Problem with Vibes?

[DopeVibeGT]

Ok, I've noticed that my Vibe lets water in under the hood. First time I noticed this was when I washed it, and saw steam coming from under the hood. Then when I open the hood, theres water spots all over. I know water is NOT suppose to get into an engine compartment so easy, so why is mine drinking water???

[NSimkins]

Water gets into my engine bay as well. However, I have not made it steam yet. The water drain from the windshield seems to drain into the engine compartment, over the strut towers, then down the bay to the ground.I have also found that if you spray the top front grille too directly and with too much force, water does get onto the engine cover and other areas. I always have a ritual of wiping down the engine bay/hood areas after every wash. Keeps things pretty clean.Overall, I wouldn't really worry. My Cavalier gets wet inside the engine bay after a wash periodically as well.

[NSimkins]

quote:If the water steams it's because you wash you car while the engine was still hot....Obviously. I also try to wait a little while if I just get back from driving my Vibe before I wash it. That way the brakes/engine can cool down. Not too good of a practice to spray hot brakes with cold water repeatedly over time. Can cause the rotors to warp prematurely.

[DopeVibeGT]

Ok, then everytime I wash the vehicle, I have to clean the engine. What a pain in the rear. That's the only fault I've found so far, though.

[NSimkins]

quote:Ok, then everytime I wash the vehicle, I have to clean the engine. What a pain in the rear. That's the only fault I've found so far, though. You don't have to wipe down the engine bay, but I have been since I bought my Vibe six months ago, and the engine bay still looks brand new.

[Heh! heh!]

Design flaws? Wouldn't it be nicer ifthe little flip out compartment beneath the stick wasn't so flimsy?the instrument panel had more visible gauges?the side mirrors folded back?the rear window wasn't so dangerously small (blind spot)?monotone didn't cost extra?the horn sounded gutsier?

[DopeVibeGT]

I'm gonna try to add a little more 'rubber' to the underhood strip. We seem to think it comes in on the far side of the headlight. I like to keep my engine clean, and it's STILL not a good idea for water to get into the engine compartment.Ha-Ha: Ok, lets see...Would you like a metal one? LoL I can see my gauges perfectly.No. Thats not a design flaw.It is small, but with the help of the side mirrors, you're set. Yes. But again, not a flaw.Yes. It sounds like one of those little clown mobile horns.

[MadBill]

I've got the horn hassle handled! I installed a pair (high & Low note) of FIAMM "Freeeway Blaster" 132 db horns from Canadian Tire (Pep Boys of The North, for our American cousins). I think the lights dim a little when I hit the button , but traffic scatters like quail, looking for the Big Rig they have somehow offended...