Rebuilt, Remanufactured or Used Parts ... Which Do I Use?You're faced with a major auto repair such as an engine, transmission, or differential replacement. Your service provider asks you, "Do you want rebuilt, remanufactured, or used parts?" The price differences are significant. To make an educated decision, you first need to know how these three solutions to the same problem compare. And second
People are always asking me if an extended warranty is worth buying, to which I respond, "Sure, providing you follow these tips."Make sure you know who is offering the warranty. Is it the car manufacturer or a reputable after-market company? Make sure you know who it is that's underwriting your policy. After your first mechanical breakdown is not the time to find out who your underwriter is!Know w
I've been getting a lot of mail regarding using synthetic motor oil in vehicles. Questions such as: Should I use synthetic oil? Does it work better in some cars than others? Does it cost more? Do I have to change the oil more frequently? Less frequently? Does it make my engine last longer? First of all, let's take a brief look at the history of synthetic motor oil and its introduction to the marke
Recently, a listener called my radio show with this question: "If I install a supercharger and aftermarket ignition system on my Neon, will it void the warranty?" To which I responded: "Possibly." This question prompted me to comment on installing aftermarket parts and how such installation could void the vehicle's warranty. During my soliloquy, an e mail arrived at the studio from the CEO of an a
I get this question all the time. Apparently, it's a monetary concern for many people. They are under the misconception that anyone who is "handy" and somewhat schooled can fix a car. So why pay more for the technician with "the shingle?" The best way I can answer this question is by outlining the test lineup and mission statements of ASE (The Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) and I-CAR
For years people have asked me this question quite frequently ... what kind of shop should I use for automotive repairs, a dealership or an independent shop? I have shied away from answering it because I see benefits both ways and, no matter how I answer it, someone always gets offended. I can no longer duck the question because it comes up so frequently from people everywhere. Readers in the US a
Why do brakes squeal or squeak?Brake squeal is the result of a high-pitched vibration of the brake pads. This vibration occurs because the pads are not properly insulated from the caliper or secured to the caliper. Brake pads come from the factory with anti-rattle clips, pad insulator shims, and sometimes a silicone backing that literally glues the pad to the caliper to keep the pads secure and to
Ever wonder what goes into the making of that round, black, rubber thing that holds air, we refer to as a tire? To the casual observer all tires look the same, but there's a lot more to it than meets the eye ...Modern tire construction has allowed for a degree of handling, ride comfort, traction, extended treadwear and fuel economy that far exceeds the tires of just a few years ago. Today there ar
I'm sure you've probably heard this before. "Your shocks and (or) struts are blown and need replacing." You are quoted some astronomical price and you immediately ask yourself, "How important are these things ... do I really need to replace them?" These are good questions that deserve our attention.First of all, it is important to note that not all vehicles have both shocks and struts. Some have j
Quite often the subject of motor oil comes up during my radio program. Questions such as: How often should I change the oil? What type of oil should I use? What kinds of oils are available? What do the letters and symbols on an oilcan mean?Before I answer these "Frequently Asked Questions," allow me to preface with my basic philosophy on changing oil.The single most important thing you can do to g
An internal combustion engine relies on regular maintenance of various systems to continue running trouble free. I constantly run across people that brag about the fact that they have gone some ridiculous amount of miles without proper maintenance of their cars. It always seems like their car is on the fritz.These are the same people that cry when their technician hands them a bill for several hun
Dear Tom,I have a '91 Chevy Lumina with about 95,000 miles. Twice last summer and once last week it stalled while driving. I took it to my mechanic who didn't find anything wrong with it. What could cause the stalling? Do you have any suggestions? I hate to spend a lot of money throwing parts at the problem. I would appreciate any help you can offer. Thanks.Mark in MNMark,I understand your concern
It's that time again, when you turn on the A/C to chill out from the summer heat and all you get is hot air! Ughhhh! How do you restore that refreshing, cool air to your vehicle's interior cabin so you can survive the heat? Well ... sit back and relax, and I'll tell you exactly what to expect from your shop.System Performance TestFirst, the tech should perform an A/C system performance test. He/sh
After reading an article penned by a fellow automotive professional, I was inspired to share my thoughts on the value of developing a relationship with the people who take care of your vehicles. The author of this inspiration, Dan Backus, is an automotive parts jobber (a jobber is a supplier to the automotive repair industry). Dan wrote the following to his customers:"Twenty-seven years ... not a
Your vehicle carries some pretty valuable cargo. Let's talk about a major safety aspect of your car, the braking system. Being "out of sight, out of mind," the braking systems on most people's cars go unnoticed, until a problem crops up. What are the most common signs of brake failure?Poor braking performance, (hard to stop the car)Squealing or grinding noises during brakingPulling to one side, or
With all the hoopla going on about the GM Brake Repair Litigation Settlement (on 1988 - 1993 Chevy Lumina, Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and Pontiac Grand Prix automobiles), I thought I'd dedicate a column to disc brakes ... what they are, how they work, what causes them to fail, and proper maintenance.First, let's take a brief look at the Class Action Suit against GM, which was settled
Most passenger vehicles are coming out with ABS, otherwise known as Antilock brakes. Let's take a look at their design and function. ABS uses wheel speed sensors, a hydraulic control unit, and a computerized electronic control module, which is the "brain" of the system. When the brake pedal is applied, the electronic control module monitors the speed of the wheels through the wheel speed sensors.
"Isn't it covered under my warranty?" This question is asked thousands of times a day in dealership service departments around the country. Many people assume that a car warranty entitles them to repairs regardless of environmental conditions, maintenance requirements, and/or length of time/number of miles on the vehicle. A CAR WARRANTY IS NOT AN ENTITLEMENT. It is an agreement between you and the
During the past, thirty years in the automotive industry, it has been my experience that whenever the phrase "it's covered under warranty" is used in auto repair, it's music to the ears of the motorist. Conversely, the phrase "its not covered under warranty" is received with much dissatisfaction. To clear this up, I believe all that is needed is a little education.First of all, a car warranty is n
Recently, an elderly woman called my radio show. Her husband of 32 years had passed away and she was left to take care of the household responsibilities, which included the family car. Her question? "How do I know if I'm going to a good auto repair shop?" I have been in the automotive talk show business since the early 90's, and every year the number of people who ask me this question increases. W
Don't Substitute Window Cleaner for Windshield Washer Solution!Dear Tom,I would like to know if it's OK to use regular Windex glass cleaner to refill an empty windshield washer bottle, and what damage could it do to my car's paint job? Also, what is the best cleaner for chrome?Arthur from HoustonArthur,Do you own stock in Windex? The chemicals in Windex (or another other glass cleaner) are more co
