Officers!

Ray Parsons, President   rdp10@juno.com

John Switzer, Secretary  Switzarch@aol.com

Frank Mackison, Membership/Treasurer  fmack@erols.com

Paul Provencher, der Webmeister ppro@4x4icon.com

 

HAPPY SUMMERTIME!!!!!!

HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD ONE &

ALL REMAIN SAFE

 

 

BITS   &   PIECES [assorted topics]

·         Don’t forget: Stay Right, Pass Left, Buckle Up and WATCH THOSE MIRRORS!  And adjust your mirrors so that you don’t have to lean way over to make sure of what you are seeing and therefore stop watching the road ahead! Be smooooth!   ANTICIPATE!    Keep your wits about you.  Stay alert!  Don’t watch just the car in front of you, look as far down the road as possible--------ANTICIPATE------try to see if something is developing way up ahead that you might have to avoid. I remember reading once, a long time ago, that fighter pilots were taught to keep scanning the sky all around them to avoid surprises.  It’s the same in a car but to a simpler degree. Just don’t stare straight ahead; look about at those mirrors---as it says ‘anticipate’!!  When you know that you’ll need to exit the road you are on soon, don’t wait until the turn is right ahead; give a signal early, change to the correct lane and press on.  No one likes surprises, especially at 65+ MPH!  And if a tractor trailer signals that he wants to come over into your lane and it is clear for him to do so, flash your headlights and let him know you see him and it’s okeh for him to come over.  They appreciate that.   And make sure that, if you can, your driver’s seat is raised so that you can see out and can be seen.   It’s disconcerting to notice a car on the old Beltway that doesn’t seem to have a driver!!

THE GIST OF THIS IS TO ASSURE THAT YOU DIG THE BASIC CONCEPT, DUDE!                     AND THAT IS:  DEVOTE 110% OF YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION TO THE ART OF DRIVING.  WE DON’T WANT TO LOSE YOU.

·          And keep in mind the dynamics at work!  Is there enough room to stop? In front of me or behind me?  Is there a spot I can go to if what’s up front has obviously gone terribly wrong?

·          Don’t forget [or if you’re new to the Club]: We have a good selection of Regalia available to help you show your fealty to the Club and your ebullience for your Volvo.  Check with Ray Parsons or Frank Mackison for availability and prices of the sundry items.  These items will also be available, in limited quantities, at most meetings and at other slyly selected venues.

·          I just saw an article on the AOL system about flying cars; it appears the idea could be coming back.  Interesting, especially when you consider how much fun it is to drive on the DC Beltway today during rush hour.  Just imagine how much fun it’ll be at, say, 5,000 feet!!!  The word ‘traffic jam’ could take on a new and even more frightening meaning!!!  Somehow, I’m not sure it’s any more feasible now then it was in previous attempts.  While it might work in Montana or Nevada.  FAR away from really big cities.

·          Our E-mail address is now also available at this location “volvamus@aol.com”.  The ‘mailbox’ is checked periodically and replies are sent ASAP.  If you come across a site that you think would be of interest to everyone, send an e-Mail and Paul Provencher will get your message! He can then link us to it so that everyone can visit. And, of course, if you try an existing ‘link’ on da Site and discover that it is ‘gone’, let him know.  Over 75000 hits and still counting!

·          Side note---the classifieds are for members and others who have need to sell their Volvo or are looking for Volvo related items, etc.  If you call, please follow up on the call.  If you have to cancel a visit, call and let the advertiser know!  And when you use your WVC card to get a discount—make sure you SHOW the WVC card to the merchandiser.  Don’t forget to bring it with you.  Shops have every right to ask and see your WVC card to verify that it is current!  And they ought to!  Don’t expect them to assume you have your card with you.  And if your card is expired, they have EVERY right to refuse to give you a discount!  Just remember, ‘I was a member last year’ ain’t gonna wash!

·           “No man is a failure who has friends” Clarence the Angel.  A worthy thought and often ignored in the rush of life.

·          I hope you had a chance to check out the new C30 coupe, due here next year, that was pictured on page 92 0f the August 2005 issue of CAR and DRIVER magazine.  It would be a neat addition to the product line and seems a natural successor to the PV.   In fact if they raised the hood line about one inch and rounded the back a bit more it could work.  Why not a retro revolution at VOLVO?  When done correctly, people respond.  Most of the comments the Toad gets relate to the fact that the person either had one or a friend had a PV.  The design has remained viable and fresh as a very positive part of Volvo’s past.   Now if the back windows would pop open like a PV, it’d be perfect!!  Oh, by the way, wouldn’t the C30 make a good foundation for a WRC car??            Say, 275 horsepower, AWD, Brembo’s, six speed, Stage II suspension……………. There’s a thought!  After all, PVs did pretty well in their time.  There is a good article on the C30 in the Jan/Feb issue of ROLLING.              By the way, Ken Hamilton passed along a copy of VOLVO LIFE published in Sweden for Volvo owners.  It is a derivative of RATTEN, a similar slick publication I used to get.  The issue [#1    2006] has a nice article about the new C30 and you don’t have to be able to read Swedish to appreciate this little wonder.  I can’t wait to see one in the ‘metal’!

·          If you have been scurrying around looking for bits & pieces for your veteran Volvo, then add this ‘address’ to your list www.vp-autoparts.com  They just might have or can find exactly what you need,  the more sources the better!!  They are located in South Carolina!!  Just next door, as it were!!!  You can also put VINTAGE IMPORT PARTS onto you list of sources; Olef Malmberg is the owner and his web page is www.vintageimports.com !  And if you are in a performance state of mind, add www.v-performance.com/about.HTML to your list of those types of contacts.      And another good source of those essential bits & pieces is as close as eBay!!!  I just found a set of four wheel spacers for the 5x4.25” wheels; they didn’t sell at $125.00!!  Ron said he had never seen any before!  eBay is like ‘Alice’s Restaurant’, if you remember that song: anything you want, for sure!!!   And often, stuff you had no idea existed!!        And, of course, there is one more splendid source of Volvo related goodies: our old friends in Portland, Oregon, Import Parts Distributors or IPD!!!   Richard Gordon’s group has gone from mimeograph ‘catalogs’ to slick catalogs with tips and pictures and all sorts of neat ‘stuff’!  Old Volvo hands know them well; any one new to the brand needs to check them out at WWW.ipdusa.com   Always a good read!!                              I think their sway bars have been on every Volvo I’ve owned!   And once you’ve assembled all those trick pieces for your Volvo, you might need special tools to help with the job.  That’s where WWW.eastwood.com   might be able to help.  Well worth checking into.

