Do I have to change or inspect my car’s fluid?
Q. I own a 2014 Ford Fusion hybrid, during recent standard maintenance visits at two different dealerships I was told that my car was overdue for the 30,000 mile transmission fluid and filter change. I drive the car about 30,000 miles each year for work as a salesman. Each time I rechecked my owner’s manual and found on the 30,000 page that I only needed to “inspect’’ the fluid, it said nothing of changing it. I hope you can clear up the confusion on which is the correct action (to change or not to change). Is this something specific because the car is a hybrid?
A. The Fusion hybrid uses a CVT style transmission and is almost maintenance free. Certainly changing the transmission fluid can’t hurt, but unless the fluid shows characteristics of overheating, it isn’t necessary. Even if you use the severe service schedule provided by Ford, the transmission fluid is not scheduled for a change until 110,000 miles. I believe this is strictly a recommendation by the servicing dealers and not one of Ford Motor Company.
Q. I have a 2006 Honda CRV and it is reaching 35,000 on its original tires (I don’t drive much). The tires still have good tread, but I think it may be time to change them. Do you have any recommendation for a good all-season tire that wears well and does not break the bank? The originals are Goodyear and have worn well.
A. Considering the tires are nine years old, it most likely is time to replace them . Regarding tire, some tires can be noisier than others, some provide better traction and still others can help improve fuel economy. Considering you were happy with the Goodyear tires, staying with them may be a good idea.
Q. I have a Ford F-250 pick-up and the rear differential has started to make a clunking noise after being stuck pulling my boat out of the water. I had it checked at a local garage and was told the entire differential needs replacing. When I asked about using a part from a junk-yard, they told me the part wouldn’t last and suggested only new parts. What do you think?
A. I see no reason why you couldn’t use a used differential. Most good salvage yards will check out and guarantee the parts they sell.
Q. I just purchased a three year old Honda Goldwing and I love riding this motorcycle. My concern is that if I breakdown this motorcycle is so big I can’t easily move it. Have you seen any simple methods to tow this big bike?
A. A dedicated motorcycle trailer would be the safest solution. A quick check online shows these trailers in the $2500-$3500 range. If you are a member of AAA Northeast, we have just started motorcycle coverage. AAA Plus members can opt-in to a motorcycle plan for just $30 a year. Motorcycles will be towed by our fleet and/or contractor network as well as deliver fuel, air up a tire and jumpstart a dead battery.
Q. We have a 2000 Nissan 4X4 pickup. We have put in new battery cables, a new alternator, and a new battery. If the headlights or heater are on, the truck will start sputtering and quit within 30 minutes and the battery will be dead. If the headlights and/or heater are not on, it will run a little longer, but will still eventually quit. What could be wrong?
A. The output of the alternator should be checked to see exactly what is happening. At the same time you should be measuring voltage drop across any of the charging system circuits. When measuring the alternator output you need to look at both voltage and amperage. Some Nissan alternators due to a wiring problem will produce charging voltage at higher engine speeds but not under 3000 RPMs. Is this is the case the wiring from the key to the alternator needs to be checked.
Q. I have a 17 year old Chevrolet pickup with about 230,000 miles. The frame is beginning to rust! I use the truck as a second vehicle to pull a utility trailer, go to the dump and to pull my boat to and from the ramp in the spring and fall. What can be done to delay the rust problem? I know some Toyota trucks have had frame rusting problems and have been recalled and frames been replaced is there any kind of campaign for Chevrolet?
A.It really depends on the extent of the rust. If the entire frame is becoming structurally compromised, there is little you can do other than replace the frame, a very expensive proposition. If there are one or two rusted areas, perhaps it can be welded. If it is just getting rusty, clean up the rust and apply an undercoating or rust inhibitor. This will help slow the rusting process and may buy you some additional time. At some point you have to consider this is an old truck and may not be worth repairing. Recalls can be checked at www.safercar.gov
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