The Home News Automotive
Photo by Joan Zachary
IDEAL GLASS
Antique Car Repaired By Penn College Students Garners Honor
Submitted by PENN COLLEGE
A 1948 Tucker, repaired by students at Pennsylvania College of Technology, earned honors at the recent Antique Automobile Club of America’s Eastern Division National Fall Meet in Hershey.
The vehicle won the First Junior Award, meaning it was ranked the best among all cars judged for the first time in its class: limited production and prototype vehicles through 1998.
“The award is a testament to the quality work and dedication of our students,” said instructor Roy H. Klinger, co-department head of collision repair and adviser to the Penn College Classic Cruisers club. “I’m very proud of what they accomplished in a short amount of time.”
Students in Klinger’s Vintage Automotive Mechanical and Applications I class – with assistance from club members – worked on the car for about six weeks. The course is one of several required for those seeking a certificate in automotive restoration.
The students focused their efforts on cosmetic and engine repairs.
“We had to do body work on both of the quarter panels, and lots of hoses and hose clamps were put onto the engine,” Klinger explained. “There were some parts that were the incorrect color. We
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Pennsylvania College of Technology students and other individuals responsible for the 1948 Tucker winning the First Junior Award
Tucker,
by automotive restoration students at Pennsylvania College of Technology
had a color match made, and we repainted those parts to be correct.”
The vehicle, Tucker No. 1013, was one of 51 (including the prototype) designed by Preston Tucker and manufactured by the Tucker Automobile Corp. in 1948. As described by the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Tucker was marketed as the “Car of Tomorrow” and featured “an unusual rearmounted engine and numerous safety and performance features, including a padded dash, pop-out windshield, disc brakes and a ‘cyclops eye’ center headlight that turned with the wheels.”
Legal issues forced the company into bankruptcy in 1949. The 1988 motion picture “Tucker: The Man and His Dream” chronicles the story behind Continued on Page 4
1948
repaired
1948 Tucker
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the car. Tucker No. 1013 was one of several used in the movie.
Ty M. Tucker, of Columbia, one of the Penn College automotive restoration students who worked on the car, is Preston Tucker’s great-great-grandson.
Others who contributed their talents were automotive restoration students Madelon E. Andersen, Media; Nicholas W. Bova (also majoring in applied management), Williamsport; Adin S. Bogner, Ellisville, Missouri; Joel P. Brassart, Jonestown; Sarah E. Crabtree, Elizabethtown; David J. Fisher, Huntingdon; Ethan J. Knapp, Franklin; John E. Shaffer Jr., Williamsport; and Henry W. Zimmerli, Hellertown; collision repair technology students Brenda A. Bravo, Reading; Anthony S. LaCerra, Williamsport; Will A. Raynor, Montauk, N.Y.; and Luke M. Stitt, New Cumberland; and applied management student Jason M. Wollermann, Egg Harbor, N.J. Both Wollermann and Bogner previously earned associate degrees in collision repair technology.
Stitt, who is president of the Classic Cruisers Club, called working on the Tucker a “priceless experience.”
COOKE
He continued, “Words truly can’t describe how grateful and proud we all are to have been able to accept such a prestigious award. We have all gotten to know this vehicle inside and out with the number of hours we put into it preparing for the event. We got to see how certain aspects of Preston Tucker’s design, along with his safety features, are incorporated into modern-day vehicles. This was an experience we all will never forget.”
Patricia B. Swigart, president of the William E. Swigart Jr. Antique Automobile Museum in Huntingdon, owns the car. She has been a longtime supporter of the college’s automotive restoration program, providing students with the opportunity to develop their skills on the museum’s large collection of vintage and antique cars.
“I’m honored that the students are willing to work on our cars,” Swigart said. “We have the oldest automobile museum in America, and the students have done so much to promote it. I’m over the moon with the work that they do. You can see their enthusiasm.”
The AACA Eastern Division National Fall Meet is annually one of the largest antique automobile shows in the country. The four-day event included an auction run by RM Sotheby’s. For the second year in a row, students from Penn College’s Classic Cruisers Club assisted with the auction.