Frank Derks, of EuroSport Tuning in Burlington, Ontario, [ info@eurosport.com  ] has agreed to do some advertising in VOLVAMUS.     He is offering 5 – 20% discounts [depending on the product] to members in exchange for this advertising.  HE SHALL REQUIRE A VALID MEMBERSHIP NUMBER, OF COURSE, TO AVAIL YOU OF ANY DISCOUNT!  I assume that there’ll be a space on his order form so that Frank can verify your status if need be.  So just watch for his advert and see if he can help you out! The ‘785’ has a glorious set of his euro headlights and they really are a VAST improvement over those wimpy stock, under-powered 4 light government ‘designed’ units ( and they make the car look 1000% better!!). [Frank does the EST newsletter http://www.eurosporttuning.ca/EST_Insider_05-08.pdf  as well LATEST ISSUE!!!!!!!!!]

·       Olympic Imported Parts in GAITHERSBURG is now offering a 10% discount to CURRENT WVC members.  Check with olde buddy John Carmen at 301.990.4100 or 800.472.9360 about what you need and what they carry! Or send an eMail to olygburg@covad.net and put ‘JOHN CARMEN’ on the subject line.  The shop in Silver Spring is no more. The Company website is www.olyparts.com/index.html  visit whenever you can.  And they are QUICK: the Benz needed a part; it was ordered on Monday, arrived on Tuesday.  Not bad at all, thank you!!!

·       “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear,-------not absence of fear”    Mark Twain

·       REMEMBER MY RECENT TALK ABOUT OLD MOVIES?  WELL, THIS MORNING I CAUGHT A FLICK ON TCM CALLED “SPEED’----NO, NOT THAT ONE; THIS ONE WAS MADE IN 1935 AND STARRED JIMMIE STEWART.  THE PLOT INCLUDED ACTION AT INDIANAPOLIS AND AT MUROC DRY LAKE IN CALIFORNIA.  FASCINATING TO SEE INDY SANS ALL THE GRANDSTANDS AND PIT FACILITIES THAT WE HAVE GOTTEN USED TO.   IN 1935 IT WAS A TRULY RURAL LOCATION!   THE DRY LAKE SCENES WERE AUTHENTIC, BUT OBVIOUSLY SHOT FOR THE MOVIE------CARS AND PEOPLE WITHIN 15 FEET OR SO OF THE BLACK LINE USED BY DRIVERS TO MAINTAIN COURSE.   SCARY!!!     AND SOME OF THE MOVIE WAS ‘SHOT’ WITHIN AN AUTOMOBILE FACTORY; NO ‘OSHA’ REGS IN SIGHT!  

·       For your consideration:  HEMMINGS is now putting out a very slick magazine called ‘SPORTS & EXOTIC CARS’.   You’ll probably find it at the larger magazine emporiums; worth the trouble.  Broad range of subjects and for those of varied interests, just like us!!!  Oh, for the fanatics, it even had a short article on the new S80 due out anytime now.  Drive the V8 version!!     SEE PAGE 48 OF THE JULY 2006 ISSUE OF CAR & DRIVER FOR AN UPDATE ON THE NEW S80.

·       “Vintage vehicle!  Occupants have seatbelts”    Noted disclaimer in a real estate advert on TV.  We are really making progress.   Just not sure what the point is for pointing that fact out.  Bizarre.  Will they be telling us next that the sunshine is real and that no artificial lighting was required?   Would super-safety conscious viewers, watching that advert, note the car’s age and wonder, write letters, make phone calls??

·       Has 1984 come sooner then we expected?

·       WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO Baby Dumpling???  [movie question]

·       A new illustration of the old phrase “conspicuous consumption”, to wit, a fellow eating breakfast while driving his Mercedes along MD Route 50 in Annapolis.  At least he was kind enough to be over in the right hand lane.  Please do not emulate his example.

·       And  you really know your ‘halo model’, the car that shows you are ’hip’ and cool is a dud when you can find one at an open air, no-name used car lot.   To wit, a bright yellow new Thunderbird noted today on during a run into College Park.   Sad, sitting there with all those Nissans and KIAs. 

·       WHO WAS ‘HARRY CROSBY’ AND WHAT WAS HE NOTED FOR?

“Give me the luxuries of life and I will gladly do without the necessities.” Frank Lloyd Wright

 

·          “WE JUDGE OURSELVES BY WHAT WE FEEL CAPABLE OF DOING, / WHILE OTHERS JUDGE US BY WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY DONE.”  From ‘KAVANAGH’,  by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

·       The B&W photos above the masthead on this issue [and most issues to follow] are racing scenes from the 1960s showing my favorite Volvo hard at work.  You will note a Pontiac Tempest in the left photo! And I see a Renault in the right photo!  The pics are from the collection of Ron Winneberger and were shot at Marlboro Racetrack in Upper Marlboro, MD; home track of “The Lavender Hill Mob” and presided over for years by Starter Emeritus, Tex Hopkins, who always wore a lavender suit as part of his routine.  A wonderful place to spend a day watching TRs, MGs, Jags, Elvas, etc. going at it.  Only about 1.7 miles per lap, all easily visible from the top row of the only grandstand   That glorious period when you drove to the track, taped up the lights, took off the wheel covers, took out everything loose in the trunk, and had at it!  Things have changed, for sure.  [Ron tells me that he was working in the pits on one of the Volvos that day.  At one time, Ron worked for VOLVO when they were at Englewood Cliffs, NJ.   Many, many, many years ago, truth be told!!!]

·          Gentlemen, check your PSA on a regular schedule.  I can assure you it is well worth the ‘bother’!!                                   ‘Cause it ain’t a bother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!                                                                        As Vincent Price might have said, “what’s a little blood?”       

                                                                                                                                                       66.5 down---33.5 to go? 

·       Would you like to take a quick visit to Brasil???  Then log onto www.carrosantiagos.com\volvo and see what the Volvo Auto Clube – Brasil is up to these days.  I get their flyers and they are having a fine time enjoying their Swedish friends.  It is Fall in Sao Paulo, but they still have chances to get together and party hardy.          Check them out!!!                                                                             Sergio would appreciate your company, I’m sure!!

