just4moms.netExciting News Every Mom Should Know…

EVENTS

SUNDAY

The Knights of Columbus, Simi Valley Council no. 5803, is presenting its 25th Annual Chili Cook-Off and Car Show on June 10 on the parklike grounds of St. Rose of Lima School in Simi Valley.the school is behind St. Rose of Lima Church at 1305 Royal Ave.the event is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children (ages 6-12). Chili taste tickets are 50 cents each. Overflow parking is permitted across the street at Royal High School.the Car show will feature 12 categories for classic, custom, street rods, muscle, sport, trucks and special-interest vehicles. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to all category winners, including best of show. Awards will be presented around 3:30 p.m.last year participants won prizes ranging from amusement park tickets, restaurant gift certificates and automotive enhancements.Entry fee is $35 is limited to 125 vehicles.Proceeds from the event will assist the Knights of Columbus Council in its charitable works.All entry and registration forms can be found at http://www.chilikc.com.for more information on car show registration, call 587-0258; chili cook-off registration, call 818-312-0802; sponsorship ads, call 558-4328; and general information, call 208-8970.Website: http://www.chilikc.com

NEXT WEEKEND

The Ventura Sports and race Car Club will hold its annual tour June 16. It will include a visit to a museum featuring 1950s and 1960s sports and micro cars.the club will meet at 8 a.m. on Main Street in Ventura in front of the San Buenaventura Mission and leave at 9 a.m., taking back roads to the private museum in Newbury Park.the tour will then take more back roads, heading through Somis, Balcom Canyon and Santa Paula en route to Boccali’s for an outdoor buffett lunch. the tour ends with a wine tasting at Oak Creek Winery in Oak View.Deadline to enter is June 9 and cost for the event is $45 per person and includes admission to the museum, lunch and wine tasting.Website: www.venturamotorsportsgathering.com

The Milestone Car Society presents 2012 Father’s Day Car Show June 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. a portion of the proceeds will benefit local charities.It is open to all years, makes and models. Preregistation is $25, $15 for each additional care with the same owner, by June 9. after that date and day of the show it is $40. Check-in hours for preregistered cars only is at 7:30 a.m. the first 150 cars will be parked on the grass.Those who wish to park together must arrive together.Late registation and day of the show check-in is at 8:30 a.m.Judged classes include Long Distance for pre registered cars only; best domestic, best Foreign, best Old School, President’s Trophy, Reserve best in show and best in show. Register online through June 9 at milestonecarsociety.comVendor Information: Jerry Lybolt, 985-8143website: milestonecarsociety.com

The Ventura Sports & race Car Club will present the 5th Annual Ventura Motorsports Gathering 2012 on July 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marina Park in Ventura.Italian cars will be the featured marque for this year’s gathering.Applications for classic sports and race cars, American classics and marques from all other countries will be accepted. Classic wooden boats will be displayed on the lawn and at the dock and boat rides will be offered throughout the day to the Ventura Harbor Village.Registration, which includes two admission tickets, is $45 per vehicle before June 15, $50 before July 14 and $60 on the day of the show. Boats can be shown, either in the park or in the water at the dock, for $20 each.General admission is $5 for adults; 12 and under are free.a portion of the proceeds go to the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Ventura County.Information: Don Greene, 794-5438; Bill Erickson, 890-1461Website: www.venturamotorsportsgathering.com

The Channel Islands Chapter, Pontiac-Oakland Club International and the Seaside Goats Car Club are having their annual Chief along the Channel Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, GMC car show, Aug. 26 at the the Ventura Harbor Village on Spinnaker Drive.Early Registration is $25 on or before Aug. 15. Late registration/day of show is $35. Registration/check-in is from 8 to 10 a.m. with judging from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Awards will be presented at approximately 2:30 p.m. to the top three in each division. There also will be awards for Club Participation, Long Distance and best of show. the show, in part. is to benefit FOOD Share of Ventura County and all who attend are asked to bring can goods or nonperishable items, FOOD Share will be providing barrels for collection of donations. There also will a 50/50 Drawing, raffle, live band with a lot of restaurants and shopping nearby.Information: Jeff Dunn, secretary, 646-6142 or Tom Maloney, president 443-9219 Email: shalaletom@aol.com

