- When is the best time to replace the spark plugs?
- What is “battery preconditioning”?
- How to repair the exhaust after an attempted theft of the catalytic converter?
Q: Hopefully, we are done with the cold and snow, but when there is a chance of very cold weather, should I put gas line antifreeze in the tank before filling it with gas?
To: There was a time when we put gas line antifreeze on every fill up. In fact, when I was a kid working at a gas station, we had gas line antifreeze sitting at the gas pump ready to sell.
Today with better fuel storage and sealed gas tanks (better gas caps) there is less need for additives in my opinion.
Now, if you left the gas cap in your vehicle and it rained, adding gas line antifreeze would take care of the water in the tank by mixing the product’s main ingredient, alcohol, with the water and fuel in the deposit and allowing it. to burn harmlessly during normal driving.
To avoid moisture in the fuel tank, just keep the fuel tank close to full when it’s cold. There will be less chance of condensation and possible freezing of the fuel line.
When is the best time to replace the spark plugs?
Q: I took my 2014 Toyota Camry in for routine maintenance, an oil change and a minor tune-up (spark plugs only). I had a feeling it was due since the car had 105,000 miles, but surprisingly there was no check engine light on or dust. How can the spark plugs be replaced if there are none of these problems?
To: You did the right thing by replacing the spark plugs before the engine light flashed. Following the owner’s manual is the right thing to do.
Toyota recommends replacing the spark plug at 120,000 miles, so you were a little early, but it was money well spent.
A flashing check engine light indicates a misfire, which could cause damage to the catalytic converter.
Car doctor:Is synthetic oil really worth the much higher price?
What is “battery preconditioning”?
Q: I’ve seen you talk about electric vehicles and how the range is reduced. Mention battery preconditioning and using the seat and steering wheel heater instead of the car heater.
First of all, what is “battery preconditioning”? Using seat warmers instead of the heater sounds both awkward and stupid.
To: Battery preconditioning in electric vehicles is heating the battery while the car is plugged in, which increases battery efficiency and range.
At the same time, while the car is plugged in, you can also heat the cabin. Depending on how far you drive and the temperature, once the cabin warms up, the seat heaters do a good job of keeping you warm.
We’re also seeing more electric vehicles using heat pumps, which are much more efficient than electric resistance heaters.
Car doctor:How can I identify the source of Honda TPMS flashing warnings?
Exhaust repair after an attempted theft of the catalytic converter
Q: Someone tried to steal the catalytic converter from my Toyota Highlander while it was parked. I do the third shift at a hospital and they must have interrupted them. When I got out the exhaust was hanging but still there. I had the car towed to a repair shop and they replaced the oxygen sensor and welded the exhaust back in place. will this be ok
To: The oxygen sensor wires were probably cut, so it makes a lot of sense to replace it. Welding the exhaust pipe in place was a perfectly acceptable and economical solution to the problem.
Unfortunately, with the high price of precious metals and the lack of documentation in some drains, these thefts can continue for quite some time.
The windows remain darkened even after the rain has stopped
Q: My rented Honda Civic, parked on the street, has moisture on all the windows even after the rain has stopped. I have to clear them all so I can see how it drives. On the front windshield, I can use the wipers. Other cars parked near mine have clear windows. Why is this happening to my car?
To: When the warmer, moister air cools (after a rainstorm), it eventually reaches a temperature at which it can no longer hold all the water and begins to condense. Speaking of weather, this is the dew point. When this happens, the moisture settles on the colder surfaces.
Other drivers may use their cars more often and there is some residual heat (warmer than the outside air) that can prevent condensation from forming.
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The other possibility is that the wax build-up from a car wash that remains on the windows is causing the moisture to stretch and run down the windows.
You may want to try a product like RainX and Aquapel. These products repel water from the glass.
My high school science is a little rusty. Meteorologists and other scientists, feel free to weigh in.
What Causes Multiple Warning Lights on My Buick?
Q: My Buick has displayed several warning lights. The first time was a check engine light that went out after a few minutes. Today a parking brake light, engine oil, battery warning and traction control light. After a few minutes the entire dash screen went out and all the warning lights went out. The dash came back on without any warning lights and the car runs fine. It has a 3.6 V6 and 53,000 miles on the clock.
To: The first place to start is to scan all the modules for codes. While the display could be faulty, it is more than likely a module-to-module communications issue. Normally, a body control module connection could be interrupted by another module. In this case, looking for codes is the first place to start.
John Paul is AAA’s Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automotive industry and is a Master Technician certified by ASE. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
