The Mail-Journal, Volume 6, Number 10, Milford, Kosciusko County, 9 April 1969 — Page 18

Warranties Put More Responsibility on Car Owners

While some controversy rages over new car warranty provisions for 1969 cars, there is one area in which there is agreement. The motorist will bear more responsibility for keeping his car in condition. Actually, even with the more liberal warranties of previous years, routine.yet important maintenance was always the responsibility of the new car owner. However, in many instances the owner lulled himself into believing the warranty was a pay-all in case of

DRIVING WITH DEDE Is This Any Way to Talk to a Lady?

By DeDe Benson Robert Frost said it. “There is something that doesn’t like a fence.” Now it’s my turn. There is something that doesn’t like a woman. And that’s an automobile mechanic. That’s at least if ha’s 6'l" in his old army boots, has uncertain blue eyes and goes by the name of Hank. Now, I guess I know as much about cars as the next League of Women Voters Foreign Policy Committee chairman. After all, it was I who spent three hours in the library looking up trade restrictions on automotive replacement parts. So, I’m not exactly a babe in the woods on the subject. But to talk to Hank, you’d think I was dumb. I say “Talk to Hank” advisedly. Every time I drive in, he mumbles something about test-driving a manifold and takes off in his car, leaving me standing there. You’d

1969 AMXcitenwnt! K Last year specially-equipped AMX’s nailed down 106 speed records. American, National, International — you name it This year? Suffice it to say the new AMX intends to continue its record-breaking ways (You’ll be reading about new records soon.) The performance, the looks, the whole car is flat-out, exciting. And AMXcitement is what we’ve got to sell this year—right across the board. Ambassador • Javelin Rebel • Rambler • AMX We've got it all going for you.

trouble. This is not the case. The major difference in 1969 new car warranties lies in the length of time most parts (excluding tires and tubes) are covered. New provisions call for 12-month or 12,000 mile coverage. In 1968, the warranty called for two-year or 24,000 miles. Still intact is the five-year or 50,000-mile protection on components generally referred to as the drive train. (Items like internal engine parts, transmission, rear axle and

think we were married, the way he carries on. My last non-communica-tion with Hank happened just last week. I was late for a hair dresser’s appointment, it was raining and my car wouldn’t start. Naturally, I was frantic. If you miss an appointment with Mr. Gino he demotes you from Friday afternoon to Monday morning. And do I have to tell you what kind of mood Mr. Gino is in on Monday morning? So, I called Hank. My tears must have moved him because he was out in five minutes. Hank was unusually talkative when he came. He actually said, “Hi.” He got me started and I made it to Mr. Gino’s with 27 seconds to spare. Which was fortunate since it meant I only had to wait 45 minutes before the maestro could take care of me. But wouldn’t you know

differential.) To protect their warranties, motorists must do the following: 1. Change engine oil and oil filter and clean the filler cap at periods specified by the manufacturer. (Typically, every six months or 6,000 miles.) 2. Clean the carburetor air filter and replace it at specified intervals. (Usually, six months or 6,000 miles for cleaning; 24 months or 24,000 miles for replacing an eightcylinder engine — 12 months

that as I tried to start my car again, nothing happened. Nothing, that is, except my hairdo began to disintegrate in the downpour. So, I called Hank again. This time he took a half hour to come and didn’t bother with a “Hi.” Instead he pushed my car into the station, popped up the hood and left me to peruse his ample supply of automotive magazines. You’d think they’d publish a few articles a gal could appreciate! Just as I was absorbed in a piece about “How to Sell More Upholstery Shampoo,” Hank aproached me. It was evident he was about to speak to me because his Adam’s apple was quivering. “When’s the last time you had your car tuned up,” he challenged. By his serious look, I thought I’d humor him. “The last time the piano tuner came through town,” I quipped.

AUTHORIZED SALES 8 /Trta SERVICE for / Dodge / Dodge Trucks / American Motors Rambler 1969 DODGE CHARGER R/T w Wawasee Motor Sales, Inc. wf Wawasee Village AUTHORIZED OOOGE DEALERS MOTORS CORPORATION

or 12,000 miles for six-cylin-der engines.) 3. Service the crankcase emission control system every six months or 6,000 miles and replacing the emission control valve every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Parts must be cleaned or replaced when needed. 4. Replace the engine coolant at recommended intervals. (Typically, every two years.) Other owner responsibilities for service are vital to good operation but no time periods

He managed to hide his amusement manfully as he didn’t even crack a smile. “Miss Benson,” he identified, “You’ve got a cracked distributor cap and your spark plugs are fouled. No wonder you couldn’t start.” I bit my tongue before I could blurt out an indignant that’s no way to talk to a

'Somebody’s been driving my car"

are specified. One such item is tune-up including replacing spark plugs, points and condenser. Common recommended tune-up procedure is every 10,000 miles. Other typical services that are the motorists’ responsibility, include the following: Wiper blades, brake servicing including linings, lubrication, aligning of lights and front wheels, wheel balancing and other car components which are subject to normal wear.

lady. Instead I told him to fix it, which he did. I really can’t be too mad at Hank. He even thanked me when I paid for two service calls and a complete tune-up. And he was polite enough not to mention that my Mr. Gino Special looked like a wet cocker spaniel. But one thing saved the day. I still have Friday afternoon’s at Mr. Gino’s. Reckless Driving Can Really Get You Down ... About Six Feet, Say