Red Line Corvettes, in conjunction with the Thousand Oaks Police Department and the Conejo Recreation and Parks District, will hold its 19th Annual All Corvette show on Sept. 16 at Conejo Creek Park in Thousand Oaks.this event supports two important local organizations: the Thousand Oaks Police Explorer Program and Hospice of the Conejo.the show will be a fun day for everyone in attendance, with drawings, awards, great food and drinks, plus vendors and entertainment. Admission is free for spectators and $25 for all car show entrants.the show normally attracts more than 150 Corvettes, from the 1953 model to the brand-new 2012 models. more than 2,000 spectators enjoyed the show last year.for vendors, entrants and any other information, contact Car show Coordinator Tony Panchenko by phone at 239-3152 or by e-mail at mrbulova@hotmail.com, or Club President Jim Bainbridge at 480-9490.

CRUISE NIGHTS

The Oldies Speed Shop Morning Coffee Cruise is held every Saturday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Oldies Speed Shop parking lot, 4532 Telephone Road, in Ventura. Free entry, free coffee and bench racing. Vehicle categories include Muscle Cars and Hot Rods. An informal Peoples’ choice Award will be named.Information: info@oldiesspeedshop.com or 676-1284.

Cruise Night Santa Paula, co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, the Police Officers Association and the City of Santa Paula, is held on the first Friday of each month, April through October, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Santa Paula between 7th and 10th streets. the event is free and open to pre-1975 motor vehicles.Information: Dave Anderson, 524-1266; Chamber of Commerce, 525-5561

The Camarillo Old Town Association will be holding Camarillo Cruise Night in the heart of Old Town Camarillo on the fourth Friday of each month, April though September, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot in the 2200 block of Ventura Boulevard between Elm and Fir streets.All pre-1980 makes and models welcome.Information: Tom Maloney, 443-9219Email: shalaletom@aol.com

MUSEUMS, EXHIBITS

The collection at the Mullin Automotive Museum includes some of the most coveted vehicles on the planet.Housing one of the world’s largest collections of Bugattis, the museum’s award-winning collection exemplifies the lure and undeniable grace of the French automobile, including Delages, Delahayes, Hispano Suizas, Talbot-Lagos and Voisins.the Mullin Automotive Museum is open on select days only, the next day being Feb. 11. the museum also will be open on Feb. 25, March 10, March 28 and additional dates which can be found on its website.Advanced tickets are required and can be purchased through its website at the Mullin Automotive Museum is at 1421 Emerson Ave. in Oxnard.Information: 385-5400Website: www.mullinautomotivemuseum.com

The Murphy Auto Museum features a large collection of vintage automobiles, including classics of the ’30s, street rods, and muscle cars on loan courtesy of local residents.It is at 2230 Statham Blvd. in Oxnard, one mile east of Five-Points off Oxnard Boulevard. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.Admission is a suggested donation of $9 for adults and $6 for children.Information: 487-4333E-mail: murphyautomuseum@gmail.comWebsite: http://murphyautomuseum.org

CLUB MEETINGS

The Porsche Club of America, Santa Barbara Region, meets at 8:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Way Point Cafe at the Camarillo Airport and at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month at Moby Dick Restaurant on Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. All Porsche owners are invited.Information: David Stone, 389-8999, or DRS993@verizon.net

The Central Coast British Car Club (formerly Central Coast Triumphs) meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Carrow’s Restaurant at 2401 Harbor Blvd. and Seaward Avenue in Ventura.Information: Richard J. Armstrong, president, 659-1557, or C. Darryl Struth, vice present, 644-6211.Website: www.centralcoastbritishcarclub.com

Red Line Corvettes meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Los Robles Greens, 299 S. Moorpark Road, in Thousand Oaks. Corvette owners and enthusiasts are welcome.On the Web: http://www.redlinecorvettes.com.

