PAGE 6, WHITBY FREE PRESS, DURHAM MOVES, JULY 15, 1987 Keep car looks new,longer With the ever-rising cost of a new car, motorists are turning to preventive maintenance to keep their cars longer. One of the best ways to keep your car looking bet- ter for years - and get the best return when you sell it - is to main- tain its good appearance. QUIZ YOURSELF It is relatively easy to maintain Hand waxing and polishing, long considered the most effective way to raise a brilliant shine from a car's paint finish, seems to be fading in popularity. Many con- sumers are finding that a wax shine doesn't last as long as it used to, and that it's rarely worth the in- vestment in time and effort. The responsibility for these "diminishing returns" lies almost entirely with the increasing presence of atmospheric pollutan- ts, acid rain, and road salt. Car war tends to absorb these substances. As time goes on, layers of this con- taminated way can build up on the surface, damaging the finish and dulling the shine. As a result, car owners who want to maintain a solid shine with wax must not only wax more frequently, they must carefully remove the old wax first. Most people just don't have the time. A recent breakthrough in chemical research, however, has led to a remarkable innovation in paint protection. A special paint the finishe of a car, but there is more to it than meets the eye. This quiz from Du Pont, a leading manufacturer of car finishes and waxes, should help you develop the proper treatment for your car's finish at the lowest possible cost: 1. True or false: Extremes of weather can dull a car's finish. 2. True or false: Polymer-type additive has hen dpvelnnpd which actually penetrates deep into the surface of a car's paint, right down to the prime coat. The additive surrounds each paint molecule with a bonded-on high gloss shield. Unlike traditional wax or plastic coats, the formula allows the paint to breathe, an essential factor in preventing the finish from chipping or becoming brittle. Best of all, on- ce a car is treated, it need never be waxed or polished again. In Canada, this process is available only through a company called Perma-Shine Inc. Their Perma-Shine Centres offer a com- plete treatment including extensive cleaning and wax removal, professional application followed by high speed polishing to lock-in the shine. This process is highly recommended for new cars, but it will equally invigorate older cars with dulled or scratched finishes. Questions or comments? If so, wirte to Syndicated Marketing Bureau, Dept. 5, 22 Earl Street, Toronto, Ont. M4Y 1M3. products that claim to penetrate the car's finish for lifetime protec- tion actually last no longer than a good quality wax. 3. How often should you wax your car? (a) once a year; (b) twice a year; (c) every two month; (d) no set interval. 4. What's the best way to tell when your car needs waxing? (a) when the finish looks dull; (b) when spots cannot be removed easily; (c) when the paint starts to chip; (d) when water runs off the finsih without beading. 5. -True or false: If paint comes off on your rag when buffing the wax, it means the wax is too abrasive. 6. True or false: applying two or three coast of wax will increase the durability of the wax job. 7. True or false: Paste wax gives a better or longer-lasting shine than a liquid wax. - ANSWERS 1. True. Sun, dust, rain and pollutants in the air all tend to dull a car's finish. Regular waxing works to remove built-up residue and oxidation from the finish, to keep your car looking its best despite extremes of weather. Two surveys which detail the travel habits of Ontario residents and visitors to the province are now available to the public. The Ontario Exit Survey com- missioned by the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation provides current information on travel habits of visitors to the province from the United States, 6ther provinces and countries. 2. True, Du Pont and others, in- cluding a leading consumer product-testing organization, have tested the performance of polymer- type or "poly" products compared with established premium brands of car wax such as "Rain Dance." The tests showed that a good quality wax lasts as long - if not longer - than even dealer-applied "poly" products costing $100 or more. 3. (d) Assuming your car's finish is in good shape, there really is no set interval. It depends on the region of the country, weather con- ditions, and the type and condition of the paint finish. A car wax can last up to six months in a mild climnate. If, however, you live in a sunbelt state such as Florida where the car encounters sever sun ex- posure, the wax will deteriorate rapidly and you may neet to re- wax every month. 4. (d) Answers (a) and (b) are signals that is may soon be time to wax your car, but the first and best indicator isthe water beading tges. indicator is the water beading test. Water beading is also the most reliable way to measure car wax durability. During a rainfall, look The Ontario Travel Survey, also commissioned by the ministry, focuses on Ontario residents' travel, both within and outside the province. The exit survey was conducted during the period between January, 1985 and February, 1986. A total of 10,590 personal interviews were conducted with non-resident travellers leaving the province by automobile, air and train. Specifically, the exit survey report provides information on the number of travellers by origin, regional destination, their expen- ditures, length of stay, main pur- at the water on the hood of the car. If the water sheets or runs off the hood, it means the wax has worn off. If small, round, distinct beads stand up on the finish, you still have a good layer of wax left on your car. 5. False. Many people are alar- med if paint color shows on the buf- fing rag when waxing. This simply means that the wax is doing its job. Waxing cleans your car so the colour you see is really "dead" or oxidized paint being removed from the finish. In fact, a totally clean rag may mean that the wax you're using does not contain an effective cleaner and that you're merely waxing over the oxidized paint. 6. False. By applying a second or third layer you are actually, removing the wax you just applied. the increased buffing it takes to ap- ply extra coats may help improve the overall appearance, but won't put on more wax. So, one good coat of wax, properly applied, will do the job. 7.False. Today's top quality waxes are formulated to give you a durable shine in either form - paste or liquid. The formulation you choose is a matter of personal preference. pose for visiting, accommodations used, previous travel patterns and participation in various activities. The report's information will help the Ontario tourism industry market and develop programs. The travel survey was carried out during 1985. People in 780 households across Ontario com- pleted diaries of their travel habits over a two month period. Similar data was used in both surveys. Copies of both reports are available at the Ministry's Tourism Research Section at 77 Bloor Street West, Ninth Floor, in Toronto. -Rate cap a'charade' By GEORGE ASHE MPP Durham West The Liberal's April 23 announ- cement of a "cap" on automobile insurance rates, and subsequent legislation introduced May 14, is a charade. Ontario consumers are confused by the Consumer Minister Monke Kwinter's announcement. Under the Minister's new system, automobile insurance rates will continue to increase - cap or no cap. in January, Kwinter defended in- creased automobile insurance rates. He told the House that "in surance companies still pay out more in claims than they take in on premiums"; this, by the way, has been generally true the past couple of years. The Liberals, in my view, have not been on top of this issue, and have dragged their feet in taking any action to reduce automobile in- surance rates. As early as November 1985, we were asking David Peterson to meet with consumers concerned about sky-rocketing insurance rates. A year and a half later we are presented with a plan that will not stem the rate increases. It just so happens that "board" - company increases for the year are set in February. Therefore, the "cap" means nothing for 1987 because the, new rates were established prior to April 23. What a meaningless, sick joke to play on consumers. More another day. [- JUT, w -~ ~ -- ------------------------------------------------------- The problem with waxing Two travel surveys made public ART CARTY PETER FAWCETT FAWCETT MOTOR CARRIAGE CO. (1981) Antique & Late Model New & Used Parts Restorations Available 106 PALMERSTON AVE. WHITBY 668-4446