Miata Mailing List: April 1993, Message #38
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   From: (none)
Subject: Re: mail order
   Date: (none)

On Tue, 6 Apr 1993 peng@hotsoup.att.com wrote:

> 
> Hi folks,
> 
> In the recent issue of Miata Product Registry, there
> are ads form several dealers selling mail order Miata
> parts. Are these deals any good? 

Mostly, yes. But check with your local club, they may be able to get you
similar discounts form local dealers (I get 20% off otc parts at my
dealer's parts window).

> I am also about to do the first oil change on my new Miata.
> Is it necessary to get the special oil filter wrench from Mazda?
> Any other advice on oil change procedure/process?

IMO, yes. If you can get the car up on jackstands, I find it easier to get
to the oil filter from underneath and behind the engine. I reach up over
the bottom member of the front subframe. When you put the new filter on,
*don't* use the wrench to tighten it. I'm small, and I can tighten it down
far enough that it doesn't leak just with my hand. This way, you can get
the old filter off without a lot of problems next oil change.

> Some books mentioned that engine oil, transmission fluid,
> and rear axle fluid should be changed after ~2K break-in.
> Any comments?

Change the oil? Yes; I did it at 1k and 3k miles, and every 3k thereafter.
Change the other fluids? Not that I've ever heard. Where did you read that?

> I've only received one feedback on my recent post regarding
> Road Show's exterior car cover (the one that goes over the
> upper half of the car when the top is down). It seems like 
> that's not a popular product. Then, the question is:
> During the summer time, do you folks park the car with the
> top up or down? If down, do you use any type of car covers?

The Road Show (or whoever makes it) cover is useful for protecting the
weatherstripping and stuff, especially along the top of the windshield.
Personally, I use a tonneau cover, and am very careful to treat
the weatherstripping monthly when the top's down a lot.

> It's already April 6, the temperature is still in the 40s. :(
> Can't wait any longer.....................

Then don't. That's one reason I got the tonneau cover; so I could drive
with the top down when it's 45 degrees out.

> Someone wrote to me once:
> "Miata makes driving fun again!"

Ken

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  Ken Warren             |The secrets of a good life are early nights, good
                         |food, excercise, and clean living...
  E-Mail: kenw@netaxs.com|But the secrets of a happy life are late nights,
                         |wild parties, kinky sex, and junk food!
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