The Channel Islands Chapter of the Pontiac-Oakland Club International meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Rusty’s Pizza, 1413 S. Victoria Ave., in Ventura. It is open to all Pontiac enthusiasts.Information: Tom Maloney, 443-9219

Simi Valley Corvettes meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesday of each month, at 7:30 p.m. at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, in Simi Valley.Simi Valley Corvettes was formed in 1984 to stimulate and promote, through social and recreational activities, interest and pleasure in the owning and driving of the Chevrolet Corvette.the Simi Valley Corvette Club is more than just two meetings a month. It’s about making friends, getting together with friends and taking America’s true sports car out on the road for a run.Information: svcchank@earthlink.netOn the Web: http://www.simivalleycorvettes.com/

Pick-Ups Limited of Southern California, Ventura County Chapter, invites enthusiasts of 1953 to 1956 Ford F100 pick-ups to attend meetings at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Denny’s at Moorpark Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.Information: Ray, 498-8497, or Kyle, 437-6611

Ventura County Corvette Club, sponsored by Santa Paula Chevrolet, meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Marie Callender’s Restaurant & Bakery, 1295 so. Victoria Ave., in Ventura.Information: Jack, 641-3452.Website: http://VenturaCountyCorvetteClub.com

The Tri-County Mustang Club meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month at Santino’s restaurant, 4231 Telegraph Road in Ventura.the club takes parts in cruises, parades and offers technical help for other for Mustang owners.Information: Jack Peterson, 985-7103; Vince Schlerf, 682-5329.Website: http://www.TCMustangClub.org.

The Roam’n Relics Car Club is dedicated to promoting the automotive hobby and to providing support for various charities. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month in Simi Valley. Membership is open to anyone owning a 1974 or older American-made car.Information: 583-2965 or info@roamnrelics.com.Website: http://www.roamnrelics.com

The Model T Club of Ventura County meets on the second Thursday of every month at Coco’s Restaurant, 301 E. Daily Drive in Camarillo.Meetings begin at 5:45 p.m. with a social hour, with attendees ordering their own meals; dinner is usually served about 6:30 p.m., followed by a short business meeting and a program.All Ventura County owners of Model T’s, or Model T enthusiasts, are invited to visit and to join. Annual membership is $25.Information: President Ken Walkey at kwalkey22@yahoo.com or Secretary Carol Walkey, 405-6386E-mail: kwalkey22@yahoo.com

The Valley Mustang Club inc. meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at IHOP Restaurant, 21103 Devonshire St., in Chatsworth.Information: Ken, 217-2460 or president@valleymustangclub.comWebsite: www.valleymustangclub.com

Ventura County Chevys invites those interested in the preservation, restoration and/or modification of 1955 to 1957 Chevrolet automobiles, trucks and other pre-1973 Chevrolet automobiles and hot rods to attend club meetings. the club meets on the second Friday of the month at different locations.Members do not need to own a Chevy, just have an interest in Chevys. the club attends monthly cruise nights and car shows.Information: Dave, 522-1153; Pete, 378-3162; or Eric, 818-884-9206

Motor Monarchs Inc. was established in 1948 and is Ventura County’s oldest hot rod club. Meetings are conducted at various locations throughout the county.Information: C. Darryl Struth, 644-6211.

Ventura Vintage Rods is a family-oriented club open to pre-1973 street rods, customs, panels and pick-ups. the club has monthly meetings at different locations and sponsors a variety of outings such as cruises, poker runs, dinners and visits to special places.the club also plans and organizes the annual Harbor Run car show held each September at the Channel Islands Harbor in support of local charities.Information: Willie B. at 402-9225 (evenings) or Charlie R. at 479-1102.Website: www.VenturaVintageRods.org

(Send submissions and updates for Car Club News to Ventura County Star, Attn.: VCSCars.com, P.O. Box 6006, Camarillo, CA 93011; e-mail to johngar@VCStar.com; or fax to 437-0300. All submissions are subject to editing. for a complete listing of car club events and information, visit online at VCSCars.com.)

