It would be helpful to have minimal maintenance needs for my car. I would like any input on the following products: Fix-a-flat type tire fixers -- I have heard these are actually bad for the tires. Is this true? Are there any that will definitely not harm the tires? Rainseal -- There is some product that causes waterdrops to be shed from the windshield easily. Does it work well? Does it reduce the need for windshield washer fluid? Synthetic oil -- Is it worth the $3 per quart price? How specifically is it superior? Oil additives -- Which ones work best?

-- Rick (rick7@postmark.net), July 16, 1999

Answers

Fix a Flat works but only for a few miles until you can get to a repair station. Try Slime, at www.slimesealant.com . Rainseal is probably called Rain-X in New England, was developed for the space program. I use it on lights, everything-I've driven in a downpour at 60MPH with no wipers on and could see pretty well. It does not take the place of fluid. I've used Slick50 in my engines and have never had trouble. Last month bought a 1989 Cherokee with 200K miles on it, I have the complete repair records showing synthetic oil changes every 2000 miles since 44K. The engine is in great shape and needs no work. Also try to find a product called AIr Jack, I got it at a discount tool store for $9. It's this air bladder that you put under the car, then attach a hose to your exhaust. It lifts like 5 tons using the pressure from the engine. If stuck in a ditch the bladder can be used, then the truck pushed out. Pretty good product.

-- retroman (retro50@agapeis.net), July 16, 1999.

Rick,

Have run several hundred miles on the *fix-a-flat* type stuff but only because I'm lazy. Best to buy and use a *plug it* kit on a flat as soon as practical. Have run out (30M miles) tires that have been juiced w/o a problem. Having a couple of spare shoes though seems prudent.

Synthetic oils endure higher temp and bearing pressure but wouldn't spring the extra bucks over y2k for your average *grocery getter* type car.

Additives are the same deal. Some reduce normal wear to a trickle and are a good investment. *Prolong* has the best credentials (dispite their goofy ads) I've seen in racing mags. But, a y2k issue?

If there's gas there should be motor oil. If not it's moot. Tires, battery, filters, brake pads, trans, PS and brake fluid seem resonable stashes. Prices now might look incredibly cheap later. G'Luck.

-- Carlos (riffraff1@cybertime.net), July 17, 1999.

Just picked up two packages of Radial Tire Repair Refills made by Victor, available at Wal Mart. These are known in the business as plugs i think and will work.

The other thing to have avail in the car is a good jack and fire extinguisher.

-- Gordon (g_gecko_69@hotmail.com), July 17, 1999.

Moot point!!!! Go read the threads on the oil industry! You're gonna be taking the bus, subway or riding a bike, (or horse if you live in the boonies) next year.

-- Ralph Kramden (and@awaywego.com), July 18, 1999.

Rick: Re synthetic oil: I have used Amsoil for over 25 years in all my vehicles(no, I am not a dealer who sales). I have never had to take any of my vehicles in for unscheduled maintenance. You will have mechanical failures unrelated to the oil but it will not cause any problems of itself. I have also found that Fram puts out a 50,000 mile oil filter that works qiute well. Combine that with 25,000 mile change of oil time frames because of synthetic and you are set for at least one year. Recommend that every third tank of gas you put in a fuel additive to keep the carbuerator and gas lines clean.

-- Neil G. Lewis (pnglewis1@yahoo.com), July 18, 1999.