Wednesday, May 12, 1999 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER AUTOMOTIVE C3 Watch out for inflation It's easy to forget the impact that tires have on fuel consumption and driving safety. A 1984 Transport C anada survey suggests that tire neglect is in fact a major problem. Properly inflated tires, in good condi tion, are essential if you want good gas mileage. Canada's 15.5 million light duty vehicles went through about 33 billion litres o f fuel in 1993, an average of just over 2,000 litres each. An estim at ed 4 0 per cent o f vehicles drive with at least one under inflated tire that is 10 percent under inflated. Tire inflation is the single most important factor influencing rolling- resistance. For every five per- cent o f under inflation there is a one per cent increase in fuel consumption. Under inflation will cost you big dollars in fuel and reduced tire life. It's also a safety hazard. So, if you're interested in saving money and lives, keep an eye on inflation! By M alcom Gunn SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER If you think all minivans are cut from the same slab of metal, the Chrysler Town & Country will prove you wrong. Most of the current crop of popular peo ple-movers offer reasonable comfort and power, along with a list of horse-choking options that promise at least the illusion of luxury. The Town & Country is the only one, however, to give you a luxury-oriented nameplate and a level of trim and trappings that you would expect in a premium motor car. Chrysler's apparent coup shouldn't come as a big shock. The Town & Country begins life with the current minivan shell (regular or extended-length version depending on the model selected) with dual sliding doors used by both Plymouth and Dodge for their league-leading duo, the Grand Caravan and Grand Voyager. Next, the Town & Country is given a unique front-end that includes body-coloured fas cia, distinctive Chrysler grille and winged Vacation checklist • Check and if necessary, change engine oil and oil filter. • Top up wind shield w asher fluid • Give your car a visual once over (don't forget to look for evidence of leaks under the car) • Check and if necessary adjust tire pressure-- check the decal on the rear edge of drivers door or glove com part ment, or consult owners manual for correct pres sure levels. • Check pres sure of spare tire. • Check and if necessary top up engine coolant, power steering, autom atic trans mission and brake fluid levels. • Inspect and if necessary replace w i n d s h i e l d wipers • lubricate all hinges, latches and locks • Check all lights, and don't forget the horn • Check and tighten all belts, hoses, clamps With this checklist attended to you can now jum p in the car and enjoy a truly jolly holiday. For com plete inform ation on how to buy, drive and maintain your vehicle to save fuel and money this summer, visit the AutoSm art web site at http://autosmart.n rcan.gc.ca, or call 1 -800-387-2000 to order your free AutoSmart Kit. logo design. On the inside, premium-grade materials are used for the carpeting, seat fabrics and various woodgrain-accented trim bits. Extra sound-deadening insulation further isolates passengers from road and engine noise. Powering the Town & Country LXi -- now the standard model -- is a 3.8-litre OHV V6 rated at 180 horsepower. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a four- speed automatic transaxle. For navigating in foul weather, the Town & Country can be ordered with all wheel drive. The system operates transpar ently, splitting power between the (font and rear wheels whenever traction loss is detected. Other standard luxury goodies include dual-zone air conditioning, overhead con sole with built-in garage door opener, mid cabin heater and vent controls, additional interior lighting, power windows, cruise control, remote keyless entry and tilt steer ing. So completely packaged is the Town & Country that the few options are limited to items such as heated power front bucket seats with leather seat coverings, integrated child seat front and rear ashtrays and a trail er towing package. While just one model of Town & Country was available for 1998, a new Limited model has been added for 1999. Nice touches include chrome aluminum 16- inch wheels, premium 'super soft' leather seats (heated for the driver and front pas senger) plus a bunch more luxury touches that set it apart from the already well- equipped LXi. Amazingly (or not), Chrysler sells plen ty of Town & Countrys to older buyers. These 'empty nesters' may not want or need seven-passenger seating. But they obvious ly appreciate the Town & Country's unique mix of luxury and built-in versatility to carry whomever and whatever they want. Both are powerful incentives for Town & Country ownership, whatever your age. The luxury van field is an obvious untapped niche that Chrysler has seen fit to exploit. Until some other competitor shows up, it's a wide-open field for the Town & Country. -- TS IIM! If you have a news tip or story idea, call the Oakville Beaver at 845-3824. l i l i l f c i l i i < V CL (A Audi Spring Service Clinic. Ensure that your Audi is at peak performance. Call today to reserve your personal appointment time. Clinic Dates: Mon., May 17 to Fri., May 21 Clinic Times: 9:00am to 4:00pm Phone: (905) 844-3285 y > u I I I A u d i I/) Oakville Volkswagen 557 KERR STREET (905) 844-3285 V :•; - ■ Five dollars off on your next Oil, Lube and Filter with coupon at time of purchase T H E U N D E R C A R C A R E S P E C IA L IS T * with oil change one 710 ml bottle of Castrol Super Clean While supplies last. If Super Clean Can't Clean It, It Can't Be Cleaned. Expires M ay 31/99 670 Fourth Line, Unit 16 (at Speers Rd.) VISA WITH EVERY NEW OR USED VEHICLE LEASED OR PURCHASED YOU WILL RECEIVE #99ncon * 22D Package • 2.0L 16 valve 132 hp engine • Auto Air • "Next generation" dual air bags * AM/FM stereo • Centre console • Plus 36 standard features • 3 year or 60,000 km warr. * Fuel Efficiency: City lO.ILkm, 28MPG; HWY 6.71/100km, 42MPG FINANCING ON '9 9 NEON 48MONTHS. All financing O.A.C. neon 2000 Redesigned, all-new Neon. It's here, a new car for the new millennium. The Neon 2000. The fun and agility of a sports sedan with the maturity and substantial feel that defines the new breed of Chrysler passenger can. • 2.0L 16V 132hp 4 Cylinder Engine • Automatic Transmission •Tinted Glass • Next Generation Oual Air Bags • 4-Wheel Independent Suspension •Tilt Steering »Air Conditioning • AM/FM Stereo Cassette with CD Controls & Ports • Side Impact Beams • 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat • Child-Protection Rear Door Locks • Remote Trunk Release • Complimentary Tank of Fuel .LEASE FOR ■* A MONTH FOR 48 MONTHS. 10 DOWNPAYMENT >0 SECURITY DEPOSIT. FREIGHT INCLUDE^ ' Lease based on 25,200km/yr.; plus taxes Join us Saturday, May 1 5 , 1 1 : 3 0 - 2 pm for a barbetu There w ill be hot dogs, hamburgers, and pop for everyone! M M m e a t shops 175 WYECROFT RD., OAKVILLE 845"6653 (BETWEEN KERR & DORVAL) www.lockwoodchrysler.com 1 http://autosmart.n http://www.lockwoodchrysler.com