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The words, “three months or three thousand miles,” can only mean one thing, right?  Oil changes. so, we all know when we’re supposed to have the oil changed in our Canton, Ohio or Massillon, Ohio vehicles (even if we don’t all follow it…), but what about where to have your oil change performed? It’s easy to think that all oil changes are created equal, and that it doesn’t matter where you go, but that’s simply not the case. they vary in quality, price, and service from location to location.  One visit to Meineke in Canton, Ohio, and you will see for yourself that they’re best in class for quality, service, and savings!

Be honest. You’ve skipped an oil change or two, right? Nearly everyone does. And, if you have a newer vehicle, there probably weren’t really any negative consequences. however, the older your vehicle, the more important it becomes to follow the regular maintenance guidelines as prescribed in your owner’s manual. like, oil changes, for example. Here’s why: your car’s engine is a complex network of thousands of moving parts. your engine also produces heat which can be compounded by friction if the moving parts are rubbing against one another. so, oil is used to protect the parts of your engine from undue wear and tear, as well as protecting against excess heat which could cause parts to fuse.

As oil circulates through the engine, doing its job to help keep things cool and (literally) running smoothly, it picks up, well, gunk. Dust, dirt, debris, and all manner of tiny little particles that, over time, can muck up the works (yes; these are all very technical terms!). in other words, your oil is no longer clean, and is not working as efficiently or effectively. Oil also degrades. Time and heat are two contributing factors that cause oil to lose its viscosity, again making it less effective. if you have any doubt about this, compare new oil going in to your Massillon car or truck or the oil coming out. All you have to do is look at them, and you will notice a significant difference in both color and consistency.

When you have your oil changed at Meineke in Canton, you can rest assured that the best quality parts and products are being used in your vehicle. your new oil filter will be top of the line, as well as the oil itself. The professional technicians will also check your car, truck, or van’s specifications to ensure that the correct oil grade is used. There’s a reason that your Massillon and Canton area Meineke is the recipient of the Gold Customer Service Award in 2010, and the impressive Platinum Plus Customer Service Award in 2011!

So, if it’s getting close to (and especially if it’s past!) three months or three thousand miles for your Massillon, Ohio or Canton, Ohio vehicle, do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars, just head directly to Meineke for your top of the line oil change! The only stop you may want to make before you go is at www.Meineke.com or iShopStark.com to look for special savings on your oil change or other service!

Meineke Car Care Center & Auto Repair4570 West Tuscarawas StreetCanton, Ohio 44708Phone: 330-477-2236Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30am-6pm; Saturday 7:30am-4pm; Closed Sunday

June 04, 2012 2:00 AM

KITTERY, Maine — Autoworks is providing an educational night out as well as some confidence-boosting advice about vehicle maintenance for new women drivers and busy women, featuring Rob Olton from ACDelco.

This free “Knowledge is Power” seminar will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, with food and beverages provided. Autoworks will provide hands-on experience in checking tires, oil changes and exhaust systems for women who want to become better acquainted with their vehicles’ service needs.

Stephen Kosacz, owner of Autoworks, wants women to better understand how to keep their vehicle running smoothly while getting better mileage, and how to speak with confidence and knowledge about car issues.

ACDelco will provide goodie bags and an informative booklet for each participant, and Autoworks will add coupons and goodies from generous local businesses.

“We know many women may feel intimidated about vehicle maintenance, and we want to end that,” said Jeremy Maddox, a service adviser. “We’ll provide a fun environment as well as valuable information that will empower women to discuss vehicle repairs and service. a well-maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable, and we don’t want women to compromise their safety because they fear the service experience.”

