The Mail-Journal, Volume 14, Number 38, Milford, Kosciusko County, 12 October 1977 — Page 20

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL-* Wed., October 12, 1977

Safety Council warns of 'H Bomb' danger in jumper cable starts

The atomic-powered car is in the works, according to some automotive designers. But some cars today carry their own hydrogen bombs, says the National Safety Council. More accurately the car’s battery, when carelessly used in jumper cable starts, can explode and cause potential damage to motorists and cars alike. Why do car batteries explode? Small quantities of hydrogen gas arc given off at the negative plate ol a battery even when the cells are not being charged. “It must be assumed," says the Battery Council International. “that explosive mixtures of hydrogen gas are present within the cells at all times ’’ More gas produced When a battery, is being charged, as it is in a sense when it .is connected to another battery by jumper cables, more hydrogen gas is produced As the amount of gas increases, so does the danger of explosion. A burning cigarette, a glowing pipe or even a spark from the jumper cables themselves is enough to ignite the hydrogen and cause an explosion. There is a safe way to jump a battery that will virtually eliminate the risk of explosion. Follow these steps 1 Turn off the ignition and all electrical accessories

Our Sincere Thanks .. . To All Who Took The Time To Make Our 1978 Chevrolet Showing Such A Success! Door Prize Winners - Presto Burger • R. A Brunjes Electric Fry Part — Robert Farber Liquefire Blender — Joe Hartsough Fry-All — Keith Whiteman in ,| i —— Wyant Chevrolet, Inc. 1001 S. Huntington - 457-3777

iiiiiib : iinii mow ■■B iima iiiuijgi. iH w 4 For Safety’s Sake, Let Us Check . .. • Bear Wheel Alignment And Balancing • Batteries • Complete Brake Service I Specialists In Auto I Electrical Service ’ • Starters • Generators • Alternators • Tune-Up Plugs v* Points Ignition , “We Use Champion Spark Plugs” 2, RUCH MOBILE phoducts SERVICE 658-4313

,11 jrdl WhereYou See WnTA 1 This Sign X a d. c n° 9 «’ N gg'x \ Tee ii car parts depot J | 457-4744 Wowosee Village Syracuse

in both cars (defroster, windshield wipers, lights, etc.). This lessens the chance of errant electrical sparks and also reduces the load on the booster battery and the amount of hydrogen it produces. Cars should not be touching as this could establish a ground connec--1 lion and counteract the benefits of the procedure. Better make sure 2. Make sure that both batteries are of the same voltage. Most batteries today are 12 volts, but some older or smaller cars still mas have 6 volt batteries. (Twelve volt batteries have six filler caps and vents — t six volt batteries have only three. > 3. Shift both cars into neutral or park and set the parking brake. 4. Remove the caps from both batteries and insure that the fluid level is at the full mark. Batteries low on water should be replenished. Do not attempt to jump-start a car with a frozen battery because the battery may rupture or explode 5 Place a piece of cloth over the uncapped vent holes of both batteries Ihe sudden surge of current when the battery is charged might cause the electrolyte to bubble and splash The material over the ven( holes will keep the acid from

splashing on you. How to do it 6. Attach one end of one jumper cable,to the booster battery’s positive terminal (identified by a red color, “ + “P”, or “pos” on the battery case, post or clamp). When making connections to battery posts, twist clamps back and forth on terminals to insure good metal-to-metal contacts. Attach the other end of the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged battery. 7. Attach one end of the second cable to the negative terminal (black color. “N", or “neg”) of the booster battery. Take care that the clamps do not touch the clamps of the other cable. 8. Connect the other end of the negative cable to the engine block, the generator, alternator or any other accessible i metallic part attached to the engine block that is not painted, chromeplatcd. heavily rusted or covered with grease. This last connection should be made as far from the dead battery as possible —- at least a foot — so that any sparking when the cable is connected or disconnected is away from the hydrogen gas produced by the battery’. Now engage the starter of the car that has the discharged battery. If it does not start immediately, start the engine of the other car to avoid excessive drain on booster battery. After the car with the discharged battery is running normally, remove the cable connection at the engine block first, then the other end of the same cable from the booster battery Remove the second cable by disconnecting at the booster battery first. Replace the caps and throw away cover cloths as they may be contaminated with corrosive acid.

