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D6 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, March 17, 1999 AUTOMOTIVE CM warns: Book early to avoid Drive Clean inspection headaches Motorists who wait until the last minute to get their Drive Clean inspec­ tions could face line-ups, delays, and possibly temporary loss of vehicle use, CAA Ontario advises. Booking inspections in advance and for early in the month is advised. "Most people wait until the end of the month to renew their vehicle registra­ tions, creating unnecessary lineups," says CAA spokesman David Leonhardt. "Now car owners in the Greater Toronto Area and Ham ilton-W entworth also have to book a Drive Clean inspection, and some will require repairs to pass. We are advising CAA members not to get caught in the inspection, repair and re-registration bottleneck at the end of the month, because they may not be able to renew their vehicle registrations on time." With 23,000 notices being sent to m otorists every week, and just 300 accredited garages so far (75 inspections per garage weekly), Leonhardt predicts major bottlenecks at the end of each month. Lineups should be reduced as more garages are accredited later in the year, but motorists are still well-advised to book their Drive Clean inspections early in the month and well in advance. Leonhardt also reminds drivers that a vehicle is due for renewal on the ow ner's birthday, not at the end of the month. "Your Drive Clean inspection, any required repairs and re-inspection, and vehicle re-registration must all be completed by your birthday. Book early in case this process takes a few days." CAA Ontario is the federation of Ontario auto clubs, representing 1.7- million motorists and their families. * U T G R A P H Identifying tail pipe smoke Smoke coming out the tail pipe of a car should be cause of great concern for the owner. However, the sources for the smoke are not all the same, requiring analysis and diagnosis of the problem to make the proper repair If you spot smoke, you should take your car to a garage at the first opportunity. You can fix It now, or fix It later, sometimes at greater expense. The following Is a general guideline for diagnosing exhaust pipe smoke. Blue/white smoke While blue/black smoke points to an engine that Is internally wearing out, blueAvhite smoke indicates that oil is being sucked into the combustion chambers through the valve guides. Often, this can be fixed by replacing the valve seals which are small, umbrella- shaped pieces of rubber. Your car . balanced and gasc' power. If to air is to exhaust the ' whi u p cai and White smoke Wispy, lingering white smoke with a bittersweet smell is a sign that engine coolant is leaking into the combustion chambers, most likely because of a leaky head gasket, or worse, a cracked cylinder head. Either way, get the car to the shop right away. Thick white smoke Belching white smoke upon start-up (not to be confused with the normal puff of steam) could be a sign that transmission fluid is entering the combusting chambers, perhaps through a thatVacuum tube __ connects the engine to tire transmission. C O P Y R IG H T W H E E L B A S E C O M M U N IC A T IO N S Bretton's Imported Cars: Luxury service at affordable rates Nienke T. Jonkman IVERTISING FEATURE Finally luxury car owners in : haOakville have an affordable profes­ sional alternative in service. Bretton's Imported Cars Inc., a luxury and imported automotive retail and service company that orig­ inated in Burlington, has opened a 'satellite shop' in Oakville's new automotive core, near Bronte and Wyecroft. "Now we can offer new and existing clients the same profession­ ally trained service closer to home," said president and founder Chris Bretton. The 1999 automotive season has brought with it new lines of moder­ ately priced luxury vehicles. Industry giants such as Volvo and cedesMercedes are entering new markets, making dreams come true for people who never thought they'd own a luxury car. As any car owner knows, main­ tenance is key to the longevity of a vehicle. It is also important to secure proper maintenance--not every mechanic or technician is qualified to work on every vehicle. This is the reason that dealerships prefer warranty work be performed at the dealership, to ensure the prop­ er parts and service are supplied. But what about when the warran­ ty runs out? Your car is a major investment so it's important to continue getting proper service. Bretton's is your choice if you're interested in facto- high-quality yet affordable service." In 1994 Bretton founded the Burlington dealership/service cen­ tre. His prediction was right on-- within four years he had experi­ enced such growth that he was forced to relocate to larger premises in Burlington. He moved to 1239 Plains Rd. E., then opened the used car lot at 1227 Plains Rd. E. shortly thereafter. Bretton's Imported Cars Inc. offers high quality and fully ser- Europeaiviced used European Import vehi­ cles for sale from the mam location at 1239 Plains Rd. E. in Burlington. These premium European imports are reconditioned, serviced and cer­ tified by Bretton's discerning tech­ nicians. Prior to being offered for sale, each vehicle is thoroughly checked over to make sure it is in two shops. Bretton's specializes in all European and imported cars, such as Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Volvo, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, VW, Japanese imports, etc. Their high standards of workmanship has not gone unnoticed--they are past win­ ners of the CAA Customer Service Award, and their walls don many recognition plaques and awards from corporations like BMW, Jaguar and Volvo. Their value of good customer service is quite apparent as soon as aocyou walk in the door. The design and decor of the building is unclut­ tered and friendly, and there's always someone available to help you. Bretton's stands behind their the best possible condition. Used, domestic and other workmanship and guarantee their service with full extended war­ d e n Galus, Ken Weddell and Chris Bretton stand outside their Bretton's Imported Cars Inc, facility at 2334 Wyecroft Rd.. ry-trained technicians and competi­ tive prices. "All of our technicians have been specially