·       AND IF YOU WANT AN IDEA OF HOW FAR BACK RACING GOES WITH VOLVO, READ THE LIST OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE WONDERFUL PV SERIES!  You will find the list at WWW.VOLVOADVENTURES.COM

·       “MONEY IS A GOOD SLAVE BUT A BAD MASTER”              Horace.                Most important quote in this or any issue!!!!!  Pay heed!!!

·       “A rebel against his time and its laws, but never lawless”             Frank Lloyd Wright

·       Julio also just sent along an interesting magazine article.  Back in December of 1964, HOT ROD MAGAZINE ran a story by Steve Wilder about putting a FORD 289 into a P1800.   Like any article in HOT ROD, it really went into detail about the trails and tribulations of such an endeavor.   But the basic reaction to the conversion was positive: yes, it was tricky, but many dividends!!!  If you have a source for getting back issues of magazines, you just might want to check it out.   Many thanks, Julio, for sending it along.           [Now if we hear about a fire breathing P1800 up on Staten Island, we’ll know where to look first!!]                              I wonder if that 1964 P1800-V8 is still around?????                                                     A bit of history:  The project was conceived by Robert Cumberford, a noted Industrial Designer and designer of various race cars, and put together by Holman & Moody, a famous NASCAR and Indy race shop in Charlotte, NC.

·       More from Julio!!  Check out the two door 122s wagon on page 41 of the August 2006 issue of HOT ROD magazine.   No, not a ‘typo’, it is [now] a two door wagon.  Yes, it’s a project car; and very trick!!   Owned by Alan Susnow of Seattle, it gets motive power from a 3.8L supercharged V6 from a Pontiac GTP with a Camaro 5 speed.  Cool.  Always enjoy stories about someone willing to extend the limit just a bit further!

·       Speaking of magazines!!!  The cartoon on page 69 of the JULY 3, 2006 issue of the NEW YORKER is a hoot!  It shows just how far things might be carried in the not too distant future.   [be careful what you wish for…………]     

·          I like not only to be loved, but also to be told that I am loved . . . the
realm of silence is large enough beyond the grave.
--George Eliot

·          Something else to mull over,   “If pleasure exists, and we can only enjoy it in life, then life is happiness”.  Attributed to Casanova.

·          IF YOU HAVE BEEN CARRYING ON AN INTERMURAL REVIEW OR ANALYSIS ON THIS ‘ETHANOL’ STUFF AND WHETHER IT IS VIABLE OR NOT, ADD THIS TO YOUR STUDY LIST:  CAR & DRIVER MAGAZINE, JULY 2007 ISSUE, PAGE 112.  THIS IS AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT ETHANOL BY PATRICK BEDARD.   THE MORE INFO, THE BETTER, RIGHT?   IS ETHANOL THE ‘MAGIC LIQUID’ THAT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM OR NOT?    ARE THERE SIMPLE PANACEAS OUT THERE?   And, BEDARD has an interesting ‘take’ on ‘red light cameras’ on page 31 of the same issue.  While you’ve got the magazine open you might also check the excellent piece on page 32 by John Phillips.

·          “That must be the tea” Great line from CaddyShack.  If you know the movie, you know when the line comes along.

·          Something entirely different:  You are invited to visit www.asmdesigner.com.  Nothing automotive, much less Volvo, but some really interesting photographic interpretations of simple surroundings.

·          Let’s see:  Schick has a QUATTRO as does Audi; Gillette has a FUSION as does Ford.  Is this the sign of a new trend? It’ll really be interesting if Remington ever comes out with a MILANO!!!  Then we’ll know we’re on the verge of a new and glorious era.  In either razors or cars.

·          I saw an X5 towing a trailer today; not a usual sight.  I’m glad to see they [the X5, etc] do have some uses other the looking good and rich.

·          Speaking of BMWs, I wonder how many late model Pontiacs get mistaken for late model BMWs and vice versa?  Except for the ‘bangle-butt’ they do look suspiciously alike.  Especially the ‘frontal aspect’!   HA!  And we all know which one has the ‘bangle-butt’.

·          “THE LITTLE UNREMEBERED ACTS OF KINDNESS ARE THE BEST PARTS OF A PERSON’S LIFE”  William Wordsworth

·          How does the fellow in that Grand Vitara TV advert ever get home?

·          I found another hidden gem:  A small Irish-American Grill called SHERIDANS.  It’s located in the Thompson Creek Mall and gotten to from Route 50E, just after the Bay Bridge and past the underpass.  Make the first available right turn and go onto the service road and there it is.  Guinness on tap!  Very pleasant and a grand Reuben! 

·          Murphy’s Law caught up with me on April 29: Two out of the three cars weren’t working as they should.  The Toad stepped in and saved the day.  I got into the little dear; pumped the gas a coupla times, turned the key and off we went.   Not bad considering it has been sitting patiently since October, waiting for just this moment.  And not bad for just about 42 years old.   (INTERSTATE battery and a full tank of petrol when parked last)                So, as of today, May 5, 2006, I’ve added about 350 miles to the odometer [why did they go up only to 5 digits? Was it because they use Kilometers in Europe or something?] and there hasn’t been a hiccup out of him.  Lots of waves from folks along the way, he draws a bit of attention.    If anyone has the answer to that Odometer query, feel free to share!  It’s always puzzled me.  Oh, by the way, 120.5 miles on 5.373 gallons of gas; not bad for twin 40 DCOEs, etc.  The V8 745 had to replace his bell housing.  Argh.  The stock alloy one just couldn’t keep together; so there’s now a beautiful bright red LAKEWOOD scatter shield hidden there, all steel, in its place.  Was a bear to install ‘cause it isn’t tapered like the stock one and much adjusting had to be done.   All well now, don’t ask how much it cost.

·          Lest we forgot:  June 6, 1944

·          Here’s a final shot Of the Volvo Ocean Racers charging down the Chesapeake Bay toward Norfolk.  “PIRATES of the CARIBBEAN’  in the lead---picture by JES

The month of May wasn’t been kind to the VOR, but it’s easy to forget how dangerous the sport can be.  We wish them safe journey.

 SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1July 15th DIY

AT DON BEYER VOLVO, ALEXANDRIA

 

Don Beyer Volvo is sponsoring a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) technical session for the Washington Volvo Club from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturday, July 15, 2006.  The DIY location is in Alexandria at 7416 Richmond Hwy, and their telephone is (703) 768-5800.  This event is for all Volvos and its mechanics.

