Rust Removal or Treatment
Question:
Hi Kevin,
Enjoyed the read, just a quick question i a have a 1992 honda prelude 2.2vtec si. Is the engine an interferance engine. Can you also tell me how to treat rust from the inside of body work.
Many thanks,
Andy M.
Answer:
Yes, Your engine is an interference engine.
Rust is tough to get rid of, the best way is to cut it out and weld in new metal. If you can not do that, a rust converting product can help stop it from spreading. The rust converting liquid will convert the rust and leave a coating ready to paint. Check out www.Eastwood.com for their rust treatment products. I would undercoat the area after it is treated to prevent any future rust from starting. I also have an extensive write-up about rust here…
Kevin Schappell
Posted: 7th April 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Body
Undercoating Your Car, Is it Worth It ?
QUESTION:
Hi Kevin,
Since I am a female I find car people are trying to sell me things for my new car that I don’t really know if it is needed or not. I was reading you web on car care and wondered if you would answer a few concerns.
I have chosen a Honda Fit sport. Then comes all these extras. I have eliminated all except the undercoating but am concerned if it really necessary or if it will more than likely cause me more problems later on. I live in the Okanagan in BC. The climate is hot, dry summers and very mild winters. Most have told me that undercoating will cause build up and not allow the drainage that is necessary. The dealer said it would help with sound proofing. For $300. is it a good idea? They also talked about extended warranty because of the fuel pump troubles of the Honda. Is this has been a problem then maybe I should make another choice. I realize that what ever I choose will probably have some concerns but I shouldn’t have to worry before I even buy the new car.
I have been reading the info about taking care of the car and found it very easy to understand and good advice. I only wish dealers were so reliable. Thank you in advance for your advice Marlene
ANSWER:
Marlene,
I am assuming you are buying this car brand new (not a used car)? If it’s a brand new car, the undercoating is a good idea, and will not keep water from draining if done properly. It does depend on how long you plan on keeping the car, and how well you maintain it. If you can keep the winter road salt cleaned off every now and then, and keep the car in a garage, I would say save your money and skip the undercoating. If you plan on keeping the car for more than 3 years, and don’t have a garage, the undercoating would be a good idea. It’s very rare that today’s cars start rusting out, if properly taken care of.
The extended warranty is again an issue of how long will you own it? If you plan on keeping the car past it’s factory warranty, then the extended warranty may be cheaper to purchase now. If you are not sure about how long you will have the car, I would say wait until the factory warranty is about to run out.
Good Luck,
Kevin Schappell
Posted: 7th April 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Body
The best way to wash your car…
I always use a quality car wash soap, and never use dish washing liquid. Dish washing liquid can remove wax and leave your car’s finish unprotected.
I always start at the top of the car and work my way down.
I prefer to use a wash mit, instead of a sponge, and make sure that I rinse the mit of any dirt, before I put it back into the bucket.
Work in small sections and rinse often to prevent the soap from drying onto the finish.
Always wash in a shady area when possible.
When done washing, chamoise to dry your car, but make sure whatever you use is clean, so you do not scratch
the finish.
More car care tips can be found here….
https://www.autoeducation.com/carcare/wash.htm
Kevin
Posted: 16th January 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Body, Car Care
Taking Care of your body in winter…
It’s that time of year again, and many of you out there are dealing with snow, sleet and ice on the roads. Take care of your car’s body with a few quick and easy tips…
1. Wash the salt and chemicals off of your car as much as possible. Road crews throw down salt and other chemicals to melt ice, but it can also damage your car’s body panels. Make sure to clean under the car too, a high pressure hose at your local car wash is the best.
2. Make sure you have a good coat of wax before the snow hits. This will help protect your paint and make getting snow off your car easier.
3. Don’t scratch your paint when brushing snow off the hood and trunk of your car. Using an ice scraper or other hard object to remove snow can harm your car’s finish quicker than sandpaper.
Good luck,
Kevin
Posted: 15th January 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Body, Car Care