The seminar will cover everything from how to sense potential problems under the hood to tips on how to communicate effectively about the sounds, smells and vibrations a car might make.

The seminar is limited to 40 participants and registration is required; for information or to register, call (207) 439-4500.

Autoworks is located at 107 Government St., Kittery.

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More car fires happen every year from deferred maintenance than accidents. keep your family safe; have your car checked today!

Regular oil changes are your best investment toward the longevity of your engine! keep your car running longer!

According to a recent survey, nearly one-third of all cars and light trucks have belts or hoses that are ready to be replaced. Have your belts and hoses checked regularly, and you won’t have to worry!

Regular brake inspections are the best way to ensure safe and reliable braking and minimize the cost of repairs when brake service is needed. Safety comes first, have your brakes checked regularly!

Routine tune-ups and engine performance checks can be your best guarantee of good performance and fuel economy. Economical and dependable, have your engine checked today!

Regular alignment checks are your best way to maximize tire life and ensure that your car performs on the road as it should. Don’t risk an accident, have your tires and alignment checked regularly!

Proper tire inflation can improve gas mileage by more than 3% when maintained regularly. Save money and wear and tear on your tires!

A loose gas cap can trigger the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light. make sure the cap is secure and tight. always check!

Having your car’s HVAC system serviced regularly can help save you money on more expensive repairs. Your car is a big investment, take care of it!

Frequent washing and polishing is the best way to protect your car’s finish from the damaging effects of acid rain. Your car is a big investment, take care of it!

Nearly 60% of people claim their driving behavior has changed due to rising gas prices, with 90% saying they drive less and 75% revealing that they are maintaining their vehicles better. Should’t you be one of them!

70% of consumers believe the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance will improve the environment, while nearly all believe it will increase fuel efficiency. help the environment, and save a little money, have your car checked today!

The chances of a drive belt failure rise dramatically after four years or 36,000 mile for V-belts and 50,000 mile for serpentine belts. Safety first, have your car checked if you’ve reached these milestones!

Have your car’s brake system inspected annually, even if you don’t suspect any problems! not all problems are noticeable and why risk an accident from faulty brakes!

Good fuel economy, performance and low emissions are all interrelated for an efficiently-operating engine. keep your engine running right!

If your car requires major engine work, it may be more economical to have your engine rebuilt rather than buying a different car.

You should check the condition of the coolant each Spring and Fall to make sure the additives that protect against corrosion still function. And while you’re there, have them check your windshield wipers too!

Carbon monoxide from your car’s exhaust is odorless, colorless-and lethal. If you have any suspicions of a leak, have it checked out at once. Safety comes first!

Your car’s engine can use more than 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon of fuel burned, so it’s easy to see how big a job the air filter has. does your air filter need to be replaced?

It’s best to replace your car’s fuel filter every two years or 24,000 miles. does yours need to be replaced?

During normal driving, you may not notice a light that isn’t working; inspect your car’s lights at every oil change.

You should test your battery every Fall. If your car’s battery is three years old or more, consider replacing it since the chances of failure increase. does yours need to be replaced?

For longest automatic transmission life, have the fluid and filter changed every two years or 24,000 miles. does yours need to be changed?

Water in the fuel is the most common cause of stalling. Remember that the factory fuel filter will allow water to pass once it fills to a certain level with water. If the water in fuel light malfunctions the water can pass into the system unknowingly to the operator. the water will also carry bacteria which feed on the diesel fuel. Not only will the fuel system need removed and cleaned the tank, inlet line and hoses, as well as the filter will need to be cleaned out. A Biocide can be used to kill the bacteria and filter it out but alot of people choose to physically clean the tank and fuel lines.

Hard To Start

On the 6.2L the hard starting usually goes back to something electrical. If the glow plug system is working properly – check for proper cranking RPM. Install a compression gauge in one cylinder, crank engine for 10 sec. and count compression strokes x 12 = RPM. Cranking RPM should be more than 200 RPM.

