Farewell My Valiant!

Time to put away childish things. I bought my 1966 Plymouth Valiant sedan in/about 1996. I suppose I was trying to relive my teen years, when I drove a 1964 Plymouth Valiant. I rebuilt it somewhat to a nicer car than it was. Installed "new" seats, new headliner, trim and Fender skirts.  It was a lot of work and learning for me. Now today it just sits. So I donated it to Cars Helping Veterans. I could sell it, but I would rather an organization that could use it to do some good pick it up. So good bye old paint. It's been cool knowing and driving you!

Saying goodbye is never easy!

SNOW JOB 2010- Batteries, wipers and belts- Oh My!

Make sure you can see-
When’s the last time you replaced your windshield wiper blades? They usually work effectively for about one year, so be sure to invest in some new ones if you’re due. Here’s another important step to take before you find yourself struggling to see in a blinding storm: Fill up your windshield washer reservoir with windshield washer fluid. (Plain water won’t do the trick at this time of year because it freezes.) Also check to see that your heater and defroster are working properly so you can keep the windshield nice and clear.
Give your battery a little TLC-
This is an ideal time of year to make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion-free and that your battery has all the water it needs. If your battery is more than three years old, have a certified repair shop test its ability to hold a charge. Granted, you might be able to find a Good Samaritan to help you jump-start your vehicle in the middle of a blizzard — Another thing to consider is purchasing a battery jump charger station- handy to have and also nice to use in a power outage...but wouldn’t you rather avoid such a scenario altogether?
Make sure your belts and hoses are nice-
When you have that full service done on your vehicle, make sure the belts and hoses get checked for wear and tear — even if you’re driving a modern car. Cold weather can do a number on belts and hoses, so they deserve attention.

SNOW JOB 2010- Anti-freeze

Get the antifreeze mixture just right-
Antifreeze does not refer to having a bottle of Jack Daniels in your trunk! It refers to the fluid found in your radiator to keep it and you coolant/heating lines from freezing.
Aim for having a 50-50 mix of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your radiator. This will prevent the mixture from freezing even at ridiculously cold temperatures. It’s easy to check the status of the mixture with an inexpensive antifreeze tester, which you can pick up at any auto parts store. If the mixture is off, your cooling system should be drained and refilled or flushed. Be sure you’re equipped to dispose of your old antifreeze properly if you do this job yourself. It can’t just be poured down the drain- check your local regulations. And I should mention that there are low toxic anti freeze solutions out there.