Well-oiled machine
We have a 16-year-old car with a little oil leak. We use it as a ranch road vehicle, and we’re not getting it repaired, we’ll just keep pouring in more oil when it needs it and then we’ll get rid of the car. Our son is going to take it for a month or two while he’s home from for a semester, and we’re afraid he won’t check the oil stick every once in awhile and put in the oil it will need. What’s the worst that can happen?
If it runs dry the engine will seize up. Meaning, won’t run. At all.
And then it’s a goner forever, probably.
I suspect you aren’t concerned about the aging car becoming no longer viable as much as you are about him winding up in trouble because he’s in the middle of nowhere and has an inoperable car.
Well, that’s almost certain to happen if he lets it go oil-less. Oil keeps parts sliding against each other smoothly, instead of slamming up against each other. When that lubricant is gone, it’ll probably make a grinding noise, but only briefly, and then stop altogether.
I had that letting-the-oil-tank-rundry experience last summer not with a vehicle but with my lawn mower. Yes, I did feel stupid. And the lawn mower doctor said nothing could be done. It was fried.
Guy at the dealership said the new 2020 Corvette won’t be available with manual shift. That can’t be right. Can you check?
In fact, for the first time, the Corvette will be available in automatic only.
The company says that’s because the new C8 has such dramatically revved up performance, what with its dual clutch and eight-speed transmission a manual wouldn’t be as high performing as this automatic is.
But there’s another reason. Demand for the stick shift Corvette has been waning, and it’s simply not worth it to the carmaker to do an innards redesign for a vehicle that will generate few sales.
The C8, Chevrolet says, will be able to reach 60 mph in less than three seconds when it is equipped with the Z51 performance package.
What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctw features.com.