Tips to Keep your Corvette Running for a Long Time
Owning a Corvette can be an incredible experience if you treat it like the prize it is. Here are some tips to extend your Vette's enjoyable years as long as possible.
1. Maintenance - Maintenance - Maintenance
Nothing can shorten the Corvette's life (or any car for that matter) quicker than ignoring the recommended maintenance schedule. The recommended schedule has been carefully devised by the factory for a reason: to keep your car running and driving for as long as possible. Following this schedule's intervals will help to ensure your car performs at its best over the years. Although it’s all-too-easy to ignore a minor warning light, you shouldn't think twice about taking your Corvette in to the dealer when the check engine light appears on the dash. Likewise, stretching service intervals may save you money in the short-term, but ignoring the car's regular checkups could cost you big time down the road. Common maintenance items to take care of include oil and fluid changes, tire rotation, four wheel alignments, and brake inspection.
2. Check Fluids and Tire Pressure Regularly
Other than the engine oil, it is also important to regularly keep an eye on the transmission, power steering, and brake fluids. All of these fluids are easy enough to check yourself; simply open the hood and locate either the dipstick or the reservoir cap to assess the quality and level of each fluid. THe computer keeps track of the tires, but checking your tire pressure occasionally is also a simple procedure that can prevent premature/uneven tire wear and alignment issues, due to over or under inflation. Ideally, when the tires are cool, remove the valve cap on each tire and check the PSI levels with a tire pressure gauge.
Performing these simple checks yourself can save you both time and money.
3. Find a Trustworthy Mechanic
Taking your Corvette to a trusted mechanic is of the utmost importance, unless you fancy yourself as a DIY type of owner. Ideally, your regular mechanic at a reputable shop, does a lot of other needed tasks while performing scheduled maintenance (like preemptive measures, or turning off a check engine light). Also important, a trustworthy mechanic won't take advantage of you by performing maintenance you don’t really need, and keeps you in the loop regarding upcoming maintenance. Be diligent and do your research in finding an honest, hard-working shop; it’ll make all the difference for your Corvette’s longevity.
4. Take It Easy Behind the Wheel
Although it may seem completely counter-intuitive, driving your Corvette gently will increase its overall lifespan, so only drive it hard when you really mean it. Approach a red light or stop sign by coasting with your foot off the pedal instead of braking hard at the last moment. Come to a complete stop before taking off again, and remember to shift smoothly, which will reduce the stress on the transmission. In addition to costly maintenance, being aware of and avoiding harsh acceleration and stops can also save you money at the pump, and in brake and clutch parts. And remember, it’s said that for every 10 miles you go over the speed limit, you can expect to fork over another $0.20 cents per gallon at the pump!
OR, ignore all of this and be extra vigilant with your mileage, change your brake pads before they wear, and flush and fill your vital fluids more frequently then the manual recommends.
5. Keep it Clean
There’s nothing worse than seeing what was once a beautiful Corvette look neglected and generally faded. Regularly washing your car will prevent dirt and grime from degrading the paint, and periodically waxing the surface will further protect it (but be careful you don't over polish it or create swirl marks). Invest in quality cleaning products and save yourself money spent at the car wash by cleaning your ‘Vette in your driveway once every few weeks. Don’t forget about maintaining the interior surfaces and even the engine bay. Deep-cleaning leather seats are easier than it seems, and you can remove wrinkles yourself using a few simple materials.
For help with your car's maintenance needs, check out the how to section of CorvetteForum.com