 

Don Beyer has regular Saturday service customers, and we will have the use of a limited number of service bays with lifts.  A Don Beyer service technician will be on hand to answer our automotive questions, and give us guidance as we work on our own Volvos with our own tools.  Their parts department will be open during the DIY session, and WVC requires you to utilize it for all the parts you need during the session.  Remember that Don Beyer grants a generous discount on genuine Volvo parts to all WVC members showing a current membership card.  We suggest that you contact their parts department several days prior to the DIY session to ensure that they’ll have all the parts you will need.

 

The DIY is intended for maintenance and minor repairs that can be completed within a four-hour time period.  All Club members are expected to bring their own tools, and to perform their own work.  There are usually several WVC members who may volunteer to assist when an extra pair of hands is needed, and we routinely are happy to show newcomers the joys of simple maintenance activities.  If you need a Volvo special tool for your repair, contact the WVC Special Tool Program Coordinator, Wren Sigrest, on (703) 730-0675, at least two weeks prior to the DIY session.

 

Participation is on a strict preregistration basis through WVC only;  please do not contact Don Beyer Volvo for this purpose.  You may preregister by completing all items on the form below and mailing it, along with a non-refundable fee of $15.00.  Your check should be made payable to the Washington Volvo Club.  You will be notified of your registration status during the week before the DIY.  (Please be advised that if we don’t receive your check and preregistration form by July 8th, and we still have space available, the fee will double to $30.00.)

 

Please think about your early vacation maintenance requirements, and preregister early.  WVC will set an upper limit on preregistration, and we wouldn’t want you to be disappointed because you waited too long.  Ken Runevald is going to be our Officer -of-the Day for this event.

 

 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………cut here,hear……………

July 15 DIY

Don Beyer Volvo Alexandria DIY Preregistration Form

Saturday, July 15, 2006, 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM

 

Name :_____________________________________ Hm phone_________________ Wk phone________________

 

Address :___________________________________ City : _____________________ State : _____ Zip : _________

 

Volvo Year : ________ Model : _________________ I’ll Need help (Y/N) _____ I ‘ll need Special Tool (Y/N/?) ______

 

Email : ______________________________________________

 

Work I plan to accomplish :  _______________________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Mail to : Ken Runevald, 3911 9^th St., Arlington, VA 22204, NLT July 8th.  703-271-1288, cell 703-728-8134

 

 

26 March, 2006

WVC at the Irish Inn---Glen Echo

 

The Washington Volvo Club held it’s second celebration of our DIY Program and the people that make it possible:  the Service Personnel at the Volvo Dealerships that allow us to invade on assorted Saturdays and use their lifts and expertise to work on our trusty Swedish steeds.

 

It has been decided that this event should become an annual affair on the FOURTH Sunday in March [THAT WOULD BE MARCH 25, 2007] and always at the Irish Inn at Glen Echo.  This is a charming spot just next to the Glen Echo Amusement Park on Macarthur Boulevard.  Very easy to get to and well worth the trip. So go ahead and circle the date for 2007 and be there!!

 

The food was served buffet style, and included crab cakes with poached egg [delicious], salmon nicoise [a definite yum!], and a shepherd’s pie [excellent], together with fresh fruits and wonderful desserts.  And, of course, they have Guinness [on tap]! 

 

I was glad to see some old friends that I hadn’t seen for far too long and to meet some new members in the WVC ranks.  It’s amazing how well we’ve done for so long and how the enthusiasm for the cars and the people that drive them has remained so strong.  We have been very lucky.   On a personnel level, I want to thank those that enjoy getting their ‘electronic’ VOLVAMUS; I’m slowly drifting into my THIRTYTH year of doing the assembling; hope to do many more.  It has gone through some radical changes from our first efforts so long ago!!!

 

As is our custom, we had gifts for our attendees and special thanks go out to Ron Winneberger for sending along some Volvo trinkets he had.  Ron’s history with VOLVO goes back longer then any of us would care to remember and he has always been good friend of the Club.                                                  Thanks, Ron!  

 

The picture is not an example of what Ron sent along [although the ‘Vee’ is a nice touch]!   But, if you were there at the Irish Inn, then you’d understand.  Or if you are one of the DIY group!!  Check the story a bit further on [below] in this issue!!  Picture by ABM.

 

 DIY Report: March 11, 2006

Don Beyer Volvo Falls Church

 

            Saturday, March 11 was sunny, clear, and surprisingly mild, which made it all the more appropriate that the WVC came out of hibernation and kicked off the 2006 DIY series on this day. This was the first DIY of the year after a four-month winter layoff, so you would think that there would be plenty of people who were totally chomping at the bit to get on a lift and start tackling their spring maintenance. And you’d be right. There were twelve WVC members in attendance, including two alternates who came in and took part after others finished their work.

                There were a few firsts at this DIY. For one, our dealer representative for the day was DBFC’s new shop foreman, Dave Benkoski, who was great to work with and enormously helpful to all the members who sought his guidance. It was also my first time on OD (Officer of the Day) duty, which was a smooth and painless experience apart from having to be up at O-dark-thirty to make sure everyone had their paperwork before we started. (OK, I’m usually not a morning person. Unless I’m traveling.) We also had a new member take part in his first DIY: Eric Rusnak, with his ‘89 780 Bertone. Eric originally came in thinking he’d have time to do an oil change, but once he got on a lift, he not only got the oil change done, but also learned how to change his front brake pads, with help from WVC members and DBFC techs. “This was a great experience,” Eric said afterwards. “Everyone was really helpful and I learned a lot. I definitely want to participate in more of these.”

                There were plenty of our veteran DIY faithful in attendance at this DIY too, both from DBFC and the club. On the DBFC side, techs Oliver Handy and Jeung gave guidance to many members with their work, and Dick Johnson and the parts desk gang were as helpful as always. On the WVC side, Bernie Spence accomplished an oil change and wheel lock install on her ‘02 V70, Tom Conti came in and got a quickie oil change done on his 240, and Ken Brown also got an oil change done, plus front brakes and a tailgate repair. Frank Mackison successfully replaced his rear brake pads on his ‘99 S70, Bob Kaylor completed the 150,000 mile service on his ‘89 245 wagon, Norm Williams replaced the front brakes and tail pipe on his ‘87 244, Richard Boissonniere fixed the motor mounts on his ‘92 240, and Alan Marsh did quite a few things on his ‘92 245; an oil change, bushing check, replaced an exhaust bracket, replaced a light switch, and dealt with issues with several other plastic parts on the car.

