[DaveR]

Hey Guys and Gals..

I thought i would create a fun little topic for anyone working on or needing help with their Car or Truck repair.  
It may be a way we can help each other in saving $ or just getting some good advice.  

Post what you’re working on and any Tips..  OR
Post what you need help with.  

[enchantmentadm]

I recently bought a new vehicle (Mazda CX-30 small SUV) for the first time in 14 years. I also have a 2010 Honda FIT with a 5-speed manual that I decided to keep rather than trade in (mainly because of the stick shift.) I have had it since it was brand new. It just turned over 150,000 miles but still runs great. Unfortunately, the steering wheel has extensive sun damage from the high UV in New Mexico. I understand that there are places that do steering wheel restorations. Are there kits that would allow you to do it yourself? If so, would this be a better option than getting it done professionally?

[DaveR]

I recently bought a new vehicle (Mazda CX-30 small SUV) for the first time in 14 years. I also have a 2010 Honda FIT with a 5-speed manual that I decided to keep rather than trade in (mainly because of the stick shift.) I have had it since it was brand new. It just turned over 150,000 miles but still runs great. Unfortunately, the steering wheel has extensive sun damage from the high UV in New Mexico. I understand that there are places that do steering wheel restorations. Are there kits that would allow you to do it yourself? If so, would this be a better option than getting it done professionally?

Hey Armand,,
Great question about the restoration, ive never run into that issue so far, hopefully someone with experience in will chime in.  If your steering wheel has an Air Bag, im guessing you may want to use caution if anything involves taking it off.  

Congrats on the CX 30 btw.. great little crossover, and that FiT should run over 200K.  My older brother had a Honda Prelude with over 220k before it gave out (mostly bc he didnt take good care of it).

[Stargazer186k]

I recently bought a new vehicle (Mazda CX-30 small SUV) for the first time in 14 years. I also have a 2010 Honda FIT with a 5-speed manual that I decided to keep rather than trade in (mainly because of the stick shift.) I have had it since it was brand new. It just turned over 150,000 miles but still runs great. Unfortunately, the steering wheel has extensive sun damage from the high UV in New Mexico. I understand that there are places that do steering wheel restorations. Are there kits that would allow you to do it yourself? If so, would this be a better option than getting it done professionally?

Hi Armand.....several makers have custom steering wheel covers for specific vehicles, rather than universal covers, that you stitch right on and tuck under the three "spokes".  While I haven't stitched one on myself I've heard it can be a bit tedious and time consuming to get right, so you may find it simpler to get it done professionally (where they may, depending on their restoration process, remove the old and damaged material first).

You can probably find a youtube video that would give you an idea of the stitching involved.

[Diane]

Hey Guys and Gals..

I thought i would create a fun little topic for anyone working on or needing help with their Car or Truck repair.  
It may be a way we can help each other in saving $ or just getting some good advice.  

Post what you’re working on and any Tips..  OR
Post what you need help with.  

Can I damage my engine by washing it too vigorously? With the hose. Inspired by actual events this week which I dont care to disclose  .... oops

[Stargazer186k]

Hey Guys and Gals..

I thought i would create a fun little topic for anyone working on or needing help with their Car or Truck repair.  
It may be a way we can help each other in saving $ or just getting some good advice.  

Post what you’re working on and any Tips..  OR
Post what you need help with.  

Can I damage my engine by washing it too vigorously? With the hose. Inspired by actual events this week which I dont care to disclose  .... oops

Hi Diane...That's a good question and people likely will have varying opinions...maybe because years ago you had to be more careful with water.  Honestly it would still make me nervous doing it....but components are better sealed today. Though I would still be cautious and avoid or cover electronics in future. Some vehicles will be more vulnerable than others too.

Unless your car is running rough or has dash warning lights on you are probably fine. Especially if it's been a couple of days. People wash engines all the time but yea damage can sometimes occur, especially with too much water or too much pressure...or if the engine is too hot when hosed down.

