Repair Makes Dollars and Eco-Sense

Just like any person, our autos periodically get “sick” and need special attention. They age and sometimes need new body parts to replace the originals. But in many situations, we replace when we could repair. There are a variety of ways you can conserve Earth’s resources by opting to repair rather than replace.

Tires

A flat tire can ruin your day. Replacing it is not only a financial issue, but an environmental one as well, because oil is used in the manufacturing process of tires. However, a flat doesn’t always mean you need to go shopping for a new tire. There are tire repair kits.

Only certain types of damage can be repaired with a do-it-yourself kit. According to an article by Kevin Rohlwing of the Tire Industry Association, “Standard nail hole repairs can be performed only in the crown area or the center of the tread approximately 1-1/2 inches in from each shoulder. Injuries in the shoulder and sidewall areas require section repairs from a full service tire repair facility.”

There are also limits to how big the puncture can be, but that varies with manufacturers and types of tires. Check with your manufacturer. If your tire is eligible, just follow the directions and you’ll have the tire fixed in no time.

If your old tire is beyond repair, think about used or retreaded tires rather than a brand-new one. Used tires are an eco-friendly and economical solution, but it is important to thoroughly inspect the tire. Look for:

• Cracking rubber
• Bumps and lumps
• Uneven wear

Also, make sure the sizing is correct and ask about repairs that have been made.

As for retreaded tires, they are more commonly used in the airline and trucking industries, but can be used for passenger cars as well. Retreaded tires cost less and conserve oil. About 22 gallons of oil are used to manufacture a new truck tire, while only about seven gallons are used to retread, according to the Tire Repair and Retread Information Bureau (TRIB).

Consumers’ opinions about the safety of the tires vary, but TRIB reports they have been proven safe.

Windshield

A little crack in your windshield won’t be a big problem if you repair it in a timely manner. If neglected, it will grow like a hateful weed and soon you’ll need to replace the entire windshield. Chips and cracks up to several inches long can usually be repaired with a windshield repair kit.  The kits are relatively inexpensive and can be used for several fixes. They include the necessary tools to apply a special resin that helps bond the glass, preventing further damage to the windshield from vibration and other stresses.

Another option is to get the windshield professionally repaired (still a lot cheaper than replacing). Improved technology has made more repairs possible than in the past. Some situations that will likely require you to replace the windshield include:

• Chips or cracks extending from the outside layer of glass through to the inside layer
• The chip has a crack three to four inches long extending from it
• A crack running directly through the driver’s line of sight
• A crack that touches more than one edge of the windshield

Air Filter

Dust begins to build up in an air filter long before you replace it, and it decreases fuel efficiency. Rather than letting it get really dirty and replacing it every 15,000 miles, try vacuuming it every 5,000 or so miles. Yes, vacuuming it. Just remove the filter from its metal container (it is usually held in place with clamps or a wing-nut), and suck the dirt out of it. You can also vacuum or gently wipe down the inside of the chamber where the air filter sits.

Prevent Instead of Repent

There are some key ways to prevent wear on your vehicle, reducing the need to decide between repair and replace:

• Extend the life of your exterior paint with a thorough wax coating, especially during extreme weather seasons
• Shield your dashboard with a protective surface cleaner. It will prevent sun deterioration and you can’t beat the shine
• Use seat covers for the upholstery and mats to protect the floor