From the Michigan DNR

Gear maintenance an important task
With the colder months quickly approaching, many anglers may be getting ready to store their gear for the season. There are a few maintenance tips you should follow so your quality gear is ready to be used next season.
1. The biggest tip is to always make sure all of your gear is clean and completely dry before storing it. Start by cleaning everything (rods, reels and lines) in fresh water with soap or the manufacturer’s recommended solution to remove any materials that may have become attached or embedded.
2. Now is a great time to inspect your gear for any damage and make repairs, or prepare for replacements.
3. Don’t store any of your gear in direct sunlight and don’t store any of your gear where heat and/or moisture might build up.
4. Have waders? Air them out completely and don’t forget to hang them upside down for the months they are out of use.
Check out the DNR’s weekly fishing tip, obtained from various angling resources throughout the country. Go to www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on fishing, then weekly fishing tip.

The maintenance on the Cedar Springs water tower is complete, and the tower and all fire hydrants are back online.
The tower went offline in August. During that time, the Cedar Springs DPW department encountered a few hiccups, including a boil water advisory when pressure dropped as a result of a power outage; a false anonymous tip to the DEQ that the blasting dust emanating from the top of the tower was toxic; a site visit by the DEQ that resulted in a citation for air quality despite the fact they followed the DEQ’s suggestions; and a complaint from a woman whose laundry turned brown.
The boil water advisory affected several businesses on the west side of town. All samples came back negative for bacteria.
The false tip to the DEQ Air Quality Division said that lead dust was being emitted from the tower. DPW supervisor Roger Belknap visited the work site August 26 and asked the crew to stop blasting activities until a bonnet could be put in place, which they did. The crew chief also explained that the blasting media they use encapsulates the coatings, pulling it downward, and the dust coming from the top was not hazardous. The DEQ arrived on scene on August 30 to investigate, and suggested the bonnet, which was already ordered, and on August 31 the DEQ Hazardous Waste division took samples, which all came back negative for lead and chrome. They also visited on September 7 and on September 19, issued a violation notice of air quality. The notice said they were blast cleaning without proper enclosure, requiring an air use permit to install, and that fallout adversely impacted neighboring properties. They noted that Utility Services Company, contracted by the city, had installed and commenced operation of equipment without a permit. The city was invited to send them a response if they felt this was inaccurate.
Belknap sent the DEQ a response outlining all the events that had taken place and the city’s response to the situation. The city then got a letter back from the DEQ saying the situation had been resolved.
“I think it was a matter of procedure, of protocol on their end (to issue the violation),” said Belknap. He noted that they had the proper permits for drinking water, but not air. “They are putting the contractors on notice that they need to abide by permits if doing work in Michigan,” he said. “Hopefully the process will help other water tower projects go through the same scrutiny as other projects when it comes to sandblasting.”
Opal Waller complained both the Post (see page 5) and the city about her water turning her laundry brown. Belknap explained that with the water tower offline and no hydrant flushings, a slug of iron may have built up and then been released. “All communities have problems with brown water from time to time,” he said.  He noted that the water in Cedar Springs is naturally hard and has a high iron content.

Professional preventative maintenance can help keep your car on the road to safety and savings.

(NAPS)—A good way to drive down the cost of keeping your car is to have a professional check it regularly, at least seven ways:
1.    Check Tires. Tire wear is a good indicator of how the steering and suspension are performing. Excessive edge, center or shoulder wear suggest other maintenance is needed. Check air pressure on all tires, including the spare, as incorrect tire pressure can cause tires to wear prematurely. Tread and sidewall areas should be inspected for uneven or irregular wear and replaced if worn or damaged.
2.    Check Brakes. Pads, shoes, rotors, calipers, fittings, brake hardware and parking brake should be checked. If your brakes squeal, it may be time for replacements.
3.    Check Fluid Levels. Engine oil should be changed or replenished and all vehicle fluids and lubricants checked and changed at factory-recommended intervals. Low or dirty fluids can damage your engine.
4.    Check Engine Belts, Ho­ses and Fuel Filter. In today’s vehicles, a single drive belt provides power to many engine accessories and hoses carry vital fluids under high pressure. Prevent a breakdown or serious engine damage by replacing belts and hoses at recommended intervals.
5.    Change Air Filter. The air filter is designed to protect your engine from airborne contaminants. Poor airflow to the engine inhibits performance and can mean greater fuel consumption. A new air filter lets clean, unrestricted air flow into the engine for proper performance and longer car life.
6.    Check Battery. Whether for starting up in the morning or running the air-conditioning and other accessories, the battery is critical. Corroded terminals or a bulging or cracked case are signs it’s been subjected to extreme conditions. Each battery has a limited “life” to it. Test yours and replace it if necessary.
7.    Check Wiper Blades. Worn wiper blades can affect your ability to see the road and vehicles in front of you. For greater visibility and smooth operation, Mopar all-season wiper blades are built for the long haul and feature a strong, all-metal superstructure for durable, reliable performance. An innovative wear indicator gradually turns from black to green to yellow as the blades wear. Mopar is Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand.
According to Mopar’s Jim Sassorossi, “Performing preventative maintenance is critical for maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. Our technicians have the expertise, tools and factory-backed parts for these vehicles. And they work on them every single day.”
Learn More
More information and a complete list of accessories and performance parts are at www.mopar.com.

