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PAGE 18, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, I Report from Queen's Park By THE HON. GEORGE ASHE, MPT (PC - Durham West) Ontario Minister of Revenue P >p~ How to beat O1'Man Winter Although we have recently faced three major snowstorms in the 1981-82 season, it is with little consolation that we realize that the winter is only half over. I would like to share with you this week some of the "winter combat manoeuvers" which were high- lighted in Drivesave news, a publication of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in co-operation with the Ministry of Energy. Three specific procedures can be enlisted to com- bat the effects of winter on fuel consumption: i) use of a block heater; ii) cold start idling technique; and iii) use of winter grade oil. Before examining the methods by which these procedures can decrease fuel consumption, it is necessary to become familiar with three major problems associated with winter driving. These in- 1982, WHI-TBY FREE PRESS clude: ï) higher viscosity of lubricants in the engine, transmission and axles; ii) increased heat loss to the coolant and the air; iii) prolonged ap- plication of the choke. BLOCK HEATERS: The use of a block heater in the engine warms the engine coolant and therefore thè engine. This will enable the vehicle to start easier, to drive more smoothly and to produce heat in the passenger compartment more quickly. In addition, both the engine and component life is extended and exhaust emissions are reduced. Recent studies conducted by the Ministry of Tr- ansportation and Communications have indicated that one or two hours of block heater use is ail that is required, making the use of the block heater more cost-effective.- A series of road tests were also conducted with in- teresting results. Pre-heated vehicles saved from four. to eight per cent of the fuel consumied during the test (savings generally increased with the size of the engine). In conclusion, block heaters overcome the three major cold weather problems by: i) allowing drivers to replace gasoline with electricity; ii) im- proving- driveability; iii) extending engine and component life; and, iv) providing passenger com- fort. IDLE NOT, START ... AND GO: There is a misconception about the length of time which is required for vehicle warm-up on a cold winter morning. Don't be fooled into believing that your car needs an extended warm-up period. Even in cold weather, most cars require no more than 30 seconds of idling. The trick is to drive away gently for the first few minutes permitting the engine to reach normal operating temperature faster than if the car was standing still. OIL IT, DON'T SPOIL IT: Last, but certainly not least is to consider the type of motor oil which you are using in your vehicle. Without the proper oil, you can rno wir the battle,. against higher viscosity - the first of the three major cold weather problems.. A high qluality friction modified oil, such as SAW- 5W-30 has a low viscosity. The lower the first num- ber (5) the more freely the oil will flow in the winter. The use of a high quality motor oil wil Ibe instru- mental in extending engine life and increasing fuel economy. And there you have it - a well planned "attack force" to combat the effects of winter on fuel con- "sumption. Use these guidelines wisely and the cold-weather causing problems will be defeated. "Old Man Winter" just won't stand a chance. Royal Bank winner Pictured above is Darrin Lee (left) wearing a Royal BanküJunior Olym- pics T-Shirt and receiving a new savings account frorn Fred Banavage, branch administration officer of Whitby Main Branch of the Royal Bank. Grand prize winners of the contest received, in addition to the t-shirt and bank accounts, "scholarships" in the form of $1,000 term deposits maturing on their 18th birthdays. Although the 1981 drawing is now over, the "scholarship" contest will con- tinue for all participants in the 1982 Royal Bank Junior Olympics which makes available ribbons and crests for children's sports competitions and instructional clinics for students. For more information about the Junior Olympics Awards, School and Clinic Programs, check wtih any local Royal Bank branch or write to the Canadian Olympic Association, 333 Rover Road, Vanier, Ontario. - FreePress Staff Photo Durham Centre i dire need of voluteers Durham Centre, a residential facility in Whitby for adults and children who are ment- ally retarded, is depen- dent on community un- derstanding and in- volvement to accom- plish the goals of the centre. Regardless of the season - spring, summer, fall or winter, the volunteer program is of utmost importance. Challenging opportu- nities for personal growth are available for those men, women and teens who may wish to become a volunteer working either directly with the residents'or on their behalf. As the major qualifi- cation is a desire to help and a continuing com- mitment, those volun- teers without special skills or previous exper- BROOKLIN - CEN. TURY HOME $89,900. - Country atmos- phere on 1/3 acre lot. Completely restored 2 storey, 3 bedroom, large separate dining room, eat-in kitchen, new two car garage. Call AIne Currier, 666-1333 or 668-2284. AFFORDABLE LIV- ING IN WHITBY - 3 Bedroom, 2 storey townhouse, large combination living' room and dining room with upgraded carpet- ing.- Present mort- gage carres for $322/mo. Call Garrett Dowker, 666-1333 or 576-7384. 601 DUNDAS ST. W. WHITBY: 666-1333 . TORONTO: 686-1979 ience are also able to make an important con- tribution. Orientation and on- going training covering all aspects of mental oetardation is provided. Volunteers have the option of choosing fron a wide range of pro-, gramTheld either at Durham Centre itself, or at various locations within the community. In addition, an indivi- dual may wish to become a member of the V.A.D.C. (Volunteer Association of Durham REAL ESTATE LIMITED REALTOR 901 SIMCOE ST. N. OSHAWA, ONTARIO 571-3111 PAINT ME PLEASE - l'm a detached 3 bed- room, 2 storey with a separate dining room and private drive on a nice sized lot in Cen- tral Oshawa. Rob' Robertson listed me at $39,900. Ask about my good mortgage when you call 571. 3111 or 723-4048. NORTHEAST LOCA. TION - 3 bedroom twin home with fin- ished rec room and walk-out basement to ravine lot with excell- ent financing. Asking only $53,900. Call now for appointment to in- spect. Shirley Arnott 571-3111 or 985-3298. Centre) and help with any of the associations' fund-raising or service projects. The amount of time spent as a volun- teer depends on each person's interests and availability. Free day care is avail- able for pre-schoolers. For further information and to arrange a per- sonal interview, please call Rhonda Vanek, volunteer co-ordinator at 668-7745, ext. 435 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Various daytime pro- grams require addition- al volunteers imme- diatelyl Evening and weekend positions are also available. Look at our RRSP Mutuai Life's Accumulation Annuity pffers you these advantages: U interest is calculated and added daily i contributions are tax deductible E no expense charges or administrative tees; all your money goes to work for you immediately L- floating and guaranteed interest rates avaliable E choice of income options ai retirement Call HERB TRAN 725-6564 668-5968 Mutual Life of Canada Three-year guaranteed interest rate as of Monday, February 15,1982. Rates can change without notice.