ways to

begin the search, but NASCARoffers a shortcut: Just log on towww.nascar.com/autoservice.Here, the NASCAR Perform-ance Network lists of over 8,000repair shops that can be help-ful to any motorist seekingmaintenance and repairs. Sim-ply enter your zip code to finda quality repair shop in yourneighborhood. Beyond that, your neighbor-

hood welcoming organization,

such as Welcome Wagon, mayoffer a list of local businesscontacts which usually in-cludes automotive service fa-cilities. Because most of ustend to procrastinate on autorepairs, much less the searchfor someone to do them, youmay find yourself rushed intothis discomfort zone. It’s a casefor researching early. Even old timers in a commu-

nity may benefit by learningwhat’s new in the car care busi-ness. When the time does arise,

how do you know who’s thebest shop to call? Your phonedirectory may help, especiallyif it lists the shop’s certifica-tions and affiliations. Word of mouth at community

get-togethers usually providesexcellent feedback. Another excellent source is

via listings on the internet.Among sources are ASE (Na-tional Institute For AutomotiveService Excellence) and Auto-motive Service Association.Additionally, the Car CareCouncil provides a listing ofmore than 60,000 auto parts re-tailers, repair facilities andbody shops as well as engineinstallers. A few questions to ask your-

self as you seek you your tech: �How was the phone rap-

port?�Did I find the shop clean?�Was I treated courteously?�Was my car’s problem ex-

plained to me in layman’s lan-guage?�Did the shop walls display

certificates of achievement?�Was this shop recom-

mended or did you find it viaresearch?

Then, after the repairs: �Was the invoice ex-

plained?�Did it compare favorably

with the estimate?If applicable, was warranty

or guarantee of satisfactiondiscussed?�Would you recommend this

shop to a friend?

Auto Sales6105 Gateway Drive, Grand Forks

Drive West of I-29701-738-2033 • 701-610-8876

moesmotors.net

Check Outthese

Great Buys!

2005 Chevy Malibu Maxx LTDVD, Leather, Pwr Seat, Multi CD,

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2004 GMC Sierra SLE4WD, PL, Running Boards, Z71,

Off Road Pkg$9,995

2007 Mercury Grand MarquisOnly 22K, Auto Start, Cloth,

Excellent Condtion$13,495

2003 Chevy VentureDVD, Pwr Doors, OnStar, Side Air Bags,

Leather, 3.4L V6, AWD, 102K $6,495

2002 Olds SilhouetteLeather, Power Seats, OnStar, CD, 82K,

Excellent Condition$5,495

2001 Ford F150 Ext Cab XLT5.4L, Very Sharp, Running Boards,

4 Door, Off Road Pkg, 144K$7,495

2001 VW GLS Convertible2.0L, Front & Side Air bags, Air, 6 CD,

Very Clean, 89K, 5 Speed Manual$7,295

2000 Chevy VenturePwr Doors, CD, Very Clean, Traction

Control, Good Family Van, 184K$3,495

1996 Pontiac Sunfire SEConvertible with Power Top,

Leather, 74K$6,995

1995 Cadillac DeVilleLeather, Dual Power Seats, CD,

Very Clean, 103K$3,995

OLSON701-772-0201

1322 1/2 Dyke Ave., Grand Forks, ND

AUTOREPAIR

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“We maintain all modelsold or new.”

5 Grand Forks Herald/Friday, April 16, 2010

Find your auto tech now,before you need him

�� To find a car careprofessional, look for the ASElogo.

Page 6: Grand Forks Herald - Car Care - Spring 2010

Car Care News Service

An indisputable fact ofAmerican life: our enduringlove affair with our vehicles,some defining this as our free-dom of mobility. Freedom be-comes the active word. Another fact of American

life is our shortage of people torepair these 233 million vehi-cles. The Bureau of Labor Sta-tistics’ forecasts that repairshops nationwide face an an-nual shortage of about 35,000auto technicians through 2010. While the shortage is serious

and could become increasinglyso, the good news is that thissituation identifies an excel-lent field of opportunity foryoung people looking for a sat-isfying career. That old label ofan auto mechanic as a “greasemonkey,” fortunately has goneout with high button shoes. “The reality is,” says Mark

Boswell of Goodyear GeminiAutomotive Care, “that autotechnicians are highly trainedspecialists typically holdingwell-paying jobs in comfort-able surroundings.” Addressing this issue, the in-

dustry emphasizes that oppor-tunities present themselves towomen in positions rangingfrom repair technicians toservice advisers to parts andaccessory sales. The industry isactively soliciting women whomight be seeking careers withexcellent benefits, opportuni-ties seldom found in manyfields. ASE (National Institute For