The (1993) 6.5L has had a typical hard to start problem. This is sometimes attributed to a faulty Head & Rotor in the injection pump.

SCOTT HAMMOND

Community helping: Kyle Jones with mother Rondy Bourke and Elmo the dog. a fundraiser is set for June 12.

Five weeks after he nearly died in a car crash near Renwick, 17-year-old Marlborough Boys’ College student Kyle Jones says he can’t wait to get back to school.

the year 13 student was seriously injured when the car he was driving collided with a campervan at the intersection of Rapaura Rd and State Highway 6 on April 20.

His injuries were so severe that some emergency services people at the accident on Rapaura Rd believed he had died, his mother Rondy Bourke said.

after almost six weeks in hospital, Kyle said it was great to be back and he feels “the same as before”.

He is looking forward to going back to school, beginning with half days next Tuesday, and doing all the things he used to do, he said.

in six months he will be allowed to get behind the wheel again, but will have to pass a test first. He has also been told not to bounce on the trampoline or play sports.

Kyle has no memory of the accident, and his first memory since the crash was waking up from an induced coma in hospital.

“My first thought was, `why am I at the vet?”‘, said Kyle, who is planning on studying veterinary science at Massey University next year.

He can remember some of his time on the ward at Wellington Hospital as well as his time in a rehabilitation unit in Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua.

“That [the ward] was bad. the feeding tube, and every night was an injection in the stomach and every morning was a blood test.

“Rehab was better – the main thing about rehab is it’s just boring. I was just counting down the days till I could come home.”

His mother said her biggest challenge was getting him to rest and to put on some weight.

His weight had dropped 3 kilograms to 46kg and he had double vision in one eye, but he was doing well and it was just a matter of waiting to see how things would go.

He was in good spirits since coming home and had been looking at photos of his car at the crash scene.

“He was a bit bummed because he’d just bought brand new front tyres. They were only a few hours old and they’ve had it.”

She had been in Blenheim with Kyle on the day of the crash, getting the tyres so the car could pass a warrant of fitness. Mrs Bourke left her son while his car got a warrant, and drove home to Okaramio through the crash site without realising Kyle was involved.

“I came home and the policeman who lives up our road came and told me. it was awful because my daughter, who is 10, was there.

“I just rang my husband who was in Havelock and we drove straight in to Wairau Hospital. it was pretty touch and go [whether he would live].”

it was three hours before Kyle was stable enough to be flown to Wellington Hospital. the next few days were among the worst of the whole experience, she said.

“When he was in intensive care everything’s wait and see. They were able to keep his brain swelling at a manageable level with drugs, but they couldn’t tell us anything about how he would be affected.”

the doctors had been amazed at the speed of his recovery, she said. During his rehabilitation he was allowed to sit an NCEA level 3 organic chemistry exam and scored 90 per cent.

She had been home for only a couple of weekends while Kyle had been in hospital, but people had been to feed pets and bring baking for her husband.

Kyle was grateful to friends who had visited him at weekends.

FUNDRAISING

the Kyle Jones Trust has raised $7000, and counting. the next fundraiser for the trust will be held at Bamboo Garden restaurant in Blenheim from 6.30pm on Tuesday, June 12.

Blenheim lawyer Caroline McCarthy said future donations would help cover the ongoing costs for Kyle and his family, which are only partially met by ACC.

If more money was raised than the family needed, the trust might be opened for other Marlborough people with head injuries to apply for funding.

Tickets to the Bamboo Garden dinner cost $35 and can be bought by e-mailing Ms McCarthy at caroline@mccarthylaw.co.nz or calling her on 03 577 8463.

Depending on how well he was feeling, Kyle might make a brief appearance at a dinner, Mrs McCarthy said. To donate to the trust visit facebook.com/KyleJonesRecovery or email Caroline McCarthy at caroline@mccarthylaw.co.nz

– the Marlborough Express

You’re in your new car. Your finance has cleared and you’re ready to go. All of a sudden the dealer’s mechanic makes the “wind your windows down” signal. Prepare yourself, he or she is about to potentially take all the fun out of your first 1000km. As annoying or overcautious as this advice may seem, the mechanic is doing you a huge favour.  Poor care during the first thousand or so kilometres can have a real knock on effects for the cars future performance.

