Are Honda Civics As Good As They Once Were?
Q. I am interested in buying a new Honda Civic coupe, but have heard they are not as good as they once were. What is your take on the Civic?
A. The latest Honda Civic is a nice car and has improved over the past models. The previous Civic was criticized for some cost cutting but in the last two years the car has only improved. After driving a Civic for a week it may not be the best but there was nothing that I could find wrong. The Mazda 3 may handle a bit better and Volkswagen may still have a nicer interior but at the end of the day the Civic is a very good car.
Q. My 2010 Ford has been taken over by mice! I park in an old barn at work and these nasty pests crawled under the intake area of the engine and gnawed the wires. When this happened, I had both transmission and brake problems. Now, hundreds of dollars later, it seems like its fixed. I know this has been a topic in previous columns and on your radio shows, but how can I prevent this from happening again?
A.I used to think this was a winter weather problem but we are seeing it year round. I think as car manufacturers are getting away from petroleum based products in foam and as wire insulation and embracing soy, mice and other rodents like the taste. When it comes to rodents, I have heard pretty good results with a product sold through www.critter-repellant.com. Popular folk remedies also include oil of spearmint, Irish Spring soap or Bounty dryer sheets placed under the hood. Most importantly, remove any food source in the area such as bird seed, pet food, or anything else that makes your car enticing. Short of traps and poison, these solutions may help.
Q. My two-year old Ford Explorer has 22,000 miles and is still under warranty. The rear disc brakes were all rusted and the dealer said the brake rotor needs to be changed. Apparently this is not covered under manufacturer’s warranty. I believe this is unusual since the car is only used for highway driving and on weekend trips. What can I do and do you know of any recalls about this?
A. You didn’t mention if the rust is causing a problem. It is not unusual for brake rotors to rust, even just after sitting overnight, let alone for a week at a time. Generally, driving the vehicle is enough to have the brake pads clean the rust off the rotors. If there is a problem with the rear brake calipers sticking, this may also be contributing to the rusting rotors. If the rotors are deeply pitted the only answer is to replace the rotors and at the same time inspect all aspects of the brake system. I’m not aware of any updates or recalls regarding the brakes on your Ford.
Q. I have a 1969 4-speed Chevy Camaro. I would like to drive it but it has not been started for at least five years. It ran fine before it was taken off the road. What procedures would you recommend I use in starting up the engine? I do not want to break a piston ring or something. Should oil be added to the cylinders to provide lubrication before I try to start it?
A. I would start with draining the fuel tank and oil. Add fresh oil and fuel. Remove the spark plugs and add about one once of light oil (I prefer Marvel Mystery Oil) and let the engine sit overnight. Using a fully charged battery try cranking the engine. If the engine doesn’t crank, add more oil and let the engine sit again overnight. Once you get the engine cranking over, check the ignition and fuel system. Once you get the car to start, allow it get up to operating temperature. Prior to driving the car replace the coolant, oil and brake fluid. Perform a thorough inspection of the car checking brakes, suspension, belts and hoses. After a few “shake down miles’’, check the car over again. It is not unusual for old oil seals and gaskets to leak after being stored for a long period of time.
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