Dave Redinger The Neighborhood Mechanic 11/30/05
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DAVE
REDINGER
ASK THE NEIGHBOURHOOD MECHANIC
The cold weather brings with it snow and worse
SALT. Check the body work on your car for stone chipping and rust damage.
The longer you let rust stay, the more complicated and costly it becomes to
fix.
Most companies
have the opinion that tires should be replaced after
approximately six years. Correct? My question being, I have a 1998 New Beetle I put snow tires on every fall. Therefore my original summer tires, are only on for about six months of the year. I hate to throw them out. My only concern, is wondering when they are going to give out.
I don't think the tires would blow out as
much as they loose grip
The six year recommendation on tire
replacement is for units that are out in the weather all year long. Usually
after six years in the field the tires are worn out anyway...Based on your
using the tires only 6 months of the year I don't think you should have a
problem squeezing another season out of them. After that I would replace
them. Better still take them to a reputable dealer and get their opinion.
I have a 1992 Dodge
Spirit. In reasonably good condition with 186,000 kms. I have had several
instances requiring the changing of the Oxygen Sensor. The gentlemen who
have been responsible for servicing the vehicle are at a loss to account
for the repeated necessity to change the sensor. Can you help?
I
personally don't think the oxygen sensor is defective...Oxygen senor codes
can be generated for several reasons. Lean operation conditions are the
primary cause of a low Oxygen reading. Look for a plugged fuel filter,
plugged EGR system, defective throttle body, or a simple vacuum leak.
Anti-freeze leaking into the combustion process can also damage the
sensor...In short have the techs spend more quality time with your car.
Dave Redinger a mechanic with over 40 yrs of experience operates his
shop “DOCTOR H HONDA SPECIALISTS in Toronto for the last 24 yrs. Dave can be heard every Saturday morning at 9:00 on “THE NEIGHBOURHOOD MECHANIC” on Am740
Email your questions to: stikky@ca.inter.net or AM740.ca
Vol 17
Dave's Past Columns