Car Care

[Minten]

Well, it's been awhile since I've lasted posted and I've had something on my mind for awhile now.

It's my car. My 07' Chevrolet Equinox.... My mom car.

My mom actually gives me crap because I take really good care of it. Knowing most of the people here drive big work trucks I doubt you could relate to keeping your vehicle spotless.... Spotless as in weekly polishing and cleaning of the leather and vacuuming everything. I would scrub the carpets weekly if I had the time and money.... The problems of having a gold car with beige leather! But on to the internals.
I usually run a full synthetic blend and change the oil every 3500-4000 miles. I know my internal oil gauge is trying to get all my money but I can noticeably see my mileage drop from 17 to 13+/- at the 30% remaining mark. I should be getting 6-7k miles a change right? I run 89 with 3% of that E crap if that really matters.....

Any ideas on how to not be so nit-picky on the state of my car?

I like to tell my mom that I'm protecting our investment.

 

[AZ800]

Full synthetic blend? Which is it full syn or blend?
Doesn't matter regular maint like you're doing is the important part.
Taking immaculate care of it is not weird. Just too many slobs out there who trash their high $ purchases. I do the same with all my vehicles and it shows. Well less sometimes with the kids muddin up the back seats.
Keep it up. Much nicer driving around a nice clean rig you're proud of than a rolling trash can.

 

[mtsummitx]

Minten, where ya been!?!?! Good job on takin care of the vehicle , few people do that anymore. I try to keep my vehicle spotless as much as possible as well, in, out, underhood, and under chasis. As far as the oil changes, my opinipn has always been that oil is cheap, engines are not. When I had gassers, I changed it every 2500-3000. I now have a Cummins, and I change it every 5000. But, I also change my oil myself always have, so if you are paying someplace to do it could get a little more costly.

 

[skidoorulz]

Russell!!!!!!!!! Missed ya! I am 55 years old and I think I have owned more sleds than vehicles. You can not take to good of care of a car. When I was young and dumb I owned a couple of cars that I wish I still had today, like a 68 Impala SS. I trashed them. I have wised up and realized cars are expensive and now try to take care of them. Since 1979 I have not had a vehicle less than 12 years. Like the previous post said oil is cheap engines aren't. Water is also cheap and it is important to keep things washed out to avoid rust. Not many people take care of their cars and then whine when they don't work. I used to help at a fall car check up at church for senior citizens and women and some men who knew absolutely nothing about cars. It was apaulling to see the condition of cars that were brought in. Some were only 2 or 3 years old. Keep it up, car dealers will hate you cause you won't be buying a new one every 3 years.

One thing my Grandpa always said to me. If I had never bought a car in my life I would be a rich man today. Now there is no way to do without a vehicle but we darn sure could buy a lot less of them.

 

[kevinm7]

My first car was a 1987 Ford Tempo. My dad made me take care of it like it was a Ferrari. I thank him for that every time I see a brand new truck that is dirty and run down and not running correctly. I ALWAYS change my own oil in both trucks. The 2012 Dodge just switched to full synthetic and my 2004 Powerstroke gets full synthetic with a shot of Rev-X every oil change. My friend works for the oil lab here at work, so my oil gets sampled every time I change it as well. They both run like tops. They get washed every 2 weeks whether they need it or not. And vacuumed. Cars cost a lot of money. I'm not about to throw all that away by being lazy. My trucks take the wife and I both to work everyday. When you depend on something you tend to take care of it a lot more.

So, I guess what I'm saying is, Good Job!! Keep it up, your wallet will thank you in the long run.

 

[89sandman]

nothing wrong with showing some pride in the stuff you own. treat it like it's worth something and when you go to sell it, it will be! I'm totally anal about everything I own, drives my wife crazy...

 

[Minten]

Full synthetic blend? Which is it full syn or blend?

Full synthetic blend meaning full synthetic. Sorry about that.

Minten, where ya been!?!?!

Trying to get into college and acquire sponsors for our robotics team!

As far as the the response, thanks everyone! I'll make sure my mother see's this thread. I know I take hings for granted and don't pay jack for a lot of the things I "own" but I would rather take good care of them. It only makes sense. I just need to learn how to be satisfied with the things I have now.

 

[Goinboardin]

I figured you gave up on sledding!

I drive an old pickup, she looks pretty haggard these days but mechanically I'm just as OCD as you, and as a result I'm comfortable jumping in my truck and driving any distance. 208000miles and counting. Had it since I was 16, and I'll probably keep driving it for many years yet. Come on 300k! I like Skidoorulz idea of buying more sleds than trucks.

 

[Minten]

I figured you gave up on sledding!

Who, in their right minds, would do such a thing?

 

[shelbwyo]

Where does the sled go? Priorities minten!

 

[Minten]

Where does the sled go? Priorities minten!

Well we do have a truck... Driving a big truck to school is never a good idea.

 

[m8magicandmystery]

full synthetic your good for at least 12000 miles between changes

 

[Minten]

full synthetic your good for at least 12000 miles between changes

That's what I thought.