Automotive Service Excel-lence) for years has certifiedwomen for positions in the au-tomotive service and parts in-dustry, further underscoringthe fact that automotive repairno longer is gender specific. The Car Care Council now

has a Women’s Board consist-ing of women who are active inthe industry in positions rang-ing from public relations toshop ownership to parts andequipment sales. Women oftenare found to be adept in com-puter technology, less inclinedto be intimidated by computersthan men. Regardless of gender, the

pay scale is good. The nationalaverage salary for an auto tech-nician in 2002 was $41,588, ac-cording to the NationalAutomobile Dealers Associa-tion. “Now, good technicians can

make $70,000 with a little expe-

rience and the highest-paidcan make $120,000,” accordingto John Dodson of theNASCAR Technical Institute, adivision of Universal TechnicalInstitute. “Because of the elec-tronics and computers that arecomponent parts, working withcars is tantamount to workingwith computers. High techtraining is indispensable and,therefore, valuable.” It’s a challenging field. Being

an automotive technician is ajob that requires detectiveskills because you have to keepdigging at it until you figure itout. It’s not unusual for sometechnicians to take specialized

courses five or six times a year.They also are encouraged tobecome ASE certified, whichincreases their value to theworkplace and significantlycan increase hourly wages. In addition to independent

service facilities, includingspecialty stores, the ever-ex-panding motorsports sectormay be the magnet to attractpeople. It’s an exciting fieldand can be lucrative for bright,energetic young technicians. For some automotive enthu-

siasts, many of whom areNASCAR fans, the idea ofworking with a race team couldbe a dream come true. A head

start could result from the spe-cialized training offered byNASCAR Technical Institute,the exclusive educational part-ner of NASCAR. Located in

Mooresville, North Carolina, atthe heart of racing country, thisis the country’s first technicaltraining school to combine acomplete automotive technol-ogy program and a NASCAR-specific motor sports program.In addition to general trainingprograms and those related toracing, NTI offers manufac-turer-specific advanced train-ing for several makes ofvehicles. Further to enhance the pub-

lic image of auto mechanics,NASCAR has partnered withMagicDust Television to launch“NASCAR Angels” – a weeklyreality TV show hosted byNASCAR legend Rusty Wallace– that demonstrated the im-portance of regular car mainte-nance. Joined by NASCARdrivers and crew chiefs, eachweek a team of automotive pro-fessionals from Goodyear Gem-ini facilities armed withNASCAR Performance auto-motive products, work on tightdeadlines in true pit stop ac-tion as deserving families seetheir cars restored to tip-topcondition. “NASCAR Angels” com-

plements the consumer edu-cation efforts of theautomotive industry’s “BeCar Care Aware” campaignand, with NASCAR flair,shows the importance oftechnicians in America.

Let Me Help Improve Your Vehicles Appearance

DOSTAL’S “DENT TECH”Paintless Dent Repair

Jon Dostal, Certified Tech.Cell (701)741-1306

Located in Auto Finance Super Center

On 32nd Street

Low CostNo Harm to Factory Paint

Quick • Insurance ApprovedDoor Dings • Hail Damage

“Keep It Looking New”

6 Grand Forks Herald/Friday, April 16, 2010

Plenty of opportunities for careers in auto repair

�� “The reality is,” says Mark Boswell of Goodyear Gemini Automotive Care, “that auto technicians arehighly trained specialists typically holding well-paying jobs in comfortable surroundings.”

Need a new car?

Searchwww.carshq.com

Keep your vehicle’s engine ‘humming’with regular oil and air filter changesCar Care News Service

Dust, dirt and grime are allenemies to the longevity andefficient performance of yourvehicle’s engine. To preventengine damage, your vehicle isequipped with various filters —air and oil among them.“Changing filters at factory-

recommended intervals helpsyour vehicle last longer andperform better immediatelyand well into the future,” saysRamon Nuñez, Director of Fil-tration for Bosch, joint ventureowner of Purolator Filters NALLC. Purolator, which inventedthe automotive oil filter in1923, is a leading supplier ofhigh quality automotive filtersto the North American after-market.� Oil filter –Of all automo-

tive filters, probably the bestknown is the oil filter. Most

drivers know that a regular oiland filter change should toptheir vehicle’s list of mainte-nance items.According to Nuñez, “Dirt in

