What I'm finding interesting is how often the issue of keeping the car
clean comes up. It seems to be a truism - the cleaner you keep your car
the longer it lasts.
Like most Americans, I've always thought keeping a car clean meant
washing and waxing the exterior and vacuuming the interior. But it's
quickly becoming apparent that keeping a car "well maintained" for the
long haul means keeping the engine compartment, underbody and fluids
clean as well.
This lack of attention to anything other than the car's superifical
looks, seems to be endemic in American culture. When was the last time
anyone was ever overheard to say "Well it's springtime, time to change
my car's fluids, and have the underbody and engine compartment steam
cleaned". We just don't do it and then we're surprised when the body
starts to rust and components fail.
I'm not sure if this is a result of the way Americans think, or if it was
just lazy thinking on my part, so a I thought I'd throw it out to the
group and get your reactions. Are Americans generally guilty of poor car
care? (Since our prevailing mentality seems to be - keep a car for 7
years and then trade it in) Are Europeans any more diligent than
Americans in keeping their entire cars clean?
Thanks for your insights
Philip
89 405 DL 145,000mi
88 505 Turbo wagon 104,000mi
_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]