BY DEAN SPRAGUE
The holidays are fast upon us. Is this a play on MG’s motto Safety Fast? Well, maybe but it just seems that time is moving faster and faster and I seem to be moving slower and slower and wondering just what happened. Anyway, before you know it it will be time for that long awaited winter repair or service. These are the things you wanted to do but didn’t because it would have required taking your prized possession out of service during the summer/fall driving activities. Winter is also a good time to focus on safety both mechanically and mentally (no worries, there will be no psychological counseling involved). First, always check your hydraulics; look for leaks, spongy pedals or lost fluid. While you are there it’s a great time to look over and lube the front and rear suspension where appropriate. When was the last time you greased or checked the front wheel bearings or checked the rear axle bearing seals? Also, check for tightness, condition of rubber parts and bushings, ball joints, trunions and well, everything underneath. I always like to take this opportunity to peer under the bonnet and look at the condition of the cooling/ heating hoses and fan belts as well. In general, while you are looking at things look for anything loose or out of place or excessively dripping (leakage is allowed on LBCs). This is a good time to check wiring connections especially grounds. This is where you may find there be “gremlins” afoot crawling in your electrical system and other places. Of course this is all in addition to any major work you might have on your “to-do” list from last year still left unresolved. You know the component that was sort of OK then but now may really have to be addressed, like a badly needed valve job or slipping clutch. Maybe even (heaven forbid) a smoking or knocking engine or noisy transmission or a rear requiring serious attention. I hope you have been saving your money. These items are not inexpensive.
These are the oblivious kinds of repairs required to increase safety and reliability of your prized possession but other kinds of safety are the defensive ones. You know developing or refreshing your driving skills or techniques to increase your survivability out there on the road. Back in the 40’s thru the early 70’s building safer cars was not a major priority in the automotive industry. The British sports cars (LBCs’) manufacturers in particular were not leading the way. Developing and/or maintaining good defensive driving habits can greatly increase your enjoyment of this hobby. If you have a traffic accident of any magnitude it will probably destroy your investment and maybe you and others as well. There are no airbags or crash zones - “cages” to protect you. Also, most LBCs, compared to today’s standards have marginal (non- ABS) braking systems and narrow tires with small road contact patches not much better than motorcycles. They don’t stop particularly well on dry payment let alone wet. I was reading an article the other day about defensive riding techniques for motorcycle riders. I have always tried to abide by these when I ride my bike. It occurred to me that some of these same recommendations could be appropriate for driving classic cars especially little British ones so I thought I would share these with you.
FIRST. Watching for the ONCOMING LEFT TURNING VEHICLE: This it probably the most common accident because the driver of the oncoming vehicle doesn’t see you and makes a quick turn right in front of you leaving little or no time to swerve or stop.
What to do: It is always better to be as conspicuous as possible. Since we are smaller and not all painted day glow orange having your lights on can be a real help. SECOND: always look for indications that the driver may not see you; no eye contact or turning the wheel or movement of their left front wheel. THIRD: drive a little slower at congested intersections and scan in both directions. This will give you more reaction time but don’t drive so slow that you encourage the other driver to turn in front of you.
SECOND. Watch for ANIMALS IN THE ROAD: We spend a lot of time driving on beautiful scenic back roads where visibility is limited. Remember this is not only where the deer and the antelope roam but also many small animals as well. It doesn’t have to be a deer in your way, my father once hit a chicken in his MGB and it ruined the front grill and his afternoon as well.
What to do: constantly scan the road and surrounding terrain for animals, particularly when you see dense forest and undergrowth near the road. Especially in the early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active. If you see “animal warning signs” of any type remember they were probably placed there for a reason so be on the look out. If you see a deer or other large animal use your horn and if you can, slow down or stop! They can bolt at the last second. If you hit one stitches may be in order and that “scratch” on your hood is not going to buff out.
THIRD. Watch for CARS CHANGING LANES: Driving on crowed multi-lane urban roads or at on-ramps an adjacent vehicle may not see you and drive directly into or in front of you. Rush hour traffic of course is the most dangerous.
What to do: rule number one if you can’t stay off these roads stay out of their “blind spot”. Make it a habit to always look into their outside mirror if you can. Remember if you can’t see them they can’t see you. I don’t want to bore you with tons of stuff but if we follow these few safety tips it should help keep our hobby a lot safer.
As the Irish poet might have said “May the ground rise up to meet you and continue to roll under your feet and the wind be at your back since head winds can be difficult for old British four cylinders”. Well, he might have said that.
Seriously, I hope 2016 will be your most colorful enriching year filled with everything but mishap. May it bring promise and good health to you, your family and friends. Best wishes to all over the holidays. When spring finally arrives let’s all don our “cheese cutter” caps (or reasonable similarities) once again and spend many more quality safe hours sitting behind or beside the wheels of our favorite cars. See you in 2016!
