Motoring With Robbie

Stop battery corrosion around the posts and terminals with a paint made from the pitch of old batteries dissolved in petrol. The paint can be stored in a closed jar and brushed on whenever cables have been removed or a new battery is installed.

Removing electrician's insulating tape wrapped around a splice on lighting wires or wiring loom can be difficult, especially if the splice is in a cramped place. It will soften up and come off easily if you pass a match or lighter flame across the tape a few times. Don't set the tape alight, just heat it long enough to soften it.

If the side windows are hard to open and close, the mechanism may need oiling. Lower the glass all the way, wedge it to one side, and insert a stiff wire down to the mechanism. Oil deposited on the wire will follow it right down to the desired part. This works with door locks too, of course.

A hose nozzle can't scratch or chip your car's finish if you cover the end of the nozzle with a crutch tip. Cut a 5/8" hole in the crutch tip to let the water through and centre the hole so that it won't interfere with the fine-spray adjustment.

Print your name and address and telephone number with a crayon on the inside of your car's hub caps. If you should happen to lose one, there is a good chance It will be returned or you will receive a phone call to collect it.