Gas at independents differs from branded fuel
TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO
Police would have at least two choices in charging motorists with “obstructed” plates: because of the protective cover and fact that the “Ontario” and “Yours to Discover” are obscured.
Q: Is gasoline at independents identical to that sold by name-brand retailers?
And does all gasoline contain
ethanol?
A: Barry Bower, a retired senior oil adviser for the Ontario Ministry of Energy, answers that detergent additives in gasoline are mandated by government.
Their type and quantity differ in gas sold by the major oil companies to independents rather than company retailers, so it could be argued that the "quality" of branded gas is better. However, all detergent additive packages do meet minimum requirements.
All the major oil companies exchange gasoline between brands, and also supply independents. For example, a remote Esso location may be supplied by a nearby Shell refinery, and vice-versa in another region.
Regardless of the source refiner, every retailer receives fuel with the correct proprietary additive package for the brand they represent.
Gasoline sold in Canada is required to have 5 per cent ethanol content overall. But since some engines can't tolerate it, you'll typically find 10 per cent ethanol in regular gas, 5 per cent in mid-grade, and none in premium grades.
Q: Further to your article on obstructed plates, I received a $110 ticket, rather than a warning, for having a plastic cover over my licence plate.
My plate is clearly visible. Sounds like a cash grab!
A: Malcolm Higgins, owner of tickettalk.ca, a Toronto paralegal firm specializing in traffic offences, replies:
The Highway Traffic Act doesn't specify what amount, if any, a plastic protective cover can be shaded or tinted.
If an officer feels the plate is obstructed by anything that could hinder identification of the plate in any way by a person, red-light camera or toll system, then they can lay a charge.
It is, however, strictly a matter of opinion, and there are cases where the opinion of the officer is no greater than that of the general public.
Personally, I'd fight the ticket and bring the plate cover to court as evidence. If it's tinted at all, the justice will probably side with police, as the classic definitions of "obscured" and "obstructed" include to hinder from view, or hide, or make less visible.
To avoid possible charges, I'd get rid of anything other than a basic clear plate cover.
Eric Lai adds:
If you're using one of those clear but refractive/reflective/polarizing covers aimed at skirting the law, you'll likely face an uphill battle defending yourself in court on an obstructed plate charge.
Incidentally, those ubiquitous licence plate frames, often touting the selling dealer, that block the "Ontario" or "Yours to Discover" portion of the plate, are also in breach of the law.
Although it is a legitimate violation, petty charges like this are typically reserved for motorists who show a "poor attitude" when pulled over, say police.
Q: Since rustproofing oils from several major rustproofing chains are sold at hardware stores, could I get equal results doing the job myself?
A: For accessing inside body panels, a 10 cm straw tip on an aerosol can simply doesn't compare to a pro metre-long applicator probe. Also, there are areas of vehicles, particularly hybrids, that should not be treated.
Commercially applied rustproofing treatments will not void your new car warranty, whereas a bad do-it-yourself job could.
Considering the cost, mess and possible risk of damage if done improperly, I'd say this is one job that's best left to trained professionals.
Q: I'm told that if I buy a used vehicle at auction with an "unfit" permit, I can't drive it and must have it towed. Can't I get a 10-day trip permit?
A: Ontario Transportation Ministry spokesperson Bob Nichols replies:
Last year, the ministry eliminated the 10-day trip permit and introduced the new temporary vehicle registration and special permit programs. These permits may only be issued to "fit" motor vehicles, as indicated at top of ownership.
A special permit (temporary permit) is only available for a "fit" vehicle sold at the auction on the day of the auction, if this has been authorized by the ministry.
The owner cannot obtain one at a later date from the auction. The buyer's only option, after the fact, is to have the vehicle towed or to purchase temporary validation – unless the vehicle is a laden commercial vehicle, trailer, or a vehicle more than 20 years old.
For temporary registration, you'll need the original vehicle permit (signed by the previous owner with transfer information completed on the back by the new owner), along with a bill of sale and proof of insurance. If the vehicle was last registered as "unfit," you'll also need a safety certificate.
The licence office will register the vehicle to the new owner and provide a temporary validation ("T") sticker to affix to your new or existing licence plates.
Temporary vehicle registration is issued to allow the new owner of a used vehicle to operate it to get safety certification, or an emissions pass in Drive Clean areas, so the vehicle can then be permanently registered.
Eric Lai adds:
In this case, the vehicle permit (that is, ownership) was transferred to the auction house prior to sale. Since no safety was presented during the transfer, the permit went from fit to unfit status.
Unfit autos may not be driven on public roads and must be towed to a garage to get safety certification.
Once this has been obtained, along with proof of insurance, the owner may get temporary registration, or temporarily attach validated number plates from a vehicle they no longer own, and drive it to get an emissions pass, if required.
TRIP COSTS: Hitting the road? You'll find a free online trip calculator that figures out your fuel costs , with step-by-step driving directions, at www.Michelinontheroad.ca.
Email your non-mechanical questions
to Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca.
Due to the volume of mail, personal
replies cannot be provided.
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