My poor Genny...it is like little stuff frustrate me

[Ambush]

Title says it all. The snow disappeared the end of last week and it has been raining on and off. My car has been cold and dirty. Yesterday I ran it through the touch-less carwash just to get the top dirt off. To my surprise I went to dry it off, I immediately saw SMOKE coming from the hood area. NO IDEA what it was. I thought maybe something like the radiator cap got wet or something but I mean when it rains and I am driving would it not still get wet? So upon further inspection I noticed how bad the car was vibrating (it is annoying!) and I could see the reflection of water in the passenger headlight. I was so mad. I hate that. So I thought maybe it was just a little bit. I never had been in an accident, never removed the headlight (dont know how) and I dont visually see any holes in the headlight. Fast forward today, there is like 1 inch on water in the dang headlight and condensation all on the inside as if I have a 20 year old car. I AM NOT HAPPY AT ALL! I dont know how to fix other than removing the headlights, baking them to take them apart, cleaning them and resealing (see pic).

2nd thing, now when I get out of the car, I notice the inside handle's fake chrome/brushed aluminum is peeling off! WHAT IN THE WORLD?? I am not sure if I should just peel it off and wrap it with something or what. The same goes for the fake stuff around the gearshift. I dont use anything on the interior that I know would be bad. Just some 303 or 2k interior cleaner/protectant. That is it.

Has anyone experienced any of this and if so how did you correct it? I did however find a set of PRADA headlights at a salvage yard in Florida for $700 for the pair. They have yet contacted me back BUT cosmetically they would be tacky I think since my car is white. Ahh well.....
Thanks for listening to me fuss...

 

[66nexus]

Sorry you're dealing with that. I can tell you this: my car sometimes smokes somewhat after going through the heavy carwash (machine/high pressure based), and it stops after a few minutes of driving. Turns out it was water hitting the hot radiator and steaming off (my stuff was fairly new and I hadn't had any loss of coolant nor temperature issues). Of course I would still check your radiator/hoses for leaks (especially if your car is vibrating as well).

Also, for the headlights, unplug your high beam bulb (exposing the housing to air) and either let it sit in the sun on a warm day, or run a warm blow dryer over it to evaporate the moisture buildup. This won't solve any possible leak, but at least it will get rid of the current moisture buildup.

Keep in mind that moisture buildup in a headlight can be caused by dry/brittle bulb seal rings (the little rubber rings that go around headlight and turn signal bulbs, like $8 each). Good luck.

 

[TheMikeJones]

I have had the steam (not smoke) from under the hood as well when hitting a touchless car wash and I just attributed it to the front spray hitting the hot radiator or some component.

Sorry to see the headlight issue, man that is a bummer! I wonder if the two may be related at all? Maybe the water is getting under the hood and entering the headlight through the housing, maybe where the electrical connection are?

 

[NSXNEXT]

Well first off you need to figure out where the water is entering. Look for cracks or sealant missing around where the two pieces attach.
I would agree with 66nexus to remove the HB bulb but I would also then insert a couple small packets of desiccant and then put the bulb back in. You know the little packs than come in boxes that keep moisture from ruining electronics, etc.

Don't use the headlights while those packs are in there.
That should dry up the remaining moisture .

 

[bigpapainscotia]

I have the same problem after going to a touch less car wash. If you can get a set of Prada headlights for $700 get me a set too. I have the same color car as you . This would look sharp not tacky. If you do get them send me a picture of them on the car. I priced these and they are $2000 to buy .