Things you had to do to old cars that you don't have to anymore with newer cars. Go!

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

Get the front end re-aligned just about every time you hit a bump or a pot hole.

 

[Dave P.]

Collapse the radio antena before going through the car wash. As long as you're going, remember to hand crank those windows up!

 

[JeffKeryk]

Have a key or key fob or whatever. Turn the key or press a button to start the car. Stop at gas stations because you can't fuel up at home!

 

[Kurtatron]

Things I had to do: get in and drive without having to learn all the digital menus and software tricks.

 

[supton]

Pumping the gas pedal after starting because the choke was not working properly.

Coasting to a stop, engine off, because again of the choke not working...

Wrestling with the steering wheel in parking lots because no power steering. Working the clutch in traffic. Having to reach over to crank the window up/down, or to lock/unlock the doors. Worrying about burning my legs on the seat because I was wearing shorts and it was a hot summer day, and the seats were vinyl (luckily I was at the tail end of that one).

OTOH I remember being able to drop a car into drive without having to step on the brake, and being upset about that brake-shift interlock. And when I could get a key cut for a few dollars and the car would not care about programming nonsense.

 

[Bud_One]

Push a button on the floor to turn on/off your high beams.

 

[SHOZ]

Have the vacuum windshield wipers stop when you hit he gas!

 

[Wrenchturner44]

Here are three that I can think of that are maintenance related.

1. Carry a spare V or fan belt........Corvair owners will know about this in particular.

2. Pay attention which lug nuts are left hand thread vs. right hand thread.

3. Replace mufflers and tailpipes every few years due to corrosion.

 

[97prizm]

There's no longer a lever on the steering column to advance the timing.

Whats the last vehicle that had that feature?

 

[14R/T Rallye]

Clean the ashtray.

 

[tc1446]

Change oil every 1000 miles and it didn't have a filter.

 

[4WD]

Trudge in mud to lock hubs

 

[Patrick0525]

Ride on bias belted tires that needed to replaced every 24 months. Also u got for free flat spots if the car sat too long.

 

[14R/T Rallye]

Add water to the battery.

 

[14R/T Rallye]

Shine chrome bumpers so they don't get pitted.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Rebuild the alternator every 15-20 thousands miles.
Fixing the car without having 1000 dollar computer and a monthly subscription fee to use it.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

- Turn the steering wheel two revolutions just to make a slow right hand corner

- Replace the tube on that flat tire - almost every single long trip

- Go out 15- 20 minutes early to try to get the car started in the winter

- replace burnt out brake or turn signal bulbs about three times a year

- Arco, who's been driving and wrenching for over a half century

 

[Dave Sherman]

Adjust the valves.

Oh, there are modern cars that still need that. They are just harder to get to (thanks, Honda) but less often.

Don't have to fill the carburetor dashpot, or worry about vapor lock.

Don't have to set the hand throttle to keep the battery from discharging if the lights are on.

 

[dubber09]

No more replacing tire tubes, I did a few back in '70s.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

Unlock the door with a coat hanger through the wind wing. Adjust drum brakes, adjust belts , fuel filters.