PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 7

Part I Technically Speaking

In This Part Learning where the rubber hits the road (tires) Finding out what makes a battery tick Discovering the mysteries behind fluids and lubricants Uncovering the truth about vehicle visibility

nderstanding the technical aspects of your motor vehicle Uis the first step to safety on the road. In this part, you get the tips you need to learn what makes your vehicle tick. Tires Tire maintenance Tires are key to vehicle performance. Tires not only contribute to drive quality and noise level, but also have a significant impact on steering, braking, traction, and fuel consumption. Always keep tires properly inflated as per the manufacturer’s instructions; cold weather causes the air in your tires to contract, making your tire pressure decrease one pound for every 5°C that the temperature drops. Underinflating tires will not increase traction.

There is only one way to properly repair a tire, which is to use a plug and patch combination. Proper tire repairs are completed from the inside of the tire out, requiring the tire to be removed from the rim. Plug repairs done from the outside of the tire are not recommended and could be considered very dangerous. PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 8

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Damage to the sidewall cannot be repaired. Should you encounter such damage, you’ll need a new tire.

Regular tire rotations extend the life and performance of your tires and are recommended every 10,000 kilometres or twice a year. Types of tires All-season As the name implies, all season tires were designed to perform well under most conditions throughout every season. Each brand of all-season tires is different in appearance, but in general are a compromise between the aggressive tread of a mud and snow tire, and the smooth tread of a highway touring tire. These tires will provide a smooth, quiet ride and save you time and money since you won’t have to change them every season. They perform well but are not the best under extreme driving conditions.

High-performance Primarily found on high performance cars, these types of tires are noticeable at times by their low profile, but often only by the speed rating stamped on the side of the tire. They are rated for the speed at which they can consistently be driven safely. If your car came equipped with a high speed rated tire or you drive at sustained high speeds, you require tires equal to the task. Safety is the main advantage, while added cost is the disadvantage.

Winter/Ice Tires Winter/Ice tires have seen a resurgence in popularity recently due to improvements in design. They are superior in traction to all season tires in ice and snow. If you’re driving conditions involve heavy snow, the aggressive tread of winter tires will help pull you through. If ice is a factor, ice tread compounds are designed to grip the road like tiny suction cups or sandpaper, depending on the design. Improved stopping distances and traction are the biggest advantages for using these tires, while seasonal tire changes and reduced wear characteristics are a down side. PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 9

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Rain Tires Rain tires are tires that have a tread pattern designed to funnel water away from the face of the tire preventing hydroplaning during heavy rain. For people who experience these driving conditions consistently, the design of these tires helps keep them on the road. The disadvantages to using these tires are increased cost and some compromise in feel on when driving on dry pavement.

Since all tires have some variation in design and application, always discuss your driving needs with your service provider to get the best tire for your needs. Tread depth Generally, we recommend replacing your tires when the tread depth is 5/32nds of an inch or less. As a guide for tire replacement, some tires contain “wear bars.” Wear bars are located in the 2 grooves of the tire tread, and show up when only /32 nds of an inch of tread is remaining. At this stage, your tires must be replaced. Tires worn beyond this stage are extremely dangerous.

Tires should be inspected and the tread depth should be measured every time you take your vehicle in for service. Batteries A battery is formed when two chemically different plates, one positive and one negative, are divided by a separator and placed in a solution called electrolyte. The positive plate is

made of lead that is coated with a lead dioxide paste (PbO2), and the negative plate is lead that is coated with a sponge lead paste (Pb). The electrolyte is a mixture of water and sulphuric acid.

Several positive and negative plates, divided by separators, are grouped together and placed into a single cell of the battery. When electrolyte is added, the resulting chemical reaction will always create voltage. A typical automotive battery is approximately 2.1 volts per cell. Therefore, a typical 12-volt battery will contain six individual interconnected cells, with each cell containing a stack of alternating positive and negative plates divided by separators and filled with electrolyte. PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 10

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There are two types of lead-acid batteries: accessible and non-accessible, maintenance-free. The accessible type has removable vent caps, so electrolyte levels can be checked and water can be added if necessary. The maintenance-free type has sealed or no vent caps, so you can’t check electrolyte levels or add water.

