Got into El Paso last week (Center, Anson: 2014, construction, restaurant)

[TexasCCW]

I'm glad you're enjoying your stay thus far.

As far as the car related question, I have never thought of that! You're probably right about the filter. Since there is more dust the filter might need more frequent replacement or oiling, depending on style. It might also be something that the service techs can help you with!

[malamute]

Oh -- for a hole in the wall type restaurant that's really great -- real friendly, great service and excellent food is Maracas on Talbot -- near the outlet mall.

[Army_Guy]

Originally Posted by malamute

Oh -- for a hole in the wall type restaurant that's really great -- real friendly, great service and excellent food is Maracas on Talbot -- near the outlet mall.

That will work well because I'm only 3 miles or so from the outlet mall.

[joqua]

re: Car maintenance intervals.

I believe many, if not most, car owner manuals will have a "Severe Duty/Driving" recommendation for maintenance intervals. I've always used that rather than the normal driving intervals. Paper air cleaners can be cleaned a couple of times between replacements by lightly tapping out the dirt or using an air blast to clear it. Clogging of the air filter will affect gas mileage.

Also, using those expensive synthetic oils is not going to prevent dirt particle buildup in the crankcase. My preference is to change the oil with regular grades along with the oil filter following the Severe Duty schedule.

El Paso's sand storms are hard on paint and window glass and it makes good sense to avoid driving high speeds in such conditions. I've seen cars come in off the IH-10 from the west during sandstorms with the paint blasted to bare metal, to say nothing of the frosted windshield.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by Army_Guy

That will work well because I'm only 3 miles or so from the outlet mall.

When you're over on the NE side, try Roscoe's burgers. Just don't breathe on people after you eat one. You will have to try a Chicos Tacos out -- at least to know what everyone talks about, the tradition there is the tacos and an order of fries. Good Coffee is another kind of hole in the wall place that's pretty good for Mexican food. Worth trying is Valens Tacos on Doniphan on the west side for a real Mexican food experience.

[Army_Guy]

Any recommendations on Chinese food?

I don't do the buffets.

[mistabinks]

China Wok on Lee Trevino.

[TexasCCW]

You need to try some Korean food. Kalbi House on Dyer is awesome.

Japanese food? Doesn't get more authentic than Matsuharu in the Northeast as well.

[Army_Guy]

Sorry, not a fan of Japanese or Korean food but I do like Thai food if you have any suggestions.

[kidicarus89]

Originally Posted by Army_Guy

Bliss is actually an open post so anyone can go there now with a DL.

I just love the area for now, at least where I live. The Wal Mart grocery store is only 2 miles from my place, everything shopping wise is available.

I have an automotive related question:

with the dusty conditions, do you guys think I should shorten the oil change and air filter change intervals on my cars?

As far as air filters go, if you're using permanent ones (i.e. K/N) they'll need to be cleaned more often, as they tend to let fine silica in more than the stock ones do. I actually don't mind the tradeoff of using K/N's because you can wash them off a lot easier than having to replace the stock ones more frequently.