                Some jobs proved to be very challenging, such as Ken Runevald’s timing belt and oil seal change on his ‘93 940T, but with Dave’s and Oliver’s assistance everything worked out fine. And I replaced the front suspension bushings on my ‘89 740GL; or perhaps more accurately, I removed and reinstalled the control arms and strut rods, while Dave was the master of the DBFC bushing press and got the new parts in place. Score another one for teamwork!

                By far the distinction for best surprise diagnosis went to Mike Walker, with his ‘93 850GLT. In addition to changing wiper arms and blades and doing an oil change, Mike also came in to check a squeaking noise under the hood. So what was the cause of the squeak?

                A serpentine belt going astray?                                                  Nope.

                A bolt that worked loose and was rubbing?                              Try again, but be a lot more creative.

                A live mouse, who made a climate-controlled nest in the insulation liner on the underside of Mike’s hood?                                        Bingo!

                Well, you gotta admit, that’s definitely a resourceful way to stay warm in the winter. Mike took off the liner, carried it outside, and served the mouse its eviction notice in the wooded area behind DBFC’s shop. After reinstalling the liner, the squeaking noise was gone.

                The club ordered a pizza feast from Domino’s for the participants and DBFC staff, after which everyone finished off their work and we headed out. When all was said and done, we spent $1400 at the parts counter, and all the DIYers commented on how helpful the staff at DBFC was and how well everything went. And on a very flattering note, Dave from DBFC commented on how impressed he was with the skill level of WVC’s members at repairing their cars.

                WVC is proud of its relationship with DBFC, and with all the dealers who participate in the DIY program. The club will be showing its appreciation to all the DIY dealers at the Mechanic’s Brunch, which is on Sunday March 26th at the Irish Inn in Glenn Echo, MD from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Last year’s event was a great success, and this year looks to be another good one, so check with Alan Marsh to see if space is available if you haven’t signed up already, and be there! Besides the door prizes and great socializing time, this event celebrates the various service departments’ generosity and skill in letting us use their facilities and offering us their assistance. It has helped make this program a great learning experience, and one of the definitive features of WVC membership. Let’s all look forward to the good times at this event, as well as the next DIY at Herb Gordon on April 8th!

David Langley

 

Torque, Tweak, Smile and Pass the Anthony's Pizza

 

Another wildly successful DIY at the Falls Church Don Beyer took place on 10 June. Dick Johnson, veteran parts purveyor, and Alan Harrison, tech representative, led club attendees through a myriad of adjustments and replacements. Fifteen club members attended and spent $1320.00 at Dick's Volvo Rolling Boutique. Dick decorated the parts department counter with all kinds of breakfast goodies that kept us on a sugar high throughout the morning. This was Alan's initial DIY experience and we thank him for all of his help and patience. He tooled from bay to bay keeping us informed and focused.
Chuck Augustine wins the "Golden Wrench" award for completing the nearly impossible task of replacing a squeky 240 heater fan. It seems as if everyone stopped by Chuck's work area to lend a hand, comment or simply observe the extent of this undertaking.
Other task completed included 2 timing belt and water pump replacements on 240's; replacement of a seat adjustment motor on a V70 (anyone have a hog ring pliers?); air conditioning troubleshooting on various models; tire balancing and rotating on 240's; cruise control, door hinge, and windshield washer repair on a 740; many throttle body cleanings; a couple of flame trap face lifts on 240's; and gas filter, AC recharge, and a power steering flush on Jim Pope's 940.
Jim Pope, who has served as the DIY coordinator for many miles, is leaving the DC area. We will all miss you, James. Please plan to return for a Don Beyer DIY at least once a year. Thank you from all of us DIYers who have relied on you to plan these great events. [Hopefully Jim’s eMail address shall remain the same (hint!)  so that he can continue to be part of the WVC family. JES]

 

 

VOLVEMAIL

 

Who says there’s nothing new under the sun?   We’re going to try something new for you, namely a Volvo Email broadcast.  If you’d like to receive a monthly email reminder of forthcoming meetings, DIYs, picnics or other WVC events just send your email address to our new email reflector.  Address is:  volvamus@aol.com

The list is growing.  Look at the postage we can save

If all the issues went out

Via the e-mail route!

This will help us keep you posted on coming events and any items of special interest.  Once again, just send your email address to the address above and we’ll take care of getting you on the email list!

 

 

 

 

HERE IS A PICTURE OF ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS P1800s EVER:

ART RILEY’S RACE CAR; TAKEN IN 2001 AT MONTEREY.

MANY THANKS TO STEVE KNOLL FOR SENDING IT ALONG!!

 

I have mentioned MARLBORO Race track several times;       if you would like to explore what used to happen just down MD Route 301 in Upper Marlboro, then visit Steve Knoll’s site devoted to the history of the Marlboro Speedway;  just check into www.laprecord.com and follow the various paths.  Marlboro was once one of the premiere sports car tracks in the USA and attracted some very ‘heavy hitters’ of the period.  Sadly, the track is still there but its surroundings have caught up with it.  Steve is a veteran of the GROUP 44 campaigns. 

 

Classifieds

1.    WANTED: Tech. Articles! Include PARTS NUMBERS or SOURCES and so on, what you considered the tricky part of the job, etc.  Just make sure it is typed to reduce chances of Murphy’s Law coming into play.  And no job should be considered too small for an article!  Just send the article to Switzer, you can e-mail it to volvamus@aol.com ; just make sure it’s a Word Document. There is always room for an article or two. So, keep notes about what you are doing and pass it along!   

 

2. PARTS!  PARTS!  TONS of parts for ALL rear drive Volvo models [240 – 900].  From AC to airbags to trim, just let me know what you need; it’s probably here. Plus rebuildable RWD cars. Contact Ed Reilly at Contemporary Automotive [Beltsville, MD] at 301.937.4541 or email smitty@contemporaryautomotive.com
3. 1971 164  Runs okay, but needs transmission work [bad synchronizers].  Will sell for $ 350. Alternatively, if someone has a tranny in good condition to install, might consider that.  Contact Gene Abravanel in DC at 202.244.4359 or email to gene@gwu.edu
4. 1988 Volvo 240DL 5 speed wagon. Dark metallic blue, blue interior, rear fold down seat.  245 k miles, looks good, runs great and still uses less than a quart of oil between 3000 mile oil changes.  R134 air conditioner upgrade and larger evaporator, it cools better than new.  Needs exhaust system.  $950 or offer.  It can be seen in Chantilly or Bluemont, VA.  Phone 540 554 4892 e mail  kaxford@earthlink.net.

