The Mail-Journal, Volume 9, Number 39, Milford, Kosciusko County, 25 October 1972 — Page 26

Yesterday’s Winters Teach Today’s Driver New Tricks

By M. A. McNIEL ' Reprinted from lowa City Press-Citizen Getting automobiles ready for winter use once was a far different matter than it is today. What the motorist of the past might experience was outlined by Jim Fordice, president of the lowa Valley Chapter of the Antique Auto Club of America and the owner of several antique cars himself. Cars and service haven’t always been what they are today. Back then, antifreeze just wasn’t available. Those who were hardy and enthusiastic enough to drive in winter weather put alcohol or kerosene in their radiators hoping to prevent freeze-

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ups. Today, “winter” or low viscosity oil is taken for granted. Kerosene was also used in the past to dilute the oil to ease cold weather cranking and allow it to circulate in archaic “splash” or dipper lubrication systems. Even diluted oil could be mighty stiff on a cold morning. It wasn’t too uncommon to tie three or four corn cobs together with a piece of wire and set them afire under the crank case. A few minutes of this treatment would allow the engirfe to turn over freely. As well as the modem battery. functions, it is still a source of doubt on the coldest mornings. There was no doubt in grandad’s mind; he knew his battery lacked suf-

ficient output on cold mornings. He took the necessary precaution of keeping his battery behind the kitchen stove overnight. Blankets were sometimes placed over the engine to prevent frost from forming on the plug wires, coil, and distributor. All of these precautions and the bitterest of swear words didn’t always guarantee an easy start. After the battery wore down, his cranking arm wore out and his patience wore thin, grandad still had an ace up the sleeve of his mackinaw. He could harness the team to the front bumper and give his old tin liz a pull. That failing, he could hitch up a buck-board and leave that infernal contraption sitting until warmer weather. If you don’t have ready access to a team of horses, corn cobs and kerosene, and lack a kitchen stove to keep

your battery behind, the best thing to do is to see an auto serviceman about winterizing your car. VENTILATION VITAL Even on the coldest winter days, it’s still a good idea to drive with a window slightly opened. This will prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide fumes amassing in the passenger compartment. Better yet, have your exhaust

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system checked thoroughly to guard against the deadly gas. AVOID FROZEN LINES One protection against starting trouble in the winter is to keep your gas tank full as possible at all times. This action will help keep water vapor in the tank from freezing and thus blocking the fuel line.