...at least my poor car is finally following me to DC. I'm shipping my car from Vegas to DC later this month. 2005 NFR. I live in DC, so parking will be on the street (reason for this tidbit: maintenance, wheels/tires, salt).

I've been an on/off member of S2KI (in Las Vegas) since I first got my car. Usually just a reader, not a poster. I need your advice this time, though!

(1) Do you have any recommendations on a good detailer in the area (for when my car comes off the trailer and is all dusty and nasty)?
(2) Who do you go to for an alignment (I imagine my car will need one after a ride on a truck for 3k miles)?
(3) Who do you go to for your routine maintenance (no garage, so I can't do any work)?
(4) Winter wheels/tires - I know there are hundreds of threads on this, but hopefully you'll help. I've been in DC for the past two winters, and I know they've been unusual, but would like to know how you've dealt with it. Have you been running all seasons, changing out tires (summer/all season/winter), or have a whole different set of winter wheels/tires. As a side note, my last winter in Vegas was when we had that freak snowstorm, so I've definitely experienced my car's inability to drive in a couple inches of snow.
(5) Winter salt - living in DC, I definitely know they oversalt the roads constantly. How do you guys deal with this? Do you wash your car more often in the winter, rinse off the undercarriage daily, or just ignore?

Thanks!

 

1) We have a few detailers on the boards. Hopefully they will see and PM you as they can't technically offer their services without being sponsors.

2) No need to align just from trucking here but PTuning is offering a special right now for $99.

3) Many of us do maintenance ourselves. Actually, I don't know of any one who doesn't. Even without your own garage you can find someone who will lend the use of theirs. If you just aren't the DIY type, maybe someone else can make suggestions.

4) Winter wheels and at least good all-seasons. A dedicated snow tire isn't completely necessary here unless you have a long commute or other need to drive in the snow. I am sure you've experienced what snow does to our already awful traffic. It's best to avoid drivng when possible.

5) The car seems well protected. I've never done anything for the under belly and it's in great shape. Paint and sealant in all the right places I guess.

Welcome to the area. There's a great group of folks in the Mid-A.

-Aaron

 

Re: 2) and 3), where in DC are you going to be?
I assume you won't want to drive across the city just for an oil change.