Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/402160
56 W E S T W O R L D A L B E R T A | W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 (ILLUSTRATIONS BOTH PAGES) KEVIN HOUSE, (ABOVE) ROTH & RAMBERG HEADLIGHTS: Keep them bright Dark nights and dim headlights aren't a good match, but a little care can brighten your outlook. To prep for winter, check for condensation inside each headlight – a sure sign of a leak, which can cause your headlights to fail, says Mark Jones, senior market manager at NAPA Canada. Headlights get dimmer over time, too, with halo- gen lamps losing 15 to 20 per cent of light over their life- time. "If a set of lamps is over four years old," says Jones, "replacing both can yield a very noticeable increase in the light output." Upgrading to a premium headlight capsule or sealed beam headlight can also increase visibility dramati- cally. Don't forget to clean off dirt and salt, and if you see a visible haze on plastic headlight lenses, deterioration of the UV protection is the likely culprit. Jones says headlight res- toration kits, such as ones by 3M or Sylvania, can help you get your lights bright once again. *Check website for participating locations. Save 10% on regular-price auto parts and accessories at NAPA Auto Parts.* AMARewards.ca/ NAPA BATTERY: Charge ahead M ost modern car batteries are maintenance-free and last around three to ve years. But the cleanliness of the battery and its posts should be checked annually. When a battery is fully charged, the sulfuric acid and water inside are properly blended and stay uid in sub-zero temperatures. However, in a dead or poorly charged battery, the acid reverts back to water, and that water can freeze and expand, caus- ing permanent damage. If you do wind up needing a boost from AMA, run your vehicle for a minimum of an hour afterward to recharge. Keep in mind, though, that the battery won't fully charge in colder temperatures, says Randy Loyk of AMA Automotive Services. " e vehicle requires a lot of voltage to run, so the amount of current going into the battery is a lot less than it would be in the summer- time," he explains. A battery tender – a device that charges or maintains the charge of a battery – can help you fully recharge post-boost. Jen McCauley of NAPA Auto Parts. NAPA offers easy-to- follow online tutorials for changing headlights and wiper blades. WINTER DRIVING TIP: "Check that you have your scraper and brush in the car early. There's nothing worse than brushing off the snow with your bare hands or chipping ice with a credit card." –Jodie Currie { {