Z Car Club of Colorado
January 2026 Odometer
Haaaappppy New year, Z family. As you read this, another year has ended, and another one has begun. I hope your holidays were everything you wanted them to be. If you were with family, friends, in town, or out of town, I’m glad you enjoyed the month of December. Cheryle and I took a short trip to California to spend the first two nights of Chanukah with our son, Scott, daughter-in-law Sam, and grandson Jack. It was nice to see Jack light the menorah. It’s those little things that really bring meaning to the holidays. Cheryle and I also took some time to visit our relatives at Mount Sinai Cemetery. It was a very sentimental trip, indeed.
Back in Colorado, and “baby” is still sleeping on the battery tender, but we did get a new set of shoes (tires) for the Tesla. After making lots of phone calls and comparisons, the best deal is still Discount Tire with the best warranty on the tires.
For those of you who came out for our annual holiday party hosted by your Vice-President, Cheryle, thanks for making it a lot of fun. You can read her recap in the Odometer. Just click on the holiday party link.
It has been a relatively mild winter so far, and I still haven't had to use the snow thrower, but I’m sure that will change before we meet again in person.
Not much is happening in January. 2 events only. We have our Zoom meeting on the 7th, and Wendy’s meet-up social on the 24th. Other than that, there is nothing else for January, so until February……. ”keep your battery tender plugged in and connected”. Stay safe and warm.
RegardZ………..Nate
January 2026 Board Meeting
- When: January 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM (meeting earlier this month)
- Where: Zoom
January 2026 General Meeting
- When: January 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM (can join at 6:30)
- Where: Zoom
February 2026 Board Meeting
- When: February 3, 2026, at 6:30 PM
- Where: Zoom
February 2026 General Meeting
- When: February 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM (can join at 6:30)
- Where: Zoom
If you are not a board member and would like to attend a board meeting, please contact our president, Nate Derman.
Have You Checked Your Spare Tires Recently?
Following our December Zoom General Meeting, we had a great conversation about tires during Tech Talk. It was recommended to check the air pressure in your spare when you fill up your other tires.
Then the conversation turned to, “How Old is your Spare”? Several members have a Datsun 240Z with the original spare. That means the spare could be over 50 years old. So, I reached out to our sponsor, Empire Lakewood Nissan, and spoke with Service Director Jacob Rogers. He said the general rule of thumb is that tires should be replaced after ten years of age. Even in a never-used spare, after 10 years, the rubber can become brittle and less reliable.
Spare tires are relatively inexpensive, and Jacob said he should be able to get a spare tire for any Z car, whether it’s a full-sized spare or a donut.
I then asked the experts about using a donut-sized spare on a Z with staggered tires (smaller in front/larger in rear). It was stated that the donut could affect handling and stability. The car’s computer may detect a traction issue and adjust power delivery. If your Z has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, the donut spare does not have a sensor, and your car will most likely show you a TPMS warning light. Always consult your car’s owner’s manual for specific guidance.
You can use the 50/50 rule when driving on a donut spare. Don’t drive more than 50 miles and no faster than 50MPH. It’s a TEMPORARY SPARE designed to get you to a repair place.
So, it looks like I’ll be getting a new spare for our 20-year-old 2005 350Z. Safety first!!!
Don Gordon
Public Relations Director
January 15 – John Paul Marosy
January 16 – Jason Spegal
January 20 – Jenny Boyd
January 21 – Bob Carlson
January 23 – Benjamin Guedry
January 26 – Nick Cardozo and Kathy Minister
January 31 – Corbett Hoenninger
Empire Lakewood Nissan
Support ZCCC's Official Sponsor
Junkyard Jenny's
Check out Junkyard Jenny's for Z/Datsun parts.
The Man Cave
Many members have used and loved the work at The Man Cave.
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