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Question: I got a 1995 Ford Taurus, the coolant leaking really bothers me, but the repair shop said the materials only cost $20, but need 6 hours labor. You know what I mean. Have any easy way to repar it and save bucks?

Answer: If it is a major leak, you have to think about a permanent repair. Fortunately, you may try several "Leak Stopper" products at any auto parts shop and follow the instruction for a quick leaking stop, the cost is only for $5 to $8 dollars. Sometimes it only takes 20 minutes, the leaking problem will be gone. Remember to follow the instruction.

Question: I have a smoking car, any tips for that?

Answer: Yes. You should have the engine fully checked. Sometimes, the tune-up will resolve the problem, and it only cost about $60.

Question: I have a 1995 Dorge Caravan. It is coming up on its 95,000 mile service. The mechanic recommended replacing the timing belt as well as the water pump. Is it necessary to replace the water pump if it isn't leaking?

Answer: It is better do it since it may save three and half hours' labor if you do it along.

Question: I have a 1993 Sonera, on the highway above 55 miles per hour the car vibrates. What is the problem?

Answer: You must make sure the road condition is normal, then have all the tires inspected as well as the junk in the glove box, the steering and suspension components. If everything goes fine, let the tires be rebalanced or replaced.

Question: I get a strong gas smell when I shut off my car recently. The auto repair shop checked for leaks and didn't find any. What is the problem?

Answer: You may let them do a tune up and check the evaporative canister. This canister is a way of reducing hydrocarbon (HC) emissions from fuel storage areas. The system collects the fuel vapor from the fuel tank and stores it in a charcoal canister, and then directs the vapor into the engine intake system while the engine is runing. If you routinely block your car's fuel tank you can damage the evaporative canister, then cause a strong fuel smell.

Question: The check engine light is on, what happend?

Answer: You may have the auto shop check the computer system, usually one of the sensors is reading outside of its normal parameters. Sometimes it is a simple wiring problem, or a faulty idle air control valve, or the dislocation of some air take hoses.

Question: For the oil change, 3 months or 3000 miles, which one works better?

Answer: It depends on many factors, especially the road condition, the grade of gas you used, and how frequently you are driving, and how long you are driving each time. We suggest you check the engine oil to make decision.

Question: I have a 1995 Oldsmobile that runs great until I shift into reverse. In reverse the car bucks and stall. I tuned it up and changed the filters but the problem is still there, is the problem of transmission?

Answer: You should check the air intake hose between the airfilter and the throttle. If this hose is damaged it will let unmetered air into the engine and cause a stalling problem. It happened to Ford Windstar, too, and sometimes the indicator light will be on to remind you for that.

Question: I have a Toyota, when I first start the car there is a rattle under the car, after I drive for a few minutes the noise goes away. I had the repair shop check for the loose stuff under the car but they said everything was fine. Any thoughts?

Answer: Since the noise only happens when the car is cold, leave it overnight with the repair shop. When they start the next morning, they should hear the noise. The rattle may come from inside of the muffler for loose baffle. When the muffler gets hot the metal expands and the baffle stop rattling.

Question: I have a 1988 Subaru with a sunroof that no longer closes all the way. Since I can't get it closed water leaks in when it is raining. I have put duct tape over it and looks ugly. I called the dealer to quote a price to repalce the sunroof motor and found it was very expensive. I am not prepared to spend that much for this old car. Do you think used parts work for my car?

Answer: It makes sense to get used parts to things like sunroof motor. If all you want to do is close the sunroof, nearly every manufacturer allows you to close the roof manually. With most cars, there is an access hole that allows the use of a special crank to manually operate the sunroof. Please find it, why bother to use it again for the expensive motor?

Question: I am considering to purchase an old car. The car looks great, but I heard it had been in an accident on the front part. What is your worry if you buy this car?

Answer: It depends on how hard it hit at the front. The frame could be damaged. After the streaching out, the car may not perform properly. It is better spend $20 to bring the car to a mechanic for inspection. Or esle, it will be costly to have cars like that.

Question: I just bought a SUV, any suggestions to keep it tuned such as additives or oil supplements?

Answer: Be careful about the warranty. Some sue of certain additives can void your manufacturer's warranty. With the exception of occasional use of a fuel injection additive to keep the air intake valves and fuel injectors clean. It is better not to add anything additional to the engine, cooling system or transmission. By the way, call your dealer first if you want to do something like that.

Question: I just moved from South Carolina to Indiana, is there anything I should do to prepare for the Winter and the moving if I bring my Ford Taurus with me?

Answer: If your car was well maintained in South Carolina, it will be OK in Indina. As a minimum check out, you must look at the battery condition, tires, heater operation, wipers and washers, and antifreez coolant. In the Winter of Indiana, you may consider anti-rust car wash. Otherwise, it rust really fast at the bottom, especially the muffler system.

Question: Car wash in winter? Are you kidding?

Answer: Many people don't know it is much important for a anti-rust car wash in Winter than in Summer. Especially in North, Northwest, Midwest, and New England area.

Good luck!

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