© 1996 Ford Motor Company Car Care Tips O n e of the most im portant things to do is to check the coolant in your car’s engine. It is essential that the proper level is m aintained at all times, but especiallv so in hot weather. If your car overheats because of a lack o f coolant, it may result in serious (and expensive) engine damage. T h e assorted rubber belts and hoses th ro u g h o u t your engine are extrem ely ‘Summerizing’ Your Car By Marc Battle For m any people, preparing the car for sum m er travel merely means giving it a good wash, wax and vacuum. However, it is more im portant to make sure your car is in top mechanical condition to safely make those trips. C onsider this: T he hot sun can be just as cruel to your car as cold temperatures. So, it you took the time to “winterize’ vour car, why not “summerize" your vehicle? LCTTCRS AND C-MAIl Having always been a BMW person, I enjoyed your piece on the BMW Z3 2.8. I am the former owner of a BMW 528E and a 320. However, I became turned off from the high cost of service when BMW began to introduce new technology. With the Z3. maintenance is no longer a concern, so I have come back to BMW. It is a smooth car. with luxury, and it is affordable. It has a con­ temporary. bold look and is a conversation piece. I have a Z3 on order packed with all the power and features I enjoy. I'm looking forward to top down weather Antonio Bruton Accokeek. Md African Americans On Wheels is long overdue, much needed in our community and is receiving rave reviews. You have a im portant as well. T he tim ing belt m ust be checked before taking a road trip, be­ cause if it breaks, the car simply will not move. Also, the hoses routing fluids through­ out the engine are w orth replacing before a m ajor drive. At the very least, they great publication, an impressive, experienced staff and information that everyone can un­ derstand and use. I wish you much success and pray that the auto industry understands that the best African-American consumer is an informed consumer. Thank you for a top quality presentation. Cathy Hughes Owner & CEO Radio One Thank you so much for arranging my par­ ticipation in the ‘For Love of Automobiles" pro­ gram, in which my racing car was taped and shown on a segment by News Anchor John Harter, of WJLA-TV News Channel 7 (in Wash­ ington, DC .). Though I have enjoyed drag racing for many years, nothing compared with the day my car was taped at Maryland International Raceway. Again, thank you for making this opportu­ nity available to me. Hilliard Bowman Quartermasters Racing Team District Heights. Md. Editor's note: After WJ LA's John Harter called us looking for a black race team in the area to profile in his or,e-hour broadcast, the Quartermasters were the first automobile lov­ ers that came to mind. The team is doing a lot of positive things, including involving young people in motorsports. And. a rem inder — Don't forget our special issue on blacks in motorsports will be out this summer1 should be checked tor anv cracks or excess wear. A weak hose, softened by the sum ­ mer heat and sustaining high pressure, will leave your engine susceptible to damage from extremely h ot temperatures. Finally, your car’s appearance is im por­ tan t and should be m aintained. Besides normal washing and waxing, it may be wise to invest in a leather or vinyl protectant. I hese liquid com pounds will help protect your seats and dashboard from the harsh sun. T here are a num ber o f books available at your local library or bookstore on this subject. Two popular ones are: “How to Make Your Car Last Forever” by Jack Gillis, an d “T h e C o m p le te C o n s u m e r C a r G uide by M ike Spaniola. Also, check w ith your local AAA office, inform ation is often free — even for nonm em bers. But above all, be consistent in m aintaining your car. Regular oil changes, lubrications, and engine inspections are the best way to make sure your car doesn't spend its sum ­ mer in the repair shop. W h e re v e r yo u g o , th e r e w e a r e . With over 5000 dealers around the country, the help you need is never far Is it R e a l? To keep your car like new. our dealerships stock genuine Ford parts. Please send your questions or comments for “4 11 to Jackie Mitchell, 2034 National Press Building, Washington, D.C., 20045. I recently went shopping for a new car and my experiences were quite eye open­ ing. The first dealership I visited was a Honda. The salesman aggressively tried to push me into buying a make and model of car in which I had no interest. He would not listen to anything I said, and finally got an­ gry when I wouldn't buy a car that day. While browsing at the Toyota dealership, a salesman informed me that I would have to come into the showroom and see his m anager otherw ise he would get into trouble. I left dumbfounded. At Saturn, no one bothered me for 10 to 15 minutes. When a salesman did approach me. he simply informed me that there were brochures available, then he gave me his card. Suffice to say my next car will be a Saturn! Kim Frazier Lanham. Md Thanks for your wonderful advice on car care tips for women by Jacqueline Mitchell. Most of us women drivers know absolutely nothing about car care. It was very impor­ tant and valuable information. Please tell me where I can find the book she men­ tioned. Jenetta Campbell Philadelphia, Pa. Editor's Note: Jenetta. you should find Everything Women Always W anted to Know About Cars But Didn 't Know Who To A sk." at your local book store or library. Q u a lity C a re P e o p le . No one knows your car better No one has a bigger stake in keeping you satisfied Bring your car in Let us show you. Start your car with the power of 250,000 people. This is Quality Care. All the people at Ford M otor Company and at Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers working together to take care of you and D ro p By. your vehicle. Just to make sure you feel as good about owning your Fast Lube bays at many dealerships can change your oil in 29 min. or less That's Quality Care to go. car or truck now as the first day you drove it home. M a il C a ll. QUALITY CARE FORD S LINCOLN M ercury