trained by the manu­ facturers and have extensive experi­ ence working at some of the big dealerships," said Bretton. "When someone is trained to work on a spe­ cific vehicle, they'll do only what is needed and you know the job will be done right the first time." Working in the industry since 1970, Bretton saw the need for an alternative in European and luxury car service in the area. "Halton is saturated with European cars," he said. "But there is a great need for professional, imported vehicles are offered for sale from the 1227 Plains Rd. E. location, all of which are checked, serviced and certified to meet the high standards of Bretton's. Many of Bretton's clients came from the Oakville area, so the expansion of a service centre to Oakville was a natural progression. After major renovations to the orig­ inal building, the third Brettons opened its doors at 2334 Wyecroft Road (Unit 15) on Feb. 1st. Bretton finds there are many benefits and advantages to the multi-locations. The two shops can utilize each other's resources-- equipment, knowledge and techni­ cians constantly move between the ranties. They even offer financing on service. Bretton looks forward to getting to know Oakville, and can't wait to get involved in this community like ne does in Burlington. For more information call Oakville service at 465-1476 , Burlington service or sales at 639- 2306 or visit their website at www.brettons.com. Bretton's Oakville is located at 2334 Wyecroft Road, Unit 15 (at the bottom of Pacific near Bronte Road). Oakville service hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Burlington location is open the same hours and is also open on Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. Shuttle service is available. uiqwoon C H R Y S L E R Bring us your vehicle for emission testing & repair. Com plete Drive Clean Testing & Repair Facility For an appointment call 845-6653 175 WYECROFT ROAD ONTARIO'S Accredited Test & RepairONTARIO DRIVE CLEAN FACILITY Drive Clean A f0n emission testing program. ■ p w vv & ONTARIO 'S D R IV E CLEAN Will your vehide have to pass a drive dean test this year? Call for an appointmenti G l e n l e v e n C h r y s l e r Don't Open Your Hood To Strangers. BRING IT HOME TO H i__ O », a TNJ □ A (905) 844-9831 www.oakvillehonda.coin U HONDA BUILT WITHOUT COMPROMISE TO W N E CHEVROLET OLDSMOBILE INC. Accredited Test & Repair DRIVE CLEAN FACILITY Service Hours Mon.-Fri. 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat. 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 547 Trafalgar Road, Oakville (905) 844-2320 Y ou've heard of "passing a safe­ ty" to make sure your vehicle is fit for the road. Starting in 1999 there's a new test your vehicle may have to pass evety two years to make sure it is also fit for the air we breathe. It's called an emissions test, and it's part o f Ontario's Drive Clean program announced by Environment Minister Norm Sterling to help fight smog. 'The Drive Clean program is a major step forward in achieving cleaner air in Ontario," said the minister. "Keeping our vehicles properly maintained will be good for the environment, our health and even the vehicles themselves." Smog is a problem in many urban areas with a large number of motorized vehicles. It is linked to the rise of respira­ tory ailments, especially among children. Cars, trucks and buses are the sin­ gle largest source of smog- causing pollutants in Ontario. An emissions tea cost­ ing a maximum of $30 will be required every two years to renew your vehicle licence plate or whenever you decide to change own­ ership, usually when the vehicle is sold. A pass means your vehicle meets the emissions standards for its make and model year. If your vehicle fails the test, you have to have the problem repaired and return for a retest But whether or not your vehicle is actually covered under the Drive Clean pro­ gram depends cm where you live and the age of your vehicle. ONTARIO'S DRIVE CLEAN * an official mark o f the Province of Ontario used under licence. When renewing a vehicle registration, the Drive Clean test only applies to vehicles that are more than three years old and less than 20. For an ownership transfer where a safety certificate is required, however, the test applies to all vehicles less than 20 years old. Starting in April 1999, the Drive Clean test is mandatory in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton-Wentworth Region. Then, in January 2001, Drive Clean expands to 13 other high smog urban zones in southern Ontario. You'll know for sure if any one of the vehicles you own has to be tested if you get a notice in the mail about 90 days before the licence plate renewal date (your birthday!) Since the test cycle alternates from year to year between odd and even model-year vehi­ cles, it will take four years for Drive Clean to become fully operational in all pro­ gram areas. By the end of 2003, some 4.5 million cars, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and vans will have / S A gone through a Drive Clean G j j " facility at least once. As this is going on, the environment ministry's Smog Patrol will step up its on-road enforcement o f pulling over visible pollut­ ing vehicles, especially heavy duty ducks. The Drive Clean pro­ gram is administered by the Ministry of the Environment and will be closely monitored to ensure that it is both fair and effective. With full imple­ mentation, it will help cut smog-causing pol­ lutants from vehicles by up to 22 per cent in the program area In the end, we'11 all bene­ fit from Ontario's Drive d ean program, because we'll be doing something positive for the air we breathe. P L Y M O U T H • J E E P • D O D G E T R U C K S 2388 Royal Windsor Drive, Oakville • 905-845-7575 Service Hours: y Mon.-Ttars. } _ B a.m.-8 pjn. V-ftv Fit 8 a.m. 6 pjn. Sal 8 a.m.-Noon L v v i> ONTARIO'S DRIVE CLEAN 280 SOUTH SERVICE RD. JMC.1AAA (at Dorval Drive) 1 0 4 0 DRIVING CLEAN FOR THE AIR WE BREATHE Be sure to check out next week's auto section to find out more about this new mandatory program. We all can play a part to help combat smog. Since one of the major causes of smog is emissions from our vehicles, we can do our part by ensuring we're driving clean! http://www.brettons.com http://www.oakvillehonda.coin