Honest John’s Motoring Agony Column 06-01-2018 Part 2

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Fri 5 Jan 2018 19:25
- Engineer Andy
To JT, regarding their two issues (if they are a member here), if they have the time, ability (i.e. not an OAP with limited range of movement etc) and inclination, I would check out these two very instructive videos by well-respected US YouTube mechanic 'Chris Fix':

Headlamp (or any car lamp, front or rear) restore - note that Brasso, toothpaste (he tried that and others in a test video) etc are temporary fixes as the top protective coat against sun/heat damage is taken off by these others:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEJbKLZ7RmM&t=2s

Engine bay clean by hand:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRSoRkM8GcM

You may find that some of the materials needed for both (especially the light lens restoration) may not be as easily available or as cheap in the UK as in the US, but the old interweb (after some research) may be the way to go if its still easier and cheaper than just getting AN Other to do the job professionally.
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Fri 5 Jan 2018 19:55
- nrm1969
Warranty Direct told me that seized brake calipers weren't covered because the pistons had corroded. I pointed out the brakes only seized because the dust cover failed and let water in which caused the corrosion, they agreed that this wasn't failure due to corrosion as their policy specifically excludes and paid for the calipers.
Reckon it would be worth pushing the injector claim on the same basis, they didn't fail due to normal corrosion but as a direct result of the egr problem.
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Fri 5 Jan 2018 23:41
- glidermania
Engine bays on older cars can be power washed with clean water like any other vehicle. You just have to take precautions such as wrapping any ABS unit, distributor and alternator etc in plastic bags. Always point the power wash jet downwards never up or across the engine. Once finished remove the bags and start the engine to help dry the engine bay.

There's nothing wrong with fitting brighter halogen bulbs that are road legal, my wife's Zafira had brighter headlamps than my E46 BMW. What HJ is on about is do not fit after market xenon kits.
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Sat 6 Jan 2018 08:58
- Falkirk Bairn
Honda Jazz offers improved on- Better offer now than when question was asked/answered

Honda January offer on Jazz
Now with £750 Test drive Incentive & Complimentary 5 years’ servicing worth £599 (offer available on all grades)
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Sat 6 Jan 2018 09:02
- Falkirk Bairn
Gunge in the washer bottle?

Milton (Baby bottle steriliser tablets) - other makes available in good stores everywhere.

Drop the tablets in after washing out the washer bottle with a hose - problems solved.
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Sun 7 Jan 2018 18:17
- jchinuk
Screamwash , I am mildly amazed that anyone uses their screen washers so infrequently that the jets can become blocked.
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Mon 8 Jan 2018 18:04
Honest John’s Motoring Agony Column 06-01-2018 Part 2 - Engineer Andy

Elderly people often don't use their cars for weeks on end, or at the very least only for a short trip to the local shops and back, not always requiring they use the windscreen wipers/washers. When working in London (commuting by train) I used to not use my car for three weeks, just enough (25 mile round trip to a nearby town to go shopping) to keep the battery topped up (more often as it got colder).

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