7 Car Smells You Should Never Ignore
aarp.org
“What’s that smell?” is not something you want to hear anywhere really, but definitely not when you’re driving down the road. It might not only be hard to escape, but could mean something is wrong with your car.
Rotten Eggs
The offensive sulfur scent could be a sign of trouble with the catalytic converter — the part of the exhaust system that’s responsible for reducing emissions.
When it’s not working, it allows harmful gasses to escape into the atmosphere, says Duane “Doc” Watson, technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket, a company that sells diagnostic and inshop equipment for vehicles. Not only is this bad news for the environment, it could be bad for you. Your car could also emit a rotten egg scent when the engine uses too much fuel.
What to do: If the smell is prevalent, Watson suggests scheduling a diagnostic appointment within days to prevent further damage.
Burning Rubber
The acrid smell could mean your tires are underinflated, says Kyle Parman, manager of RNR Tire Express in Ocala, Fla.
“Under-inflated tires are one of the main reasons for tire failures and blowouts,” Parman says. “[Maintaining the right tire pressure] can keep major accidents from happening and keep you safe on the road.”
What to do: The moment you smell burning rubber, find the nearest gas station to check your tire pressure. Inflating the tires to the right pressure can be a DIY process. If the tire pressure is normal, Watson says, the burning rubber smell could signal trouble with the brakes or the drive belt slipping, which are reasons to have a mechanic give your car a once-over as soon as possible. Wait too long, Watson warns, and the issue could leave you stranded on the side of a road.
Burning Oil
Motor oil lubricates the engine, reduces friction and helps regulate engine temperature. A thick,
acrid smell, especially if the dashboard’s oil pressure warning light comes on, can indicate your car is burning or leaking oil.
What to do: If you smell burning oil, Watson recommends having your car looked at immediately. There is a risk of fire associated with this smell. Checking your oil is step one. If the oil level is low, look for signs of leaks.
Maple Syrup
A sweet smell sounds like a good thing, but it could mean the car is leaking coolant.
Coolant is a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water, and as its name suggests, it plays a crucial role in controlling the engine temperature, preventing it from freezing or overheating. Watson compares the smell of leaking coolant to maple syrup and says ignoring the saccharine scent could lead to engine failure.
What to do: To check coolant levels, turn the engine off. Watson notes that the engine should be allowed to cool because there is a risk of severe burns from opening the radiator cap.
“If the coolant level sits below the lower guide mark on the tank, it might be time to add more coolant, so it sits between this mark and the one above it,” Watson says.
Be aware that burning or leaking coolant could be a sign of a larger issue, so it might be time for a trip to the mechanic.
Burning Plastic
This often indicates overheating components or electrical issues that can be a fire hazard, Watson says.
What to do: The moment you get a whiff of burning plastic, Watson advises, pull over to a safe location, switch off the engine and don’t restart the car.
“Attempting to drive further could worsen the problem and increase the risk of fire.”
You shouldn’t even risk driving to a mechanic. Instead, call a tow truck for a lift.
Musty Or Moldy Odor
If your car smells like a gym locker (and you aren’t storing your socks in the back seat), it might mean moisture has collected in the air-conditioning system, Watson says.
That might not damage the car, but it can harm your health. Research shows that car AC systems can increase air pollution and microbial contaminants in the vehicle, causing irritation, allergic reaction and even infectious disease.
What to do: Watson suggests having a mechanic identify the source of the mold and mildew scent, then thoroughly disinfect it, which should eliminate the smell and improve air quality in your vehicle.
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SAFEST WAY TO TRAVEL
7 Car Smells
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Metallic Odor
Steel, aluminum, copper, platinum and other metals are among the main materials used in auto manufacturing. Amid all the different parts made of metals, the scent could mean multiple things.
Among several possible explanations, Watson points to issues with the engine, low oil levels causing engine components to wear, or overheating brakes.
What to do: Regardless of the specific cause, a metallic scent means it’s time to pull over.
“I would recommend that the car be towed,” Watson says, “as to prevent further damage to components that would cost more than the tow.”
