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Seasonal Checks And
Safety Tips Keep it Safe! As older and older our cars become it follows that they become less and less safe. A fact of aging and old technology. It is of more concern with a car that is used on an occasional basis. For example, rubber parts such as break seals need vibration and use. Condensation (water) is absorbed by break fluid (silicon is the exception) to a certain amount, I believe the word is hydration or hydro-absorption? The water then precipitates out while the car sits for extended periods of time between uses. A car that is driven regularly, shakes this water and it is held in suspension. Another thought, have you ever considered the fact that water enters in through the spoke holes of these beautiful wire wheels and turns to rust flakes, and as we speak those flakes are sawing away at your inner tubes and tires. To keep it safe and to jog your memories a bit, I would like to offer the following recommendations to make your driving experiences this season fun and hassle free. Most is common sense and old hat knowledge, but consider the excitement of going down hill at increasingly faster speeds and the breaks don't work and the tires are leaking air and the steering is ... you get the picture. A couple of hours going over the love of you life will make for a safer driving season and give you time to bond with the old girl and renew your fascination with her beauty and grace. BRAKE FLUID: Every year, either in the spring or in the fall, for cars being driven on occasion, bleed the system and replace with fresh fluid. BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS, FRONT CALIPERS AND WHEEL CYLINDERS: These need to be rebuilt ever 2-5 years. You will be amazed at how fast time evaporates between times you do this, write it down stick it in the glove box. STEERING COLUMN: Replace the rubber coupling every 5 years/50,000 miles. Make sure that the lower universal joint is not worn or frozen by rust. Make sure that the horn ground straps are not frayed or broken. Check the pinch bolt at the lower universal is tight. FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS: Every 2,000 miles check for noticeable play, retighten if necessary. Don't forget to use a new cotter pin. Repack and replace the seal if you can't remember the last time it was done. Check you cars manual for interval times. REAR SUSPENSION: Check for worn universals. Look for play/or rust dust. Rebuild or replace any suspect parts. TIRES: Check for any unusual scuff marks, uneven ware, proper inflation. While you are looking at the tires check out the exhaust system. GENERAL ELECTRICAL INSPECTION: Check out the horn, lights, turn signals, wiper motor and wiper blades, seat belts, defrosters. Check the fuse panel for correct fuses and that no corrosion has occurred, remember to carry extra fuses, points, plugs and any other electrical device that routinely goes out when you least expect it. REMEMBER SAFETY IS IMPORTANT AND PART OF HAVING A GOOD TIME!! |
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