Newsletter Summer/99

Premium Fuel:
More Harm Than Good

Money Saving Tip: Those of us who try to take extra good care of our engines will often pay a premium for higher octane fuels. With the advent of computer controlled ignition and fuel systems (1981 and newer) it is no longer necessary to do so. In fact, higher octane fuel (higher than what the manufacturer recommends) may actually cause problems such as poor starting, hesitation and poor driveability.

Those of us who drove cars prior to the 80's may find this difficult to accept, as it was often necessary to use a premium fuel to solve a pinging condition from the high compression engines of that era. However, times change and in this instance you can save money by changing with them. Be sure to consult your car's manual to find out if you are putting fuel in your car with a higher octane rating than is needed. If you are, try switching to a fuel with a more suitable rating, it will save you money as well as potential problems down the road.

Myths Concerning Wheel Alignment
& Wheel Balancing:

One of the most common requests we get from customers is "I need a wheel alignment" - but when asked why, many customers will tell us they need the alignment because the car shimmys.

FACT: A wheel shimmy is caused by rotating mass {tires, wheels, drive shafts, etc.} in a state out of balance or out of round.

95% of these occurances are caused by tires or wheels. Tires can be worn, have shifted steel belts, wheels (rims) can bend either side to side or vertically.

FACT: A tire or wheel can be perfectly balanced but still shimmy under actual road conditions!

Be sure to let your mechanic know as much as you can about the problems you are experiencing, and have him check your rims and tires to make sure they are in proper condition.

From NYTEST
Drive New York Clean
Reducing Vehicles Emissions
In many urban regions, motor vehicles are the single largest contributor to ground - level ozone pollution. This is a threat to public health and the enviroment. The 1990 Federal Clean Air Act Amendments require New York State to participate in an enhanced emissions inspection program aimed at reducing emissions from cars and light - duty trucks. In January 1998, the state inspection program was upgraded and vehicles registered in New York City, Long Island and Rockland and Westchester counties will undergo a more sophisticated emissions inspection. NYTEST (New York Transient Emissions Short Test) is a federally mandated program designed to ensure that passenger vehicle emissions control systems are inspected and properly maintained. Emissions testing will be performed at the same time as the annual safety inspection and when a change of vehicle ownership occurs. State - licensed inspection and repair shops in the New York metropolitan area will use new equipment designed to test emissions levels more accurately. Emissions / safety inspection stickers will be issued only to vehicles that pass both tests. Vehicles model year 1981 or newer and weighing 8,500 pounds or less will be checked for excessive exhaust emissions on a device that simulates actual driving conditions. Vehicles less then two model years old or more than 25 model years old, diesels, electric vehicles, motorcyles, and vehicles with historic or farm equipment registrations will be exempt from the emisssions program. Vehicles regularly serviced to manufacture's specifications generally will pass emissions inspection. A one year certification waiver will be issued when emissions-related repairs of $450 or more are made but a vehicle still fails inspection. The Federally mandated emissons test for vehicles registered in the New York metro area will cost $25, while the safety inspection fee remains $10. Safety inspections still are required for all vehicles. Smithtown General Tire performs these services. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

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