Nowadays, most vehicles use the non-accessible, maintenance- free batteries.

Always wear safety glasses when working on or near batteries. So why did my battery die? Ask yourself which is worse for your vehicle’s battery, hot or cold weather. Believe it or not, it’s the summer heat that kills batteries, not winter cold. Heat speeds up any chemical reaction, and so extremely high temperatures cause a battery to age more quickly. In addition, under-hood operating temperatures are on the rise as engine manufacturers continue to push more and more power out of smaller engine sizes. Add this to stop-and-go traffic on superheated pavement and the electrical draw from air conditioning, and it’s not surprising a battery’s health will be affected.

Often, damage done over the summer months doesn’t become apparent until the first cold snap, when more power is required to turn over the engine—leaving unsuspecting motorists stranded in the cold. That’s why it’s important to have your battery tested as part of your pre-winter tune-up.

Before you decide to buy a new battery, have the battery charged and tested to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s minimum cold cranking amps (CCA; the number of amps provided to start your vehicle at –18°C). PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 11

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Battery Charging Guide 6 Volt and 12 Volt Batteries Recommended rate and time for fully discharged condition (“flat discharged”) Rated Battery *Slow Charge Fast Charge Capacity (Reserve Minutes) 80 minutes or less 15 hours @ 3 amperes 2.5 hours @ 20 amperes 1.5 hours @ 30 amperes Above 80 21 hours @ 4 amperes 3.75 hours @ 20 amperes to 125 minutes** 1.5 hours @ 50 amperes Above 125 22 hours @ 5 amperes 5 hours @ 20 amperes to 170 minutes 2 hours @ 50 amperes Above 170 23 hours @ 6 amperes 7.5 hours @ 20 amperes to 250 minutes 3 hours @ 50 amperes Above 250 minutes 24 hours @ 10 amperes 6 hours @ 40 amperes 4 hours @ 60 amperes *Recommended over Fast Charge (With high rate/fast chargers, battery overheating and gassing is likely if the charger is left unattended too long.) **Most automotive passenger/light truck starting batteries have a reserve capacity in the 80-125 minute range.

Never attempt to charge a frozen battery! To avoid an explosion, allow the battery to warm to 15.5°C before placing it on a charge. Lubricants & Fluids Lubricants and fluids are key to your vehicle’s performance. Take a look below and read about the different lubricants and fluids that are found in your vehicle and learn what they do and how they do it. PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 12

12 Vehicle Maintenance For Dummies Oils Engine oil The lifeblood of your engine, engine oil consists of various- weight mineral or synthetic oils combined with additives for engine protection. Oils may come in single or multi grades and meet various performance standards.

Engine oil lubricates, cleans, and cools critical parts of the engine. Its job is primarily to stop all the metal surfaces in your engine from grinding together and tearing themselves apart. It also has to dissipate the heat generated from this friction and transfer the heat away from the combustion cycle. A good engine oil must be able to hold in suspension the dirty by-products of fuel combustion while cleaning the engine. All of these things must be done under tremendous heat and pressure, without succumbing to engine fatigue.

Change the engine oil regularly to extend your engine’s life, and always change the oil filter when you’re changing the oil.

Driveline oil Commonly known as gear oil, this oil is typically used in manual transmissions and axles. Its characteristics are different from those of engine oil, as it is thicker and carries a heavier grade. The oil coats the moving parts and is designed to adhere to the gears in the transmission. Driveline oil has a longer life than engine oil and does not need to be changed as often, but should still be changed on a regular basis. Fluids Transmission fluid Automatic transmission fluid is specially formulated oil containing numerous additives to withstand gruelling operating conditions. There are several different types of automatic transmission fluids, in several different colours. Transmission fluids should be used according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 13

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Do not mix different types of transmission fluid. Automatic transmission fluid serves a multitude of purposes. It cleans, cools, lubricates, transmits force, transmits pressure, inhibits varnish buildup, and protects the transmission on a day-to- day basis.

Brake fluid Brake fluid is a specially formulated liquid used in the brake hydraulic system.

Since liquids can’t be compressed, brake fluid transmits force to various parts of the braking system when you step on the brake pedal. Brake fluid must have a high boiling point, because of the heat generated during braking, and must not freeze during cold temperatures.

