WD-40 can be handy in a pinch, but honestly, it's more of a temporary fix. If you're regularly hitting the road in damp conditions, investing in quality ignition wires and sealing your distributor cap properly is probably your best bet... saves headaches later.
Couldn't agree more about WD-40 being just a band-aid solution. Learned that the hard way myself during a cross-country trip in my old Mustang. Thought I'd prepped everything, but got caught in some nasty weather near Seattle—rain was relentless and the engine started sputtering like crazy. Pulled over, sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, and sure enough, it fired right up again... for about 20 miles. Then back to square one.
Ended up limping into a small-town garage where the mechanic took one look under the hood and shook his head. He pointed out that my ignition wires were ancient and cracked, letting moisture seep in constantly. He swapped them out for some high-quality silicone wires and sealed the distributor properly. After that, smooth sailing all the way down the coast.
Moral of the story: temporary fixes like WD-40 might get you out of immediate trouble, but they're no substitute for proper maintenance and quality parts—especially if you're planning long hauls or dealing with unpredictable weather. Vintage rides are fantastic, but they demand respect and attention to detail if you want reliability on extended journeys.
"temporary fixes like WD-40 might get you out of immediate trouble, but they're no substitute for proper maintenance"
Exactly. Had a similar issue with my old Triumph motorcycle. Thought I could get away with quick fixes until the clutch cable snapped halfway through a weekend ride. Ended up stranded roadside for hours waiting on a tow. Learned pretty fast that shortcuts just aren't worth it when you're miles from home...
Yeah, learned that lesson the hard way myself. Couple years back, I was taking my old VW camper on a cross-country road trip—budget was tight, so I figured I'd just patch things up as I went along. It ran fine for the first few hundred miles, but then somewhere in the middle of nowhere Nebraska, the alternator decided it had enough. Managed to limp into this tiny town where the only mechanic was closed for the weekend. Ended up camping out in a gas station parking lot for two days until someone could help me out.
Since then, I've gotten pretty strict about pre-trip maintenance checks. Sure, it feels like you're spending extra money upfront, but honestly, it's cheaper than getting stranded and paying for emergency repairs or towing fees. Plus, there's nothing worse than losing precious vacation time sitting around waiting for parts or mechanics.
I still keep WD-40 and duct tape handy—because let's face it, stuff happens—but they're strictly emergency measures now. Proper maintenance isn't glamorous or exciting, but it's definitely worth it for peace of mind on those long hauls.
Glad you got through your Triumph mishap safely though... vintage bikes can be temperamental enough without tempting fate!
Totally feel you on that one—been there, done that, got the greasy t-shirt. My old Jeep taught me early on:
- Pre-trip checks beat roadside regrets every time.
- Spare belts, hoses, and fuses tucked away can save your sanity.
- Snacks...because nothing makes a breakdown worse than being hangry.
Glad your Triumph adventure ended safely. Vintage rides sure keep life interesting, don't they?