oil poses great risks. Modernengines are manufactured toprecise tolerances and operateunder high stress. As the en-gine turns, the oil pump circu-lates oil throughout the engineto ensure all components func-tion smoothly, with minimalfriction. Dirt particles in theoil can ‘score’ or scratch thesurfaces of engine components,eventually requiring engineoverhaul or replacement. Andwhile some oils have additivesthat extend their service life,they don’t do anything to ridthe engine of grit and contami-nants. Only regular oil and fil-ter changes can do that.”Purolator’s PureONE oil fil-

ter offers 99.9 percent filtration

efficiency – the highest in theaftermarket today. PureONEtraps nearly 13 grams of micro-scopic contaminants (equal to31 standard size paper clips)including dirt and metal shav-ings.� Air filter – Just as with oil

filters, the media in air filtersis specially engineered to trapairborne contaminants that

can enter and harm the engine.Clogged or inferior air filterscan allow dirt and dust parti-cles in the air to get trappedbetween the piston rings andcylinder walls resulting in ex-cessive oil consumption andreduced efficiency and power. Furthermore, a vehicle’s en-

gine operates by taking in 9 -10,000 gallons of air for each

gallon of fuel it consumes. Thesmooth flow and cleanliness ofthis air determines how wellthe engine performs or howquickly it wears out. A cloggedair filter increases fuel con-sumption and compromisesperformance. According to theU.S. Department of Energy, re-placing a clogged air filter notonly protects against enginedamage but also improves gasmileage by as much as 10 per-cent.“The PureONE air filter fea-

tures the company’s exclusiveMicronic filtration mediawhich has twice the capacityfor trapping particles of dirtcompared to conventional airfilters,” Nuñez said.“Using quality oil and air fil-

ters on your car is the best in-surance you can buy to preventcostly engine repairs down theroad,” says Nuñez.

Page 7: Grand Forks Herald - Car Care - Spring 2010

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Keep your vehicle’s engine ‘humming’with regular oil and air filter changesCar Care News Service

Dust, dirt and grime are allenemies to the longevity andefficient performance of yourvehicle’s engine. To preventengine damage, your vehicle isequipped with various filters —air and oil among them.“Changing filters at factory-

recommended intervals helpsyour vehicle last longer andperform better immediatelyand well into the future,” saysRamon Nuñez, Director of Fil-tration for Bosch, joint ventureowner of Purolator Filters NALLC. Purolator, which inventedthe automotive oil filter in1923, is a leading supplier ofhigh quality automotive filtersto the North American after-market.� Oil filter –Of all automo-

tive filters, probably the bestknown is the oil filter. Most

drivers know that a regular oiland filter change should toptheir vehicle’s list of mainte-nance items.According to Nuñez, “Dirt in

oil poses great risks. Modernengines are manufactured toprecise tolerances and operateunder high stress. As the en-gine turns, the oil pump circu-lates oil throughout the engineto ensure all components func-tion smoothly, with minimalfriction. Dirt particles in theoil can ‘score’ or scratch thesurfaces of engine components,eventually requiring engineoverhaul or replacement. Andwhile some oils have additivesthat extend their service life,they don’t do anything to ridthe engine of grit and contami-nants. Only regular oil and fil-ter changes can do that.”Purolator’s PureONE oil fil-

ter offers 99.9 percent filtration

efficiency – the highest in theaftermarket today. PureONEtraps nearly 13 grams of micro-scopic contaminants (equal to31 standard size paper clips)including dirt and metal shav-ings.� Air filter – Just as with oil

filters, the media in air filtersis specially engineered to trapairborne contaminants that

can enter and harm the engine.Clogged or inferior air filterscan allow dirt and dust parti-cles in the air to get trappedbetween the piston rings andcylinder walls resulting in ex-cessive oil consumption andreduced efficiency and power. Furthermore, a vehicle’s en-

gine operates by taking in 9 -10,000 gallons of air for each

gallon of fuel it consumes. Thesmooth flow and cleanliness ofthis air determines how wellthe engine performs or howquickly it wears out. A cloggedair filter increases fuel con-sumption and compromisesperformance. According to theU.S. Department of Energy, re-placing a clogged air filter notonly protects against enginedamage but also improves gasmileage by as much as 10 per-cent.“The PureONE air filter fea-

tures the company’s exclusiveMicronic filtration mediawhich has twice the capacityfor trapping particles of dirtcompared to conventional airfilters,” Nuñez said.“Using quality oil and air fil-

ters on your car is the best in-surance you can buy to preventcostly engine repairs down theroad,” says Nuñez.