Choosing the right filter for your vehicle

(ARA) – In today’s economy it’s more important than ever to take care of your vehicle. Engine maintenance is critical when extending the life of your vehicle. There is a lot of information available about the differences in oils and other maintenance components, but what no one explains is what to look for in an oil filter.

The oil filter serves as the lifeblood for your engine. It is important because it cleans the oil and is capable of filtering high volumes of oil with relatively low restriction. How do you know which filter to choose and what are the differences between styles? Here is some information to help you decide.

The shell is the outside casing you see when the filter is installed. It keeps your filter safe during the wear and tear on your vehicle, and protects it from punctures.

The media is the filtering component. Depending on the level of filter you chose, media can be described as a maze of cellulose, synthetics and/or microfibers that remove the harmful debris from your engine oil.

The core is the part of the filter that helps the filter keep its shape and prevents it from collapsing under extreme pressure. It is inserted inside of the filter media and can be made of a variety of materials.

The base plate is the threaded component of the oil filter. In addition to providing the threaded attachment for the filter, it directs the oil flow through the filter.

The gasket is the rubber ring that seals the filter to the engine’s oil filter base. This gasket is typically made of flexible rubber.

Now that you understand the components of an oil filter, it’s easy to see that not all oil filters are the same. There are some key differences in the quality of oil filter you are purchasing.

Most “economy” filters are very basic and last for a limited time in comparison to the higher end filters. These filters use media of natural wood fibers to sort out the debris in your oil.

The “better” filter contains media that is a blend of fibers. The majority of the fibers are cellulose with a minimal blend of synthetic fibers that enhance the media strength and efficiency performance.

The “best” or premium level of filters use micro-glass filter technology. Advanced micro-glass oil filters are designed to extend the life of vehicle and equipment. In addition to superior filtration media, the other internal and structural components are of higher quality materials, making for easier installation and removal, as they are much less prone to crush while installing or removing. These oil filters can extend change intervals up to 12,000 miles.

Vehicles still under warranty should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended filter change intervals.

(ARA) – In a tough economy, it’s only natural to look for ways to cut corners. But trimming auto maintenance expenses isn’t worth the risk. Taking proper care of your car steers you on the road to safe driving. It can help to keep more cash in your pocket too.

“Even the most cautious drivers are putting themselves in danger if they’re not driving a well-maintained vehicle,” says Charles Valinotti, senior vice president with QBE Regional Insurance. “No one wants to be in a less-than-road-worthy vehicle during an emergency.”

Most drivers are diligent about addressing major mechanical issues, especially since today’s cars have automatic alerts when a problem surfaces. However, many people overlook the basics – like tires – which can quickly outlive their usefulness. In recent surveys, The Rubber Manufacturers Association reported that nearly two out of three drivers do not know how to tell if their tires are bald and only 9 percent of vehicles have four properly inflated tires.

Valinotti warns that all too often windshield wipers go unnoticed until it is too late. “It’s usually after a nighttime auto accident where there’s bad weather and little visibility, when a driver realizes that they haven’t replaced their wiper blades in years,” he says. Holding off on an oil change or spark plug replacement is not worth compromising safety either.

In addition to the peace of mind that comes from having reliable tires, windshield wipers, brakes, suspension and steering systems, there are other benefits from proper car maintenance:

• Save yourself from expensive car repairs after an accident that could’ve been prevented.
• Extend your vehicle’s life span and avoiding replacement costs for big-ticket auto parts. Consult your owner’s manual to determine how often you should perform certain services on your car. If you take a long road trip or have greater wear and tear on your car, think of making a visit to your auto mechanic ahead of schedule.
• Save money at the pump. If you drive a car with a poorly tuned engine or tires that aren’t properly inflated, you could find yourself filling up the gas tank more often. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environment Protection Agency.
• Score some discounts on your auto insurance policy. “We encourage our customers to drive safely and invest in ongoing auto maintenance,” Valinotti says. “Our safe driver discount can take up to 10 percent off your premium.” Approximately 85 percent of vehicles insured by General Casualty, a QBE Regional Insurance company, get that reward. The safe driver discount is applied automatically and keeps rolling over each year you are accident or violation free.

In between scheduled maintenance checks with a mechanic, drivers should do routine checks on their own, too. It’s as simple as referring to the owner’s manual for instructions. A little more diligence with car care goes a long way.
Courtesy of ARAcontent