The Rice Patch

Tip of the week: We have come across some bad products and want to make folks aware. If you are having an issue with the valve cover on the Honda V6, DO NOT buy the Amazon El cheapo. They are not correctly built and cause a vacuum leak, high idle, poor gas mileage, and check engine lights. Source a good condition used part or quality brand new part.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1HVhiu8qd2/

www.facebook.com

Tip of the week: As we deal with the rising fuel prices we encourage you to not try to "top off" the tank when gassing up. Only let the pump click once or twice, if you continue clicking trying to reach a certain number or get as much as you possibly can in the tank you are actually putting more than is intended to be in the tank and will likely cause issue with the emissions system, especially in later model vehicles. It often causes the emission system to pull fuel into the charcoal tank and solenoids causing them to fail.

A few cars we have for sale on the Dacustoms side:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1688270042287985/?mibextid=dXMIcH

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1072626062193184/?mibextid=dXMIcH

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1031220109623465/?mibextid=dXMIcH

www.facebook.com

Tip of the week: (Disclaimer: WE DO NOT SELL TIRES) We do buy tires for our cars though, so we wanted to give same some tips we found helpful. Two important specs that are often overlooked when purchasing tires are the treadwear and date code.

Treadwear will determine how long the tires will last, which is what most budget conscious folks are interested in. This number ranges from 100-1000. Average tires run in the 300-500 range, the higher the rating the longer the rubber should last. As you can see in the pics we went for budget tires with 520 (Starfire on an Odyssey)and 600 (Summit on the shop truck). So if you are at Wally World and it says 300, realize those won't last long. It might be worth a trip to a local tire shop to check their budget offering for better treadwear ratings.

The date code is insightful whether purchasing used or new tires because it tells the week and year it was manufactured. Tires age even sitting on the shelf and "dryrot" does effect longevity of the tire. As you can see in the pics the tires we purchased recently were made in 2025. If you are looking at tires on a rack, especially if you prefer used, check the date code. The older they are, the less use you will get even if they have good tread.

For a limited time, receive 10% off brake services and A/C repairs. You must mention this post to receive promo.

Tip of the week: If your vehicle is starting to sound like an airplane taking off or like you have mud tires you should get the wheel bearings checked. The noise is an indicator of damage that will continue to get worse. Thankfully this vehicle came in before the wheel came completely off, but it wasn't far from catastrophic failure.

Tip of the day: Be aware of what parts being installed on your vehicle! This timing belt was installed 6 months ago by an independent mechanic and broke yesterday. Dried rubber doesn't last long. We only use OE level manufacturers for these vital timing parts, specifically Gates timing belts, and never buy timing parts from Amazon or eBay, the bent valves are just not worth it. (Cost of consequential repair $2500+)

Tip of the week: Having electrical issues? Check fuses. Not only for blown fuses but also for fuses that may be missing or have been put in the wrong spot! 😔 Yes it happens, even to professionals (surely not!). Unfortunately we have seen two cases of this recently. It's easy enough to check on Hondas, there is almost always a diagram close showing fuse location, size, and system. Under the hood the diagram is often on the cover (as pictured), there is also a fuse box under the dash that may have a cover, may not, but the diagram is usually close to it. Please be sure to use the correct fuse size, using too small will likely blow again quickly, too large may fry the wiring harness (very costly). Buying the correct fuse and keeping spares is aways cheaper than the repair from using the wrong one. Also if you blow a fuse multiple times be sure to schedule with us to get it on and see why. There's always a reason!

If you drive thru flooded streets and your vehicle dies, please do not start the vehicle. It is in your best interest to just leave the vehicle and walk to safety. Starting the vehicle could result in engine being hydrolock which in turn results in complete engine replacement. Please turn around if unsure of the waters ahead of you.

Send a message to learn more