The wheel rims should be painted each season and kept free from rust.
When a car is idle for any appreciable length of time, it should be jacked up to take the load off the tires. If the car is laid up for many months, it is best to remove the tires, and wrap up the outer casings and inner tubes separately, and store them in a dark room not exposed to extreme temperature. Remove oil or grease from the tires with gasoline. Remember that heat, light and oil are three natural enemies to rubber.
Q. How is a puncture in the inner tube repaired?
A. After locating the puncture, carefully clean the rubber around the leak with benzine or gasoline. Then rough the surface with sand paper from your tire repair kit to give a hold for the cement. Apply the cement to both patch and tube, allowing it to dry for about five minutes, repeating the application twice with like intervals between for drying. When the cement is dry and sticky press the patch against the tube firmly and thoroughly to remove all air bubbles beneath it and insure proper adherence to the surface. Then spread some soapstone or talc powder over the repair so as to prevent the tube sticking to the casing. Before the tube is put back into the casing plenty of talc powder should be sprinkled into the latter. A cement patch is not usually permanent and the tube should be vulcanized as soon as possible. In replacing the tire on the rim be very careful not to pinch the tube.
XII
POINTS ON MAINTENANCE
Q. What is the proper way to wash the car?
A. Always use cold or lukewarm water,—never hot water. If a hose is used, do not turn on the water at full force, as this drives the dirt into the varnish and injures the finish. After the surplus mud and grime have been washed off, take a sponge and clean the body and running gear with a tepid solution of water and ivory or linseed oil soap. Then rinse off with cold water; then rub dry and polish the body with a chamois skin. A body or furniture polish of good quality may be used to add luster to the car. Grease on the running gear may be removed with a gasoline soaked sponge or rag. The nickeled parts may be polished with any good metal polish.
Q. What care does the top need?
A. When putting the top down be careful in folding to see that the fabric is not pinched between the bow spacers, as they will chafe a hole through the top very quickly. Always slip the hood over the top when folded to keep out dust and dirt. Applying a good top dressing will greatly improve the appearance of an old top.
Q. What should be done when the car is stored?