Tips to Make Your Vehicle Go the Distance
© 2001 by Kyle Busch
If you are living on a budget, or even on an unlimited budget, you
know how important it is to make the most of what you have.
Getting More Miles Out of Your Car
The following are some tips that will help you to get more miles out
of your vehicle.
- First, consider, does your vehicle actually have the ability to
run many miles without incurring costly repairs? An easy way to find
out is to visit a public library to consult the frequency- of-repair
information in the April magazine issue of Consumer Reports If the vehicle
that you are driving has a reasonable repair history, it is worthwhile
to drive it until your heart is content. However, if it has a very poor
repair history, it might be time to consider buying a vehicle that has
better ratings and fuel efficiency.
- Assuming that you want to extend the life of your vehicle, at the
beginning of each month, have the engine oil level checked to make certain
that it is at the full-level mark on the dipstick. Buy two quarts of
oil that are on sale and keep them in the trunk. Then, if the engine
needs oil, you will not get stuck paying three times what the oil should
cost.
Be certain to only use the type of oil and other fluids as specified
in the vehicle owner's manual.
- Every three months (more often, however, if specified by your vehicle
owner's manual) and prior to leaving for and upon returning from a trip,
check (or have a service station attendant check) the tire pressure
and the other fluids that include:
Transmission fluid
Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Radiator Coolant (check the clear plastic bottle)
Windshield washer fluid
Be certain to observe what the service station attendant does and
ask questions, because you can likely check these items.
Why is it so important to keep the fluids at their full-level marks?
Because the fluids lubricate moving parts to reduce fiction, heat, and
wear-the single most important factor for extending the life of a vehicle.
- If you drive 10,000 or more miles per year, have the engine oil and
oil filter changed every 3,000 to 3,500 miles or about every four months.
If you drive 6,000 miles or less per year, have the engine oil and oil
filter changed at the beginning of spring and near the end of fall.
An easy way to remember oil changes is to mark a new calendar at the
beginning of a year with "oil change" reminders (i.e., March,
July, and November or May and November).
Service stations run specials in the newspaper for oil changes (i.e.,
$10.99 - $13.99). However, make certain that the station is reputable.
Some stations have been known to skip changing the oil or to do part
of the job by changing the oil but not the oil filter. Consider using
a black marker to put an X on the oil filter after an oil change. When
the next oil change has been completed, a newly installed filter should
not include an X.
- Before the cold of winter sets in, have a service station attendant
check the antifreeze in the clear plastic coolant bottle with a hydrometer
(a device that takes a sample of antifreeze and specifies how cold the
temperature can become before the antifreeze freezes). The antifreeze
in your vehicle should be able to withstand (i.e., not freeze) temperatures
of at least 30 degrees "below the coldest" winter temperature.
If the antifreeze in your vehicle is too weak, have additional antifreeze
added to the coolant bottle. Purchase the type of antifreeze as specified
in the vehicle owner's manual (i.e., usually a type that is suitable
for "aluminum and all types of metals" that are used today's
engines).
Why is it important for the antifreeze not to freeze during the winter?
Because frozen antifreeze can crack an engine's block which could result
in possibly thousands of dollars for the repair.
- If you drive over 10,000 miles per year, have the engine air filter
changed once a year in the spring. If you drive about 6,000 miles or
less per year, have the engine air filter changed once every two years.
Many discount stores have sales on air filters.
- In the spring and the fall give the vehicle a thorough wash, tar
removal, and wax. When washing the vehicle in-between the seasonal waxes,
use a car wash product that is safe for clear coat and waxed finishes.
- Basic vehicle maintenance is an ongoing process. The secret to making
it "easy" and keeping a vehicle "looking great"
involves two components. First, maintaining regular vehicle involvement
and second, only doing a little at a time.
Each week throughout the year (in addition to the maintenance suggested
above) take only about 10-15 minutes to focus on a small aspect of the
vehicle. For example, one week wash the windows. The next week, vacuum
the carpet, and the following week, Armor All the dash and the door
panels etc., etc. After about three months, one of the "small jobs"
will be ready to be repeated. However, the vehicle will never be in
rough shape. Doing a "small but thorough" job on one specific
aspect of the vehicle each week, requires very little time or energy.
Having a vehicle that continually "looks great" makes it worthwhile.
The tips provided above are the most basic maintenance requirements
that will help your vehicle to run longer. Remember to reference the
vehicle owner's manual for any additional maintenance required on your
vehicle.
Basic vehicle maintenance involves a minimal investment of time and
money, but it can provide major benefits in vehicle performance and
lower repair costs. Additionally, your vehicle will be in better condition
when it becomes time to sell.
In addition to the points covered in this article, the successful
purchase of a used vehicle involves many other details. Being attentive
to details and knowing what to look for when inspecting and test-driving
a used vehicle will translate into significant savings. Additional information
about the exterior and interior inspections, the test-drive, saving
money, and selling a used vehicle are explained in the book: Drive
the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility
Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money.
The book is available in print and e-book editions from 1stBooks Library
at: 1 800 839-8640 or at: 1stbooks.com
In addition, it is also available from Barnes
and Noble or through traditional bookstores and www.drivethebestbook.com.
Kyle Busch and his 1986 Volkswagen Jetta
A used vehicle that is closing in on 300,000 miles
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