Over time brake fluid will become contaminated and will develop a high water content through condensation. Brake fluid should be replaced based on your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Power steering fluid Power steering fluid is a specially formulated oil for use in power steering systems.

The fluid lubricates and transmits the pressure needed for power-assisted steering. It also provides lubrication to the steering components, such as the steering rack and the power steering pump.

Windshield washer fluid Windshield washer fluid (or solvent, as it’s sometimes called) usually has a methanol base that gives the fluid its anti-freezing properties. Some fluids use isopropyl alcohol as the antifreeze agent. Windshield washer fluid is used for on-road, on-demand cleaning of the windshield through the electrically operated washers. Some vehicles also use a washer system for the rear window, and even the headlights.

Different seasons require different types of fluid. Most fluid manufacturers sell seasonally formulated washer fluid, easily identified by the different colours. Ask your service provider for the right fluid for your vehicle. PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 14

14 Vehicle Maintenance For Dummies Coolant Engine coolant is a chemically stable solution that provides effective engine heat transfer, freeze point depression, and lubricity. It also prevents cooling system metal corrosion and elevates the boiling point.

Engine coolant ingredients Base fluid—ethylene glycol and water or propylene glycol and water. Corrosion inhibitors—protects copper, solder, brass, steel, cast iron, and aluminum. High quality water—hard water can lead to instability in traditional formulations. Use soft or deionized water. Antifoam agents. Dye—green for traditional formulations, orange for organic acid based technology, and yellow for hybrid technology. Scale inhibitors—to prevent formation for hard water mineral scale inside the coolant system.

Engine coolant can come in a variety of colours, such as yellow, green, orange, blue, and red. The decision of colour is made by the manufacturer and does not necessarily effect the formula of the coolant. Consult your service provider should you need clarification regarding colour and formulas.

Why change engine coolant? Inhibitor depletion or loss of alkalinity. Removal of corrosive contaminants (ie. chloride and sulfate). Removal of excess solids due to poor water quality, corrosion metals, and Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCAs). To prevent damage to engine and cooling system components. Change interval—traditional formulations and extended life formulations. PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 15

Part I: Technically Speaking 15 Gasoline Gasoline is a complex mixture of hydrocarbon-based components and additives that are specifically formulated for different climates and conditions. The properties of any given blend of gasoline must deliver good engine performance under a wide range of operating demands. Gasoline quality guidelines are considered the minimum standard for a gaso- line to be offered on the market. Companies often go beyond the guidelines to provide more unique formulations to meet motorists’ specific needs.

Quite simply, gasoline provides the heat energy necessary to power the engine in most vehicles. Gasoline also contains various additives that may prevent deposits on fuel injectors and intake valves, guard against corrosion in the fuel system, and prevent icing of fuel lines.

What is octane? A gasoline’s octane number is a measure of its ability to resist knocking as it burns in the combustion chamber of an engine. A spark from the spark plug starts normal combustion. The flame travels across the combustion chamber rapidly and smoothly until all the fuel is consumed. Abnormal combustion occurs when part of the fuel/air mixture ignites spontaneously and burns very rapidly, causing the pressure to rise suddenly. This results in a metallic knocking or pinging sound. A gasoline’s ability to resist knocking is called its anti-knock quality. The octane number of a gasoline indicates the anti-knock quality of the fuel. A gasoline’s octane number is determined by comparing its resistance to knocking to the performance of reference fuels in a test engine.

Seasonally adjusted fuel Gas used in the winter months should be specially formulated and contain the following capabilities and components:

Evaporate more readily than summer gasoline for improved cold weather start-ups. Contain a de-icer—minimizes potential problems due to the possible presence of condensation in fuel tanks and lines during cold weather. PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 16

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Contain anti-corrosion additives—protects metal parts of fuels system and engines from rusting or corrosion due to the possible presence of water from condensation. Contain Tactrol—keeps fuel system components clean. Visibility Where would we be without proper vehicle visibility? Nowhere! It’s amazing how so many of us take for granted the importance of windshield wipers, lights, and windshield safety when we’re caring for our vehicles. Windshield wipers All vehicles use a windshield wiper system, whereby an electric motor connected to a wiper transmission moves a pair of wiper arms and blades. Some SUVs, station wagons, and multi-purpose vehicles also have a similar system for the rear window, using a single wiper arm and blade. Some luxury vehicles use a pair of miniature wipers for the headlights. The wiper control switch has several modes to change wiper speed, and in many cases to turn the wipers on intermittently. The windshield washers can also be considered part of the wiper system.