Page 8: Grand Forks Herald - Car Care - Spring 2010

Car Care News Service

Whatever the season, badweather can come upon us atany time — and all year around.Whether it is pouring rain or ahailstorm during the springand summer months, or a snow-storm in the winter, it is ourwindshield wipers that we relyupon to help us drive safelythrough bad weather. “Yet, our research shows that

many motorists fail to regu-larly inspect their vehicle’swindshield wipers and changethem as needed,” said TomVasis, Group Product Manager,Wiper Systems for Bosch, theworld’s largest supplier ofwiper blades to vehicle manu-facturers and the aftermarket. Results of vehicle check-ups

during the 2008 National CarCare Month in April, and FallCar Care Month in October, in-dicate that nearly 80 percent ofthe vehicles that passedthrough the inspection lanesneeded service and parts. Andwindshield wipers were amongthe top problems. Approxi-mately, 15 percent of vehiclesneeded fresh front windshieldwipers and 10 percent neededrear windshield wipers. Properly operating wind-

shield wipers are as crucial tosafe driving in bad weather asgood eyesight is to our overallmobility. And driving visibilitycan be markedly improved sim-ply by replacing worn outwiper blades — a relatively in-expensive item — with new pre-mium-grade bracketless blades(sometimes referred to as‘beam blades’) that are de-signed to provide a clean wind-shield even in the worstweather conditions.

Advanced wiperblade technology In 2005, Bosch introduced

ICON an ultra performance,bracketless wiper blade for thefront windshield. The ICONbracketless blade’s unique de-sign combines dual rubbertechnology, an exclusiveweather shield connector sys-tem and an integrated aerody-namic wind spoiler. Theenclosed steel tension springsprevent the steel brackets andjoints from being exposed pre-venting snow and ice build-upand resulting in a clean and

perfect wipe with no missedspots or streaks all year aroundin rain, sleet or snow. With modern windshields

becoming more curved due toemphasis on aerodynamics forthe sake of fuel efficiency, themost significant aspect ofbracketless technology is itseven distribution of pressurealong the entire length of theblade. The flow of air over thewind spoiler creates downforce, which applies exception-ally uniform pressure alongthe entire length of the dualrubber wiping element. Thishelps it to hug the windshieldmore uniformly, even in severewind or at high speed. Plus theexclusive fx dual-rubber com-pound reduces ‘chatter’ andmakes for a longer perform-ance life. The Bosch ICON of-fers up to 20 percent longer lifethan other premium wiperblades. According to Vasis, 35 per-

cent of new European vehiclesare currently equipped withbracketless blades and it is es-timated that 40 percent of newU.S. domestic vehicles will beequipped as well by 2010.Bracketless wiper blades arespecifically designed to im-prove driver visibility in snow,mist, drizzle and heavy rain,Vasis said. The ICON’s design is based

on Bosch’s highly advanced OE(original equipment) Aerotwinblade, which was introduced in1999 and is currently installedin over 33 million vehicles inoperation in Europe and NorthAmerica. Bosch ICON bracket-less blades bring the sameproven wiping performance tothe aftermarket. “Bosch ICON aftermarket

wiper blades represent an up-grade for most vehicles thatare currently equipped withconventional blades,” saidVasis. The correct fit for a vehi-cle is based on a combinationof the blade length and the cur-vature of the windshield.Bosch recommends consultingthe catalog on its Web site forthe exact part number for anyapplication.Recently, Bosch introduced

the new Evolution all seasonbracketless wiper blade basedon the latest patented bracket-less technology. Evolution rep-resents a new, more affordabletier in premium grade Bosch

wiper blade technology de-signed to provide excellentperformance and value.

Bracketless wipertechnology on therace trackICON’s ability to hold its own

across a wide range of drivingconditions and all-season ex-tremes, has prompted the com-pany’s involvement in GrandAm road racing with the BoschICON Challenge. As a result,Bosch’s bracketless ICONwiper blades are used in theRolex and KONI Challenge se-ries of Grand American RoadRacing throughout NorthAmerica. “Bosch ICON wiper blades

used in racing are exactly thesame ICON wiper blades that amotorist can install on his per-sonal vehicle,” said WolfgangHustedt, North American Mo-torsports Manager for Bosch.“At highway speeds or racespeeds, ICON provides thesame level of performance be-cause of the wind spoiler thatchannels the air to provide ad-ditional down force. In addi-tion, ICON maintains thisdegree of performance longerthan other blades because itsexclusive fx dual rubber tech-nology virtually eliminateschatter and provides extendedlife,” Hustedt said.