Car Noises You Should Never Ignore
Vehicles speak their own language. They use sounds like squeaking, screeching, roaring, knocking and squealing to warn us there is something wrong with them. Detecting and diagnosing the background noise your car is making is crucial.
Squealing Under The Hood
Unusual noises, such as squealing under the hood, often indicate that the serpentine belt is loose or worn. These sounds are typically accompanied by various performance issues, such as power steering failure or unexpected battery drain.
The serpentine belt plays a fundamental role in your car’s performance. This lengthy rubber belt transmits power to your engine’s accessories, including the alternator, the water pump, the power steering pump and the air conditioning compressor.
Simply put, your car cannot run without it.
Therefore, if you notice squealing under the hood, have your car checked as soon as possible.
Knocking Under The Hood
Asynchronous fuel combustion may cause a knocking sound under the hood when you accelerate.
Namely, during the optimal engine performance, the fuel in the cylinder burns simultaneously. Uneven fuel burning may indicate damage to the engine parts. Worn bearings, bad knock sensors and faulty spark plugs are common causes of engine knocking. It may also be caused by improper lubrication, carbon accumulation and low oil pressure.
Whatever the cause of knocking under the hood is, make sure you have it checked by professionals.
Squeaking While Turning
While novel vehicles use advanced electric power steering, most cars still use the traditional hydraulic power steering system.
Similar to any other hydraulic system, hydraulic power steering needs fluid to operate. When the power steering oil level is low, air enters the system and produces a wide range of unpleasant noises, including the whining and squeaking sounds every time you make a turn.
To fix this, start by checking the power steering fluid level. If it is low, top off the reservoir. If the sounds are still present after the refill, consult your technician.
Low Droning Noises When Accelerating
DAVID BALL | SENIOR VEHICLE ADVISOR
Do you hear continuous humming when accelerating? That may indicate that your tires are worn or underinflated.
Therefore, once you identify the low droning sound coming from your tires, focus on detecting their cause. Have a technician measure tire pressure. Next, check the tire tread depth and wear.
Additionally, invest in regular tire maintenance to minimize their uneven wear and degradation. That includes various practices, including tire rotations, wheel alignment and tire replacement according to the season.
Roaring Sounds Coming From Beneath
Roaring sounds are usually caused by a broken
exhaust system.
During exhaust venting, hot gasses go through a muffler that significantly reduces the roaring sound. However, if the exhaust system is damaged, the gasses get out before they even reach the muffler, resulting in intense roaring sounds coming from beneath the driver’s seat.
Apart from producing unpleasant sounds and vibrations, a faulty exhaust system may cause carbon monoxide to enter the cabin. Therefore, if you notice any of the abovementioned symptoms of a damaged exhaust system, contact your mechanic right away.
Rumbling Sounds When Idling
A continuous rumbling noise when idling may be caused by an improper mixture of fuel and air. Your engine needs both to work, and the air-fuel ratio needs to be accurate. If any of these elements are missing, your vehicle may produce rumbling sounds that are often accompanied by vibrations at low speeds.
Alternatively, broken spark plugs may also be the cause of rumbling. When they fail to fire, they cause inconsistent engine combustion, which results in rumbling. In that case, make sure you have your spark plugs replaced and ask your mechanic for maintenance tips.
Road Trip Dilemma: Should You Rent A Car Or
Drive Your Own?
allianztravelinsurance.com
When you’re weighing driving your own car versus renting a vehicle for your next road trip, you must crunch some numbers: gas mileage, rental car insurance, vehicle depreciation, etc. We’ll walk you through the dollars and cents of it all.
Why You Need Rental Car Insurance
For A Road Trip
Renting a car can get expensive—up to $91 per day (or higher), according to Bankrate. So you may be tempted to save money by skipping the optional collision/damage insurance.
Don’t! While it’s true that rental car insurance is an additional expense, not having it can torpedo your trip budget faster than a visit to a Vegas casino. If your rental car gets damaged while you have it, you could end up paying for it three ways.
You’ll have to pay the deductible on your own collision/comprehensive policy, which may be $500, $1,000 or more. The rental car company
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Road Trip Dilemma
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may charge you “loss of use” fees, which your regular car insurance typically won’t cover.
