What kind of snow tires should I use?
Q. I have a 2009 Acura TSX sedan. I love my car, but it is absolutely horrible in the snow. I am thinking about purchasing snow tires. My question to you is, will this even be helpful and if snow tires would help, would I need to invest in two or four tires? Any recommendations on a specific winter tire?
A. Winter tires will make a world of difference in the performance of your car. When adding winter tires, four tires is the recommendation. Four winter tires will not just improve your ability to get moving but will also great improve your car’s ability to stop on snow and ice. As a side note, a co-worker of mine lives on a hill and owned a Mazda 6 and with the all-season tires couldn’t make it to her home in the snow. She put Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires on her car and was able to make it home through the rest of the winter.
Q. My car’s bumper was recently hit and the paint was scratched, is it possible to clean this up without the entire thing refinished? I was quoted nearly $1000 by a body shop to remove the bumper cover and have is repaired and refinished. Is there a cheaper way to repair it without doing it myself?
A. I would check with your local car dealership to see if they have someone who does touch-up repairs. I have seen some repairs performed by mobile paint and bumper repair companies that were nearly as good as a conventional body shop could provide.
Q. My 2010 Ford Focus has a problem that from time to time I can’t get the ignition key to turn. Usually jiggling the key while trying to turn it will get the car going. What can I do to fix the problem before I’m left stranded?
A. The problem is a faulty ignition; the lock module will need replacing. This was very common with the year Ford Focus. The ignition switch and lock cylinder will run about $150 plus an hour or so labor to install it.
Q. Occasionally while driving the shift indicator “D’’ will start flashing. I drive a 2004 Honda Pilot and when it flashes there doesn’t seem to be any unusual driving experiences. We just replaced the timing belt and had the transmission fluid changed. When this happens we usually turn off the engine and restarted it and everything is back to normal, why? Do you think the transmission will need to be replaced?
A. The flashing shift indicator is an indication of an electrical issue with the transmission In this case the transmission needs to be checked for trouble codes just like the engine would if a service engine soon light were illuminated. The problem could be a faulty shift solenoid, circuit or the computer itself and may not be a faulty transmission.
Q. I own a 2011 Subaru Legacy, while in for its 30,000 check, the dealer told me that my car needs the front and rear differential drained and refilled. Is this needed? The old Subaru had over 150,000 miles never had this work done! My question is, at this many miles, is this really needed or are the tying to put a scare in me or trying to take advantage of an older person?
A. Subaru like many manufactures has two maintenance schedules; normal and severe. The service they are recommending is from the severe schedule and although it can’t hurt may not be necessary. According to Subaru, owner’s should use severe service intervals if they primarily operate their vehicle under any of the following conditions: driving less than 5 miles per trip or in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles per trip, driving in temperatures 90°F, extensive idling or long periods of stop and go driving, using a roof-top carrier or driving in mountainous conditions and driving on muddy, dusty or de-iced roads. Use the normal service intervals if the vehicle is primarily operated under conditions other than those listed above.
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