These Wheels Keep on Turnin'

Photo by: mountsutro

My dad is a pretty frugal dude. He picks and chooses his penny-pinching categories (think CFL bulbs and hypermiling) yet enjoys splurging on lavish vacations. Spend five minutes with him and you'll discover he drives a '94 Honda Civic he bought for $300. And "it still blows cool air." Dad's funny like that.

Part of his vehicular success stems from an thorough knowledge of engineering and mechanics. My car maintenance plan is call-a-tow-truck-when-it-doesn't-run-anymore, whereas he is diligent about keeping the machine in strong working condition, catching problems before they become pricey. Think of it as teeth cleaning for cars.

If you're a car leaser or buy-a-new-ride-every-two-years kind of person, that means more energy and materials are needed to create more cars (which we don't need). Being frugal pays off for your budget when you keep the same car long after the payments stop. Here are some of Dad's tips to keep the car in tip-top shape so you can get more miles out of your car and save thousands in the long run.

1. Check the oil and get it changed regularly
   Only check it after the car has been turned off for a while and is cool. Read your manual to find the oil dipstick and pull it out. Wipe it down once with a rag and reinsert to get an accurate reading. Your stick has a "full" measurement, which you want to see after pulling it out. If it's a bit low, add more of the same brand oil with a funnel. Look at the color also—if it's black, time for a change. A whitish tint usually means something funky is mixing in with the oil and you'll definitely want to take it in.
2. Check transmission fluid
   This takes a bit more finesse but you can check it on your own. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick under the hood. Put the car in park and pop the hood. The stick has a cold and hot measurement at the end. If your vehicle has been running for a while, it should read "hot" and if it's a cold engine you should see "cold". Make sure you wipe down the stick before reading it. When the fluid is brown, it's time to switch it out.
3. Keep engine coolant full
   That big tank-looking thing under the hood is like a sweat tank. When it runs out or stays low for a long time, failing to cool the engine, you can expect serious auto heart failure. This is a big money fix so you'll want to keep an eye on it. Make sure the level between "low" and "high" for the best efficiency. If you are constantly running low, take it in to check for leaks.
4. Become a tire pressure nerd
   Remember how part of last November's campaign to propose energy reform was to encourage more tire pressure checks? While this may be a drop in the bucket in comparison to finding alternative energy sources or new drilling areas, there are measurable savings to be had just by keeping your tires at the right pressure. You can save around 3.3% just by adding a bit of air to your car's rubber shoes. Check it at least once a month to make sure your tire pressure is within the recommended range. Don't go by the pressure range on the tire itself! Instead, check the sticker on the inside of your driver's side door or recommendations in the manual.
5. Wash and wax your car often
   I've always thought maintaining the outside of a car was a bit vain. But keeping the car washed and waxed protects its clear coat and prevent bugs and bird poo from corroding or staining the exterior. Getting minor chips and dents fixed (you can do it on your own too) will keep rust from invading.
6. Check the constant velocity joint boots
   When the seals break on these and dirt contaminates the joint (on front wheel drive vehicles), you have a hefty bill to pay for axle repair. Replacing the seals is a drop in the bucket. Ask your mechanic to check them out during oil changes.
7. Maintenance requirements every 2-4 years
   Every time I go in for an oil change and the guys recommend flushing this or that I always refuse. My estrogen sensors go on high alert and I feel taken if I give in. The truth is while some of them are trying to tack on an extra buck, there are things that need to be drained every few years. The cooling system, transmission fluid, replacing drive belts and hoses, and changing the timing belt will keep the car running longer without resorting to major surgery. Always use coupons when buying auto parts either in-store or online, as these stores typically offer deep discounts to get you in the door.

Next: Driving as Art