G and M licences can be renewed from out of province

Eric Lai

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Q: I will be away for a year and my driver's licence expires in the middle of my travels. Can I renew from outside the province? What happens if I don't renew until I get back?

A: Ontario Transportation Ministry spokesperson Emna Dhahak replies:

Travellers can renew their class G or M licence up to 180 days prior to the expiry date before leaving the province. Renewals can be done at most licence offices. If a test is required, the driver must attend an examination centre.

Renewals not requiring a photo (if stated on your notice) can be processed by mail; otherwise, you must renew in person in Ontario.

As a last resort and at the ministry's discretion, drivers may be eligible for a one-time, up to six-month temporary licence. To apply from outside the province, send the ministry a signed letter with your full name, date of birth, driver's licence number, out-of-province address and date of return to Ontario.

If your licence expires, you may not drive.

If your class G or M licence has expired for less than one year, no testing is required for renewal. Between one and three years, a vision screening is necessary. Beyond three years, complete vision, written and road tests are required.

Novice licences (class G1, G2, M1 and M2) are not renewable or eligible for a temporary licence after expiry. If a novice class licence expires, the driver must re-apply as a new driver and successfully complete the knowledge, vision and G1 and G2 road tests.

If their application is made within three years of expiry, the mandatory wait times are waived and they will be credited for whatever driving experience they accumulated prior to expiry. After three years, all mandatory wait times and test requirements apply.

For more information, visit www.mto.gov.on.ca or call 1-800-387-3445.

Q: Will using a lighter grade of motor oil provide better fuel economy? Are synthetics more "slippery" than regular oil?

A: Eric Bristow, of the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute — Ontario Division, replies:

For long life and fuel economy, vehicle owners should: use the grade of oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer; ensure the oil level is within the acceptable range on the dipstick (i.e. neither under- nor over-filled); and change the oil and filter at the intervals required by the vehicle manufacturer.

Multi-grade oils, such as 5W20 or 5W30, are designed to operate over wide temperature ranges. The "W" means winter and the number before it relates to the temperature that the oil can be pumped on cold start. A "5W" grade oil can be pumped at a lower temperature than "10W" on cold start. The second number relates to the viscosity of the multi-grade oil at operating temperature.

Synthetic lubricants are not more slippery than a conventional oil of the same grade rating. These too must meet specifications for all engine operating conditions, i.e. all 5W30 oils, regardless of type, satisfy identical specs.

Compared to regular oil, synthetics offer improved protection over a greater temperature range, and longer time between drain intervals.

Eric Lai adds:

Oil grades like 5W30 or 5W20 may provide slightly better gas mileage than higher viscosity-rating 10W30 or 20W50 grades, for example, but should only be used if an approved grade for your auto (see owner's manual). Note that switching to lower viscosity-rating oil in a well-worn engine may exacerbate oil loss.

Email your non-mechanical questions

to Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca.

Please include year, make, model and

kilometres of autos cited, plus your name, address and telephone number.

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