HomeCars & MotorsportsCarsWhat Should I Know About General Vehicle Maintenance?
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Save on Fuel by Maintaining your Vehicle!
by khahn86351 | Jun 29 '01
Basic maintenance will save you money NOW and LATER!

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Comments on Save on Fuel by Maintaining your Vehicle!" (10 total)  
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Date Written
Re: Re:+Great+article+but+one+minor+problem+... (Reply to this comment)
by big_guy571
Let me know when you fix it and I will re-rate you ;)
Go over to www.dunloptire.com, they have some excellent tire info.
Jun 30 '01
7:01 pm PDT

Re: Great+article+but+one+minor+problem+... (Reply to this comment)
by khahn86351
Thank you for clarifying that for me. :)

I was not aware that what the tire says isn't necessarily what the vehicle manual recommends.

I will make changes in my review to reflect that.

Kati
Jun 30 '01
5:12 pm PDT

Re: Re:+Re:+Excellent+article... (Reply to this comment)
by khahn86351
Clarissa,

My step dad is a mechanic and when I was little I was a tomboy. :p I grew up with wrenches in my hand instead of barbie dolls. Over the years I've learned everything from oil changes to changing brakes. Last year I put a new muffler on our old car. Amazes my husband! lol

I guess I just had a good teacher! :)
Jun 30 '01
5:09 pm PDT

Also (Reply to this comment)
by big_guy571
Make sure to check the pressure when the tires are COLD (driven less than 2 miles) with your own accurate pressure gauge ($5.00 at any automotive store) many of the "pump gauges" are inaccurate.

Also check tire pressures when the season changes as tire pressure is directly related to tempature.

For more info about tire care check any tire website www.goodyear.com, www.michelin.com, etc.
Jun 30 '01
1:10 pm PDT

Great article but one minor problem ... (Reply to this comment)
by big_guy571
The correct tire pressure is determined by the VEHICLE, not the max pressure listed on the sidewall.

You need to find the correct pressure for YOUR vehicle which is listed in the owners manual, glovebox, or a label inside of one of the doors.

Too much pressure (the amount listed on the sidewall is almost always too high for the car)can cause poor wear, bad traction and a rough ride.

The pressure listed on the tire is the maximum the TIRE can safely handle, not the optimum pressure for YOUR vehicle.

My 1999 F150 for example has tires with a maximum pressure rating on the tire of 35 PSI
However the glovebox indicates a pressure of 26 PSI on all 4 tires unless towing in which case the rear should be inflated to 35 to compensate for the increased load.

Do check your tire pressures often and make sure they are as the owners manula indicates, many garages don't bother to check the vehicles recommended pressure and just "stick some air in there"
Jun 30 '01
1:06 pm PDT

Re: Re:+Excellent+article... (Reply to this comment)
by cjrmen12
Funny you would mention Tim the Toolman. My husband ALWAYS has to modify things so they have "MORE POWER"...LOL Besides that, he's been electrocuted a few times too!!

Oh, but I did learn how to change the oil, air filter, and check the fluids. But it just wouldn't be very convenient for me when I have to nurse right after taking care of the car. Kinda greasy, ya know. :D

I've always had respect for females that could do most of their own vehicle maintenance. Did you take an automotive class? I always wanted to take one, but they're like so many hours long!

Clarissa
Jun 30 '01
10:38 am PDT

Re: Excellent+article... (Reply to this comment)
by khahn86351
Lucky for you to have a husband with that capability! I do most of the light maintenance and take it to a shop for the rest. Hubby isn't "Tim the Tool Man"! lol

Thanks! :)
Kati
Jun 29 '01
9:50 pm PDT

Re: Useful+information! (Reply to this comment)
by khahn86351
Thank you! I usually stick to topics in Kids & Family, but sometimes I feel like writing reviews that are helpful to EVERYONE, not just parents!

:oP Kati
Jun 29 '01
9:47 pm PDT

Excellent article... (Reply to this comment)
by cjrmen12
and excellent advice on vehicle maintenance. My husband takes care of all of that for us. BTW, congrats on your newly elected advisor status Kati!!

Clarissa
Jun 29 '01
8:43 pm PDT

Useful information! (Reply to this comment)
by MrReEvolution
It's always good to check out a "Just In" article and get some really worthwhile information in the process. Now if I can get past that pesky little hurdle of actually not having a car I'll be in business...

Again, great work here!

John Dunphy
Jun 29 '01
8:38 pm PDT