www.thefreepress.ca 12 THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, January 30, 2014 ENGINE This is the block found in the centre of the engine compartment. This is where pistons work inside cylinders. Your car’s secrets finally revealed! For those of you who are unfamiliar with the mysterious world of automobile mechanics, looking under the hood is akin to entering a giant labyrinth. Put an end to the mystery by learning about the most important elements, explained in the simplest of terms, which are hiding under your hood. SPARK PLUGS These are the devices responsible for the firing of the engine. Usually there are as many spark plugs as your engine has cylinders. BATTERY The battery is the cornerstone of the engine. It contains an energy reserve that allows the starter to function. The car cannot start without it. TRANSMISSION FLUID Your car’s transmission, whether it is automatic or manual, is bathed in oil. To keep things working properly, the reservoir must be kept filled to the indicated level. The correct level is indicated on the dipstick that is attached to the underside of the reservoir cap. RADIATOR The radiator cools the engine and is situated at the front of the engine compartment. It contains a cooling fluid that circulates around the combustion chambers. COOLANT RESERVOIR It is here that coolant should be added in order to ensure the proper functioning of your cooling system. Check that the fluid reaches the “full” line imprinted on the side of the reservoir. POWER STEERING FLUID Your car’s power steering mechanism is bathed in a special fluid. The reservoir for this fluid is clearly indicated so that its level can be adjusted when necessary. AIR FILTER The air filter prevents dust and debris from entering the engine. It should be checked on a regular basis and changed when it becomes dirty. OIL RESERVOIR This is where oil is added when your engine’s oil levels are low. The symbol on the oil reservoir cap is usually the same as the one that lights up on the dashboard. BRAKE FLUID This reservoir, which is usually situated close to the fire-wall, contains one of the most important fluids in your car. Hydraulic brakes operate when the pressure of the fluid pushes on the braking system when the brake pedal is pressed down. If the brake fluid reservoir is empty, there will be no pressure in the lines and brake failure will occur. Top Gunn Automotive & Power Sports 11901 20th Ave Blairmore AB (403)562-7031 Klim Clothing and Helmets Snowmobile Safety Supplies Sledding parts and accessories 403.562.2588 11930-22nd Ave., Blairmore, AB Fax: 403.562.2580 | [email protected] • Complete automotive repair & maintenance • Tune up & diagnostics • Out of province inspections • Wheel alignments • Air conditioning • Aftermarket installs • All domestic, import & diesels [email protected] spokesandmotor.com 11334-20th Avenue, Blairmore,AB • 403-562-2202 Automotive, Motorcycle, Snowmobile & OHV Repairs & Maintenance 1075 Waterton Ave, Pincher Creek, AB 403-627-4456 • www.fountaintire.com Your Trusted Provider of Car Tires, Truck Tires, Tire Services, and Automotive Services 22130-8th Ave., Hillcrest Mines, AB (403)563-3999 [email protected] ALL insurance claims welcome. choice for auto body repair. Your “For all your cooling or heating requirements come on over and see the professionals at Mangled Radiators Ltd!” Bus - 250.425.6413 Cell - 250.425.5283 Answering service after hours Box 1767 Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 COMPLETE RADIATOR SERVICE INDUSTRIAL TRUCK & HEAVY EQUIPMENT * Automotive * Gas Tank Repairs * Aluminum Welding * Steam Cleaning SERVING THE MINING & LOGGING INDUSTRY SINCE 1982 BC & NARSA HD Certified RADIATORS LTD. MANGLED