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| Unused Motors |
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Six years ago I wrote an article for this magazine to highlight the problem of static vehicles and what can happen to them within a comparatively short time, especially over the Winter period. Walking around our village, again I can't help noticing how many vehicles there are that are not being used. Used being the purpose they were made for, like getting from A to B. No doubt their owners have their reasons for this, but I feel that I must enlighten people as to what happens to a vehicle when it's left stationary for a long period of time.
Obviously the tax, MOT and insurance run out. The tyres go flat and the walls of the tyres deteriorate. Even when they are re-inflated flat spots are apparent where the carcass has been distorted by the weight of the car.
The brakes seize up! Disc pads rust in the callipers as do the calliper pistons and sliders. The discs corrode, especially where the pads touch the stationary discs, causing pitting of the surfaces which in turn can render the discs unserviceable. Flexible brake hoses can perish as can metal brake pipes corrode. Rear brakes can seize on because the shoes have stuck to the drums. The wheel cylinders, hand brake levers, cables and adjusters can also seize.
The clutch disc can stick to the engine flywheel due to rust, making it impossible to select any gears with the engine running. The removal of the gearbox and clutch is sometimes the only remedy. The rusting can also render the clutch assembly and flywheel unserviceable.
Windscreen wiper blades perish and electrical connections can corrode. If there is low strength or no antifreeze in the cooling system the winter frosts can crack the engine block or split the radiator if the coolant freezes. Drive belts deteriorate as do their pulleys rust. A broken cam belt normally damages the engine.
Vehicle bodies corrode at an alarming rate, especially hollow members, double skinned and already rusted areas. Rust generates its own moisture, especially under paint and underseal corrosion inevitably ensues.
Window winding mechanisms rust and tighten up, as do door locks. Car interiors get mildew on the seats and trim panels, and green or black spotted algae can cover the entire car bodywork etc! etc!
If you are keeping the vehicle for spare parts I have found the best way is to dismantle it straight away, clean and protect the parts you might require, then store them dry until needed. The parts you won't need can then be taken away and scrapped. Hence, a vacant space on your drive, your garden back in play or another parking position on the road!! The grass cutters can mow the verge and an eyesore disappears! If you are keeping it for a 'rainy day' it just isn't worth it, believe me! Most car salvage firms do a free removal service, just look in the 'Yellow Pages' under Car and Commercial Vehicle Dismantlers, page 172.
C'mon folks, we have a lovely village here. Lets try to keep it that way.
Wally Vernon.
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