Dear Tom and Ray:

I am a pre-med student at the University of Michigan and I have a constant problem with my 1989 Ford Escort _ a k a the "Esco-Porsche." (Ha!) The headlights constantly have about three inches of water in them. They look like fishbowls. This water frequently burns out the bulbs. Do you have a solution? -- Mark

Tom: Sure. Just put duct tape over the headlights, Mark. That'll keep the water out.

Ray: Actually, you can just drill a couple of small holes in the bottom of the Lexan lenses that cover each headlight.

Tom: What happens is that as these lenses get old, they get small cracks in them. And as you drive in the rain at 60 mph, the rain gets forced through those cracks and fills up the space between the lens and the actual headlight. It doesn't come out because you never have the equivalent 60 mph force pushing the water out from the other side-unless you drive on the highway in Reverse!

Ray: So grab a small electric drill or even a hand drill, and drill three or four small holes at the bottom of each lens, or in the bottom of the headlight bucket where the lens attaches. The water should then drain right out and your problem should be solved.

Tom: And if you drill large enough holes, not only will the water run out, but any fish that have taken up residence in the headlights will also disappear.

Which is cheaper, buying or leasing? Should you keep a car forever or dump it after three years, before trouble starts? Find out in Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Should I Buy, Lease, or Steal My Next Car?" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1998 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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