Hi Everybody:
In the Northern Hemisphere, Spring has sprung and for Pagoda owners this means there's work to be done.
Just before we hit the road for some serious drive time, a good idea to make sure the car is ready to roll.
Might be obvious to many but some of us need a reminder of what we can do to make our pride and joy safer and healthier.
Here's my Spring routine. Others can add more or correct errors here.
Lubricate: Get some White Lithium grease and dab or spry a bit on every articulating surface on the car...hood (UK Bonnet) and door hinges (top and bottom), antenna, Carefully lift up the round rubber cover on the left side of the firewall (a dry cover can tear) then grease the moving parts of the cable under the cover...maybe a dab on the ends of the cable release for the hood and the soft top...the soft top frame may need some attention.
Now take a Philips head screw driver and start at the front of the car and give a slight turn to every screw you see (except the adjusting screws)...including the grill cover, headlight screw, hood latch, sensor boxes, washer pump, blower motor mount, hose clamps (and examine the hoses for cracks)...brackets, door parts, hood spring mounts, sun visors (not too tight), threshhold chrome. Each B pillar cap has a screw that can work loose. Examine the caps (pot metal can easily crack).
The thin chrome strips along the rear are held by screws under each strip. Check out the trunk lock, the trunk light (if you have one.) Push the Rubber inserts into the upper molding along each side.
Make sure the rear lights are tight against the trunk wall. Tug each bumper part and hub cap to make sure all are OK. License plate screws tight and plates clean? Window stickers up to date and neat?
The wooden steering wheel may need a tightening with an Allen wrench. Make sure the parking brake moves and locks OK.
Good idea to empty the trunk and remove the spare. Check the spare for air...look under the trunk mat for rust and wet spots. Give the jack a once over and make sure it moves OK.
The engine area: give a push to all the spark plug connectors and distributor wires. Anti freeze is a rust inhibitor but can turn acid after a few years. Either change the water and anti freeze or test it with litmus paper, etc. Make sure it will protect properly for the next Winter in your area. If the water needs draining, be careful. Some of the radiator drain plugs have not been moved in many years. May be better to drain from a low hose than to force the drain plug. Check for water, oil leaks.
Interior: carpets up...look for rust, dirt. Move the seats and the seat backs Carefully move each of the heater leavers (may be best to turn the levers with the round part and not put too much pressure on the lever tab.)
Check the Air in the tires, glass in the treads, rotate, if that's your thing.
OK...on the road. Obvious but be aware of the suspension, the warning lights, the tach and speedo in parallel synch; Brakes not pulling; wheel stays centered. Blue or excessive grey smoke? Oil pressure near the top except at idle...idles maybe 800 to 1100?
Test the window washer and fluid...does the Horn have the "European" double tone?
Put the insurance proof, registration, bandaids, etc. into the glove box...flashlight and tools in the trunk...maps in the side pocket. Test the radio (and cassette player.)
Ready the sunglasses, white scarf, thin driving gloves, special shoes, and cap.
Boy, I'm tired...think I'll go back to bed.
Give me toot as you drive by.
Richard M, NYC
