Decided to use this weekend to apply a pair of yellow Lamin-X protective film onto our 2019 Hyundai Tucson’s foglight lens. I ordered the Lamin-X film designed for the 2016-2018 Tucson models because the 2019-2020 are not available from Lamin-X. The fog light lens are different before and after the 2019 mid-cycle refresh. The 2016-2018 models have an combo DRL/foglight lens in…
Category: Automobiles
Waxing the Tucson
With the weather cooled, I parked the Tucson inside our garage and applied Mothers California Gold Pure Brazilian Carnauba Wax Paste. Following the direction, I worked on one section at a time, i.e. fender, hood, bumper, rear quarter panel, hatch and roof. If the surface area is too large, I split the job in half, which I did for the…
First Road Trip With the Tucson and a Visit at the Doberman Ranch
In exactly a month, we put in over 1,300 miles in our new 2019 Hyundai Tucson Limited.
Our New 2019 Hyundai Tucson Limited
On Sunday July 21st, 2019, we picked up our 3rd car at the local Hyundai dealership. Our car, a Gemstone Red 2019 Tucson Limited and our first Hyundai! We picked up the car exactly 7 years from the time we picked up the wife’s 2012 Toyota Prius c 4. We decided to pick up a compact SUV for practicality reasons.…
Yakima OffGrid Rooftop Cargo Basket on a 3rd Gen Prius
Yakima OffGrid Rooftop Cargo Basket, Medium The Yakima OffGrid Rooftop Cargo Basket was first announced by Yakima in the summer of 2017. The original release time frame was Fall, notably October, of 2017. This did not happen. In fact, it was not available to acquire until late August 2018. I pre-ordered one from REI during Memorial Day 2018 and did…
Observed Increase in Fuel Efficiency For the 2012 Prius Follow Up
Here’s a follow up to the original post regarding fuel efficiency improvements after performing major maintenance services. In addition to the following services, DIY: How to Replace the Spark Plugs On a 3rd Gen Prius (2010-2015) DIY: How to Replace the Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve (PCV) On Your 3rd Gen Prius DIY: How to Exchange the Engine Coolant On Your…
DIY: How to Change the Engine Oil on Your 3rd Gen Prius
Learn how to change your own motor oil on your 3rd gen Prius. It’s quick and easy and will save you an average of $70-$100 from dealership or the local drive through oil change station.
DIY: How to Perform Tire Rotation on Your Prius, Prius c
The tires on your Prius or Prius c and pretty much any passenger class vehicle should be rotated every 5,000 to 10,000 miles to promote even tire thread wear. Do it yourself in 30~45 minutes with basic tools and put that $25~$50 back in your pocket.
Observed Increase in Fuel Efficiency For the 2012 Prius
As the 2012 Prius was approaching its 120k mile milestone, I noticed a dip in fuel efficiency among other issues (cold start rattle, struggling acceleration, rough ride). In its glory days, I was getting and average of mid 50’s MPG on a full tank. On rare driving circumstances, I was able to bump that number to beyond 60 MPG. Ever…
Repainted OGS Intelligent Position Switch With Custom Logo
I have painted my OGS Intelligent Position Switch to satin black a while back due to fading of the original paint job. I am repainting the OGS switch again, this time color matched to the exterior of the Prius, Winter Grey Metallic (8V1). I have uncovered spare cans of Paint Scratch.com touch-up spray paint, clear coat, adhesion promoter, primer and…
DIY: How to Wash and Clean Your Engine Bay
Has it been a decade since you’ve last cleaned your engine bay? Does it look like the engine bay on my 2012 Prius? I’ve never washed it since it left the lot at Cabe Toyota of Long Beach, CA back in May of 2012. If your engine bay is like mines, then it’s about time we give them a nice…
Pet Project: G’s Taillights With EDM OEM Style Rear Fog Lamp
I had a pair of authentic UKDM Prius G’s taillights with integrated rear fog lamp supplied by LS Japan and ordered through Tenso around late 2013’ish (or 2014? I cannot remember), but never gotten around to install it and ended up selling them to raise funds for our wedding in 2015. I’ve been building, organizing and stocking up our garage…
DIY: How to Clean Your 3rd Gen Prius High Voltage (HV) Hybrid Battery Cooling Fan
The hybrid battery cooling fan impeller needs to be cleaned from time to time, and a trip to the dealership can cost you $400. Do it yourself for $0.
DIY: How to Exchange the Engine Coolant On Your 3rd Gen Prius
Before you proceed with this maintenance procedure, make sure you have access to a flat and level surface area. You will also need two jack stands to support the front end of your car so you can gain access to the inverter coolant drain plug. Toyota recommends inspecting and topping off the inverter coolant reservoir every 5,000 miles and a…
DIY: How to Exchange the Inverter Coolant On Your 3rd Gen Prius
Before you proceed with this maintenance procedure, make sure you have access to a flat and level surface area. You will also need two jack stands to support the front end of your car so you can gain access to the inverter coolant drain plug. Toyota recommends inspecting and topping off the inverter coolant reservoir every 5,000 miles and a…