How To
John Paul, AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor, hears from a reader trying to protect an older car from rusting out.
Q. We live near the water. I had to junk my 2007 Buick because of undercarriage rust. I had it for nine years, but things got worse when we moved near the water. Now I have a 2015 Buick with 75,000 miles. It looks perfect and I would like to keep it that way. I bought a car cover, but I am not sure that would help or could even make things worse by trapping moisture. Should I just make sure to get frequent undercarriage washes to keep the salt away? Any advice would be appreciated. I really want to know the best way to keep my car the way it is.
A. Living in the salt belt and near the ocean is extremely hard on any vehicle. The car cover will help keep the car looking good but over time some covers can trap moisture. Removing the car cover from time to time on a sunny day to let the car dry out is a good idea. At 11 years old the car may be too old to undercoat with a product like Waxoyl. Still I would have the undercarriage evaluated to see if adding the extra protection of a rustproofing material makes sense. At this point if nothing else, get an undercar wash during normal car washes. This will wash away any accumulated salt and brine.
Q. Although I am older and not doing many physical tasks anymore, I grew up in the time of carburetors and manual everything – doors locks, windows, transmissions. Your column reminds me of better times, so thank you for that. I am all in favor of change for the better, but some car manufacturers are just changing things purely for financial reasons with all of the negative going to the buyer. I am talking about spare tires. For some reasons manufacturers think that having to tow your car to a garage in the middle of the night off a major highway is better than having the guy change it right there. There is absolutely no advantage to not having a spare of some type. I am certain I am not the only one feeling this way. Do you have any thoughts about getting a spare? What have other people done?
A. At AAA we would like to see more spare tires. At last count there are over 100 makes and models of vehicles over the years that do not have a spare tire. The flat tire repair kit compressor and sealer can work with some punctures as a temporary fix. Still, like you I want a spare tire. Some models have enough room to put in a spare, jack and wrench once you take out the spare tire kit and foam. Readers have told me they have had good luck with this company. Modern Spare makes a complete lightweight spare tire kit that may offer a solution. Even with a spare tire, I keep a self-contained air compressor in the car. I would rather air up a low tire than change it by the side of the road.
Q. In April, the check engine and dynamic tracking lights came on in my Subaru Crosstrek with 58,000 miles. I brought the car to my local shop where they have been doing the maintenance and repairs on our family’s cars for years. A diagnostic check was performed, and they ended up changing a sensor. Four days later the lights came back on. Another diagnostic check was performed, and they were unable to locate an issue. I then took the car to a Subaru dealer, explained the problem and what the local shop had done. They told me the local shop did the right thing as per the diagnostic check. After the dealer’s examination, they told me the car has engine sludge and would need to be taken apart and cleaned at a starting cost for labor of $5,500. I showed them all of my maintenance records where they agreed I have been doing everything to maintain the car. The dealer ended up doing an engine flush and three days later the lights were back on. I have been driving the car for months and it runs fine. In the meantime I am not sure what to do. I know the car will not pass inspection with these lights on.
A. When the computer system detects a performance issue, it will disable the EyeSight system. Since you have been maintaining the car properly, I do not see why there would be any issues with sludge in the engine. Now some Subaru vehicles have had issues with the Thermo Control Valve (fancy engine thermostat). When this valve fails it can cause the engine to run cooler or hotter and also disable the EyeSight system. If the engine is running cool enough, the engine could start to sludge. Depending on the year and engine, Subaru extended the warranty of that part to 15 years or 150,000 miles.
Q. Periodically my 2016 Ford F-150 with a V-8 engine will lose power in third gear (automatic six speed). I pump the accelerator pedal, wait a bit, then the truck will pick up. Maybe a week or two later it will do it again. Any thoughts?
A. From your description, it sounds like a weak fuel pump or clogged fuel filter (integral to the fuel pump in the tank). The bigger issue is, the problem is inconsistent and hard to pin down. At this point I would want to hook up a scan tool to look at data. Could it be the transmission? Maybe. The direct clutch controls the two-three shift and the three-four shifts. That clutch or a sticking valve could be the issue. At this point check all the basics, and unfortunately time may be the best diagnostic tool. Once the issue becomes worse and more repeatable it will be easier to diagnose and repair.
John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE-certified master technician. E-mail your Car Doctor question to [email protected]. Listen to the Car Doctor podcast at johnfpaul.podbean.com.
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