[Diane]

Can I damage my engine by washing it too vigorously? With the hose. Inspired by actual events this week which I dont care to disclose  .... oops

Hi Diane...That's a good question and people likely will have varying opinions...maybe because years ago you had to be more careful with water.  Honestly it would still make me nervous doing it....but components are better sealed today. Though I would still be cautious and avoid or cover electronics in future. Some vehicles will be more vulnerable than others too.

Unless your car is running rough or has dash warning lights on you are probably fine. Especially if it's been a couple of days. People wash engines all the time but yea damage can sometimes occur, especially with too much water or too much pressure...or if the engine is too hot when hosed down.

A mother cat had left her kittens in the engine and I needed to leave the house. I kept hearing hissing so I continued to spray in a panic. Later when I parked the truck the coolant was BOILING. I removed the cap and let it cool while I was in my appointment and then drove home with trepidation. Now I wonder if I should switch out that coolant? I thought I heard rumbles about NOT doing what I did... so thank you.

[DaveR]

Hey Guys and Gals..

I thought i would create a fun little topic for anyone working on or needing help with their Car or Truck repair.  
It may be a way we can help each other in saving $ or just getting some good advice.  

Post what you’re working on and any Tips..  OR
Post what you need help with.  

Can I damage my engine by washing it too vigorously? With the hose. Inspired by actual events this week which I dont care to disclose  .... oops

I agree a with a lot of what Chris said.. opinions can vary..but generally unless you’re spraying Water directly into the Air intake or into some area like the fuse box, you are not likely to do any damage.  


Ive used both a garden hose to spray down the engines in my vehicles and also used an Electric Pressure washer.  My Rule of thumb is to keep a min distance of 3 Feet from the Tip of the spayer to whatever im spraying, and obviously avoid the air intake area as thats going directly into the throttle body (which is not where Water should go).  Oh,, i do usually leave the vehicle running.. just because it dissipates the water quicker.. but as Chris said.. dont do it when the Engine is Hot.

After a Wash down.. i usually give it a good protective coating of WD-40.   hy:

---

Hi Diane...That's a good question and people likely will have varying opinions...maybe because years ago you had to be more careful with water.  Honestly it would still make me nervous doing it....but components are better sealed today. Though I would still be cautious and avoid or cover electronics in future. Some vehicles will be more vulnerable than others too.

Unless your car is running rough or has dash warning lights on you are probably fine. Especially if it's been a couple of days. People wash engines all the time but yea damage can sometimes occur, especially with too much water or too much pressure...or if the engine is too hot when hosed down.

A mother cat had left her kittens in the engine and I needed to leave the house. I kept hearing hissing so I continued to spray in a panic. Later when I parked the truck the coolant was BOILING. I removed the cap and let it cool while I was in my appointment and then drove home with trepidation. Now I wonder if I should switch out that coolant? I thought I heard rumbles about NOT doing what I did... so thank you.

Not an Expert on Cooling.. but is your vehicle running Hot?  When was the last time you had a Coolant system checked and Flushed?  During this process the Technicians usually flush out the old coolant and add new coolant, and pressure test your system - which means there is no air leaks.  If all that has been done and you’re still running hot it could be just a bad thermostat which usually is a cheap replacement.

What you dont want to do is keep adding Water to the radiator overflow bottle. The Coolant needs a certain mixture of Coolant/antifreeze to work.

[Diane]

Can I damage my engine by washing it too vigorously? With the hose. Inspired by actual events this week which I dont care to disclose  .... oops

I agree a with a lot of what Chris said.. opinions can vary..but generally unless you’re spraying Water directly into the Air intake or into some area like the fuse box, you are not likely to do any damage.  


Ive used both a garden hose to spray down the engines in my vehicles and also used an Electric Pressure washer.  My Rule of thumb is to keep a min distance of 3 Feet from the Tip of the spayer to whatever im spraying, and obviously avoid the air intake area as thats going directly into the throttle body (which is not where Water should go).  Oh,, i do usually leave the vehicle running.. just because it dissipates the water quicker.. but as Chris said.. dont do it when the Engine is Hot.