11.        1974  140 Wagon, California Yellow with Brown cloth/vinyl int. 4 sp + O.D. P.S. P. B  A/C, Chrome Roof Rack. Miles    165.OK, engine rebuilt 20.OK. A solid car 26-30 mpg. MECH fuel inj. no computer or emission problems. Spare parts; engine w/rebuilt head, trans, bumpers, fenders, doors, etc. Manuals and records. Moving out of area, must sell.  Reduced!     $ 1, 6 00 for a classic newcomer. Larry Matthews-Vienna,

      703 281-9735.

 

13. Winter just might make a re-appearance, so be ready!!:

 

(A)    Several pair of good to excellent GISLAVED NORD FROST II 185/65 R 15 snow tires, mounted on black Volvo steel wheels 6Jx15x43, p/n 6819704, with full plastic wheel covers.

 

(B)    Five extra 6Jx15x43 black Volvo steel wheels only, p/n 6819704, with full plastic wheel covers.

 

(C)    One new Volvo alloy wheel, 7.5Jx17x49, p/n 9499038, creampuff.

 

(D)    One new Volvo 10 slanted-spoke alloy wheel, 7Jx15xET20, p/n 3524845, creampuff.

 

I will sell at very attractive price to a good Volvo home.

For any of above, contact Alan Marsh at (202) 966-6487, or through WVC website via DIY contact.

 

14.        FOR SALE:  PARTS FOR A 1968 P1800:    TWO DOORS,  TRUNK LID,   GRILLE,   BUMPER,   AND MISCELLANEOUS PARTS!!!!!                                                    CONTACT Doug Bryant at 301.439.9270 [Adelphi, MD] or dcdrew@aol.com

 

15.  I have a bunch of Volvo 240 parts taken off a mid 80s car before I junked it. I have front McPherson shocks, various electrical components, starter, alternator, lights, and grill. Also have a high capacity, factory-made tow hitch which fits the rear to enable towing of trailers. Plus a set of very nice, German-made Volvo mag wheels with good tires mounted. These 5 wide rib wheels were taken off a car with special styling package and are the best looking wheel treatment I have ever seen on an old Volvo yet are not chrome and flashy.  Everything is in Manassas, VA.  My phone is 800 918 1986, ask for Doug!!
Will sell stuff individually but would rather sell everything for $400 or offer. 

 

16.          FOUR 15” x 7”, two piece, GOTTI alloys.  Very rare wheels, about 30 years old; these were on my 1988 745 Turbo wagon.  They need some cosmetics, but are true and come with fairly decent YOKOHAMA performance tires.  I did an eBay search [21 June 2006] and did not find one set of Gottis for sale for any car.  Did find a Jensen Interceptor with Gotti wheels, but you gotta buy the whole car to get the wheels!    I’m asking $750 for the four of them.  If you have a Volvo with 4.25” 5 bolt set up, you know how easy it is to find special wheels for the car!!!   HA!!   [if you wanna be really trick, certain Ferrari wheels will work, just check the offset!!]     These should ‘work’ on any 700-900 series VOLVO.    I also have the IPD heavy duty all metal radiator for the 700 series and many of the other bits and pieces left over from the V8 conversion.  You can have the radiator for $150 and we can talk about all the other stuff.  Does the phrase ‘package deal’ mean anything to ya??

 

I am also considering disposing of [from the non Volvo side of my life] some surplus vintage stereo equipment, including a little something by Bang & Olufsen.

 

YAMAHA R 90  260 WATT STEREO RECEIVER—NEEDS CLA                    $ 60.00

KLH MODEL 52 160 WATT STEREO RECEIVER---NEEDS CLA                  $ 45.00

UA-DUAL MODEL 1229 PROFESSIONAL CHANGER---NEEDS CLA                $ 175.00      three speed: 33, 45, AND 78!

B&O BEOSOUND 2000 W/ REMOTE + manual---SUPERB                                      $ 675.00     [about $2500 when new]

Possible Shipping Costs are NOT included!!!  Could deliver to a DIY!!!

[CLA = Clean, Lube, and Adjust]       

 

If you are interested in any of the above, contact John Switzer at 410.886.2555 or eMail switzarch@aol.com . 

 

 

 

 

The Gotti’s on the 745 [before the transformation]

17. For Sale:  1989 240DL  185K miles, Blue, well used.  Just needs some TLC from a skilled Volvo lover to bring it back to tip top shape.  Nearly new tires.  Sold as is, where is.  No warranty.  Current VA safety and emissions inspections.  $750/OBO.  Car driven since purchase, some years ago, by each of my children and has been out of my clutches for a number of years until just recently.  Car located in Centreville, VA 11 miles S of Dulles Airport.   Contact:  Paul (Work)703-808-2543, (Home) 703-830-3372 (evenings) 

18.  77  PORSCHE 924
2.0 LITER,4SPEED,NEEDS A LITTLE TLC.
$985.  OR FREE [!] IN EXCHANGE FOR REBUILDING AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON A 1994
GALANT----

-Care of ‘JOHN’
P.O.BOX 662
LORTON ,VA. 22199  

[decent car, just needs a good home, could become a fun runabout!  And, yes, we know it’s not a VOLVO.  JES]

 

19. SHOP (SERVICE) MANUALS AVAILABLE for 1991 240.
    1) Volvo's own-- the separate sections for each major
element:  fault tracing; body; radio; wiring diags.; engine
management; various electrical systems; brakes; B 230 F engine; 1991
New Car Features; &c; + various Volvo Tech Tips and supplements. (a
2-1/2-inch stack.)
    2) Robert Bentley's Volvo 240 Service Manual, covering DL, GL,
Turbo, 240, 240 DL, 240 GL, 240 SE; 1983 to 1993.  The traditional,
astonishingly thorough Bentley bible, 1-3/8 inches worth.  The lot:
$50. Near Friendship Heights, DC (Wisconsin & Western aves.) Robert:
(202) 966-1558. 

 

 

 

WVC Schedule!!

Washington Volvo Club Do-It-Yourself Schedule 2006

 

July 15, 2006          Don Beyer Volvo, Alexandria, VA

 

August 12, 2006            DARCARS Volvo, Rockville, MD

 

September 9, 2006       Don Beyer Volvo, Falls Church, VA

 

October 7, 2006            Herb Gordon Volvo, Silver Spring, MD

 

November 11, 2006      Martens Volvo, Bethesda, MD

 

All sessions will start at 8 AM and will end at 2 PM.

Technicians will offer advice but will not do the job for you.