Wipers, whether located on the windshield, rear window, or headlights, are used to clear rain, sleet, snow, and dirt. The wiper system also works together with the windshield washers to clean the windshield while the vehicle is in motion.

Windshield wiper blades should be replaced twice a year, usually in the spring and fall, or according to manufacturer recommendations, to ensure proper visibility and to prevent damaging the windshield. A chipped windshield will damage the rubber of the wiper blades more quickly.

Windshield washer fluid freezes on your windshield, and windshield wipers only move dirt around. What can you do? Start by choosing good windshield wiper blades. We often forget about the blades—but they’re not expensive at all. PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 17

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It could cost you a lot of money at the body shop, however! Driving instructors say that the best defense for avoiding collisions is being able to see the road and the traffic around you clearly. Having a clean windshield is a good place to start.

Just like there’s windshield washer fluid for different seasons, there are also blades for different seasons, as well as higher performance blades.

Winter blades are generally well protected against ice and snow accumulation, so that the rubber of the blade conforms to the shape of the window. The rubber used also withstands the cold better.

But living in a temperate climate is no guarantee against deterioration and even the sun’s rays can wear out the rubber and make it crack in a relatively short period of time.

Common Problems Cracked or split rubber—generally caused by ultraviolet rays or removing ice too hastily. Worn, crumpled, or discoloured rubber—generally caused by chemical products that break down salts. Torn rubber—can occur when the rubber blade slides along the arm of the wiper and it slides or slaps against the windshield. Chattering or noise during use—generally caused by blades that have become misshapen from lack of use or prolonged exposure to the sun, the blades become permanently misshapen instead of making proper contact with the windshield. Worn rubber—the edges of old blades are rounded or ragged and no longer clean properly. Streaks on the windshield—possibly caused by tree resin or road tar on the blades, cracked and hardened rubber, or snow or ice on the blades. PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 18

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Improving windshield wiper performance First, clear off your windshield well. Do not try to see through a little peep hole. Carefully remove ice from the blade and ensure that the blade can move freely.

Also remove all snow from the hood of the car. If you don’t, it could obstruct your view once you get moving. It is difficult to melt the snow on your windshield until the car warms up. It will cover the windshield in a thin dirty layer. The same goes for the roof of the car or van—the snow will fall on the back window damaging the back windshield wiper, if you have one.

Have you ever experienced driving away with excellent visibility, and then suddenly your windshield fogs up? This is what happens when snow gets into the defrost. Make your life easier by clearing the air intake on the hood. Lights Today’s headlight optics are more powerful thanks to new gases, like xenon, that are less dazzling because the light beam is better oriented. Nevertheless, they still require regular maintenance.

It is just as important to see well as to be seen well. With improved luminous efficiency in all conditions, headlights — whether high beams or low beams — light up the road uniformly and efficiently without blinding oncoming drivers.

Remember that in some jurisdictions motorists are legally required to keep a spare bulb in their vehicles. Windshield safety In the early days of the automobile, the front-mounted piece of glass known as the windshield did little more than its name suggests. Today, the windshield is a critical and inherent safety component of your vehicle. The windshield is made of laminated safety glass, which is made by sandwiching a sheet of plastic between two or more layers of glass. Some wind- shields have a metallic film that quickly defrosts or de-ices the windshield in cold temperatures. PetroCan_Part1_pp7-20 6/15/04 8:57 AM Page 19

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Safety-glass construction greatly reduces the size and number of flying glass pieces during an accident, lessening the chance of injury to those inside the vehicle. The windshield also performs additional safety-related tasks:

Keeps occupants inside the vehicle during an accident. Serves as a deflection panel when the passenger-side airbag deploys. Provides structural support for the roof in the event of a rollover accident.