Bosch developedfirst electric wipersystem A pioneer and innovator in

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8 Grand Forks Herald/Friday, April 16, 2010

Take control of yourvehicle’s safety —check its suspensionCar Care News Service

Like your car’s brake sys-tem, the steering and sus-pension systems are key toyour car’s safety. Together,they largely determine yourcar’s ride and handling. TheCar Care Council recom-mends having your vehicle’ssteering and suspension sys-tems checked regularly, atleast once a year and usuallywith a wheel alignment. “Over time, steering and

suspension componentswear out and require re-placement. The suspensionsystem maintains the rela-tionship between the wheelsand the frame or unibody,and interacts with the steer-ing system to provide vehiclecontrol,” said Rich White,executive director, Car CareCouncil. “Regular checks arecritical to the safety of yourcar.” Symptoms of steering and

suspension wear:� Pulling.�Uneven tire wear. �Noise and vibration

while cornering. � Loss of control. Several factors that affect

steering and suspensionwear include driving habits,operating conditions, vehicletype and the frequency ofregular maintenance such aschassis lubrication andwheel alignment. Questions to ask a techni-

cian: � Is there anything I can

do to help the steering andsuspension systems on mycar last longer?�How does the work

being performed eliminatethe symptoms my car exhib-ited or my complaint?�Are there any related

services my car needs whilethis service is being per-formed?

Windshield wipers — a driver’sfirst line of defense in bad weather

WIPERS: See Page 9

Page 9: Grand Forks Herald - Car Care - Spring 2010

Car Care News Service

As the weather begins towarm up for most of the coun-try, drivers begin thinking ofspring and the services neededto maintain their vehicles nowthat winter has passed. Unfor-tunately, it’s during this time ofyear, that automotive myths areoften unintentionally perpetu-ated.Knowing which stories are

myths and which ones are factcan be difficult. Because ofthat, NAPA’s 2009 Technician ofthe Year, Jack Gregory, is dis-pelling some common myths tokeep everyone’s vehicle run-ning smoothly in 2010.

Myth: Filling your coolingsystem with all water and no

anti-freeze will save you moneywhile not harming your vehi-cle.

Fact: The vehicle’s coolingsystem requires a mixture ofhalf water, half anti-freeze.“Too much anti-freeze causesthe vehicle to run on higherthan optimal temperatures,”cautions Gregory. “Too muchwater can cause lower operat-ing temperatures and possiblefreezing.”

Myth: Driving at 56 mph willgive you the best fuel economy.

Fact: Although most vehiclemanufacturers base their prod-uct’s gas mileage at 56 mph,driving at that speed doesn’tguarantee the best gas mileage.Keeping a consistent speed,whether it’s 25 mph or 65 mph,

will ensure the best fuel econ-omy.

Myth: Over inflating tireshelps with gas mileage.

Fact: Over inflated tirescause wear in the middle of thetire. Under inflated tirescauses wear on the outside ofthe tire. “Drivers should in-flate tires to the recommendedlevel to maintain maximumfuel economy and improve thelife of the tires,” says Gregory.

Myth: Driving closely behindan 18-wheeler will protect youfrom headwinds and allowyour car to use less gas.

Fact: Driving closely behindan 18-wheeler doesn’t helpwith gas mileage, is dangerousand can be illegal. A suddenstop from the 18-wheeler could

force a driver to slam on thebrakes or even worse, cause anaccident.

Myth: A vehicle can run along way on empty.

Fact: Once a gas gaugereaches empty, about two gal-lons of gasoline remain in thevehicle’s tank. It’s always bestto not test your vehicle’s limits,especially with colder weathereffecting most of the country.“Vehicle owners should talk

with their regular automotivetechnician about informationthey’ve heard from others be-fore acting on the info,” saysGregory. “A quick 10-minutestop at your regular service

shop will make sure you’re act-ing on correct guidance.”NAPA AutoCare Centers

offer a preventive maintenanceprogram that includes a com-plete inspection and regularmonitoring of vehicle systems.Additionally, all qualifyingservices and repairs are cov-ered by a 12-month/12,000-mile“Peace of Mind” Warranty,good at more than 12,000 NAPAAutoCare Centers nationwide.Consumers can learn moreabout these programs by con-tacting their local NAPA Auto-Care Center or by visitingwww.NAPAAutoCare.com.

