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Routine maintenance can help save gas, avoid breakdowns and keep your ride running longer.
Auto experts and travel consultants with AAA Carolinas have developed a list of tips for car-care maintenance that will help assure worry-free travel this spring and summer. Following these tips will also help reduce fuel consumption.
- Change your air filter early and often – Replacing your air filter at least every 10,000 miles or once a year can save you up to $270 annually in fuel. Air entering your engine must pass through the air filter and a dirty filter will reduce the efficiency of air flow, resulting in lower fuel economy.
- Keep your tires aligned – You can save up to $150 in gas each year by making sure your tires are properly aligned. If your tires are even slightly out of alignment, your car will have to work harder because of the drag effect. Improper alignment also reduces the useful life of your tires.
- Maintain your tires at the correct pressure – Under-inflated tires not only cost you up to $600 in wasted fuel a year but also wear your tires twice as fast.
- Change your spark plugs before it’s time – Replacing your spark plugs before their life span expires can save you $450 in wasted fuel per year. If your spark plugs have a life of 100,000 miles and you are at 80,000 miles, that means they are 80 percent worn. Misfires and incomplete combustion will occur most frequently during the last 20,000 miles. Planning ahead and making the investment early will save you hundreds of dollars over the life span of your vehicle.
- Get the most of your vehicle’s battery – Since summer heat causes battery life to diminish and can lead to battery failure, battery cables should be kept clean and worn belts replaced. A regular battery check can indicate when a new battery is needed before the old one fails.
- Ask your mechanic to run a regular 16-point inspection, which should include the following:
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Air conditioning
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Battery
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Wiper blades
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State Inspection
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Air filter
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Belt condition
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Hose condition
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Cooling system
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Scheduled maintenance
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Tire wear
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Brake condition
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Lights
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Throttle body
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Service indicator light
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Charging system
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Starting system
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The Carolina Dreamers car club
The Carolina Dreamers car club is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to socialize with other car enthusiasts and to encourage the restoration, modification and general enjoyment of all types of automobiles and motorcycles. Profits from fund-raisers are used for operating costs, club activities and support of local charities. Members meet at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Golden Corral restaurant in Bluffton. Annual dues are $25. Upcoming events include a cruise-in from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 7 at Back Yard Burgers at Belfair Village and at Chick-Fil-A in front of Lowe’s from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 21. On the Net: carolinadreamers.org.
Gary and Patricia Moulton’s 1955 Chevy
This car underwent, in the past two years, what is considered a typical rebuild. This includes replacement of bad body panels, newer power plant (350 engine), new interior and complete repaint. Near future upgrades include four wheel disc brakes and power steering, while long-range plans will focus on installing a supercharged small block Chevy engine, a 5- or 6-speed transmission and a replacement Ford rear axle assembly.
Jim and Sue Welch’s 1964 Dodge police car
This police story begins in 2004 when a friend of Jim’s knew someone who owned a 1964 Dodge police car. It was located behind an apartment building two towns over from Morristown, N.J., just rotting away. Jim made a deal for it, intending to restore it as an exact period Morristown, N.J., cop car. Four years and untold hours and dollars later, the project was complete, including the original siren and red bubble gum light on top.
Bill and Nancy Hamilton’s 1957 Thunderbird
This vehicle was originally purchased by Nancy in the early 1970s. While living in the Wilkes-Barre, Pa., area they experienced a massive fl ood in 1972 that left the car sumerged for four days. The vehicle then sat until 1989 when Bill began to rebuild the car. Needless to say after all that time the car was a disaster. The engine and interior had to be completely rebuilt. Sheet metal had to be replaced and finished and then covered with a new paint job. Bill uses the car now for local car shows and just to drive for the fun of it.
