Proper maintenance key to car’s long life

New cars have been costly for quite some time, but those costs have spiked considerably since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That unprecedented rise has led many motorists to wonder how they can get more mileage out of their existing vehicles. Here are some basic tips to stretch your vehicle’s life expectancy:

• Take care of the timing belt. Engines may get all the glory, but they cannot run smoothly without a fully functional timing belt. Engines need various components to do their job, and those components must do so at the right time for the engine to run smoothly. Fully functional timing belts help to synchronize movements, but belts must be replaced every so often. Owner’s manuals may note when to replace the timing belt, but they generally must be replaced every 60,000 to 105,000 miles. That’s infrequent, but drivers can ask their mechanics to keep an eye on their timing belts. One issue many drivers encountered in the early months of the pandemic when people were driving less frequently was timing belts that were failing long before they reached the projected mile markers. That’s because infrequent driving can hasten the demise of the timing belt. This is something for aging drivers who no longer drive a lot to keep in mind.

• Take care of the brakes and associated components. The experts at Popular Mechanics urge drivers of older vehicles to replace their brake fluid every two years. Popular Mechanics also advises drivers whose cars are more than seven years old to replace the rubber brake lines when major brake work is required.

• Pay attention to oil levels. The older engines get, the more oil they’re going to burn. So drivers of older vehicles should check their oil levels more often than they would if their vehicles were brand new. This also is a great way to discover leaks before they lead to potentially significant issues.

• Don’t skip maintenance appointments. Even if you’re still driving less due to the pandemic, it’s best not to skip recommended maintenance intervals. That’s true for drivers of all cars, but especially those whose vehicles are aging. Routine tune-ups and oil changes, which may need to become more frequent the older the vehicle gets, can keep cars running smoothly and protect the engine over the long haul.

Insured Motorists Rights In Ontario

1. Do I Have the Right to Select the Shop That Will Repair My Vehicle?

Yes. By law, as the owner of the vehicle damaged in an accident, you have the right to choose the shop to repair your vehicle.

2. Do I Need More Than One Estimate?

No. Select your repair facility that you feel comfortable with, and then notify your agent or insurance company to make arrangements to inspect the damage.

3. Is the Work Guaranteed?

Most collision and repair shops guarantee their collision repairs. Come in and ask us about ours.

4. Qualified Collision and Refinish Centres.

Look for signs that indicate repair technician training and certification. Membership in professional trade and Better Business Bureau indicate that the shop is keeping up with the latest repair procedures.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company.

Before authorizing any repairs notify your insurance company or agent, and inform them where your vehicle has been inspected.

Please call to place your Classified Ad 289-235-9500

Obituaries

TAYLOR, Kathy (nee Grant) 1950-2023

Peacefully, at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Monday, March 13, 2023, at the age of 72. Beloved wife of the late David Taylor (1999). Loving mother of Megan Haan (Mike) and Mark Taylor (Sandra). Cherished grandma of Alison, Ava and Luke. Much loved sister of Gail Wilson and Sue Archibald (Gary), sisterin-law of Valerie Hamilton (Dave) and Janice Verardo (Dino) and aunt to many nephews/nieces. Predeceased by her mother, Doris Grant. Kathy worked for many years at John Deere in Grimsby where she made many lasting friends. Her wit, intelligence and generous spirit made her beloved by her many friends. Her laugh was a joy to hear and she was always the first to give a compliment. Her love of music, beautiful singing voice and uncanny ability to harmonize with anyone was a joyous part of her life until the end. Kathy loved to be surrounded by her family and friends, eating, drinking, laughing, talking and having fun. She felt fortunate that her children lived near her and that she was able to spend lots of time with them and her grandchildren. She was a dedicated walker and loved to take her dog on her 5km walks in all seasons.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to dear family friends, Lee Mayhew and Mandy Amos, for their unwavering love and support. Special thanks to all doctors, nurses and staff at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, especially, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Scott and nurse Marianne for their exceptional care and compassion.

As per Kathy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of her Life will be held at the Casablanca Hotel, 4 Windward Dr, Grimsby, on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. If desired, donations made in her memory to West Lincoln Memorial Hospital would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

www.smithsfh.com

BONES, Bruce William James

Bruce Bones of Grimsby/Crystal Beach, Ontario passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the age of 74. He laughed and loved with his wife, Dayle, of 41 years and their two amazing sons Mark Bones (Courtney) and Daniel Bones (Savannah). Bruce will also be missed by his daughters Kerry Bones (Paul) and Kristen Bones (Matt) and awesome grandchildren Lola, Callum, Casey, Kade and Ava. Brother of Rev. Susan Tate (Barry) and the late Brian Bones (Lynn). Bruce grew up in Scarborough with his Mom and Dad, Betty and Bill Bones and his siblings. He had fond memories of summers cottaging at Wonaka Wenning and great memories youth counseling in his teen years. Bruce loved the countless hours with family and being a stay at home Dad for 15+ years in Grimsby. Happy memories included family vacations to Mexico, coaching soccer in Grimsby, detailing his many vehicles and numerous walks with Bubba Bones. His humour, including many bad Dad jokes, will continue to be appreciated by family and friends. In late 2021, Bruce and Dayle moved to Crystal Beach to look forward to retirement, to enjoy their new friends and neighbours and became members of The Bay Beach Club. Unfortunately, that dream was cut way too short, as Bruce was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. Cremation has taken place. The family would warmly welcome one and all to a drop in Memorial Gathering between 1-5 p.m. at STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Saturday March 25, 2023. Memorial contributions to Niagara Health Foundation would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

www.smithsfh.com

GAS GUY

Residential. Licensed Gas Technician. HVAC, Plumbing, Handyman Installation, Service. Heating, Cooling, Gas Lines. Clogged Drains. Honest, Reasonably Priced. Free quotes. Call Blake 365-889-7838

Handyman Services

SPeCiAlized in CARPentRy - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring. Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485

RuBBiSH & Junk ReMOVAl. Call Ken 905-973-3235

McKENNA, Jacqueline “Jackie”

Passed away at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Monday, March 13, 2023, at the age of 84.

Predeceased by her loving husband Lawson “Ding” McKenna.

Cherished mother to Patricia (Doug), and Timothy. Dear grandmother of Samantha (Sebastian), Elizabeth, Ryan, and Nicole. Predeceased by her loving friend Ron Price. She was a special GG to Laura (Luke), McKenna, and Finley. Cremation has taken place. If desired, memorial contributions to The Lincoln County Humane Society would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755.

www.smithsfh.com

APT. FOR RENT

SuitABle FOR One, Quiet MAtuRe Adult Private Entrance to inside full stair to basement suite. 1000 sq ft, 1 BD, full bath, insuite laundry, full Kit with Fridge, stove, dishwasher. Heated Travertine stone tile floor, & hdwd with F/P. Built beyond code. All inclusive $1,650/mo, no pets, no smoking, landlord upstairs, East Grimsby. Diane, (905) 339-7078

Celebrate Recovery

StRuggling WitH HuRtS, HAng-uPS OR HABitS? “Celebrate Recovery (CR)”

12 step Christian Recovery for Healing, Help and Hope. ALL WELCOME! Wednesdays at 7 pm. Forestview Community Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby. For info. or help, CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca 905-945-9529

VEHICLES WANTED

CARS, tRuCkS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059