The Mail-Journal, Volume 13, Number 14, Milford, Kosciusko County, 28 April 1976 — Page 23

Do-it-yourself gassers should have maintenance know-how too

“The Lord helps him who helps himself.” If the above seems to be the 4 motto of a greater number of gasoline retailing outlets, then the facts of life are becoming more apparent. There is a growing trend toward s3?lf-serv-ice gas stations where the customer pumps his own Expensive fuel is a little cheaper to buy under the system. But the car owner who has counted on attendants to do simple maintenance jobs is out of luck. Car owners who habitually buy gas at self-serve outlets should make sure they know how to check vital “life signs” of their cars. Then they should check at least weekly. Doing this requires a little knowledge of where to look and what to look for. If in doubt, such information is contained in the car’s Owner’s Manual. For example, the proper level of oil in the crankcase is indispensable to

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proper engine operation. You should know where the dipstick is located in your engine. Then know how to “read” the stick to determine whether your car has sufficient and clean oil. What about the battery? Is the water level high enough to make sure it operates properly? Are the terminals clean and the cables sound? Check to make sure all radiator hoses are intact and that fan belts and other pulleys are not worn or frayed. Learn where to check on brakeandother fluid levels. DRIVERS / ARE SAFER While the current highway death rate of 4.5 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles is a grim statistic, it’s a vast improvement over the 1930 figure. In that year, the rate was 16.5 deaths per 100 million miles.

New products available to ease job of keeping your car clean

If the grease and grime created by the do-it-your-selfers at your house has you working overtime in the laundry room, the following information may help. Go to your local automotive supply store or the parts jobber frequented by automobile mechanics, and buy some mechanics’ hand cleaner. Not the old fashioned abrasive stuff of years gone by, the kind that took the skin away with the dirt . . but the new kind of creamy product that w’on't hurt sensitive skin and really does an excellent cleaning job. Most can be used with or without water. They are treated with lanolin (or similar products), and even have an antiseptic agent built into the formula to help heal the minor nicks and scratches that are part and parcel of most Saturday afternoon projects.

Most manufacturers supply dispensers to hold the hand cleaner container so that you can dispense the cleaner efficiently and economically. Their low cost permits installation of one in the garage and one in the basement .workshop for real convenience. You will also find the auto store a revelation in terms of household helps that you don’t see advertised on TV. There are bags of easy-to-use floor cleaner that eat up garage floor grease fast and save you the job of cleaning up the grime that used to be tracked into your house. There are adhesives, super lubricants, squeak stoppers, rust and stain removers, sealers, degreasers that you spray or brush on and hose off with water ... to mention just a few. Some of these products you may find in your hardware store, but many are

strictly auto supply store fare, because they are the professional materials used by professional mechanics ... but many have application in and around the house. Check in your telephone book under Automobile Parts and Supplies for the auto supply stores near you. Your pantry shelves may soon be stocked with a variety of auto products right along with your favorite detergents. And pretty soon you’ll wonder how you ever got along without them. AVOID TAILGATING. This is dangerous because it leaves insufficient room between your car and the one ahead of you and may require jamming on your brakes to avoid a collision. Aside from taking an additional toll on your fuel, this causes excessive tire wear.