Clean tapninals first If acicr should contact eyes, skin or clothing, flush immediately with large amounts of water. In case of eye contact, see a physician. Before jumping a battery, be sure terminals are clean. Corrosion can be removed with a solution of baking soda in water, but be sure to cover the caps so that the electrolyte is not contaminated. Terminals can be cleaned with abrasive paper or wire brush tool. Snow tires now becoming winter musts Snow tires have become a winter way of life for many motorists because of the extra traction they provide in snow and mud. Following are some snow tire tips from The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company for safer driving, better handling and longer wear: Match your snow tires with your front tires with respect to tire construction. A “mix" of different types of tires may cause car handling problems. For example, if you have radial tires on the front axle, you should put radial snow tires on the rear. Maintain air pressure Maintain proper air pressure. Contrary to popular belief, underinflated tires do not provide better traction. Check tire pressure when temperatures fall. A tire loses about one pound of pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature. And check the air pressure when the tires are "cold," that is. before the car has been driven or at least one hour after it has been driven. This is because tire pressure increases somewhat when a car is driven. Recommended inflation pressures take this increase into account. To find the correct pressure for your tires, look in your car owner’s manual, on the glove box door or on the doorjamb. Never “bleed" , air from hot tires. Storing snow tires Consider having your snow tires mounted on extra wheels so they can remain mounted during storage. Reduce air pressure 10 to 15 pounds during storage and store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and electric motors. Do not rotate studded tires to different wheel positions. Be sure to check your state’s laws concerning the use of studded snow tires. Some states have posted limited periods during which snow tires may be used, white a few others have banned them altogether. Many tire companies, including Firestone, manufacture so-called "studless” snow tires that provide traction comparable to studded tires on ice and snow. Remove promptly Remove snow tires promptly in the spring. Driving on them during the wanner months can greatly reduce the useful life of snow tires. Have snow tires mounted early in the fall and save yourself the aggravation of waiting in line to have them mounted at the first heavy snowfall.

Well Maintained automobile worth more According to most educated opinions, the used car market will be “firm” during coming months. In consumer language, that means your car is likely to hold its value if you keep it in shape. That’s a big IF. Car Care Council says a well maintained automobile is worth several hundred dollars more at trade in time than its neglected twin. As important as the mechanical condition may be, states Car Care Council, appearance condition is what first hits the critical eye of a used car buyer. Repairing body rust and damage can be an expensive proposition. The CCC advises: 1. A weekly washing, especially in winter where salt or other chemicals are used to keep roads dear. 2. After your wash job, give your car a dose examination for surface rust and paint chips. Cover them with wax or dear nail polish until you can repair them properly with primer and touch-up paint. 3. Wax your car whenever the paint begins to show dulling from the elements. Twice a year is a good practice. Use a good cleaner or mild rubbing compound before applying wax. 4. Give the car a thorough interior cleaning about once a month, more often if it begins to look dingy. This should include vacuuming of carpets and wiping off the upholstery with vinyl cleaner or mild upholstery cleaner, depending upon the type of interior. Clean all glass with a product that leaves no film. Just as with a house, a car tends to accumulate dirt to a point where a cleaning job is much more difficult than if it had been performed on a regular basis. 5. Keep your vinyl roof clean. Because of the grain pattern, vinyl tends to collect dirt and road film and should be scrubbed with a soft brush and vinyl or leather cleaner. Then apply a vinyl protective coating. o ' 6. Pay particular attention to signs of rust formation. Use chrome cleaner to remove surface rust. Then apply liquid wax. Advanced rusting, usually first indicated by bubbling of the paint, may have to be treated by removing the paint to the metal in that area and doing a spot prime and paint job. If you or the previous owner were wise enough to have invested in a quality rustproofing job when the car was new, you may not have to be concerned with more serious rusting from the inside. If your car is fairly new and has not been rustproofed. you may want to invest in this service to prevent future deterioration of the body. 7. Don’t delay collision repairs. The longer you postpone having the damage taken care of, the more expensive it will be because of the rusting of adjacent parts of the car. In conclusion, the Council suggests the possibility that the condition of a car could be an indication of the owner’s personality. If so. a little elbow grease might be an effective way of enhancing one’s image.