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has been a leader in wind-shield wiper systems for morethan 75 years. Bosch developedthe first electric windshieldwiper system in 1926, and hasbeen responsible for many newdevelopments in wiper tech-nology, including the first in-termittent windshield wiper in1971 and the two-componentwiper blade element in 1994.

Installation tips When installing Bosch ICON

wiper blades always make sureto refer to the applicationguide for the proper blade rec-ommendation. Two differentversions of each blade length

(17 inch, 22 inch, 28 inch) areavailable. While there is no difference

in length, there is a significantdifference in the preformed ra-dius that is built into the ten-sion springs of the blade toproperly work with the curva-ture of the windshield. To en-sure this level of performance,Bosch tests each vehicle forwhich it makes an ICON recom-mendation. Both front and rear wipers

are equally important serviceitems that need to be checkedand changed periodically. Forbest results, Bosch recom-mends replacing them everyspring and fall. Additionally,wipers work in concert withthe washer fluid to help keepthe windshield – front andrear – clean while driving.

Some cars have two reservoirs,one located in front under thehood and one located in theback for the rear windshieldwasher. Check the owner’smanual to find the locations ofthe reservoirs and keep themfull, especially during the win-ter months. Today, Bosch operates the

world’s largest windshieldwiper factory in Tienen, Bel-gium. This facility produces350,000 windshield wipersevery day, and manufactures700 different types of blades. In1999, Bosch introduced theAerotwin “bracketless” bladefor OE applications. For more information on

Bosch automotive aftermarketproducts visit www.boschau-toparts.com.

Continued from Page 8WIPERS/

Grand Forks Herald/Friday, April 16, 2010 9

Dispelling the myths � NAPA auto parts identifies commonmyths and provides the facts

Page 10: Grand Forks Herald - Car Care - Spring 2010

Care Care News Service

Losing a belt today can meanbig trouble for the engine be-cause serpentine belts areused on most engines to turnthe water pump, alternator,power steering and air-condi-tioning compressor. If a beltsnaps, everything is lost andyou may be stranded. Oldercars use individual V-belts forthese various accessories. Ablown hose could result in anoverheated engine and cancause additional engine dam-age. “It’s not easy to know the

true condition of a belt hose byits outward appearance, be-cause most belts and hoses failfrom the inside out,” said RichWhite, executive director, CarCare Council. “The Car CareCouncil urges replacing belts,radiator and heater hoses atspecific recommended inter-vals to prevent your car frombreaking down.” Rubber hoses can become

hard and brittle, deterioratingwith age and exposure to heat,causing the hose to split, blis-ter or leak. Belts also breakdown with heat, mileage andage. Every time a belt passesaround a pulley, it bends. Flex-ing produces heat that causesthe rubber to harden overtime. In addition, if the belt isloose or slips, the wear processcan be accelerated. Typical service for belts and

hoses: �Hoses should be checked

at each oil change for age hard-ening (or softening) by pinch-

ing. Any hose that feels rockhard or mushy is due for re-placement. Leaking, visiblecracks, blistering or any othervisible damage on the outsideof the hose would also indicatea need for replacement.� The clamps should be re-

placed when new hoses are in-stalled.�V-belts should be replaced

every three to four years or40,000 to 50,000 miles.�V-belts and serpentine

belts should be checked forlooseness.�Replace the timing belt be-

tween 60,000 and 90,000 milesor based on the interval speci-fied in the owner’s manual. Ac-cording to a recent survey,

nearly one-third of all cars andlight trucks have belts or hosesthat should probably be re-placed. Proper maintenance ofyour vehicle’s belts and hosesis an easy way to protect yourcar’s reliability and preventmore costly repairs down theline. The Car Care Council is the

source of information for the“Be Car Care Aware” con-sumer education campaignpromoting the benefits of regu-lar vehicle care, maintenanceand repair to consumers. Formore information or to receivea copy of the council’s new CarCare Guide for motorists, visitwww.carcare.org.

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10 Grand Forks Herald/Friday, April 16, 2010

�� Rubber hoses can become hard and brittle, deteriorating withage and exposure to heat, causing the hose to split, blister or leak.Belts also break down with heat, mileage and age.

