Drive It Forever: Secrets to Long Automobile Life

I purchased one of the first editions of this book back in the 1980's. I have had only two cars since reading it. One (Ford Crown Victoria) was closing in on 300,000 miles when someone ran a red light and hit me. I replaced that car with a Mercedes C230 Sport Kompressor, and I'm currently at 120,000+. Neither car has EVER had a major mechanical repair other than preventative maintenance. Ever. If I remember the book correctly, there should still be some very valid tips worth reading about, despite the book being old. I still follow all recommendations to this day. I was hoping to hit that one million mile mark with the Crown Vic, and I had 300k down. I'm too old to hit one million with the Benz . . . but I bet I'll have this Benz until I kick the bucket. At the very least, this book will get you thinking about your major investment . . . and realize that you can continue to have it look and mechanically perform like "showroom" for many, many years. Think about it . . . do you realize how much money, and frustration, this book has saved me over the years?!? I owe at least 20 years of gratitude (and smiles) to this author and book. I always wanted to say thank you, so . . . "thank you".

When was the last time your car got a tune up? It's probably been awihle since you looked at the owners' manual of your car. Have you ever had a car maintence question? This book will answere most of your questions. Drive it Forever focuses on the engine, endine oil, fuel, and transmission. The book was a good book because it was at a level that everyone can read and understand. It gave the reasons behind owners manual. It also when a little farther than the owners manual. The book has easy to read diagrams and graphs. One thing I learned is that if your car isn't in top condition the wear is drasticallt increased just by not changing the oil or using cheap gas. After You read this book you'll think twice about driving and how you take care of your car.

Overall an excellent book. It doesn't just tell you what to do to maintain your car, but includes the science behind it, so you know WHY certain practices are good or bad. The best section is on the four causes of engine deterioration. On the down side, there is too much discussion of carburetors, and the two product plugs seem unprofessional, especially since one of them is for a product made by the publisher of the copy I purchased, ATG. Also, there is some repetition and some mild contradictions - the book is not well edited.

A must have book. As far as I know, the guy who wrote it is the top expert in the country. It is amazing to me how few people really maintain thier second biggest investment (thier cars). He makes extending the life of your car a total science. I used to know squat about cars. Thanks to Sikorsky I do know how to maintain a car. And I can tell you from the results, his advice has really WORKED for me. Doug King

Very easy to read yet very informative. This book gave me the understanding and confidence I need to make my car last forever! Everything from breaking your car in right to selecting the right oil is covered. I am very educated when it comes to cars, but I have learned quite a bit from this book. I honestly beleive that I can get my next new car to last well over 500,000 miles. Every car owner should read this book!