After a Wash down.. i usually give it a good protective coating of WD-40.   hy:

---

A mother cat had left her kittens in the engine and I needed to leave the house. I kept hearing hissing so I continued to spray in a panic. Later when I parked the truck the coolant was BOILING. I removed the cap and let it cool while I was in my appointment and then drove home with trepidation. Now I wonder if I should switch out that coolant? I thought I heard rumbles about NOT doing what I did... so thank you.

Not an Expert on Cooling.. but is your vehicle running Hot?  When was the last time you had a Coolant system checked and Flushed?  During this process the Technicians usually flush out the old coolant and add new coolant, and pressure test your system - which means there is no air leaks.  If all that has been done and you’re still running hot it could be just a bad thermostat which usually is a cheap replacement.

What you dont want to do is keep adding Water to the radiator overflow bottle. The Coolant needs a certain mixture of Coolant/antifreeze to work.

Good morning and thank you both for your thoughts. This is what I call the farm truck. It goes to Rural King and Home Depot so it gets very little attention. Rarely driven / once a week. I would say my maintance on this vehicle is reactive. Change oil and then only deal with problems as they come up. I think a coolant flush might be the best action plan just to be sure. Lord knows that I dont know where the air intake is... I was certainly not three feet away. I was up close listening for the location of the hissing kitten!

[enchantmentadm]

Thanks guys for your responses. A custom steering wheel cover would at least prevent further damage.

[DaveR]

Thanks guys for your responses. A custom steering wheel cover would at least prevent further damage.

Armand .. have you thought about just finding a replacement on E-bay.. or maybe a Honda Fit group on FB? Someone may be parting one out.

[Diane]

Thanks guys for your responses. A custom steering wheel cover would at least prevent further damage.

Armand .. have you thought about just finding a replacement on E-bay.. or maybe a Honda Fit group on FB? Someone may be parting one out.

I was able to replace my entire back hatch (after I broke the window by hauling wood that was too long) in my truck via a parts warehouse. I paid $160 for the entire back of the truck. LOVE a deal.

[Stargazer186k]

Anyone have success with a certain do it yourself windshield repair kit or method? Have a small chip straight forward right in the line of vision and want to try filling it while hopefully not making it appear worse.

[ezdays]

Anyone have success with a certain do it yourself windshield repair kit or method? Have a small chip straight forward right in the line of vision and want to try filling it while hopefully not making it appear worse.

I had an X chip about in the center of the windshield and I bought a repair kit to deal with it. Then I realized that my insurance covers repairs 100%. They sent Safelite out and guess what, the guy stabilized the crack, but it was still showing. I was tempted to use the kit to see if I could do the job right, when I was hit again, this time on the driver's side by a baseball sized rock falling off a truck in I-10, My insurance also covers 100% glass replacement, so that took care of the initial crack. I still have the repair kit but can't return it since I had to open it to read the directions. I can give you the kit if you want it, just as long as the postage isn't more than I paid for it.

My point is, check with your insurance and if it is covered, try to stay away from Safelite, or at least the guy they sent to my house.

[Stargazer186k]

Anyone have success with a certain do it yourself windshield repair kit or method? Have a small chip straight forward right in the line of vision and want to try filling it while hopefully not making it appear worse.

I had an X chip about in the center of the windshield and I bought a repair kit to deal with it. Then I realized that my insurance covers repairs 100%. They sent Safelite out and guess what, the guy stabilized the crack, but it was still showing. I was tempted to use the kit to see if I could do the job right, when I was hit again, this time on the driver's side by a baseball sized rock falling off a truck in I-10, My insurance also covers 100% glass replacement, so that took care of the initial crack. I still have the repair kit but can't return it since I had to open it to read the directions. I can give you the kit if you want it, just as long as the postage isn't more than I paid for it.

My point is, check with your insurance and if it is covered, try to stay away from Safelite, or at least the guy they sent to my house.

Thanks Don I appreciate your kind offer but maybe better to hold onto it as someone closer to you will have a greater need for it some day soon and the cost to mail it will be similar to buying one.

