Owner's Spring Maintenance Tip
The spare tyre on the bonnet is a natural repository for pine needles, leaves, dirt and moisture, which can accumulate both inside the spare wheel, as well as underneath the tyre in the fall and winter months. The buffers for the spare were originally positioned on the bonnet for relatively small 16" tires, and were meant to catch the sidewall of the tyre at its widest point. When larger diameter tyres are mounted without the buffers being moved outwards to accommodate, the tyre sidewall makes full-circle contact with the bonnet, thus creating an excellent water trap. Some owners leave the spare mounted on the bonnet for years, with the consequence that the tannic acid found in both leaves and pine needles [not to mention road salt] attacks the paint work with the result that the original alkyd and synthetic paints can actually be "eaten" by bacteria produced as a byproduct of the breakdown of the organic materials. For this reason it is wise to remove the spare every spring and clean out the area immediately within the tyre to eliminate the possibility of permanently damaging the bonnet.
One of the simplest and most satisfying "mini tasks" which the owner can easily perform in a matter of less than five minutes is to lubricate the door latch mechanisms. Especially on early U.S. model Land-Rovers (pre 1970) which employed the beveled-bolt latch design, the latches, left unlubricated, can pop open without notice on a bumpy road. Over time the spring which controls the bolt weakens, and the latch can, if dry, work its way open as the body and chassis flex. Consequently it is a good practice to oil the latches about once a month to assure their optimal functioning. The lubricant of choice for this, as well as many other chores, is Marvel Mystery Oil. It is widely available and also has some penetrating capability, so its uses should be carefully chosen. Just a few drops of this oil on the striker will make the latch work magnificently. Just for fun, listen to the door latching before applying the Marvel and then listen again immediately afterwards, and the difference will amaze you. Be sure to wipe off the excess with an oil rag to minimize the tendency of the latch to leave black smudges on clothing. Because it works more easily the latch will also last longer.