Published on: Wednesday, August 25, 2010

By Norma Jean Fazenbaker

Car maintenance

You can easily triple the lifespan of your car just by avoiding the common mistakes that send most of them to the junkyard, according to top expert David “Dre” Solomon.

Change the “break-in”oil promptly after the first 1000 or 1500 miles to eliminate bits of metal, grit and sealing compounds from your new engine.

Other common mistakes include: driving before letting the engine run for a minute and accelerating briskly with a cold engine.

After your trip, switch off the AC and leave the fan running for about three minutes to allow the AC cooling coils to dry out. Run your AC and or defroster at least once every two weeks to keep the seals from drying out.

You can also switch to synthetic oil. It offers superior engine wear protection and allows you to go longer between oil changes. Also replace your fuel filter every 30,000 miles or three years. Keep the fuel level above one quarter full.

Use the parking brake at least once a month to keep it from freezing up. Always use the brand of coolant recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. If your car has antilock brake, change the fluid every two years or 24,000 miles. Power steering fluid should be changed every three years or 30,000 miles.

‘HAIR’ the musical

“HAIR” defined one generation and continues to inspire today. Join the tribe of the Age of Aquaris for the story of a group of friends choosing to speak and sing out in celebration of love, life and freedom. It has some of the most rousing and soulful songs ever written. Performances run from Oct. 26 through Nov. 21 at The Kennedy Center. Tickets range from $25 to $115. For tickets call 1-800- 444-1324.