I recently wrote about a thief who obtained the vehicle identification number (VIN) of a Ram owner and cut an unauthorized key to gain easy access to the truck, negating the need to break a window. With a VIN, a thief can obtain a key code and cut a physical key. They shouldn’t be able to, but they do. These codes should only be used at the dealer level or by a licensed locksmith. Although this unauthorized key may not be a smart key, allowing the vehicle to start will unlock the driver’s door.
You answered and one suggestion that came up more than half a dozen times was to hide or cover the VIN on the dash. Unfortunately, covering it is no longer a strong deterrent against theft. A vehicle’s VIN is available to anyone using your license plate number. I’m not a legal expert, but as I understand it, no driver is ever issued a VIN and when the car is sold, the VIN goes with the vehicle. Therefore, it is not considered personal information. Is your license plate considered personal information? That’s a tough question, one I’m not qualified to answer.
Regardless, there are several ways to get a VIN from a license plate, one way is to use the Carfax Car Care app on your phone. I downloaded the app, created an account and typed in my personal car number plate and there it was. The total time spent was about two minutes. Carfax integrates with most auto repair billing systems and tracks vehicle maintenance. They also have access to the records of motor vehicle agencies, finance and insurance companies, auto auctions, and police departments in Canada and the United States. All of this is provided without any personal information and is extremely valuable to second-hand and third-hand buyers of any vehicle.
The Big Brother is watching analogy is something I’m sure every vehicle history report company has to deal with, and honestly, I’m on the fence. When I think that others can access information about my car on the Internet, it gives me pause. Then I think once the car sells I probably won’t care anymore. what do you think
Your automotive questions answered
Is engine flushing and decarbonization different? Is it necessary for a 2019 Nissan kicks S? What is the difference? – Michael M.
Yes, they are very different. An engine or oil wash is a chemical service that sees an oil wash product added to the engine crankcase. A technician then runs the engine for 20 minutes with the product in the oil, on the hoist. After this time, the oil including the recently added chemical is drained and an oil change is completed.
A decarbonization is a service that is done through a chemical or mechanical process. Newer vehicles have a direct injection system, where the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. This direct fuel injection process can cause a significant amount of carbon to build up in the engine’s intake valve.
Oil flushing is rarely a mandatory service requirement by the vehicle manufacturer, it is the dealers who offer this service. That said, there are times when an oil flush can offer benefits, such as when an engine is suffering from a lack of oil changes or overdue maintenance. However, if you are punctual with your maintenance, there is no need to flush the oil.
Some vehicles seem to suffer from early carbon build-up more than others. For those who suffer from this, they can certainly benefit from decarbing. However, your Nissan Kicks is not one of them, so to answer your question, I highly doubt your vehicle requires any of these services.
Hi Lou, nice to see you again regularly. I have a comment and a question. I just read your article on repairing the thermostat in a 2019 Subaru Forester with some interest since I own a 2020 Outback. The Subaru warranty states that the engine and drive train are covered for five years or 100,000 kilometers. It seems to me that at 70,000 miles this should be covered under warranty unless the thermostat is somehow off the engine. My experience with Toyota with various vehicles is that this type of repair was always considered a warranty item. – Fred S., Nanaimo BC
Most manufacturers use these similar terms, which are: anything internally lubricated when referring to five-year or 100,000 kilometer engine and drivetrain warranties. That is, internally lubricated by oil. A thermostat is located inside the cooling system and is therefore not internally lubricated. The Subaru in question would probably only have had a 60,000 mile warranty on the thermostat. I would also imagine that most Toyotas would have a similar 60,000 thermostat warranty.
Lou Trottier is the owner and operator of All About Imports in Mississauga. Have a question about maintenance and repair? e-mail globedrive@globeandmail.computting “Lou’s Garage” in the subject line.
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