http://cartalk.com/content/columns/ The twice-weekly nationally-syndicated automotive Q&A column from America's funniest car mechanics, Tom and Ray Magliozzi. 2008, Dewey, Cheetham and Howe 2008, Dewey, Cheetham and Howe http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/2008/April/07.html Dear Tom and Ray: We own a 2005 PT Cruiser and a 2005 Pacifica, and in the next year or so we are moving to Puerto Rico from northern Illinois. We are thinking of taking the cars with us since they are not very old. I have heard different people say that cars are made for only one type of weather. Is this true or false? Would the drastic change of temperature affect the cars? Is there anything special that I need to do to them so they can adapt to the very hot weather? -- Ricardo Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/2008/April/07.html 2008-04-29T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/October/01.html Dear Tom and Ray: I would appreciate your advice concerning the best vehicle to pull a trailer of about 25 feet in length. I own neither, but have a fantasy about doing some traveling in this fashion. I'm leaning toward pulling a trailer rather than buying a motorhome. I assume I need a V8 and I'm thinking of a Ford LTD Crown Victoria. Bob Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/October/01.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/16.html Dear Tom and Ray: I have a 5-speed 1982 Honda Accord with 85,000 miles. It runs great except that the transmission slips out of third gear when I let off the gas abruptly, go over a few bumps, or drive in third for an extended period of time. Recently, fifth gear has started to act in a similar fashion, occasionally dropping into neutral with a gear-wrenching sound. I took my trusty Honda to one of these nationally known transmission fix-it shops. The salesperson informed me that I would have to pay an inspection fee of $200 to take apart the gearbox and provide an estimate for repair regardless of whether or not I elect to have the transmission repaired at that shop. Does this sound right to you? Richard Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/16.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/15.html Dear Tom and Ray: I've heard you guys talk about antifreeze and the need to replace it every year or two because of radiator rusting. Antifreeze is getting so expensive that I was wondering if you could just add a small can of rust inhibitor to prevent rusting? Henry Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/15.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/14.html Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/14.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/13.html Dear Tom and Ray: I'm having trouble understanding Mercedes Benz model designation. Would you please explain it to me so I can tell what a 190 E 2.6 is? Rob Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/13.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/12.html Dear Tom and Ray: I have a 1986 Subaru GL 4WD Wagon. The car runs perfectly and has gone over 40,000 miles. A minor problem occurs when the car is in first gear on a very steep hill, headed downhill. It will sometimes pop out of gear. If I place my hand on the gear shift, the light pressure is enough to keep it from popping out. What is your diagnosis? Mark Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/12.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/11.html Dear Tom and Ray: I have an esoteric one for you. I have a 1977 Dodge Van, slant 6, 4 speed manual transmission. Twice--at 80,000 and 100,000 miles, the coil died. Each time it died within ten minutes of being on the local Air Force Base. Could there be some electrical pulse or field on an air base that would zap a coil? Angela Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/11.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/10.html Dear Tom and Ray: I originally bought my Toyota Tercel because of its excellent repair record and planned to put a couple of hundred thousand miles on it. Now, I'm worried. The car is four years old, has approximately 60,000 miles on it, the oil has been changed every 3000-5000 miles, and it has never had any repair problems until now! Several weeks ago, I was trying to shift into fifth gear and was unable to. When I tried to downshift into second to pull over, I couldn't do that either. Well, $1100 later the mechanics told me the shift rod had broken and basically demolished my transmission including the clutch. What's worse is that now the shifting is poor compared to what it was before. The first few times shifting into second in the morning is difficult, and third is even worse. Of course, the mechanics deny there is any difference and refuse to do anything. What did I do to deserve this type of abuse? Lynn Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/10.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/09.html Dear Tom and Ray: I have a 1969 Lincoln sedan, butterfly doors, white leather upholstery in excellent condition. It was my husbands. I have finally come to the point where I can let some one else enjoy it, although I don't want just anybody to have it. How can I find someone who will give it loving care, and who should I contact to find its approximate value? Georgia Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/09.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/08.html Dear Tom and Ray: After years of buying "dogs," I had an old Chevy Nova and a Vega, I am ready to move up. Is the 1990 All-trac Camry safer to drive in the snow and rain, and is it worth the cost? Do you recommend the anti-lock brakes for the money? How about air bags for the money? Paul Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/08.