Why is the break-in period important?

The urge to rev your new car is strong. You’ve just handed over a lot of money for a brand new engine; surely you should be able to rev it within an inch of its life, right? unfortunately this is wrong. by not exercising restraint you risk causing two of the lesser known vehicle problems.

Unusual wear patterns – some areas, like the rings on the pistons, will need some time to conform to the parts they operate with. a good break in period will allow this to happen in a uniform way, however a poor break in period can bring mixed wear patterns.Poor seating of parts – in the first few hours of a new vehicles life a number of engine parts will shift very minute amounts. this is a normal and expected process and a good break in period will allow this to go smoothly.

The top tips

Whilst manufacturers guidelines vary, the following are the most common precautions which are applicable in almost all cases.

Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration – this is especially important in the first thousand or so kilometres as the parts need to seat and wear together.Do not change the oil until the scheduled maintenance time – this is especially true where “break-in” agents have been added to the engine.Avoid hard braking for the 300 km– obviously safety comes first, however hard breaking in the first few hundred kilometres can have an adverse impact on wear patterns.

Specific to fleet managers

As a specific note to fleet managers – it’s important that you manage the process of breaking in new vehicles. Handing it straight to a sales person or fleet driver may not be a great idea, especially as they have no real financial interest in the car. it may be a good idea to conduct the break-ins yourself. Alternatively you could leave it to someone who has a vested interest in breaking in the car in the most suitable way possible.

Final thoughts

Buying a new car is a big decision and a big responsibility. there will be plenty of time to play and have fun with your new car, however it really isn’t advisable to bolt from the lights in the initial stages. As tedious and boring as it sounds, the fact is that vehicles vary vastly and reading the manufacturers manual is time well spent. Equally, winding that window and listening to the mechanic and the first service advice can save you a lot of dollars in the long run.

have you ever had a new car nightmare? Do you think more can be done at the break-in stage? please comment below.

May 29 2012 by Stephen White

ronald smith june smith Image 2

A DRIVER died after breathing in fumes from an airbag during a car crash.

Scot Ronald Smith wasn’t injured in the pile-up but began suffering chest and breathing problems almost immediately after inhaling the noxious chemicals.

South Tyneside Coroner Terence Carney heard the dad-of-two from Bents, near Whitburn, died in January last year after the accident on November 12, 2010.

His widow June said: “I knew from the very beginning that it was the airbag. I just knew but other people would look at me as if to say, ‘don’t be silly’.

“Ronnie told me about the white powder straight away. he said there was so much of it he couldn’t see.

“It’s just not fair that you have to lose someone because of something that is meant to save a life.”

Ronald, 59, was driving through Hartlepool on his way home when he was involved in a six-car shunt.

The engineer, originally from Paisley, crashed into the car in front at the same time that another car hit the back of his Vauxhall Insignia.

The impact triggered the car’s airbag but also broke a window, which cut the bag, and he inhaled the gas from inside it.

June told the inquest her husband was not injured in the accident, but that his face was red from an irritation caused by the contents of the airbag.

He then began suffering from a cough and shortness of breath.

On January 5 last year, he was taken to South Tyneside District Hospital.

June said: “he just couldn’t breathe and he was very distressed. he could barely move.

“it was a very cold winter and he was really struggling.

“we used to walk everywhere but he got so bad he couldn’t walk a few steps without my help.

“Ronnie has never smoked so that was very worrying. he started to cough a lot as well.

“Eventually, I got him into hospital. he kept saying he would be fine and he just needed rest.

“But he was practically disabled. he couldn’t move and could only sit on the sofa propped up with cushions.

“I got worried because at night his breathing was so shallow and frantic.”

