New products help keep higher mileage vehicles on the road

Ask the average person what a big cost of driving and maintaining a car or truck is, and they will say their insurance or fuel. But if you bought your vehicle new, you’d likely be wrong.

The biggest monthly “cost” is pure depreciation. The average Canadian sees the equivalent of hundreds of dollars per month in depreciation, taking a huge cut from the value of their vehicle.

As new vehicle prices continue to rise, Canadians are responding by holding onto their vehicles longer and longer. In fact, the age of the average Canadian vehicle on the road continues to rise, as vehicle longevity continues to improve. While some people just “have” to purchase a new vehicle every year or two, the good news for most folks is that most properly maintained vehicles will run for many, many years.

Even as automotive manufacturing, quality, and technology enable long life, there are specific things people can do to ensure the longest service life possible. Some are fairly obvious, like strictly adhering to m a n u f a c t u r e r s recommended service intervals. Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and filters all need to be changed regularly in order to keep vehicles protected from corrosion caused by the aging and contamination of these fluids, even with normal, everyday use.

The filter experts at Fram have developed a special oil filter specifically for owners of vehicles with more than 120,000 kilometres who want to increase the longevity of their high mileage vehicle. A patented

basket design in the centre of the filter features a gel insert that releases oil additives over time. These additives help maintain viscosity, reduce corrosive engine wear, neutralize acids, and keep engine components cleaner over time.

After dirty oil passes through unique media, the filtered oil enters the centre tube basket and FRAM High Mileage with TRT gel (Time Release Technology). The additive slowly dissolves into the oil, giving additional protection for high mileage vehicles between oil changes.

“It’s a new approach to maintaining older vehicles that's built right into the filter,” said Megan Currie, FRAM product manager. This exciting new product is available at your local Canadian Tire store. More information is available online at www.Fram.com.

- News Canada

The label that can save money

If you’re in the market for a new car or light-duty truck, look for the EnerGuide label on the vehicle’s window and you could save a bundle at the pump.

The label shows city and highway fuel consumption ratings for that particular vehicle, as well as how much it could cost you every year in fuel. Anyone thinking of buying a new car should be aware of the EnerGuide label and use it as a quick reference. By comparing the EnerGuide label right there on the lot, buyers can make a more informed choice about how to choose a more fuelefficient vehicle.

The EnerGuide label is one of many tools consumers can use to help them buy, drive and maintain their vehicles in ways that will conserve energy, preserve the environment, protect their health and save money.

Natural Resources Canada produces a myriad of other helpful tips and tools on fuel efficiency such as the Fuel Consumption Guide, Fuel Consumption Calculator, Auto$mart Guide and of course its annual EnerGuide Awards handed out every year for the most fuel efficient vehicles in Canada.

For more information on how you can achieve greater fuel efficiency, visit vehicles.gc.ca or call 1-800- 387-2000.- News Canada