It is really winter now. And then anything can happen. But that is also possible outside of the winters. Looking at the snow, we thought ...
Winter is a seasonal
It might be hard to say; but below the line our classics are just 'old cars. The disadvantage of this is that we have more chances of mechanical malfunctions than the owner of a two-year-old Skoda Octavia: in other words, winter repairs. The advantage is that our cars are much more repair friendly than the current cars. Even if you just have to improvise with repairs in the winter.
Everything is due to electronics
Because the report of the breakdown services shows that an increasing number of holidaymakers' cars are being repatriated with huge disruptions such as a defective air conditioner, non-functioning windscreen wipers, a non-working - wireless - gas pedal and related troubles. All electronics misery. Inaccessibility of mechanical parts is also a reason to have the car transported from the Spanish plateau to Loodrecht.
Basic is better
Such a broken thread end does not have to be a problem with our cars. The thing is usually to remove ourselves or a local blacksmith. And even if the thread is broken, then we know - or the blacksmith - that somewhere in the depth there are still six threads left to perform a responsible emergency repair.
But an emergency repair by wrapping a replacement bolt with a piece of aluminum foil or the aluminum paper wrap of a pack of cigarettes is also an option. That solution is in any case also one to come home with a crazy oil drain plug.
Coke can help
A broken exhaust pipe can be made with a (soft drink) can and a few hose clamps. That was known. If Coca Cola has been in that can, you have of course already used that as a penetrating oil / rust remover and to clean the battery posts of your car from deposits. Just a matter of pouring, withdrawing and wiping off the sticky residue. Shampoo also works well as an improvised plasticizer for stuck bolts and nuts.
Tips against winter problems
If you are a tough winter rally driver, you can keep windows frost-free for days by misting them with a plant sprayer with a mixture of 3 parts white vinegar to one part water. Freezing of the door locks can be prevented by 'sticking' a fridge magnet on them. A frozen lock can be thawed for the male, non-smoking classic enthusiasts by urinating against it. That is also the answer to the question: 'Is there also yellow snow? A broken blower in the morning? Rub the inside of the windows with the cut side of half a potato. Result? No condensation.
Paper is also handy when traveling
At the time that we were all smoking tobacco, a rolling paper was the ideal measuring tool to check when the points opened. A bit of firm thumb then sat close enough to the 0,4 mm to fine tune the points. With such a LED light that is attached with a strap around the head, the job can be done well even after sunset, while there is no 'third hand' at hand, because the navigator warms his hands to a cup of coffee.
A tip that is almost as old as the trick with the thumbnail: a leaky radiator can often be repaired temporarily by throwing in a hand of peppercorns. Your car was parked. You slept in the hotel. Consult the cook.
Wiper blades in the winter
On the other side of the glass, the effect of the wiper blades during that winter ride can be upgraded again by wiping the blades lengthwise twice with a cloth dipped in vinegar. An asterisk in a window pane can temporarily be kept under control by brushing it on two sides - preferably white - nail polish. This prevents moisture from entering the crack. The cleaning product that professional car window makers use is far the same as nail polish remover. Please consult your navigator and also opt for a professional repair as soon as possible. Because the professional approach is always better. No matter how satisfied you are with the fact that you have just removed a large dent from your door with a wet-cleaned drain cleaner.
Headache pills against dead batteries
If that winter weather turns out to be the final blow to the battery, then a hold in the first aid kit may help. Crush and throw two aspirins in the battery. The acetylsalic acid reacts with the sulfuric acid in the battery and may be good for the very last revival of that battery. That way you will still be the first to cross the finish line.
But our tip for today is: Stay inside. Look outside.
