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The Backyard Mechanic
| Article
# : |
16314 |
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Section : |
LIFE
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| Issue
Date : |
3 / 1989 |
1,302 Words |
| Author
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Bob Sikorsky
Bob Sikorsky is an author, automotive consultant, and a
nationally syndicated automotive columnist for the New York
Times Syndication Sales Corp. |
In many cases, the simple things in life are the best. That's true for your car also: Simple preventive maintenance procedures can have a substantial effect on how long your car lasts, how well and how safe it is to drive, and its fuel economy. Here are some maintenance routines that significantly affect your car's performance.
TIRES. Anyone can check tire pressure. Learn how to use a tire-pressure gauge (available from $1 up). When used every one to two weeks, this pencil-like indicator helps to extend not only the life of your tires but will also save you many hundreds of dollars over the life of your car.
Inflate tires to the maximum allowable pressure printed on the sidewall of the tire in pounds per square inch (PSI). When tires are kept well inflated, their life is enhanced. But that's only part of the story. Fuel economy is also boosted--up to four miles per gallon in some cases--because the tires produce less friction and roll more easily. And because your engine doesn't have to work as hard, it will last much longer.
There are other benefits. Firm tires are safer: An underinflated tire is an accident waiting to happen. Tires determine more about the way a car handles than any other single item, and proper inflation allows the car to move the way it was designed to.
GASOLINE. When the tank trickles to empty, many drivers pull into the nearest service station, giving no thought to the brand of fuel they choose. Most drivers are from the "all gasolines are the same" school. That's unfortunate, for gasolines play a critical part in how
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