Ronald, who had two sons, Jamie, 32, and Lee, 36, was taken to the hospital’s accident and emergency unit and given a chest X-ray.

The next day, he was moved to intensive care but he died in hospital on January 31 last year.

June added: “he was put on a ventilator. “That was the last time I spoke to him because he was on a ventilator for the last 21 days of his life.

“the consultant called me and the boys into a room and told us that Ron was very seriously ill and there was only a 10 per cent chance of survival.

“I knew then that he wasn’t going to come home.”

Forensic pathologist Dr Stuart Hamilton told the inquest Ronald’s lungs were both extremely “heavy and firm”, adding that they showed signs of infection and that Ronald died of bronchial pneumonia.

Coroner Mr Carney said: “I accept the death was attributed to bronchial pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis and that it was developed after this incident in November, and the deceased’s exposure to noxious substances.

“this man died as a result of this incident and more pointedly because of the explosion of his airbag, and this death should be recorded as misadventure.”

Lee, 36, said: “It’s the verdict I was looking for. we wanted an investigation to see if anybody was to blame and I’m happy with what the coroner said.”

A Vauxhall spokesman said the firm planned to probe the matter but did not wish to comment at this stage.

Kenny Walters comes by his nickname Kenny the Car Guy honestly. His first after-school job was working in an auto repair shop. By 16, he was running three gas stations, working on cars as well as handling payroll and bookkeeping.

Ive been doing it my whole life, said Walters, owner of Mufflers and More in Walled Lake. after a short time selling cars and operating another business, Walters was drawn back to his first love.

Mufflers and More has been growing its business in part by holding semiannual free car care events in April and October. while the events are intended to be casual and educational, Walters reports that they usually result in a good flurry of business.

At last months event, Walters said he even attracted a couple cars from Detroit. They are coming to us now, so its nice to know that we are reaching out, aside from our city, he said.

Other such free events nationwide have a similar effect, with the national Car Care Council reporting on its website that businesses that host an event see an immediate spike in traffic, sales and service.

The car maintenance business also is helped by the fact that the average passenger vehicle on the road is a record 11.1 years old, according to RL Polk.

Americans felt they could afford used vehicles or maintain old vehicles they own rather than buy new during the recession, said Sean McAlinden of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor. so whats bad for original equipment in Detroit is good for the aftermarket.

Walters said he sees the benefits for himself and his customers. Attracting customers and educating them on the benefits of proper maintenance helps a car last a very long time and ends up reducing the overall costs to the vehicle, he said.

At this years April 21 event, 30 car owners showed up in chilly weather, Walters said. with good weather, he said he gets 50 to 80 cars. Hot dogs, drinks and snacks were served up along with advice on car care. to celebrate car culture, Walters also puts on a small classic car and hotrod show. An enthusiastic and racer himself, Walters put on display his rare Panoz GTS.

Walters said he is serious about educating drivers. He works with drivers education programs to teach high school students about maintenance. most drivers education programs dont teach how to change a tire or check fluids, he said.

Were going in and teaching these kids as an add-on for them so they have more education if they have a blowout or something of that sort, Walters said.

Hes very community-oriented, said Tim Lynch Jr., owner of Lynch and Sons Funeral Home, which is on the same street with Mufflers and More. Lynch said the funeral home uses Walters shop exclusively for his service and civic-mindedness.

I see him doing things for the community, Lynch said, and I try to support those who give back to the community.

Walters calls himself a social mechanic who fixes cars for fun, but is comfortable out front, running the business, something he thinks sets him apart from most mechanic-owned shops.

Im more of a business guy, said Walters. I can do plenty in the back, but Im better up front. It helps.

So does the shops commitment to keep cars running inexpensively. One of Walters programs gives customers free repairs on a system forever if they had been coming in at prescribed time for preventive maintenance. It keeps traffic in the shop and prevents big repair bills.

We’re the cutting edge used car loan community in the nation and so have helped an endless number of clientele attain car finance.

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