Dear Tom and Ray:

I have recently purchased a 1989 Honda CRX which I love so far. The only problem that I have encountered is that the headlights seem to have collected moisture which beads up on the inside of the lenses. I was wondering if there is any easy way to remedy this problem. -- Chris

Ray: We'll give you the bad news first, Chris. This problem is going to cost you $250 to fix -- and that's just for the parts. What's the good news? At least that covers both headlights!

Tom: You've got tiny cracks in the plastic lenses that cover the headlight bulbs, and those little cracks are letting moisture in.

Ray: The reason those assemblies are so expensive is because they're not just plastic coverings, they're also lenses that focus the light. Plus they're made of high-impact plastic.

Tom: But apparently not high-impact enough.

Ray: I'd bite the bullet and replace them, Chris. Eventually, the moisture will start causing your headlight bulbs to blow, then you'll be out the cost of the bulbs AND the lens assemblies.

Tom: If it were my car, I'd just live with it as long as I could.

Ray: If it were his car, he'd just cover the front end with Saran Wrap and tape two flashlights to the fenders! Get it fixed, Chris. Don't concede this car to "heapdom" yet. You still love it, and what's $250 for a car you love?

Changing your oil is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your car, but how often should you change it? Find out by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It! To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1996 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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