Tag: cars

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Hyundai Global City Disappointment

Last week, I took the car to Hyundai Global City for periodic maintenance service. After I got it back, I noticed a trickling sound coming from under the dash. I let it be the whole week because I was busy at work and at home. But today, I dropped to have it checked. I was there early, around 7:30AM. I explained my concern to the service adviser, showed him the sound which he acknowledged, and he told me he will prioritize the work. I told him I’ll wait, went and sat down at the lounge, and watched Spartacus and played Temple Run on the iPhone.

After almost 3 hours, there was still no news. So I took a peek at the repair bay and saw nobody working on the car. Surprised, I went to the service adviser and asked what’s happening. After hastily talking to some people he got back to me and told me that they weren’t able to hear the sound, and that they will need to take the car to a road test. I was frankly incensed (:P). It shouldn’t have taken 3 hours!

So anyway, I accompanied them for a road test. The trickling sound was very clear to me but it took many tries before the tester finally heard it. His conclusion is that there is indeed a sound (that’s what I’ve been trying to tell them the whole freakin’ day!) and that they need to investigate further. It will take some time and since was almost lunch time, I had no choice but to leave the car. After leaving instructions to call me as soon as the car is ready, I left and went back home, had lunch, and took a nap.

Around 4PM, there was still no news so I called. The service adviser wasn’t around! I called again, this time I was able to talk to the service adviser and he said they compared it to another Genesis Coupe and they also heard the trickling sound. They’re going to compare it with yet another Genesis Coupe but it’s supposed to be normal. So I picked the car up at 5PM and got on with what was left of my Saturday.

And guess what? I couldn’t hear the trickling sound anymore. Either it’s just not showing up yet, got fixed by itself, got accidentally fixed while they we’re looking for the problem, or they fixed it but didn’t want to admit it. But one thing is clear: the service was absolute crap.

Looks like Hyundai is having a hard time coping with success.

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Why I Don’t Like Asking For Directions

Went for a long drive yesterday. Somewhere along the way, I decided on a new route (symbolic I guess). I drove and drove until it became vague where I’m going (more symbolism?). I stopped and asked a bystander for directions. He provided some detailed directions. He even offered to accompany me. Thanks but no thanks, I said and drove off. Again, I drove and drove until it became even more vague where I’m going (and even more). I checked Google Maps. There was no signal. I ended up retracing my route back to the old familiar way. Yes, there are times when we ask for directions and yet we remain lost, or worse, even more lost. And so we end up not liking asking for directions. But there are times, when we do need direction, guidance. We should know when and who to turn to: friends, family, God. They will help us find our way.

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Speeding Ticket

Got my first speeding ticket at NLEX :( Michelle, Jeanne, and I along with Gretchen are on the way to Michelle’s company team-building activity at Crystal Beach, Zambales when I got tagged, probably while overtaking. Oh well. I guess the driving experience is not complete without getting one.

UPDATE: Learned that Kiko, one of Michelle’s officemates, also got tagged. What are the odds of that?

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Frigid Zone

Less than a month after I had its refrigerant replenished, the Sentra’s aircon is not cooling again. So this morning, I went to Frigid Zone, my favorite car aircon shop. They used to be near, they’re not of the small side-of-the-road variety, they have an air-conditioned waiting area, and they accept credit cards.

After a taking down the components and inspecting them, they confirmed that there’s a leak and it’s in the evaporator. So that had to be replaced. And because of the leak the system was contaminated with air and moisture as there was no positive pressure to keep them out. This means the dryer (it’s really a disposable filter) and the expansion valve (not sure about this having to be replaced) also had to be replaced and the system flushed (i.e. vacuumed out to remove any air and moisture). I ended with the following bill:

  1. Cleaning, flushing, and refrigerant recharge P1300
  2. New evaporator P5000
  3. New expansion valve P1500
  4. New dryer P1200
  5. New fittings P600
  6. New o-rings and valve cap FREE

More expensive than smaller shops. But the parts were new and in good condition and the technicians did their work quickly and neatly. It took around 2 hours but I sure hope the fix lasts more than 2 years. So far it feels good and cold.