PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 23 April 1927, Page 15

PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER

ATTENTION TO THE CAR. THOROUGH INSPECTION URGED. With the autumn nearly over, the time is ripe for motorists to give their cars a thorough inspection and to periorm a tew little tasks on them which wiil lie conductive to smooth, troubielree service for the cold spell. Him lugs should be tightened up. This takes a very few minutes and will result in the absence of considerable annoyance. Crankcase oil should be changed, if this detail has not been attended to every S(X) miles or so. Starting in cold garages and running with the choice open are the sources of much crankcase dilution of the oil with unburned gasoline, which is drawn down into the crankcase. Troubles caused by insufficient and improper lubrication are costly and exasperating, as well as playing havoc with the car s resale value. No part of the car is harder worked during the winter than the battery, with more frequent and harder starts and longer running with lights on. It should be tested now for strength and water Distilled water costs but a 1 little,’and will last all winter. If the battery is weak it should be recharged, not only for better starting, running, and lights, but for the good reason that when the battery is partly discharged it may freeze and be ruined. A fully charged battery will not freeze. The water circulating system also should he carefully checked over to see that- no part has loosened up.

It will prove an economy to look over the tyres and fill ail cuts made by running over rough roads and sharp turns, with some rubber cement to prevent them becoming enlarged. Tyres need more care in winter than in summer, on account of the extra strain they are forced to endure. There is additional tyre-wear to ear-owners who use chains. It is, therefore, important to keep them at the pressure recommended by the manufacturers, which information is available at all service stations.

Now is the time to tighten up all chassis screws, nuts, and bolts. Arduous running over uneven surfaces during the-past two or three months will probably have worked them loose. If neglected, this means annoying body squeaks, and general lowering of the car’s value A few minutes’ activity with a wrench and a screwdriver will remedy this condition.

As to the car’s general appearance, this probably has suffered by being out in all weathers. Unless the owner has a heated garage, it is not very good weather for washing a car. As the mudguards of most cars are not done in durable finish, but in baked enamel, wiping the dirt off dry will cause countless scratches and make them shabby long before the rest of the car.