The CAMROSE BOOSTER, April 14, 2020 – Page 24
Replace worn parts By Murray Green
You may not see them, or know much about them, but engine belts are always working to keep your vehicle moving. Losing a belt can mean immediate trouble for the engine and a breakdown for you. To avoid being stranded, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists review the owner’s manual to ensure that belts are inspected and replaced at the proper intervals. A vehicle’s belts are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems of the engine. Serpentine belts are used to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor. Older cars use V-belts for various accessories. Always check serpentine and V-belts for looseness and their overall
condition. Replace V-belts when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Noise in the belt system is a sign of wear, and the smell of burnt rubber can indicate a slipping belt. When changing a serpentine belt, it is important to check all the components in the serpentine system as tensioners and pulleys wear at the same rate as the belt and should be inspected. Typical serpentine belt replacement is 96,000 to 145,000 kilometers. Typical V-belt replacement is 65,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Replace the timing belt per interval specified in the owner’s manual. Inspecting and replacing belts as specified in your owner’s manual will help you avoid the hassle and expense of a sudden breakdown.
Unemployment to surpass the Great Depression By Murray Green
About a quarter of Alberta’s population could be out of work when May hits. Unemployment will likely surpass 25 per cent because of the COVID-19 pandemic and could double that if it lingers into the fall. The worldwide Great Depression of the early 1930s was a social and economic shock that left millions of Canadians unemployed, hungry and often homeless. Few countries were affected as severely as Canada during what became known as the “Dirty Thirties”, due to Canada’s heavy dependence on raw material and farm exports, combined with a crippling prairies drought known as the Dust Bowl. Widespread losses of jobs and savings ultimately transformed the country by triggering the birth of social welfare, a variety of populist political movements and a more activist role for government in the economy. By 1930, 30 per cent of the labour force was out of work, and one fifth of the population became dependent on government assistance. Wages fell, as did prices. Gross National Expenditure had declined 42 per cent from the 1929 levels. In some areas, the decline was far worse.
In the rural areas of the prairies, two-thirds of the population were on relief. Further damage was the reduction of investment both large companies and individuals were unwilling and unable to invest in new ventures. In 1932, industrial production was only at 58 per cent of the 1929 level, the second lowest level in the world after the United States, and well behind nations such as Britain, which only saw it fall to 83 per cent of the 1929 level. Total national income fell to 55 per cent of the 1929 level, again worse than any nation other than the U.S. Urban unemployment nationwide was 19 per cent; Toronto’s rate was 17 per cent, according to the census of 1931. Farmers who stayed on their farms were not considered unemployed. By 1933, 30 per cent of the labour force was out of work and one-fifth of the population became dependent on government assistance. Wages fell as did prices. In some areas, such as mining and lumbering areas, the decline was far worse. Self-isolation and social distancing is the way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and hopefully avoid another Great Depression.
WE’RE OPEN TO HELP YOU. As motor-vehicle repair and supply chain maintenance providers have been deemed essential services, Fountain Tire locations across the country remain committed to staying open to look after your personal vehicle, as well as to service vehicles for other essential service providers. From frontline healthcare and emergency services, to vital shipping and delivery industries that serve businesses, Canadians will continue to need reliable transportation. Fountain Tire is committed to helping people get there safely, which means adjusting how we provide tire and vehicle service to our customers, reducing person-to-person contact, all while keeping vehicles safe on the road. With every service performed, Fountain Tire is committed to strictly adhering to the direction of the Canadian government regarding COVID-19 prevention, as well as the recommendations from the public health authorities of the provinces in which we operate. • Using disinfecting products to clean all interior and exterior touch points of every customer vehicle before work begins and, most importantly, after work is completed. • Actively adhering to Physical Distancing protocol by arranging our showrooms to ensure that in-store customers are able to feel safe, with more personal space. • Continuing increased cleaning protocol in all of our locations, in customer service areas, washrooms and in our work areas, using disinfecting products, with increased attention to high touch points. • Ensuring Fountain Tire associates stay home if they are showing any sign of fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Visit www.fountaintire.com for more details.
CAMROSE LOCATIONS: Downtown 4901-48 Street Phone 780-672-3357 East End 4720-36 Street Phone 780-672-5545 Request an appointment online at fountaintire.com ®™ Trademarks of AM Royalties Limited Partnership used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Goodyear Canada Inc. Fountain Tire is licensed by AMVIC in Alberta.
GROWING SEASON
Laurel Nadon, Camrose Booster Elizabeth, Derek and Dawson Nadon proudly show off their seedlings and flower plants. They planted pumpkins, three varieties of tomatoes, peppers, zucchinis and marigolds on March 23 as part of homeschooling during the pandemic. Snapdragons, lupins, pansies, coleus, echinacia, delphiniums and petunias were planted Jan. 13 and are now starting to flower.