Replace your vehicle’sbelts, hoses regularly

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80 percent ofvehicles need serviceCar Care News Service

Results of vehicle check-upevents at community car careevents across the country inApril and October 2008 re-vealed that 80 percent of vehi-cles need service or parts, theCar Care Council reportedtoday. The unsatisfactory con-dition of vehicles also rein-forces the continued need forconsumer education about thebenefits of regular vehiclecare, maintenance and repair. An analysis of vehicle in-

spection forms, submitted fromevent coordinators in severalstates, shows that 80 percent ofthe vehicles checked duringNational Car Care Month inApril and Fall Car Care Monthin October needed parts re-placement, service or fluids.For example, nearly one out ofevery 10 vehicles had the checkengine light on. The top prob-lem areas were motor oil,windshield wipers, air filters,belts and hoses and lights. “Vehicle check-up events are

typically the focus of commu-nity car care events sponsoredby repair shops, parts stores ordistributors in cooperationwith local vocational schools,media, civic groups and oth-ers,” said Rich White, execu-tive director, Car Care Council.“While these events are free toconsumers and serve as com-munity-relations builders,most aftermarket businesses

who participate experience anincrease in sales and cus-tomers as a result.” When checking lubricants

and fluids, the three top failurerates were: low, overfull ordirty motor oil at 32 percent;inadequate washer fluid levelsat 23 percent, and low, leaky ordirty coolant at 23 percent;Transmission, brake, powersteering and clutch fluids werealso checked and had failurerates of 17 percent and below. Approximately 15 percent of

vehicles had front windshieldwiper failures and 10 percentneeded service to rear wipers. At least one belt was re-

ported as unsatisfactory in 18percent of the vehicles in-spected, and 7 percent re-quired at least one new hose.New air filters were needed in18 percent of the vehicles,while 7 percent needed newPVC filters. The check enginelight was on in 9 percent of thevehicles. Battery cables, clamps and

terminals needed maintenancein 10 percent of the vehicles in-spected, while 9 percent of thebatteries were not properlyheld down. Eleven percent hadeither a green, dark orclear/yellow charge indicatorlight. Improperly inflated tireswere found on 15 percent ofthe cars and 12 percent hadworn tread and were in need ofreplacement.

Page 11: Grand Forks Herald - Car Care - Spring 2010

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When brakes talk,drivers should listenCar Care News Service

When it comes to drivingsafely, it’s easy to take your ve-hicle’s ability to stop forgranted – until you reallyneed it. According to brake expert

Akebono, your brakes often re-veal possible serious situationswhen they make noise, pull,judder – another term for vi-brate – or feel soft. Address-ing these symptoms promptlyenhances your safety and maysave time and money in thelong run. Squealing noises soon after a

brake job may indicate there isa problem. You should returnto the shop where the work wasdone as soon as possible, tohave the brakes checked out bya technician. Installing pre-mium brake pads, calipers androtors may cost a bit more upfront, but often provides noise-and vibration-free operationand longer pad life. In some instances, however,

brake squealing simply indi-cates the pads are worn downand those squeaking wear indi-

cators are doing their job. The abrasive nature of many

traditional brake pads againstthe rotor may also causesquealing. Low quality rotorscould be the noise culprit, aswell. Neither of these situa-tions is ideal, but the resultingnoise is more annoying thananything else. Groaning noises also can be

caused by low quality or abra-sive brake pads. Squealing andgroaning can both be mini-mized by installing premiumbrake system components.Have your installer use thesame type of pad fitted as origi-nal equipment or an upgradepad. Ultra-premium ceramicpads, such as Akebono’sProACT brand, are now avail-able for virtually all domestic,Japanese and European mod-els. When your brakes are ap-

plied and the vehicle pulls toone side, low tire pressure maybe at fault. But, it can alsomean a brake caliper is stick-ing, leaking or not sliding prop-erly due to corrosion. This can

lead to uneven brake pad androtor wear, reducing the life ofthe pads and causing steeringwheel judder or vibration. The rotor may be able to be

machined smooth, but this isnot a long-term fix. A corrodedcaliper or rotor may need to bereplaced. A trained techniciancan assess the situation and fixit right the first time. When air or water gets into

the brake system, you may ex-perience a soft-pedal feel. Im-proper bleeding and generalcorrosion are typically the cul-prits. Air in the system forcesyou to push harder on thebrake pedal than normal tostop. Water can adversely af-fect caliper performance bycausing brake fluid to boil pre-maturely. This can result in asignificant loss of stoppingpower. It is best to have thebrake fluid changed as recom-mended. Motorists can learn a lot by

paying attention to what theirbrakes have to say. It can be akey to being both safe on theroad – and with their money.

