A working vehicle gives you a huge advantage.
After a while, it stops being a car.
It becomes your car.
VEHICLES DON’T STOP THE WEATHER
A vehicle should solve some problems.
It should not suspend the rules of the world.
Simply sitting inside a vehicle does not automatically protect you from harsh weather on Last Resort.
Doors and windshields matter. If the vehicle is exposed, the people inside it can still be affected by the conditions outside.
A properly equipped vehicle provides better protection, and a working heater can make a real difference when conditions become severe.
BATTERIES & STARTING
Vehicle batteries need to be managed. A weak or empty battery does not always mean a manual-transmission vehicle is stranded.
Bump-starting a manual vehicle
- Move the vehicle onto a slope, pushing it into position if necessary.
- Put the transmission in Neutral.
- Release the handbrake by pressing B.
- Allow the vehicle to roll naturally.
- Once it reaches at least 20 km/h, turn the key switch and start the engine.
Once the engine is running, leave it running for a while to allow the battery to charge.
MAINTENANCE
Vehicles require maintenance. Pay attention to the engine’s condition, its oil and the engine belt.
Every vehicle has a virtual Oil Gasket. If its condition becomes Loose or worse, the engine begins to lose oil. Accidents and driving at high RPM can loosen the gasket.
A neglected leak can eventually leave a visible oil stain beneath a parked vehicle.
Use a Wrench on the engine to check and repair the Oil Gasket. Check the engine belt as part of your engine inspection.
EQUIPMENT
Radio/cassette and GPS units can be found mostly in industrial areas and auto garages.
Connecting a unit
- Attach the unit to the engine.
- Work in daylight or use a headtorch so there is enough light.
- Use an Electric Repair Kit on the engine to connect the unit.
These units draw power from the vehicle battery. A radio/cassette unit can play cassettes. Civilian and military variants are available; the rarer military unit can also transmit.
Some vehicles also provide glove-compartment storage and dedicated tool attachment slots.
OWNERSHIP
Getting a vehicle running is only part of owning one.
Registration, keys and security determine whether you can keep it — and whether someone else can take it from you.