General Tips thread

[fenton_jd]

A simple tip for fellow GP'ers.

If you have a spare bit of underlay/carpet/dynamat knocking around, I would recommend just putting a layer or two underneath the spare wheel, then go take your vehicle for a blast

You should notice the back end of the car is just that bit more hushed than it used to be, especially when pulling away from a standstill, less exhaust reverberation through the big dome of the spare wheel recess

 

[Ffoxy]

Tip :- Use a jetwash from underneath to keep all the roadcrap and and brake dust off the back of the front and rear brakes, makes work on the brakes at a later date far more pleasant (and safe)

 

[Andy Monty]

Tip: Keep an eye on the front edge of the sump (if you haven't got an undertray) it picks up stone chips and starts to rust, If reading various other posts on the forum is anything to go by Fiat sumps tend to Rot away...

If it has started like my 06 active jack it up axle stand it get underneath wire brush off any rust/ loose paint and give it a couple of coats of high temp paint..

 

[Mad Mike]

Check in the Autumn that the rubber seal that pushes horizontally onto the tray below the windscreen is pushed fully home. It seals against the bonnet. If the seal is NOT pushed fully home then water can run down your windscreen, pass over the bulkhead and drip onto your gearchange mechanism.

I lost horizontal movement of my gear lever on several occasions in the winter when one of the cables froze up! As a result the car was stuck in third and fourth until (a) it warmed up or (b) I forced the lever one way or the other with the risk of breaking the cable. It was only when I looked inside the bonnet after I had washed the car that I realised what had been happening!

 

[vagosofron]

Tip: If you are going on a roadtrip, you can take a small piece of cotton before you go, throw some baby oil and run it smoothly through your front bumper so it will create a very thin "film" of oil.That way, all the disgusting bugs will slip away and you can easy clean those who have stuck.

 

[beany_bot]

Tip: Other Fiat wheels will NOT fit Grande punto. e.g. 18" Bravo and Tipo wheels will NOT fit. GP wheels have differnet stud spacing to previous Fiats.

 

[hennabm]

get some body colour paint, masking tape and paper and clear lacquer and finish painting the underside where Fiat couldn't be bothered.
Did this to the 06 Dynamic and now on the TJet.

whereabouts exactly?

Boot floor around spare wheel well; underside above exhaust; front chassis legs; where the car had been supported in the factory and damaged the underseal; above the rear axle.

On both cars theses areas were just finished in primer, so I have painted in body colour and lacquered it. Looks so much better now.

 

[beany_bot]

If you going to leave your car for a while sitting up, when you wash it add a cup full of parrafin to the wash bucket. It runs down all the cracks and crevasis coating everything and stops it rusting!!

 

[Thomas_Si]

Tip: Keep an eye on the front edge of the sump (if you haven't got an undertray) it picks up stone chips and starts to rust, If reading various other posts on the forum is anything to go by Fiat sumps tend to Rot away...

If it has started like my 06 active jack it up axle stand it get underneath wire brush off any rust/ loose paint and give it a couple of coats of high temp paint..

Go and buy a diesel undertray and fit it, just don't let the dealer see it

Going to order one for mine to stop the rot and hopefully cut some noise out.

 

[Vimto Rolf]

an obvious one for previous car owners.


invest in a washmitt and some decent car shampoo.

dont use a sponge or drive through car wash because as time passes you will develop hairline scratches.

another little tip i found that instead of dying your car with a chamois as most shampoos suggest instead give it a really good rinse and let it air dry as if the shampoo contains wax then you wont have any streaks.

 

[Thomas_Si]

an obvious one for previous car owners.


invest in a washmitt and some decent car shampoo.

dont use a sponge or drive through car wash because as time passes you will develop hairline scratches.

another little tip i found that instead of dying your car with a chamois as most shampoos suggest instead give it a really good rinse and let it air dry as if the shampoo contains wax then you wont have any streaks.

Get a mcrofibre drying towel that has a deep pile/waffle weave so it draws any missed dirt away from the car surface, air drying always leaves marks.

One of the pro detailers tips is to use a leaf blower to air dry:devil:

 

[jimboy]

heres a tip for this time of the year, it may be a bit obvious, but those with older cars should lubricate the locks of their pride&joy. this helps in icey mornings. if you know its going to be really icey in the morning tape over lock the night before... simple but effective

(note by T. This is part of a service but certainly will help to do this on a more regular basis)

 

[punto_matt]

Washing and waxing are 2 different stages that shouldnt be done together. When cleaning a car it goes ;- Wash, polish, glaze, seal and then wax.

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=4637

Basic cleaning guide there.

 

[jimboy]

heres a tip for this time of the year, it may be a bit obvious, but those with older cars should lubricate the locks of their pride&joy. this helps in icey mornings. if you know its going to be really icey in the morning tape over lock the night before... simple but effective

(note by T. This is part of a service but certainly will help to do this on a more regular basis)

note to T....most older cars in the real world don't get a real service so to speak people tend to forget the simple things....& what ive seen on here a lot don't have a clue hard maybe but true

 

[T14086]

mot & service £99! (includes locks lubricated)

 

[jimboy]

my point is who actually puts an OLDER car in for a proper service, in the real world not a lot