Some imported car models develop severe "stickiness" on their interior parts due to degradation of the surface coating. When the car is new, these parts have a smooth, pleasant touch. However, in areas exposed to direct sunlight, this stickiness can develop as early as 5 years (at the time of the second vehicle inspection). Even in favorable conditions, it often appears by 9 … [Read more...] about “I Can’t Take It Anymore!” – Dealing with Unbearable Degradation (Part 2)
“I Can’t Take It Anymore!” – Dealing with Unbearable Degradation (Part 1)
For domestic cars, it's generally about 15 years, and for imported cars, about half that time - 7 years - before various signs of exterior degradation appear, no matter how meticulously you maintain them. The yellowing of the now-common polycarbonate headlights is a typical example. As I've mentioned in several articles, restoring their appearance is relatively easy by … [Read more...] about “I Can’t Take It Anymore!” – Dealing with Unbearable Degradation (Part 1)
Reflections on Japanese Car Design Philosophy After Completing a Clutch Replacement on the Enchanting Lightweight MT Daihatsu Mira
In the tough work of car maintenance, which leaves hands covered in oil, arms full of scratches, and requires long hours in uncomfortable positions, good "maintainability" is a very important factor. For us mechanics who engage in maintenance work every day, it's a joyful moment when we can feel the kindness and consideration of the engineers. When I mainly work on … [Read more...] about Reflections on Japanese Car Design Philosophy After Completing a Clutch Replacement on the Enchanting Lightweight MT Daihatsu Mira
How to Dramatically Improve Your Touch-Up Paint Skills (Brush Selection and Technique)
Even the tiniest scratch on a car's exterior can be incredibly bothersome. Scratches on metal panels are particularly concerning, as they can lead to rust if left untreated. Ideally, these should be addressed as soon as possible. For scratches with significant dents, professional body and paint work is indeed advisable. However, for minor issues like stone chips on the … [Read more...] about How to Dramatically Improve Your Touch-Up Paint Skills (Brush Selection and Technique)
Well-tuned light-weight car is really fun (Daihatsu Esse DBA-L235S KF-VE)
Customers who used to ride in Alfa Romeo say that Daihatsu Esse is very enjoyable after replacing the shock absorber with KYB NewSR. MY2007 DBA-L235S KF-VE 4AT Mileage 102,000km Reference article: Driving comfort of light weight car (Daihatsu Esse DBA-L235S Ride comfort improvement shock absorber replacement) The ride comfort of the car does not have to be soft and … [Read more...] about Well-tuned light-weight car is really fun (Daihatsu Esse DBA-L235S KF-VE)
Maintenance for faded exterior plastic and rubber (Bumper & Trim Gel by AUTOGLYM)
Autoglym in the UK is certified as a royal warrant, which is rare for car care products. The world-wide famous product called "Super Resin Polish" is a silicon-based liquid car wax. The main ingredient is silicon, but it is good workability (hard to become uneven, easy to wipe even under the scorching sun), and I hear that there are many regular users from … [Read more...] about Maintenance for faded exterior plastic and rubber (Bumper & Trim Gel by AUTOGLYM)
Production of replacement for discontinued rubber hose (Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0L V6 GF-916C1, P/N 60594244)
It's been five years since I started to maintain this Alfa Romeo 916 GTV. The owner said that he was longing the GTV of this model year, and he obtained a good condition pre-owned vehicle he wanted . He wants to own his car forever, but at the sane time I think he is constant worry about the failure problem, its cost and many discontinued genuine parts. When he got … [Read more...] about Production of replacement for discontinued rubber hose (Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0L V6 GF-916C1, P/N 60594244)
Repair of Power Window Regulator (Alfa Romeo 147 TS1.6 ABA-937BXB)
Owner of the Alfa Romeo 147, 'When I operated the power window on the passenger seat side, the glass window stopped at an angle, so I hastily supported the glass with my hand and returned it to the original position.' If the elevator is operated forcibly, a part of the lifting device called a regulator may be damaged, and the window glass may not move at all, so it seems … [Read more...] about Repair of Power Window Regulator (Alfa Romeo 147 TS1.6 ABA-937BXB)
Cause and repair of Power sliding door does not open (Toyota Raum CBA-NCZ20)
Toyota's compact car raum has a power sliding door. Owner opens and closes the power door many times a day.This time, I kept it in the trouble of the power sliding door on the left side of the vehicle. It is a trouble that it stops as if it is caught in something when it tries to open it from a closed state. But, I can open and close the sliding door manually or by … [Read more...] about Cause and repair of Power sliding door does not open (Toyota Raum CBA-NCZ20)
Installing genuine suspension to Alfa Romeo 147GTA (GH-937AXL V6 3.2L 6MT)
Alfa Romeo 147GTA owner always asks an alfaromeo dealer for maintenance from a new car continuously. On the other hand, I have been only changing engine oil for several years. The engine with a large displacement of 3.2 liters is specified by the SAE 10W60, a Serenia brand named Racing, an Alfa Romeo original engine oil.I have prepared MOTUL's RB26DETT (a bold Skyline … [Read more...] about Installing genuine suspension to Alfa Romeo 147GTA (GH-937AXL V6 3.2L 6MT)
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