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/07.html Dear Tom and Ray: It has been a long time since I bought a car, and I need some advice--immediately--on how to go about it. I bought my 1971 Datsun 510 in 1973, and it's time to get another car. The reason for the urgency is that my credit union is having a one day "sale" on used Hertz 1988-1989 rental cars next week. I will have only 12 hours to think about the car, and I suppose, try it out. It is, of course, not returnable after that. Is it wise to try to buy a car under the circumstances set up by the credit union? Trudy Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/07.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/06.html Dear Tom and Ray: I've had a couple of Volvos that have taken me well over 100,000 miles each. One was a 1980, my current one is an '82. Here's the question. Both cars have, in a hose that snakes around the fuel injection system, a small bronze coil. When I bought the first Volvo, the coil was almost completely plugged with oily crud; I cleaned it but couldn't tell any difference in performance. The second one, which now has 160,000 miles on it, is pretty clean. The conventional wisdom of the mechanics I've discussed this with is that it's for fire suppression, that it's "overkill" by the Volvo engineers, and should be removed and discarded. Should I keep it or throw it away? Steve Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/06.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/05.html Dear Tom and Ray: I ran across an interesting bit of history recently. It seems that Cord made a front wheel drive car in 1929. I also found out that Mr. Cord put himself in dire straits with the Securities and Exchange Commission by valuing and devaluing his stock. I understand he finally left for some South American country with a suitcase full of money. My question is; if in 1929 it was possible to provide front wheel drive, why was the idea shelved until the late 1970s? John Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/05.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/04.html Dear Tom and Ray: I was going to ask for advice about what car to buy, but I just found one I fell in love with. I just bought a 1983 Toyota Cressida Wagon. It has almost 70,000 miles, but it looks beautiful, seems to have been well cared for, and is generally in good shape. This is the first car I've ever owned that I really like, and I want to take great care of it so it will last a long time. Now, there seem to be two schools of thought among mechanics I've spoken to. One is not to do any repair work until something breaks, and the other is to do maintenance on a schedule whether it looks like it needs it or not. What is your advice? Gail Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/1989/September/04.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/2006/December/13.html Dear Tom and Ray: I ran across an interesting bit of history recently. It seems that Cord made a front wheel drive car in 1929. I also found out that Mr. Cord put himself in dire straits with the Securities and Exchange Commission by valuing and devaluing his stock. I understand he finally left for some South American country with a suitcase full of money. My question is; if in 1929 it was possible to provide front wheel drive, why was the idea shelved until the late 1970s? John Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/2006/December/13.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/2008/April/06.html Dear Tom and Ray: I have a 2001 Chrysler Town & Country with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine and 134,000 miles on it. I use it to deliver mail for the U.S. Postal Service. One day I refilled my antifreeze, and a week later, it was empty. This past week I put in two gallons and now it's empty again. There's nothing on my driveway, so the car's not leaking. So, where is all of that antifreeze going? Please help. -- James Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/2008/April/06.html 2008-04-23T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/2008/April/05.html Dear Tom and Ray: My mom listens to your show constantly, and I have to say, it's a whole lot better than when she listens to Rush Limbaugh. Anyway, I've decided to change my own oil, as I have a part-time job delivering pizzas and I hate shelling out $50 every three months or so. I've done some research online, and what I've found is scary -- between risking getting crushed by a mislaid car jack and burnt by a hot engine, I'm ready to rethink my plan. What are your expert opinions on the safety of an oil change by a first-time do-it-yourselfer? -- Katie Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/2008/April/05.html 2008-04-22T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/2008/April/04.html Dear Tom and Ray: Last year a friend gave me a nearly new set of tires for my Toyota Tacoma 4x4. I'm a cyclist who puts about 14,000 miles a year on my bicycles, so I drive very little. At the rate I drive, it might be five years or more before I need to install these tires on my truck. Is there anything I need to do in terms of storage and preservation so these tires are safe to use in the future? Or should I sell them now, while they're still in usable condition? -- James Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/2008/April/04.html 2008-04-16T04:00:00Z http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/2008/April/03.html Dear Tom and Ray: My brother-in-law, Sam, thinks our wheel bearings are "going bad" on the right rear. My husband, James, and I don't hear any noises that would suggest a problem. But ever since Sam put the idea into James' head, he's been set on fixing it. We've done fairly simple repairs ourselves in the past, but I don't think we should do this one, for two reasons: (1) I'm not convinced there's anything wrong, and (2) it's too complicated to perform by ourselves with no experience at all in this area. My question: How do we know if the bearings are "going bad," and should we do it ourselves or take it to a professional? -- Tegan Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns//Archive/2008/April/03.html 2008-04-08T04:00:00Z