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About Me
As a man thinks, so he is. Some people are never. Recent Posts
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CarSpace Alternate RouteTurn off the nav system, crumple up that MapQuest printout, and let's find out where the next random turn may take us! Aug 29, 2009 - Ask Dub Schwartz!
Are you sure that little voice isn't trying to tell you something else, like maybe to get some outside help? You have a nice little "agreement" going on with your dipstick. (At least you check the dipstick) You won't bother it, so it won't bother you. Do me a favor. When your car does stop running, and you're sitting on the side of the road with your car a silent lump parked on the shoulder, take the dipstick out, hold it up and proudly proclaim that you've acheived "peace in our time"
Dec 14, 2008 - Your Auto IQ
The mechanic gets the car up on the lift and assesses the situation, then calls you back into the garage to show you just why you need to give him your first born in exchange for all the work you need. He starts talking about how your franistan is interfering with the disgronificator, and how you might even need headlight fluid, and your head starts to spin... or does it? How many of the components that are hidden behind your wheels and tires can you identify? Or do you just say, "Oh... OK... I guess you better do that if it needs it."
Oct 16, 2008 - Round And Round
On the CarSpace forums you'll regularly see complaints about tires wearing out prematurely. It's a good bet that the majority of those complaints are from those who don't regularly check tire pressures and rotate tires. It certainly helps to have a tire dealer like I do in Tire Town where they do free rotations and pressure checks on the tires they sell, but even they won't do those things if I don't pay attention and bring the car in. I can't remember the last time I didn't get 50,000 miles out of a set of tires although it probably was with my 1973 Vega!
Jun 21, 2008 - Ask Dub Schwartz!
Maybe it has something to do with what Abraham Lincoln once said... "Every effect must have its cause. The past is the cause of the present, and the present will be the cause of the future. All these are links in the endless chain stretching from the finite to the infinite." Keep up on the maintenance on your car Mandy. It will make your car last you a long time. That occasional pricey service sure beats having a car payment, trust me on this. As Lincoln also said in one of his debates with Stephen Douglas... "I leave it to you, my audience: If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?"
Jun 12, 2008 - Old Flames
Just over a year ago I sold my 1996 Nissan Sentra after purchasing my new Versa. The Sentra had 236,000 miles on it, and while it certainly wasn't in pristine condition, I made the effort to maintain the vehicle and it continued to serve me well. Well the other day I came out of the grocery store and there was my old flame parked right next to my Versa. What a shock. The car was getting 36-38 mpg around town while I had it, but I kept up the regular maintenance on it. And with 236,000 miles on it, you'd better be on top of that. Just amazing to see how quickly a car deteriorates when you don't maintain it. It's a good thing the new owner didn't come out while I was there. If I asked them how the car was working for them and they complained about something, I might have had to give them the lecture!
May 16, 2008 - Still Some Good Guys
Some of them were downright funny like the Sample's Sales bit from the Hee Haw televison show that hit the airwaves in 1969. I've been dealing with the same dealership, and actually the same salesman, since 1979. Given that we've averaged over 175,000 miles per vehicle, and my last three Sentras have gotten over 230,000 miles before I decided to move on, you can color me as a believer in regular preventive maintenance. I know a lot of folks complain about problems with dealer service, but I can't have just been lucky for 29 years. The folks at Leitzinger's are looking out for me, and it's greatly appreciated!
Feb 18, 2008 - High Mileage
I've averaged about 175,000 per vehicle over the last 27 years, but Gresham, Wisconsin's Frank Oresnik has me beat with a V-8 Silverado that just turned over 1 million miles. He said he's had the truck's oil changed more than 300 times. It's had so many changes that the oil pan drain plug had to be rethreaded several times. Of course, the plant in Flint, MI that manufactured his engine closed shop in 1999 so I guess they don't make them like that anymore. Read the entire story at Mlive.com
Oct 11, 2007 - Do You Like Your Dealer?
My Nissan Versa had to go in for its 15,000 mile service and as my dealer has wireless access, I've moved my "office" to their waiting room for the morning. I've blogged before about how I feel about the importance of preventive maintenance, but this morning I want to rave about the sales and service at Leitzinger Imports. I've been buying vehicles from them and having them serviced there since 1980, so I have a long track record to go by when I tell you that they're top notch. I've actually dealt with the same salesman for all this time, so it's never an unpleasant experience. When the time comes for a new vehicle, they're fair with me and I'm fair with them. Smiles all around. If you've ever wanted to rant or rave about your dealership experience, just stop into the Dealer Rating & Review section at Edmunds.com, find your dealer, and have your say! Customer service
Oct 1, 2007 - Ladies' Night
While they are smarter than us, increasing your knowledge base is always a good thing. So my firends at Tire Town, in conjunction with our local parks and rec department, are holding a two hour Car Care for Women clinic this week. The clinic is designed to make women more knowledgable when speaking to their mechanic, and includes instruction in roadside tire replacement, how to check fluids, and how to prepare for car maintenance. The class is for women only, although I'm certain that many know-it-all guys could benefit from a little remedial instruction as well! Automotive education is a good thing, especially if it keeps your service manager from sounding like this guy. What's wrong with my car?
Sep 21, 2007 - Turn, Turn, Turn
It's not quite so green on this mid to late September day and if you look closely you'll notice a number of leaves beginning to appear on the grass. For those who pay attention to the subtle signs, the time to winterize our vehicles is fast approaching. Wintertime is very unfriendly to a vehicle. Cold temperatures make it harder for an engine to work properly. Snow and ice limit traction. Potholes damage wheels and tires. Salt causes rust and gravel pits the paint. But there are things you can do to help your vehicle in this time of duress. Following are some easy steps to "winterize" your car. In fact, they are so easy, a talking car could figure them out! Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Make yourself a checklist and go over it now, before the weather turns really nasty on you. Among the items you might need to consider: Do you need snow tires? Sure it seems like a lot to do, but it beats getting stranded in a snowbank in the dark. Of course, you could always just move! The weather outside
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