Take It From Me: Listen To Your Own Advice

Learned a lesson in class this semester. Yeah I know, novel idea that learning happens in class... but it was a lesson I already learned once, and one that I have taught many people. Well I had to learn it again...

If anyone was to ask me about buying car parts... I would always tell someone, get name brand parts. I buy Mobil 1 oil, K&N Air Filters, Good tires, and even at my age I don't like to skimp on the audio. So why when I had to replace my oil pressure stitch in the Element did I get a non-name brand one from Autozone? Cause I was cutting corners... and for what, to save and buy a $9 sensor versus a $21 one from the dealer?

Clearly the parts
were different!

If you read my previous post, I worked on my car in my shop class and saved a bundle of money. Well two days after I replaced the oil pressure switch my oil pressure light went on. The sensor wasn't bad, it was just leaking oil and it was recommended to get a new one not just remove, reseal and replace the original. So when the pressure light came on, despite freaking out a little (on my way to Indy!), I knew it had to be that sensor I just replaced. So I went in and got a sensor from the dealer.

In my follow up class I pulled the cheapo part I got, and when you compare them side by side (which I should of done the first time) you can tell they are different. No wonder the connection wasn't good and it through and error light. So I put the new part in, tightened it up and got it installed... which is a total pain cause you have no room to work in that engine bay...

Then started the car back up and Wha La... no oil light. Still no oil light when I got home, and feeling much better about my work. So more busted knuckles, more oil under the nails, and more back pain trying to change the part all because I didn't listen to my own advice... don't buy cheap parts. Especially not to save $13. ARGH.

Double the work is never fun.

No error lights is sure nice when driving around.