I was curious to hear if filling a chip makes it unnoticeable to the driver.  Sounds like you got a new windshield.  Your idea to check with insurance is a good one. It's such a small thing I didn't even consider that.  "Full glass coverage" does ring a bell.  Who knows...maybe they decide to give me a new windshield altogether. It been around a while.

Professionally done will probably look the best either way...which is my real concern as the chip is just about in the worst place possible.... like a scratch or nick right in the middle of your eyeglass lens....you can't ignore it.

[DaveR]

I had an X chip about in the center of the windshield and I bought a repair kit to deal with it. Then I realized that my insurance covers repairs 100%. They sent Safelite out and guess what, the guy stabilized the crack, but it was still showing. I was tempted to use the kit to see if I could do the job right, when I was hit again, this time on the driver's side by a baseball sized rock falling off a truck in I-10, My insurance also covers 100% glass replacement, so that took care of the initial crack. I still have the repair kit but can't return it since I had to open it to read the directions. I can give you the kit if you want it, just as long as the postage isn't more than I paid for it.

My point is, check with your insurance and if it is covered, try to stay away from Safelite, or at least the guy they sent to my house.

Thanks Don I appreciate your kind offer but maybe better to hold onto it as someone closer to you will have a greater need for it some day soon and the cost to mail it will be similar to buying one.

I was curious to hear if filling a chip makes it unnoticeable to the driver.  Sounds like you got a new windshield.  Your idea to check with insurance is a good one. It's such a small thing I didn't even consider that.  "Full glass coverage" does ring a bell.  Who knows...maybe they decide to give me a new windshield altogether. It been around a while.

Professionally done will probably look the best either way...which is my real concern as the chip is just about in the worst place possible.... like a scratch or nick right in the middle of your eyeglass lens....you can't ignore it.

I’ve always been suspect of those windshield repair guys/places so I agree with Dons advice.  I got nailed on the drivers side edge and had a small chip about the size of your pinkie nail.  I didnt pay any attention to it since it was so small..  well about couple months later got whacked again within an Inch from the first one.. and now have 1 straight crack going across the Windshield.  

I figure its time to get it replaced and will be looking into it this week. Good thing my Ins covers 100%,

[ezdays]

Thanks Don I appreciate your kind offer but maybe better to hold onto it as someone closer to you will have a greater need for it some day soon and the cost to mail it will be similar to buying one.

I was curious to hear if filling a chip makes it unnoticeable to the driver.  Sounds like you got a new windshield.  Your idea to check with insurance is a good one. It's such a small thing I didn't even consider that.  "Full glass coverage" does ring a bell.  Who knows...maybe they decide to give me a new windshield altogether. It been around a while.

Professionally done will probably look the best either way...which is my real concern as the chip is just about in the worst place possible.... like a scratch or nick right in the middle of your eyeglass lens....you can't ignore it.

I’ve always been suspect of those windshield repair guys/places so I agree with Dons advice.  I got nailed on the drivers side edge and had a small chip about the size of your pinkie nail.  I didnt pay any attention to it since it was so small..  well about couple months later got whacked again within an Inch from the first one.. and now have 1 straight crack going across the Windshield.  

I figure its time to get it replaced and will be looking into it this week. Good thing my Ins covers 100%,

You know, kind of ironic, but the news yesterday had a piece on replacing cracked windshields. Apparently is is prevalent enough here that it use to be that they didn't count glass replacement against your record here in Arizona, but now some insurance companies are doing just that, on the same level as a fender-bender. The guy they interviewed had three, yes, three windshield replacement claims and was upset that his rates went up. There was a time that they used to repair streets using "chip seal", just some small stones in oil. So many loose stones, so many broken windshields and the city claimed no responsibility. It's irritating, you pay high premiums to get coverage and when you use it, that's their excuse to raise your rates.

[Stargazer186k]

I’ve always been suspect of those windshield repair guys/places so I agree with Dons advice.  I got nailed on the drivers side edge and had a small chip about the size of your pinkie nail.  I didnt pay any attention to it since it was so small..  well about couple months later got whacked again within an Inch from the first one.. and now have 1 straight crack going across the Windshield.  