See Us ...•«©• At The "1 st Annual New Car & Truck Show" Downtown Syracuse October 14& 15 ■ Register For The Drawing Os A- - RANGE No Purchase Necessary REMEMBER - NEW LOCATION! North Os The Bowling Alley And South Os Overhead Door Making Room For The New '7B Models 1976 CHEV. CAPRICE, 4 Dr., Maroon W/White Vinyl Top, PS, PB, Air Conditioning, AM/FM Stereo, Tilt Wheel, Electric Windows, 21,000 Miles. Was $5,295 NOW $4,875 1975 VEGA ESTATE WAGON, Green W/Woodgram Trim, Automatic Transmission, Tinted Windows, Luggage Rack. NOW $1,995 1975 NOVA, 2 Dr., Maroon, 6 Cylinder, Automatic, Tinted Windows, 27,000 Miles. NOW $2,795 1974 CHEV. CAPRICE CLASSIC, 2 Dr , Custom Coupe, Green, PS, PB. Air Conditioning, Tilt Wheel, Landau Roof, 36,000 Miles. NOW $3,195 1974 CHEVELLE MALIBU, 2 Dr., Blue, PS, PB, Tinted Windows, Automatic Transmission. Was $2,395 NOW $1,945 1974 CHEV. IMPALA, 4 Dr., Bronze W/Black Vinyl Top, PS, PB, Air Conditioning, Tinted Windows. 38,000 Miles. Was $2,895 NOW $2,650 1973 CADILLAC COUPE DEVILLE, Green W/Black Vinyl Top, PS, PB, Temperatic Air Conditioning, 50-50 Seats, Tilt Wheel, AM/FM Stereo, Trunk Release, New Radial Tires, 45,000 Miles ’ Was $3,995 NOW $3,695 1973 THUNDERBIRD, Blue W/White Vinyl Top, PS, PB, Air Conditioning, AM/FM Stereo, 60-40 Seats, Tilt Wheel, Rear Window Defogger. Was $3,895 NOW $3,490 1973 CHEV. CAPRICE, 4 Dr., Maroon W/Black Vinyl Top, PS, PB, Air Conditioning, 50-50 Seats, AM/FM Stereo, Tilt Wheel, Electric Windows, 63,000 Miles. Was $2,695 NOW $2,395 1973 PONTIAC CATALINA, 4 Dr., Gold W/Brown Vinyl Top, PS, PB, Air Conditioning. Was $2,195 NOW $1,695 1973 EL CAMINO, Brown, PS, PB, Air Conditioning, Tinted Windows, 4 Speed Transmission. Was $2,495 NOW $2,095 1973 CHRYSLER NEWPORT, 2 Dr., Red W/Beige Vinyl Top, PS, PB, Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Tinted Windows, Radial Tires. Was $2,195 NOW $1,925 1973 CHEV. IMPALA, 4 Dr., Yellow With Tan Vinyl Top, PS, PB, Air Conditioning, Tinted Glass. NOW $1,995 1972 FORD TORINO, 2 Dr., Brown, PS, PB, Tinted Windows, Side Body Mouldings, 58,000 Miles Was $1,895 NOW $1 ,575 1972 CADILLAC SEDAN DEVILLE, Bf^~ W/Brown Vinyl Top, PS, PB, Air Conditioning, AM/FM Stereo, Electric Seats Windows, Power Trunk Release, Radial Tires, 49,000 Miles. Was $2,695 NOW $2,250 1972 CHEVELLE ESTATE WAGON, Green, PS, PB, Air Conditioning, Luggage Rack, 58,000 Miles. r>. Was $2,195 NOW $1,950 1972 FORD VAN H TON, Beige, PS, PB, Partly Converted. Was $2,195 NOW $1,995 1971 CHEV. IMPALA SPORT COUPE, Bronze W/Black Vinyl Top, PS, PB, Air Conditioning, 65,000 Miles. Was $1,595 NOW $1,295 1971 CHEV. IMPALA, 4 Dr., Solid Red, PS, PB, Air Conditioning, Tinted Windows, 63,000 Miles Was $1,395 NOW $1,150 1971 OPEL WAGON, Gold, White Interior, 57,000 Miles. Was $1,196 NOW $995 1970 CAPRICE ESTATE WAGON, Green, PS, PB, Air Conditioning, Luggage Rack, Tinted Windows, 9 Passenger Was $1,095 NOW $995 1976 CHEV. C-20 % TON PICK UP, White, PS, PB, Tinted Windows, Stick Shift Was $4,025 NOW $3,695 1976 CHEV. LUV TRUCK, Green, 19,000 Miles Was $3,995 NOW $3,395 1972 CHEV. C-30 1 TON PICK UP, Bed, Aux. Gas Tank, Tinted Windows, PS, PB, Automatic Transmit Was $2,395 NOW $2,095 Tremendous Savings On 77 Models & Demos See Any Os Our Salesmen - . Ron Hibschman Roy Clow Floyd Higgins Dan Wyant WYANT CHEVROLET, INC. OK USED CARS ■ ■ K'O ■ Monday 8-8, Thursday 8-9 Ii UIS i Saturday 8-3, T uesday, Wednesday, Friday 8-6 Phone: 457-3777 0r457-4500 /