Preserving non-runners
Cars are a source of pride and status in our society. No wonder if you are travelling on the main roads of Malawi and you have stopped to buy farm produce on the roadside markets, the traders immediately hike the prices.
The reason they do this is simple. If you can afford ‘owning’ a car, you can afford anything.
Our love for the pride that goes with cars makes it difficult for one to make a decision to sell a car that has seen its better day.
I have seen people buying one car after another but failing to make a decision on selling a car that has spent years parked in the yard. This happens even when it is so clear that the type of technology on which that particular car was built is gone it will make it difficult to repair.
There are a number of people who keep cars as souvenirs. And there are others who keep cars as a matter of prestige and history to show new generations that they have a track record of wealth.
Changing economic fortunes are also another factor that causes people to park cars in their yard for some time. There are others who park their cars for long periods while waiting for their economic situations to change.
Whatever your reason for parking a car for a long time, there is need to preserve the hood from the environmental effects. Direct sunlight, and rains are some of the factors that take away the beauty of your car and, if left unchecked, it may result in to rusting of the body.
A conversation I had with a colleague this week opened my eyes and made me smile in embarrassment at how simple and cheap it is to preserve the cars.
The colleague was telling me how he preserved his non-runner after knocking off from the office as he waited for sunset.
Used motor oil and a brush plush a shade was all he needed to preserve the car.
He painted the whole body of the car with the used oil. This oil will provide a protective layer against adverse weather effects for five or so years.
To remove the coating when the time comes for the car to be put back on the road, he will simply wash the car with water and soap. The oils will go!
Wishing you dear reader a week full of activity. Remember, if you want it perfectly done, do it yourself. n