Also, the next time your insurance policy renews, your rates may go up because you’ve filed a claim.
To avoid this triple whammy, buy rental car insurance ahead of time.
Can You Save Money Renting A Car For A Road Trip?
It seems obvious that renting a car for a road trip would be more expensive than just taking the one in your driveway. But sometimes, renting a car could be the cheaper alternative. Consider the following factors.
Gas mileage: For example, if your daily driver is a GMC Yukon that gets 17 mpg combined, consider leaving it parked and renting a fuel-sipper for your road trip. Rent a newer Toyota Prius instead, and you’ll get up to 57 mpg combined, on average. That means you could go more than three times the distance on a single gallon of gas.
Wear and tear costs: A long road trip can inflict costly damage on your car, even if you don’t notice it right away. Every mile results in a certain
amount of wear and tear to the engine, the tires and other moving parts.
Lease penalties: Folks who lease their car might also shy away from long trips. You’ll be required to pay a penalty of 20 to 30 cents per mile for each mile you drive above the contracted amount, which is usually around 12,000 miles per year.
Car insurance: The cost of rental car insurance can potentially add $30 to $61 to your daily rate, depending on which types of insurance you buy.
If the bottom-line cost of driving your own car versus a rental vehicle is the number one factor affecting your decision, then you’re going to need a pencil, some paper and a calculator.
First, scout rental car deals to know what you’ll potentially pay. Weekly rates are usually the way to go for the best value. Be sure to add in gas costs, rental insurance and any extra fees, too. Now you’ll need to compute the cost of driving your own car. This includes knowing your total trip mileage, figuring out the average gas price in the areas you’ll be driving through, and also including your own vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
5 More Reasons You May Want To Rent A Car For A Road Trip
1. You love your car too much. If you have a brand spanking new car, you might hesitate to put 5,000 miles on it in a week when you’re still hav-
ing trouble picking it out in parking lots. This is more of a psychological hurdle, but you probably want your car to look new as long as it has that new-car smell.
2. Your car’s not reliable. If you drive a beater— you know, a rust bucket that’s overdue for retirement at the scrapyard—then you already know the answer. It’s barely fit to drive you to the end of the driveway; there’s no way it should be taken on a road trip. A rental car is far less likely to give you trouble on the road. If it does, you can always call 24-hour assistance for help.
3. You want to try something new. A road trip could be an excellent time to test-drive a new vehicle. After all, it’s a more comprehensive experience than doing that little lap around the dealership while the sales person awkwardly sits shotgun.
4. You need a car that’s bigger/tougher/safer. For example, if your road trip will tackle mountainous terrain, and you drive a rear-wheel-drive conversion van, you may want to consider a rental vehicle. Similarly, if six of you are going camping, and you and your subcompact car drew the short stick, start browsing the rental sites.
5. You just want a sweet ride. There is one more consideration for when your current vehicle doesn’t quite fit the trip, and this one may sound shallow and completely self-serving. That’s be-
cause it is. You may want a car that drives fast, that looks cool, or simply isn’t a ’97 Mercury Tracer, even if it’s in mint condition. Remember, a road trip is usually a vacation, right? It’s a break from routine and a time to pamper yourself a bit.
Using Vinegar To Clean The Inside Of Your Windshield
Supplies
One cup of vinegar • One cup of water
Towels and pieces of microfiber cloths
Spray Bottle
Ratio: 1-part water for 1-part vinegar
Steps
Step 1: Mix the solution and shake the spray bottle thoroughly.
Step 2: Cover areas near the windshield with a piece of cloth or any other suitable material. Despite vinegar being able to clean your windshield effectively, it can cause damage to some other materials.
Step 3: Wipe the windshield with a microfiber cloth. Then carefully spray the solution all over the inside of your windshield.
Step 4: With a clean microfiber cloth, wipe the windshield from corner to corner. Replace dirty cloths with clean ones to avoid re-dirtying the windshield.
Step 5: Allow the vinegar odor to evaporate. This should take five to 10 minutes.