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Every otherSaturday.

Tips on ways to save atthe pump from NASCARCar Care News Service

Drive-offs at the pump are becoming more and more of a prob-lem these days for gas stations everywhere. High gas prices will do that to a person; surely you can sympa-

thize … Perhaps Sunoco could hook up a discount for avid NASCAR

fans? Until then, and before you go breaking any laws, stop and do

your research on how to be more fuel efficient and get better gasmileage. We called on a professional NASCAR catch-can man for help. Of course, during a race, NASCAR drivers fly through an abun-

dance of fuel because cars can average 190 mph.“We may go 200 mph on the track, but I always keep it under 70

mph on the highway.” As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive

over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas. Here are more tips to keep in mind to save you money at the

pump: �Make sure your tires stay rotated and balanced; it will make

the ride smoother resulting in better gas mileage. �Keep your tires properly inflated and you could improve gas

mileage by more than $1.50 every time you fill your tank. The rec-ommended tire pressure for your vehicle is located on a stickerinside your driver-side door or noted in your owner’s manual. � Service your vehicle often and stay on top of regular oil

changes � Follow the recommend octane level for your vehicle �Drive your vehicle efficiently and lose the lead foot; aggres-

sive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastesgas. �Use cruise control � Choose a more fuel-efficient vehicle. The difference between

a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $663per year.

Page 12: Grand Forks Herald - Car Care - Spring 2010

Car Care News Service

Properly balancedwheels have long been rec-ognized to help provide im-proved ride quality, bettergas mileage and reducedtire wear, making wheelbalancing an importantpart of car care and mainte-nance. For decades wheel

weights have largely con-sisted of chunks of leadclamped to the wheel rim.Lead has traditionally beenused to make wheel weightsbecause it is cheap andheavy, allowing the use ofrelatively small weights tobalance wheels. However,the highly toxic metal cancause brain damage andother nervous-system disor-ders in people. Each year an estimated

70,000 tons of lead are usedglobally to manufacturewheel weights. (Source:Lead Free Wheels, a proj-ect of the Ecology Center)Banned by the EuropeanUnion in 2005, lead weightsare being phased out in

Japan and South Korea,and will be phased out inCalifornia during 2009, withmore states to follow. Zincwheel weights also arebeing scrutinized, and aban on these weights has

been proposed in Washing-ton State.

An effectivealternative 3M, a producer of lead-

free wheel weights and one

of the first manufacturersof composite-based weights,offers a system that is spe-cially designed to have lessimpact on the environmentthan lead wheel weights. Itis also corrosion resistantso it doesn’t leave rust andstains on the wheel. The material is flexible

and can be custom cut tothe exact weight requiredfor precision-balancedwheels, which can help im-prove gas mileage and pro-vide a smoother ride. Theweights are attached withproven 3M™ AutomotiveAttachment Tape that hasbeen used in the automo-tive industry for decades,building confidence thatthe weights will stay put forthe long haul. Next time you bring your

vehicle in for wheel balanc-ing, ask for the latest inno-vation from 3M and keepyour wheels balanced thelead-free way. For more information,

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12 Grand Forks Herald/Friday, April 16, 2010

�� Properly balanced wheels have long been recognized tohelp provide improved ride quality, better gas mileage andreduced tire wear, making wheel balancing an importantpart of car care and maintenance.

Balancing wheels and peace of mind Avoiding astalled vehicleCarcare.org

The stalled car syndrome, more notice-able on our roadways than in our drive-ways, has been with us for generations.But it becomes more critical with in-creased population. Beyond missed ap-pointments or being late for work it alsoresults in the condition known as roadrage. Not only can a disabled vehicle havean annoying “ripple effect” that goes be-yond the immediate scene, it can be disas-trous for the driver who is left vulnerableto roadside crime or to the elements.“Don’t blame your car,” says Rich

White, a Car Care Council spokesperson.“It can’t drive itself to the shop and askfor an oil change or new spark plugs.Considering how dependent we are on

our cars, it’s surprising how we take themfor granted. An old battery or badly worntire has its way of forewarning us that it’sgoing to let us down, but we tend to waitfor the inevitable.“Nearly eighty percent of the thousands

of vehicles driven through our checklanes during National Car Care Month failinspection. Most discrepancies are due toowner neglect and can be corrected at lit-tle or no cost.”