PAGE TWO
AUTO RAMA ’85
The self-service gas station has almost
become the norm today. Wonder why?
According to Joe Massaro, Parts and
Service Development Manager, Ameri-
can Motors, because of today’s new and
complex automobile technology, very few
service stations have the technological
education and expensive machinery to
properly care for your car.
Emission control checks and computer
analyzers are just two of a dozen expen-
sive machines that assist auto techni-
cians with normal maintenance check-
ups. Massaro says the new 1985 autos
feature something new — computer
boxes which, when plugged into. a main-
frame computer at the dealership, will
detect hidden problems and irregulari-
ties.
When you start dealing with technologi-
cal performance, the average gas station
Imagine
that easy. ,
fii
rw
just doesn’t have the proper equipment
needed to detect problems in today’s
cars. Even the do-it-yourselfer will, at
some point, need proper manufacturer’s
‘services to keep his car in top-top shape.
American Motors, like many other auto
manufacturers, conducts — 52 weeks a
year — a Technical Training School for
service technicians. AMC requires its
dealers’ technicians to attend a minimum
of one week per year to keep up to date
on changes in caring for your car.
Massaro notes there are specialty
garages that deal strictly with mufflers
or brakes, but they won’t touch a tune-up.
Even Goodyear and Firestone recently
implemented technical schools and train-
ing centers. Their technicians are also
require to spend one week a year in
intense schooling before attempting any
auto electronic work.
Because automobiles are expensive to
buy, they’re rather costly to maintain.
However, Massaro says you have the
right to demand an estimate on mainte-
nance, however, hidden repairs and
major problems are almost impossible to
estimate before hand.
To avoid costly repairs, Massaro sug-
gests, don’t put that owner’s manual in a
drawer and forget it. Be aware of proper
maintenance and your own driving habits
to save money in the long run and keep
your car running on the road longer.
1985 Volvo
features
good sound
The 1985 Volvo 740 features an AM-FM
stereo cassette radio, power amplifier,
four speakers and power antenna.
On the mechanical side, Volvo-has not
stinted onthe 740. Power assisted rack
and pinion steering, with only 3.5 turns
lock to lock, and a 32’2” turning circle
make for easy maneuvering in even the
tightest of spaces. For ride comfort and
good handling, Volvo provides a Mac-
Pherson strut front suspension with
double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers
and a 19 mm swaybar. At the rear the 740
is equipped with Volvo’s unique Constant
Track suspension. This system, devel-
oped and patented by Volvo, combines
the smooth ride and low- noise of an
independent rear suspension with the
simplicity and reliability of a live axle.
Double-acting shock absorbers and a
swaybar complete the rear suspension
system.
Both 740 models offer a choice of the
highly regarded Volvo M-46 four-speed
manual transmission with electric over-
drive or a four-speed automatic over-
drive transmission. To make sure that
the stopping ability of the 740 is up to its
accelerating ability, four-wheel power
assisted disc brakes are standard. Fol-
lowing Volvo tradition, the brake system
consists of two triangular circuits, each
controlling two front wheels and one
rear. This design permits 80 percnet of
total braking capacity to be utilized with
one circuit inoperative - well in excess of
any government requirement. To reduce
the likelihood of dramatic changes in
pedal pressure or stroke in the event of a
single circuit failure, the brake system
utilizes Volvo's stepped bore master cyl-
inder.
Clearly, Volvo has assembled the best
elements of its considerable engineering
inventory to Svar a fiercely competi-
» a"