January 4, 2007
Q. My 1997 Subaru Outback has 201,000 miles on it and is emitting steam from the tailpipe. The car drives great and the heat works well. I can drive it anywhere as long as I carry water with me. There is no water in the oil and no exhaust gases in the coolant. What is wrong?
A. This is a classis example of a faulty cylinder head gasket failure. The most accurate method to diagnose the problem is to look for trace amounts of hydrocarbons in the cooling system. An infrared exhaust gas analyzer is the most accurate tool for this. Any reading over 10 parts per million would indicate a problem. Considering the mileage on the engine, a complete engine overhaul or used replacement engine may be the most practical solution to the problem.
Q. I have a 2002 Chrysler Sebring with alloy rims and the tires are always losing air. Different dealers and mechanics have told me this occurs in all cars with this type of wheels. One dealer suggested filling the tires with nitrogen instead of air. What do you think of this suggestion? Other than replacing the rims, do you have any thoughts on the matter?
A. The wheels actually corrode and cause a poor seal between the tire and the wheel. I don’t think the nitrogen would slow the leak(s) appreciably. At AAA we have been using a tire sealant called Slime. This has been very effective as a flat repair solution and may just solve the slow leaks with your wheels.
Q. My 2000 Civic EX has 45,000 miles on it, and I was told recently I need to replace the front rotors. I have had my brakes inspected three times during the year but there was not a clue the rotors had to be replaced. How often do brake rotors need to be replaced and what is the general cost of such repair?
A. Brake rotors need to be replaced when they become unserviceable due to excessive wear or distortion. There is a minimum thickness for brake rotors and when the rotor approaches this thickness they need replacing. This can happen due worn brake pads or distortion from heat buildup. According to AllData (the technical database I use), the brake rotors cost $69.95 each, and when replaced with a typical brake service add about an hour to the cost of the service.
Q. My 2000 Taurus Wagon with 100,000 miles is sagging in the back. Although this car doesn’t handle like a sports car, lately it has been worse than ever. Would new shocks help?
A. The shocks may improve the handling but the car is sagging due to worn rear springs. If you replaced the shocks without replacing the springs, this would only be a short-term fix and the new shocks would wear out very quickly. Replace the shocks with the springs. The new springs will run about $56 each and will take about three hours to install.
Q. My husband and I have a 2003 Dodge Ram and the heat is not working properly. When the truck is sitting idle, the blower is on but no heat comes out. When I accelerate, heat starts blowing. Do you know what this could be and how much it might cost?
A. Start with a check of the basics. If the coolant level is low you will have very poor heat at idle and it will improve once you are underway. If the coolant level is OK, then check the vacuum controls for the heater system.
Q. I am in the market for a new station wagon. I am interested in the Passat, Saab, Volvo and BMW. I want the best value for my money and the things that are most important to me are safety, gas mileage, handling, smooth engine shifting and comfortable seats. What is your opinion?
A. Mt first choice would be the Volvo XC70. It offers the best combination of safety, handling ride and comfort. My second choice would be the Volkswagen Passat with 4motion (Volkswagen’s all-wheel-drive system). Both these cars have what you are looking for with the addition of all-wheel drive to help keep you out of trouble when the road gets slick.
