Kevin Dryad
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Q: Because of high gas prices, is preventive maintenance a priority or is it something you've been putting off? A: Every 3 months I get the oil changed, air filter cleaned, tires checked, and more. If you haven't done one in a while, I've
found that a tune up can really increase your miles per gallon just by itself. With my wife, two kids, and myself, I have
a minivan out of necessity — so improving mileage is important.
The people that put off regular maintenance on their cars are not really saving. They are just delaying the cost, spending
even more on gas because of the mileage factor, and potentially setting themselves up for costly repairs when their cars break
down.
Q: What else have you been doing to improve mileage?A: I found more efficient spark plugs, for instance. They burn a higher percentage of the fuel going into the cylinder at each
fire. So I'm getting better mileage and even a bit more horsepower.
I also found if you condition yourself to handle warmer days with no air conditioning, this also gives you better range on
a tank. Of course planning your trip ahead of time is a good idea — you can do things like looking for shorter routes that
you use everyday or look for routes with fewer stops. Stopping and going really hurts the mileage. On the highway, I'll use
cruise control to keep a steady rate of speed. All of this will help with tire life, mileage, the life of key parts on a car
and the car itself.
Q: Do you do car maintenance yourself, take it to a dealer or take it to an independent repair shop? Why?
A: I do a lot of the repairs myself. A simple tool box, a manual, a good U-Pull It junk yard, and a bit of skill with tools
is all I really need. It has saved me thousands.
Q: What is your biggest concern about whatever vehicle you're driving?
A: If I was single it would be style, but with my family, safety comes first.
Q: What influences you to purchase a particular auto product? Do you stick with brands you know or is price a #1 concern?
A: It's a combination of the two. I go with domestic parts because they are easier for me to work on. I still look for the best
deal though.
Q: What's your dream car?
A: A 1967 Camaro. I just love the lines on that car.