 

 

The Great Red Toad

Dick Johnson, Parts man extraordinaire, where he belongs: looking up

just what you need during the March DIY at Don Beyer Volvo in Falls Church!

I’ve known Richard since his time at FOWLER MOTORS in Rosslyn way back

in 1970!!!!  A true Volvo Icon in the D.C. area!!!

 

A 200 series doing what they do best, leading the pack!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subject: Driving Safety and Important Car Safety and Maintenance Issues

By William Wyatt

 

This is a review of safety and maintenance issues that we have all discussed before, but it is a good time to review them again.  Remember, driving is a privilege, not a right, and that is the position the various States take. Also, safety is more than your driving skill, but it also rests on the material condition of your car. We all master to varying degrees, the motor skills to physically drive a car, but there is a wide variance in how we think and employ our minds while driving. Both are absolutely mandatory. The laws of motion (physics) are always present with a car, and like the sea, they will bite you or worse if you ignore them.

 

So in no particular order, here are the things you must think about and do:

 

1.       Never drive without a valid State driver’s license and the car registration with you or in the car. Know the name, address, and phone number of your car insurance company. Never drive a car if there is not current insurance of adequate amounts, especially for property and personal liability.

2.       Never start and move a car until all occupants have fastened their seat belts and are buckled in.

3.       If you are getting into a ‘strange’ car, make sure the seat, mirrors [ALL of them] are set correctly, and that you know where every important switch, etc. is before you move off.  

4.       Never begin to back up a car without fully knowing if there are things or people behind you. Get out and look if necessary.

5.       Check all gauges before driving (oil pressure, electrical charging (alternator), gas quantity, etc). Temperature should never reach the red part of the gauge later after the engine warms up.

6.       It is a good idea to stay over one fourth of a tank of gas at all times, and in the winter and while on an out of town road trip close to one half a tank or better.

7.       When you stop the car and get out, first turn all systems and items off, etc. Never get out of car without taking your keys with you. This is especially true when making a brief stop to buy gas, buy food, etc.

8.       If you leave the car parked, place the gears in park and set the parking brake.

9.       Always follow the State (Maryland, Virginia, Indiana, Florida, Zenda, or wherever) driving laws/rules carefully. Reread your state’s driving booklet from time to time to refresh yourself. The rules are written the way they are for good reason and are based on many years of experience with drivers.

10.    Read the car owner’s manual like you were studying for a test. Know your car. Keep this manual in the glove box of the car where it is handy.

11.    Objects in motion tend to remain in motion (laws of physics) and that is the best reason to not speed. Cars are heavy and with speed represent a large amount of momentum/energy.  Cars are hard to stop and control at higher speed. Slow down especially on wet, icy roads. Slow down at night. Don’t drive faster than what you can see with your headlights and stop if necessary.

12.    When you know you have to slow or stop at a light or for traffic, begin to slow gradually and do not make hard or crash stops. They’re dangerous, and quickly wear out your tires and brakes.

13.    If you car doesn’t have driving lights that are always on when you drive, turn on your headlights when you are on narrow or even two way roads or streets. It ensures people see you and encourages them to stay on their side of the road.

14.    Start off from traffic stops at a reasonable speed – no burning rubber or following too closely the car ahead of you. Fast starts use a lot of gas and rubber and wear out your car.

15.    Also, when starting off from a traffic stop with a car in front of you, do not take your eyes off the car in front, as they may begin to move and then stop for some reason. If you are not watching carefully, you will hit them when they stop. The slightest collision today with two cars is very expensive.

16.    If you have stopped in traffic to make a left turn across oncoming traffic, never begin to turn your wheel as if to turn until it is clear and you are ready to move forward. If your wheel was turned and someone struck you from behind, you would be pushed into oncoming traffic for a head on collision. Not good!!

17.    Never become distracted while driving. Your primary responsibility is for safe operation of the car. Things that distract are: eating/drinking, talking on a cell phone, dialing a cell phone, too much sightseeing out side windows, too much talk/interaction with others in the car. Remember, 60 mph is 88 ft per sec that your car is traveling and that adds up as you are distracted.

18.    Do not, I say again, do not drive if you are really tired or feel like you are beginning to doze off. This is lethal. Stop in a safe place (not on the shoulder of a highway) and take a nap. Also not in a closed car with an engine running as CO is lethal too.

19.    Never let others drive your car except in a life threatening situation. This is an accident waiting to happen, and most “friends” will not care for the car or treat it the way you would. It also brings up insurance issues.

20.    If you are taking a trip or trying to find some location, insure that you have road maps with you and be certain to look at them before the trip or while you are safely parked. Do not try to read road maps while you are driving.

21.    Never pull out from a stop sign or stop light without quickly looking both left and right to insure that someone is not rapidly running the stop sign or red light. A broadside collision is always very serious for drivers and passengers. Today, more people run lights and signs than ever. Be very careful before you begin to move and cross the intersection.

22.    Always look and change lanes slowly. Use your turn signals well before you start to change lanes as this gives someone that you may not see a chance to give you room or warn you with their horn. Always use your turn signal.

23.    Do not follow closely behind large trucks. Just drop back or pass them when safe to do so. They frequently throw pieces of tires (retreads that come off) into the air and these pieces are heavy. They would smash your windshield and could cause serious injury and also cause you to lose control of you car. Don’t remain alongside an eighteen wheeler (truck) if you have an option. Drop back, or pass.

24.    Do not tailgate when driving. Allow some time to stop. You can not always see what the driver ahead see, so you must be prepared.

25.    If you are tailgated by someone, you can try speeding up slightly to open distance, or you can slow down and they will probably pass you. If they persist, look for safe place to get off the road such as a well lighted and populated gas station or fast food stop.

26.    Know how to call the Police on your cell phone. Most roads tell you how to call. If someone is driving aggressively or trying to play games or worse, call the police immediately and keep driving.

27.    If someone tries to pull you over on a highway or lonely road, especially at night, with flashing lights, turn on your flashing hazard lights and continue to drive slowly until you reach a lighted and populated safe place to stop. Police stopping cars will always be in uniform and show identification. Never submit to an unmarked car with someone not in uniform, flashing lights, or not. Keep driving. Back up if necessary and drive on, and don’t get blocked in by that car. Call police if you are uncertain and ask if they have a car making a stop, etc. for they always report their stops to their headquarters.

