Being in another city for even a short length of time has obvious rewards to anyone who’s traveled to parts unknown.  Once the feeling of being a stranger in a strange land goes away, or at least softens a bit, there are some extraordinary things that happen outside the usual comfort zones.  New perspectives, learning words in a new language, and finding interesting local delicacies are always on the itinerary.

But for someone who’s also got an interest in vehicles, there’s another huge bonus.  The further from home, the more exotic the vehicles get.  Local versions of custom tires can have similarly contemporary technologies, but they are quotations of another version of the past.  Local versions of a more familiar car can look radically similar and remarkably different in the same moment.  This can be one of the most jarring experiences, and often becomes a moment that can encapsulate what travel is really all about: For a moment, the world looks entirely familiar, but closer inspection reveals that there is a vast unknown between the here and the there.

Berlin is one of the more remarkable places in the world for its long and complicated history, and the same history makes it a fantastic spot for car lovers.  The ultimate in vintage classics might come together in a very concentrated form at Meilenwerk, where one can see plenty of old cars in once place.  There are experts and weekend mechanics around who have the same kind of interest in discount vintage tires that the traveler might have, and this can make for some very fulfilling and revealing cultural exchanges.  Car talk does indeed translate across the oceans.

It’s not mandatory to visit the Meilenwerk complex to get a dose of local classics, however.  In many parts of Europe, and particularly those parts close to Eastern Europe, old cars are not always a product of nostalgia, but come from a much more utilitarian sensibility.  Many of the old cars and bikes on the streets have been maintained because of issues of scarcity.  There is also a great love for the well-made object, and all of these are on display, making the world simultaneously smaller and vastly more interesting.  It might be important to point out that here, most of the locals under a certain age have studied English in school from a very young age, so the language barrier is not so much of a problem, and engaging in car talk can be the beginnings of a beautiful friendship.

Post from: TravelCent

Berlin and the Classic Car

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With money tight for many people, most people are turning to their own ingenuity and time to try to keep their vehicle in good repair. While you can use this as a general guide for things you should check every fifteen thousand miles, you really should pick up a Plymouth repair manual or another type of repair manual and use that as a guide for how to inspect and replace the various parts that are needed.

Start with the things you need to replace. You will need a new air filter and a new oil change every fifteen thousand miles. While this is less than conventional wisdom for how often you need an oil change, it is important to stay on top of this and to not let it get all the way to thirty thousand miles.

While you are replacing those things, you should inspect your power steering fluid, which can be kind of difficult, so make sure to consult the right repair manual. If you have a Plymouth, use that repair manual, or if you have a Pontiac Grand Am use a Pontiac Grand AM repair manual . You will also want to inspect the tires, transmission fluid, wiper blades, washer fluid, and light bulbs. If you have any time left over you should wash and wax your car to protect the outside from rust.

Post from: TravelCent

Car Repairs at Fifteen Thousand Miles

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