Low mileage hazards

[Stitch]

I have a '95 with low mileage however there are some parts on it that seem to deteriorate regardless of mileage or storage time, such as weatherstrip, rubber/tires oil leaks!

Anyone have any suggestions on how to prevent or minimize weatherstripping from cracking or breaking down? How about getting rid of flat spots on tires?

It seems keeping the car in new, low mileage condition is just as much trouble as keeping it from daily driving hazards!:confused:

[fatherlarry]

Hi Stitch, as far as the tires are concerned, you can take them off and hang them up for the winter which will eliminate the flat spot, but as far as the rubber drying out, that's always a factor.

The weatherstripping that GM uses is not rubber but a synthetic. There's just some problems that storing a car doesn't prevent. I would soak the weatherstripping down with vaseline. That seems to be the best way when storing to prevent dry rotting.

GM is known for oil leaks. The silicone sealant that they use as gaskets on some of their parts just doesn't hold up.

Also, keep your gas tank full when the car is in storage. This keeps air from getting in the tank creating moisture which can create rust.

[Stitch]

Thanks FatherLarry.

Just a bit more on the tires and their flat spots. I've only had this car for a couple of years and the flat spots developed with the previous owner. As a matter of fact, when I bought the car, it had been sitting for a while and the tire pressures were between 10 and 15. When I store this car, I inflate the tires to just past the max (and yes, gas tank filled ;bt )

My question is: Once you have flat spots, is there a way to make them go away? Drive them over-inflated?, under-inflated? Other...? or are they pretty much toast?

Since I normally dirve with the roof off, I don't usually hear their noise, but when it is on and the windows are up - all I can say is annoying!:(

[fatherlarry]

Stitch,

If they are the original tires that came with the car, who knows how long the previous owner had it sitting. I don't know exactly how much mileage is on the car, but the tires are 8 years old. You don't know what conditions he stored the car in. It's hard for me to say how bad the tires are. They may have plenty of tread, but they could be dryed. To give yourself peace of mind, I would bring it to a reputable tire shop in your area and have them put it on the lift, look at the tires and take it for a ride. They should be able to determine if you need tires or not. Usually when the tires are good, if there is a flat spot it should disappear after driving about a mile or so. In your case its not happening. Don't rule out the fact that it could be something else making the noise. Definitely get the tires checked out. It could compromise your safety to ride around with bad tires.:nono:

[Y2KFRC]

For your weather striping GM makes a "Silicone Grease" in a small tube 1 oz. #10131290..... directions..."Silicone grease application will lenghten weather strip life, help sealing and assist in eliminating squeaks. At least every six months all weather strips should be lubricated with this silicone grease lube. A thin film should be applied using a clean cloth." :chevy:

[Stitch]

Thanks Y2KFRC

[DavisZR1]

Y2KFRC,

The product that GM puts out has a alcohol base mixed with a silicone. I have found that it has a tendency to dry out the rubbers when in the sun, after long periods of time. When applied it makes it look good and you feel as if it is doing something, but it actually softens it too much, causing it to tear, especially with opening and closing the windows. This product is actually better for reconditioning dryed out rubbers, but really does not extend the life. I don't mean to be contradictive, its just been my experience with it. I found that olive oil, and vaseline on these synthetic rubbers that GM uses, actually soak in and prevent them from dry rotting inside, where it usually starts.

[Y2KFRC]

"I don't mean to be contradictive", no problem...just another point of view... Good bye:wave:

[DavisZR1]

Being in the auto body business for many years, you do pick up quite a bit of knowledge about these products. Maybe it's an opinion, but it is a professional opinion. I hate to see someone that's going to restore their car, go out and spend a lot of money on weatherstripping and then use a product that is only really good for already dried out weatherstripping. The weatherstripping used today is not really rubber, but a synthetic foam. A lot of foreign cars still have the actual rubber weatherstripping, especially Subaru which is far superior then GM's weatherstripping.:nod: :chevy:

[brooklynvette]

I have a C3 Corvette coupe, and I replaced all the rubbers on it. They weren't GM's weatherstripping, but I bought the GM silicon weatherstripping conditioner. After I saw this post, and what DavisZR1 said, I realized that the weatherstripping has been splitting, especially on the corner of the glass, and it seems as if the weatherstripping is getting hard. Now this all makes sense. This weatherstripping is only two years old. I noticed under my doors where I didn't apply it, it looks basically new. Since the two years, I only put about a 1,000 miles on the car, but I do show it a lot in the summer at local car shows. Someone at one of the shows told me about olive oil, funny you mentioned it here, because when he told me I laughed.

[ZR1Mom]

To prevent tires from flat spoting check this product out: http://www.tirecradle.com/tcradle.htm

Also on the same site is some good info on tires:
http://www.tirecradle.com/tirefacts.htm

You are correct that if storing the car for awhile over inflating the tires by 10lbs or so helps. Also putting your car away with hot tires helps in creating flat spots. If you have been out running the car hard it wouldn't hurt driving slowly around for a bit to let the tires cool down a little.