So, not that I’ve ever been rolling in enough dough to afford a new car every three years, but recently I’ve been more concerned about keeping my car on the road. Instead of boring you with tales of financial woe and whatnot, let’s stick to the tried (or tired) and true slogan: Times are Tough. And when said times are tough, any tips on how to keep our vehicles running—without forking over our life’s savings—are feverishly welcomed. Here are 3 cheap and easy ways I’ve found to keep every car, truck or SUV in top shape:
1.) Change the oil.
What, too obvious? Afraid not, my friend. Many drivers neglect to change their oil and oil filters at the suggested intervals, and it costs them big down the road. If you don’t change your oil regularly, the following things WILL (not might) occur: you’ll burn fuel less efficiently, your vehicle will run weak and rough, and, eventually, your engine will fail. Why? Because oil is the life blood of your motor.
The good news is that oil changes are pretty cheap. Your local auto shop can probably get the job done for under $50—which is way less than what it costs to replace a blown head gasket. Or, you can change the oil and the oil filter yourself for around $10. And, if you stick to your maintenance schedule, changing the oil prevents countless problems and keeps your ride on the road longer.
2.) Drive responsibly.
Boring, I know. But, if you can lay off the gas pedal and stop stomping your brakes, you can add years to your vehicle’s life. Erratic driving, hard stops, slamming into curbs and the like take a toll on your engine—not to mention your brakes and brake pads, your tires and your suspension system. The trick? Drive like you’ve got a baby on board and you’ll be fine. (Don’t worry: no one will make you slap on the ridiculous sticker.)
3.) Maintain proper tire pressure.
The 2008 Presidential Campaign made this one a bit infamous. But the truth remains that maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the best ways to gain maximum fuel efficiency, prolong the life of your tires, and maintain your vehicle’s performance.
Okay, so maybe the list isn’t groundbreaking. It certainly isn’t complicated. But, as with so many things in life, the simplest answer is often the best. And when it comes to keeping my car on the road, I’ll take simple, cheap and easy year after year (after year, after year, after year….).
This article was provided by Andrew of autoanything.com, offering discounts on Auto Parts online.
Posted on: June 8th, 2009
There will be a car show happening in Northern Las Vegas on May 23rd and 24th. This sounds like a great event to take the family for a couple days of fun. Check out about everything automotive including sweet motorcycles, trucks, low riders, racecars, bicycles, etc.
Gasoline Alley’s Tenth Annual Birthday Bash, May 24th and 25th, 2009
May 23rd, from 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Will begin at the Cannery Casino and Hotel; includes live bands, dedicated parking, and vendors
May 24th, from 8:00am to 5:00pm
“On the Grass” at Eldorado Park!
Learn More about this show here
Posted on: March 20th, 2009
The Union County Timber Cruisers is hosting another car show up in Oregon. The event is sponsored by the Baxter Auto Parts Store in historic downtown La Grande. It will be hosted on July 10-12, 2009. This event is in conjunction with the La Grande’s crazy Day celebration. For cruisers, the fun this Friday with begin with a Cruise-In held at Safeway’s parking lot from 6 to 8. On Saturday, July 11, the car show will be held on Adams Ave in downtown La Grande from 9 am – 3 pm.
You can find more information regarding the event taking place by clicking here.
Posted on: March 9th, 2009
The heart of Illinois mega cruise is a classic auto and the show held every year in Peoria, Illinois. This show will be held on October 3rd and 4th, 2009 the state of Illinois is to have an auto show worth checking out if you’re in the area. To be held in Peoria, Illinois on the streets of downtown Peoria. To be held from 4 PM to 10 PM
Registration:
$15 pre-registration fee and a $20 registration fee for daily show.
So be the third annual auto show hosted by the Arthritis Foundation and Cops for Kids. Show will go to benefit kids with arthritis. There are 36 award categories as well as food entertainment and many lending booths. There’ll also be a solid option door prizes and 50/50 raffle. For more information regarding this show you can contact 309.682.6600
For the latest shows posted in Illinois click here.
Posted on: February 2nd, 2009
Stafford Virginia has some entertainment coming your way in the beginning of April, 2009. There will be an auto show located at the North Stafford high school.
Address information:
Mark Stafford high school
839 Garrisonville Rd.
Stafford Virginia, 22554
The events registration will take place from 8 AM to 12 PM and the show will be from 9 AM to 4 PM. Vehicle registrations 15 bucks in the show is free to the public. A good opportunity bring your family out to have some fun.
For more information regarding the show you can
contact Kenny Johnson at 540.658.6150 ext.1261
The first vehicles to register for this show will get dash Plates. By pre-registering your vehicle you may have a chance at winning additional prizes. You can fax registrations to 540.658.6158
There will be 30 plaques given plus trophies for best in the show. Choices include People’s choice, ladies choice, best paint, best truck, best customs and others.
It will be a live DJ service, displays, food and drinks, some demonstrations and more things to keep you entertained. When the show is free to the public, donations are welcome.
There will also be largest car club participation award. The crux of must have a minimum of 10 cars to qualify as a club. The show is sponsored by Herlong Associates Inc. an Architectural Firm of Fredericksburg.
Posted on: January 26th, 2009
