I'd add a few other tips - as an amateur car r...

2009-12-10T18:42:09.683-08:00

I'd add a few other tips - as an amateur car restorer I see how cars degrade up close.

When checking the oil, look for any metallic particles - they'll make the oil shiny, like metal-flake paint. If you see that, plan to get a new car soon.

Make sure when you check the tranny fluid, your car is warmed up, and parked on a level surface.

If your car starts running crappy, one cause could be an intake manifold or some other vacuum leak. Symptoms include racing (running faster then slower) or hearing any hissing sound. Get a can or two of carb cleaner, and spray down all the engine mating surfaces (where the top part bolts on to the big middle part that has the pistons). Spray along the vacuum lines, etc. If the car's idle speed changes at all (faster or slower) you know you have a leak.

If you car starts and runs OK, but then won't restart when the motor is hot (such as when you come out of the grocery store), especially in the winter, you may have a bad Ignition Control Module.

Also, get a manual - start with the consumer Chilton's, but if you're serious get the Technical Service Manual for your car (available on Ebay usually). Another good place to check parts prices is rockauto.com. They have a warehouse in Turtle Creek so delivery is really fast for us PA Preppers.

Extra parts to carry:
spare fuses
spare belts, even though they are expensive (most modern cars run from 1 serpentine belt - DO NOT run your car if it breaks - symptoms include hard steering and a spiking radiator temperature due to water pump shutdown)

Hope this helps!
-DaveP

Comments on Pennsylvania Preppers Network: How to Prolong the Life of your Automobile Part 1

I'd add a few other tips - as an amateur car r...