28.    When driving straight down a road, swerving quickly to avoid something in the road is an invitation to lose control of the car, run off the road into a ditch, a tree, or roll the vehicle. Cars only have so much stability, and with the higher center of gravity (especially in SUV’s), it doesn’t take much of a hard serve to roll one. Trees will not yield and can open up a car like a can opener. The point here: do not swerve to avoid an animal (deer, fox, squirrel, rabbit, dog, cat, bird, etc). Stop moving straight ahead if you can, but better to hit the animal than roll your car or run it off the road. You must also be aware of who is behind you and how close, but a crash stop might put him into the back of your car (not good). Thousands of animals are hit daily around the country. It’s sad, but don’t endanger yourself and your passengers trying to save a dog or whatever.

29.    This should have been at the top of the list – DO NOT DRIVE AND DRINK –DO NOT RIDE WITH SOMEONE WHO DRINKS AND DRIVES!!!!!! How can I say it more clearly? This also goes for driving when someone has been using drugs (legal or illegal). Driving requires a fully functioning brain that is fully alert. Drinkers do not acknowledge their impairment and think they’re just fine, which of course is not true.

30.    If you have a fender-bender, remain calm. It is important to get all the names of the parties and witnesses, addresses and phone numbers, license numbers, insurance companies. If the cars can be moved, get them well off the road out of traffic if possible. Notify the police of the accident and whether anyone appears to have been injured.

31.    This involves safety around a stopped or broken down car on the roadside. If your flashers work, turn them on. Moving cars (especially at night on highways) hit parked cars or trucks frequently, and you and any passengers do not want to be in a stopped car on the edge of a high speed roadside. Take a flash light and phone, a coat, if weather is bad, and move away from the car and road. A car or truck moving at 60 or 70 mph and hitting a stopped car is a disaster. Police have this problem when stopping cars and many have been lost this way.

32.    Know how to change a tire, but if you can’t, call for help. Insure the jack and wrench is in the car, and that the spare is inflated. When changing a tire, try to move the car (even on the flat) as far away from the road and traffic as you can. If at night, put out some flares down the road toward oncoming traffic.

33.    Now for some maintenance items. Oil acts as a lubricant in the engine, a cooling medium in the engine, and a cleaning agent. With time it can be contaminated with acid formed from combustion products and water. It also becomes dirty. It ought to be changed every 3000 miles in city driving, maybe 4000 or 5000 with highway driving. Of course, the oil filter should be changed too. Follow the car manufacturer’s advice about the type oil (usually 10-20-30 wt will do for most cars. Buy good quality oil and the foregoing will do much to extend the life of your engine.

34.    NEVER OPEN A HOT RADIATOR AS THE COOLANT CAN FLASH TO STEAM AS THE PRESSURE IS RELEASED AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BURNS. Keep the coolant at the recommended level and insure antifreeze has been added to the correct amount. This acts as an anti freezing agent and also a corrosion inhibitor. Never drive the car if the radiator is blowing white steam out or the temp gauge on the dash is showing that you are approaching or in the red (overheated) zone. You can destroy your engine.

35.    Tires are vital to your safety. Ample tread on your tires is vital to safe traction (stopping, preventing skidding, and for acceleration). The deeper the tread the better traction you will have in snow. Tire Pressure is also important. Under inflated tires will wear on the inner and outer edges. Over inflated tires will wear in the center. Most cars recommend between 32 and 35 psi except for heaving loaded vehicles like some SUV’s that might be towing a heavy trailer. Read your owner’s manual and see what is recommended. In slippery weather (snow, ice) lowering tire pressure a bit can help gain traction. This also works in very soft sand (try 15 psi) but you must remember to aid pressure before driving on the road again. Under inflated tires tend to overheat and can blowout causing a loss of control. Tire alignment is also important to insure good tire wear. Hitting pot holes can sometimes cause misalignment on unbalanced wheels. Tires are important to safe driving. That is not where you want to cut corners and save money.

36.    Only add hydraulic fluid to your brakes or steering systems as recommended. The wrong fluid can eat up your seals and cause an expensive repair.

37.    Transmissions today must have an adequate level of transmission fluid. The level is checked with the car parked, warm, and idling.  By the way, oil quantity is checked with the engine turned off. Know which is the filler cap for engine oil and for transmission and do not mix them up.

38.    More filling stations now carry diesel fuel. You must make certain that you are only adding gasoline to your gasoline car. There is no need to buy higher quality gasoline than recommended. The octane rating of the regular gasoline is usually more than adequate except for some of the high performance and more expensive cars. What does your manual call for? If it calls for regular, using premium will not improve the performance of your car.  It’s all a matter of the engine’s combustion control system and the compression ratio, something that you can’t change, so follow the recommendations.

39.    Don’t forget that there is an air filter that ought to be changed every 5000 or 6000 miles. Your engine needs air to operate, and clean air is best.

40.    Keep you headlights and tail tights clean. Wipe them off when you get gas as you clean your windshield.

41.    Do not use cruise control on slick icy snowy roads as your antilock brakes mechanism will get messed up/confused and will not function property.   Cruise control is only for dry roads.

42.    There are certain things I carry in the car regularly, spare radiator coolant, spare engine oil, a roll of paper towels, a first aid kit, jack and wrench, spare tire,  spare windshield washer, a roll of electrical tape, duct tape (it’s good to wrap a leaking radiator hose) a couple of blocks of wood for tire chocks, some simple hand tools, a flash light or two, roadside flares, my cell phone charger to plug in,  some bottles of drinking water, etc. In the winter, keep plenty of gasoline in the tank, a spare blanket, a small shovel, and a bag of cat litter for tire traction. I also carry a crowbar in the trunk (once I came upon an accident and a man was injured and jammed in his car with doors that wouldn’t open and the engine was on fire, so I’ve always had a crowbar since then in the trunk to be able to pry open a door or break a window, etc)

 

 

Well every body, this is just a review of things I suspect you know, but driving is a “thinking game”.   Use your brain and maintain your car and you can drive zillions of miles safely. Think ahead of situations and what you would do. For example, an unusual situation that happens sometimes –a run away car with a stuck accelerator wide open. What would you do? Turn ignition off and use all the brakes you can and keep car in gear as it will help slow/stop it once engine stops running. Can you think of other weird situations? In aviation, pilots always think ahead and worry about the “what if’s” and what might be their response. Make up your own situations, and think about your possible actions.

 

Drive defensively figuring the other person will or might do something accidentally or dumb. What do you do then? Keep your eyes and mind on the road and your hands on the steering wheel. Buckle up and do not speed.  And eat breakfast at home!!