Seven Steps to Showtime!
Seven Steps to Showtime!
Before the car-show season gets rolling, follow our maintenance checklist to ensure your ride is running right.
Spring has sprung! That means it’s time to start thinking about getting your classic cars and trucks ready for the season.
Now don’t go running for the garage to fire up those engines just yet. In the Midwest, our cars usually sit for about five months. And that’s a lot of time for bad things to happen.
After not starting it, there’s a list you should check before turning over the engine and another one before heading down the road. It’s critical that you give yourself plenty of time to get your vehicle dialed in before your wheels hit the pavement.
Step 1: Fluids and Hoses
- Check the oil. Is it at the proper level? How does the quality of the oil look (it should be a golden honey color)? If it’s milky looking you have moisture; if it’s black, it’s due to be changed.
- Check the antifreeze. Make sure the radiator is full and if you have an overflow can that it’s filled properly. It’s convenient to use a pre-mixed 50/50 bottle of antifreeze and water when topping things off. If you are changing the antifreeze, it’ economical to buy full strength antifreeze and dilute it yourself with distilled water.
- Check and adjust belts and hoses. Check the belts for dry rot and wear. Adjust them to the proper tension. If you are nearing the end of the total adjustment to get the belt tight, it’s time for a new one. Hoses should be checked for dry rot and leaking. Make sure all clamps are tight on the radiator and heater hoses. Also make sure the thermostat housing and heater hose fitting into the intake manifold and water pump is not leaking.
Step 2: Electric
- Check all the wiring in the engine compartment. Old wiring can become brittle and break or corrode.
- Because it’s a fire waiting to happen, secure any loose wiring, making sure it stays clear of the exhaust and any sharp edges on the frame or body; zip ties and electrical tape work well for this.
- Check the battery water level and fill to the required level with distilled water if necessary. Check the battery terminals and clean them if they need it. Make sure the battery is fully charged and ready.
Step 3: The Fuel System
- Check all fuel lines and hoses leading from the tank to the carburetor or throttle body. Look for leaks, corrosion, and dry rotting. Don’t overlook rubber hoses. Any signs of fuel-hose dry rot should be replaced immediately; countless engine fires happen every year due to a failed piece of $5 hose.
- Next, check the[…]
# # #
Continue reading this American Modern Insurance article.
Don’t forget, The Portier Agency offers:
homeowner/mobile home/ renter’s /automobile / motorcycle / life / commercial / crop insurance.
Call or come by to get your quote!
The Portier Agency, LLC
113 North Irwin Avenue
Ocilla, GA 31774
229-468-3444
portieragency@windstream.net