Are jump packs really a replacement for jumper cables?
Q. I have always kept jumper cables in my car, just in case I need them. I have been recently looking at “jump-packs’’. Are these really a replacement for jumper cables?
A. I always said there are two kinds of people in the world, those who have jumper cables and those who need them. Jump packs are very handy especially if you are the one with the dead battery. In fact here at AAA we almost exclusively use jump packs for jump starting cars. In general the more you spend the better quality and more powerful jump pack you will get. The only issue with a jump pack is that they do need to be recharged periodically to be effective. Although I do have a jump pack at home, I carry a good quality set of booster cables in my car just in case.
Q. I am considering a new truck. I have always been a “Ford-man’’ but have been looking at the Ram truck. It looks great, what do you think of the newest Ram truck and is there something else I should look at?
A. The Ram truck is a great truck, the ride; handling and interior are quite good and would be a good choice. The other truck I would look at is the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado or its twin the GMC. I recently drove the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and it was a great truck. The engine was smooth and powerful developing 345 horsepower while still delivering 22 miles per gallon on the highway. The truck I drove was the four-door and it had limo like seating in the back seat. Currently all of the full size trucks today are very good, but in my opinion this latest from Chevrolet is the best.
Q. My mother suggested I contact you. I live in Fort Lauderdale Florida and am looking for a new car. I will look at the Ford Fusion hybrid and both the Honda and Toyota hybrids, but like the VW Jetta TDI. What do you think of these cars and the new technology for diesel engines? I drive a minimum of 60 miles per day, so I want something efficient and reliable that I can have for many years.
A. The Jetta TDI handles well and it easily gets 40-45 mpg on the highway. This is not like a diesel of 20 years ago; it starts up easy, doesn’t smoke and is nearly as quiet as a gasoline car. If it is in your budget, look at the Audi A3 TDI, it handles a little better than the Golf/Jetta, is a little nicer inside, more comfortable and in my opinion the five-door hatchback is a bit more stylish. Regarding hybrids, if your driving is mostly around town, the fuel economy of a hybrid can be outstanding. As an example, I once was driving a hybrid and was stuck in traffic, creeping along for 15 miles in stop and go traffic. During this time the gasoline engine start was off and consequently used no fuel. In years past I would pick a hybrid over a diesel, the diesels were slow, noisy and sometimes finicky in cold weather. The new diesels are great vehicles rivaling their gasoline counterparts. If the Jetta, Golf or A3 appeals to you, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one.
Q. I have a 1999 GMC van with 244,000 miles that won’t start without a shot of starting fluid, after which it runs fine. The fuel pump is three years old and I have changed the fuel filter twice. I have had it in the shop, and still can’t find the problem. With this kind of mileage I don’t want to put too much money into it. Do you have any idea what it could be?
A. These vehicles are very fussy about fuel pressure. The specification for this vehicle is 60-66 pounds of fuel pressure with the key on, engine off. Even a few pounds low can cause the symptom your vehicle is experiencing. Start with a test of fuel pressure, followed up with a scan of the engine, especially the coolant temperature sensor.
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