I figure its time to get it replaced and will be looking into it this week. Good thing my Ins covers 100%,

You know, kind of ironic, but the news yesterday had a piece on replacing cracked windshields. Apparently is is prevalent enough here that it use to be that they didn't count glass replacement against your record here in Arizona, but now some insurance companies are doing just that, on the same level as a fender-bender. The guy they interviewed had three, yes, three windshield replacement claims and was upset that his rates went up. There was a time that they used to repair streets using "chip seal", just some small stones in oil. So many loose stones, so many broken windshields and the city claimed no responsibility. It's irritating, you pay high premiums to get coverage and when you use it, that's their excuse to raise your rates.

There was a story earlier in the year that some  newer cars track your driving behaviors  which then get reported to insurance companies potentially raising your  rates.  You're right and those sneaky insurance companies will raise rates at every opportunity.

[DaveR]

You know, kind of ironic, but the news yesterday had a piece on replacing cracked windshields. Apparently is is prevalent enough here that it use to be that they didn't count glass replacement against your record here in Arizona, but now some insurance companies are doing just that, on the same level as a fender-bender. The guy they interviewed had three, yes, three windshield replacement claims and was upset that his rates went up. There was a time that they used to repair streets using "chip seal", just some small stones in oil. So many loose stones, so many broken windshields and the city claimed no responsibility. It's irritating, you pay high premiums to get coverage and when you use it, that's their excuse to raise your rates.

There was a story earlier in the year that some  newer cars track your driving behaviors  which then get reported to insurance companies potentially raising your  rates.  You're right and those sneaky insurance companies will raise rates at every opportunity.

Ha ha ha.. so i got sukered into tracking my driving!  State Farm offered me a discount like 15% or something if i put a tracking device on my vehicle.. and of course i could see the data it collected by downloading an App on my Phone. So needless to say this all showed up on the App, hard braking, light speeding over the limit, and some other things i cant remember.  (This was over 2y ago). 

Yeah there were times of hard braking bc you have such idiots on the road, no turn signals, lollygagging , camping out in the left lane,, etc.etc.  Yes im a bit of an aggressive driver but also Safe, and I havent gotten a ticket in… well like 7-8 years, and thats not bad for someone thats on the road 4 days a week visiting Clients! 

Anyway,, after 6m at my next Policy renewal the premium jumped up like over $200.  I politely declined to renew and found another Carrier much cheaper than my original policy with SF.  
Moral is if you’re a good driver.. just shop Ins carriers, dont get sukered into letting them track your driving!   :angel:

[ezdays]

There was a story earlier in the year that some  newer cars track your driving behaviors  which then get reported to insurance companies potentially raising your  rates.  You're right and those sneaky insurance companies will raise rates at every opportunity.

Ha ha ha.. so i got sukered into tracking my driving!  State Farm offered me a discount like 15% or something if i put a tracking device on my vehicle.. and of course i could see the data it collected by downloading an App on my Phone. So needless to say this all showed up on the App, hard braking, light speeding over the limit, and some other things i cant remember.  (This was over 2y ago). 

Yeah there were times of hard braking bc you have such idiots on the road, no turn signals, lollygagging , camping out in the left lane,, etc.etc.  Yes im a bit of an aggressive driver but also Safe, and I havent gotten a ticket in… well like 7-8 years, and thats not bad for someone thats on the road 4 days a week visiting Clients! 

Anyway,, after 6m at my next Policy renewal the premium jumped up like over $200.  I politely declined to renew and found another Carrier much cheaper than my original policy with SF.  
Moral is if you’re a good driver.. just shop Ins carriers, dont get sukered into letting them track your driving!   :angel:

Allstate offered me the same thing, but my agent said that the payback was minimal compared to my premium. I decline to be tracked on all occasions that I know about it and I refused to sell myself for a pittance. I've got a good agent. And you're right, it's hard to control you speed and breaking when you're in traffic. I was heading north on I-17 and was getting pushed along in traffic until I noticed I was going 90 and was slowing traffic down. I got in the slow lane and still everyone there was going well over the speed limit. raying: