041415_YKMV_A10.pdf
April 14, 2015 • Page 10
Home Improvement
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Car
Care
Car Care: The Key to a Long-Lasting Vehicle
National Car Care Month in April is the time of year
to give your car some extra attention. Basic car care is
the key to a long-lasting vehicle, improving its safety and
dependability, says the Car Care Council.
“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much
higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive
repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive
director, Car Care Council. “Following a routine maintenance
program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life
and helping avoid costly repairs down the road.”
The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance
procedures to keep your car operating at its best for the long
haul:
1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering,
brake and transmission as well as windshield washer
solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually
including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such
as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not
cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of
excessive wear.
9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread.
Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires
should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure
the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.
10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and
be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is
working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you
can see clearly when driving during precipitation.
4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake
linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
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5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks,
damage and broken supports or hangers if
there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can
be dangerous and must be corrected without
delay.
Call Classifieds
665-5884
6. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine
deliver the best balance of power and fuel
economy and produce the lowest level of
emissions.
7. Check the heating, ventilating and air
conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating
and cooling performance is critical for interior
comfort and for safety reasons such as
defrosting.
Did you
know?
A vehicle identification
number, or VIN, is more
than just a unique code that
distinguishes a car from other
vehicles. The VIN can actually
tell drivers things about the
car as well. By examining the
VIN, a driver can learn where
his or her car was assembled,
the model year of the vehicle,
the manufacturer of the
vehicle and even the model
of the vehicle. How to read a
VIN is not something drivers
learn in educational courses,
so those who want to learn
how to decode their VIN can
contact the manufacturer of
their vehicles. Understanding
how to read a VIN can help
car buyers determine if the
car they are buying is stolen
or if the seller is attempting
to mislead them in another
way. In addition, when drivers
have the correct VIN number
for a vehicle, they can use
that to gain access to a
vehicle history report on the
car or truck. Such reports
will indicate the vehicleÕs
ownership and accident
history, further protecting
buyers from purchasing a
lemon or stolen vehicle.
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Connections
? PRESSURE,
From Page ?
itself.
• Wear sturdy gloves with grips so you can have a firm
hold on the nozzle while cleaning.
• Be sure to read all of the safety precautions and
operation instructions in the manual prior to operating
the pressure washer. Do not use a washer if the instruction
manual is missing.
• Remove any debris surrounding the area you will be
cleaning. This may include sticks, rocks, toys, and any
other items that can be blown around with the pressure
washer spray.
• Use a safety harness if you will be using a pressure washer
while on a ladder or elevated surface.
• To lessen the chance of high-pressure injection (HPI),
which is when water and other debris penetrates the skin
resulting in deep-tissue damage, broaden the spray on
the nozzle so it isn’t piercing like a needle. HPI can cause
infections so great that they may require amputation.
• Use an extension cord that is water-resistant and
acceptable for outdoor use. Ensure there are no breaks in
the cord to minimize the chance for electrocution.
• Avoid hot water and steam pressure washers to eliminate
the chance for burns.
Thousands of people are estimated to be hospitalized
due to pressure-washer injuries. Many of these injuries can
be prevented simply by heeding safety precautions and
following the rules of operation.
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Master Tech Auto Clinic
Todd & Lori Heckenlaible
NEW LOCATION
Phone (402) 667-2992
Mon - Fri: 8 am - 5 pm
89848 557 Ave.
South Yankton
(No need to dial 402 from Yankton. We’re that close!)
• Evergreens
• Shade & Fruit Trees
• Shrubs
• Perennials & Annuals
• 37 Years in Business • Trees & Plants
• Gift Shop
• Gardening Supplies
• 5th Generation
Nursery
2000 Ferdig, Yankton, SD
665-6560
Window Makeovers
Give Your Home A New Look
• Cellular & Pleated Shades • Roman Shades
• Paneltrac Sliding Blinds • Vertical Blinds • Wood & Metal Blinds
ALL ON SALE
• Free In-Home Consultation
and Estimates
• Free Installation
Brunick
Furniture & Flooring
• 0% Financing Available
Mon-Fri 9-5:30
Saturday 9-3
1100 W. Cherry St.
Vermillion, SD
624-8688
Johnson Electric, LLP
Rick Merkel
Ben Merkel • Chris Merkel
• Rural • Residential • Commercial
• Electrical & Telephone Wiring
• We trench Electrical & H2O Lines
• Our Bucket Truck Reaches 80’ PLUS
• We Set Poles
• Install & Repair Over Head Wiring
Fast Courteous Service
500 W. 12th, Yankton
665-5686
Drivers & Owner
Operators Wanted
Premium Best
Transport
1501 Wek Road • Yankton, SD 57078 • Toll-Free: (800) 359-4084
605-665-9202 • Fax 605-665-0162
Stop in to see our wide variety
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every size & budget!
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Spas • Swimming Pools • Saunas
1900 Broadway Ave, Yankton, SD • 605-665-1240
2500 S. 13th St., Norfolk, NE • 402-371-8425
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