Leave some space when stopping behind another vehicle
Q
My best friend (of almost 55 years) and I have an ongoing disagreement and are turning to you for confirmation or denial. She stops at least one car length behind the car in front of her at a stop sign or traffic light, thinking that if hit from the rear, she won’t be sent careening into the back end of said vehicle in front of her because of that distance and her foot on the brake. I say poppycock, forward momentum is stronger than her foot on the brake. What say you? I am a faithful reader of your column!
A
This is what we say at AAA: When coming to a stop behind another vehicle you should stop far enough back to see the vehicle’s rear tires plus some pavement. There are two reasons. The first is that if the car in front of you stops running, (stalls and won’t start), or decides to go in a different direction you have enough room to maneuver around the car without backing up. The second reason is sort of what your friend thinks. In a low-speed collision that extra space may prevent you from hitting the car in front. Of course, if the car behind is really traveling fast, you are correct you will be pushed into the car in front. At the end of the day, the law of physics always wins out.
Q
I am 76 years old and own a Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Camry. I always read your column and often find an answer to an issue with one of my vehicles. My 2012 Camry is a wonderful car but has recently let water into trunk after a heavy rainstorm. A former Camry had the same issue. Is this a leak that the dealer may be able to locate and fix? I don’t mind replacing the trunk seal if it is not too expensive. I started keeping some trunk contents in a plastic container, just so they didn’t get waterlogged.
A
It would be good to get the leak fixed to avoid rust as well as mold and mildew buildup in the trunk. Unless the trunk seal is damaged, or the rear of the car was in a crash I wouldn’t expect the seal around the trunk to leak. Common water leaks with the Camry are the taillight lens seals and the rear window seal. A specialist that finds and repairs wind and water leaks should be able to find the source of the leak and permanently repair it.
Q
I enjoy your reading your Q & A’s in the paper. My question is about emissions system cleaning. I have a 2017 Impala with 12,000 on it, I only drive 3-4000 miles a year. When I had my last oil change the dealer told me I should have the emission system cleaned. It was a bit pricey over $200, so I said at my next oil change. At what mileage should this be done? With only 12,000 miles on the car, it seems too early. He also said it should be cleaned yearly even with the low mileage I drive. I appreciate your input on this.
A
As a general rule, emission systems don’t require specific cleaning. Some shops will use an additive that is run through the fuel injection system that removes deposits that can build up in the combustion chamber of the engine, fuel injectors, and the back of the intake and exhaust valves. My suggestion which is also recommended by General Motors is to use Top-Tier fuel. Top-Tier fuel has additional additives that help keep the fuel system free of deposits. For more information go to www.toptiergas.com
Q
My 2010 Mercedes E350 sedan makes this medium- to high-pitch whirring type noise when started for about 30 seconds then stops. This does not affect the driving of the car even if you start driving immediately and does not make the noise after the initial 30 seconds. This noise only occurs if the car has not been started for at least five-six hours and is worse the colder the air temperature. I had a mechanic look at it but wouldn’t make the noise for them. As a guess, they replaced a worn belt but didn’t make any difference. Any ideas?
A
The noise presents itself as a worn belt and if the serpentine belt showed signs of wear even though it didn’t fix the problem it was money well spent. The other possibility is the belt is held tight with a belt tensioner. After 10 years It is possible the belt tensioner is worn. Before I guessed again, I would leave the car overnight at the repair shop so the technician can hear the noise.
Q
I was reading about lug-nuts issues on Ford vehicles. Well, I own a 2014 Expedition, and I experienced some vibration in my wheel. So, I happen to be going to a service appointment the same day. I was told by the local Ford dealer that my vehicle lug nuts were all swelled and needed to be replaced. My opinion is, this is a Ford issue, and they refuse to address it, what can I do?
A
It is not a Ford issue but an issue for any manufacturer that uses a metal cap over the steel lug-nut. I have seen it in GM, Ford and Dodge products and it has been an issue for 30-plus years. This happens when salt and other corrosive materials get under the cap and cause the steel lugs nuts to rust, and that cause the caps to swell. If I had a vehicle with this style of lugnut I would replace them with solid lug-nuts. I just did a quick search and found solid chrome-plated lug-nuts for as little as $30-$40 for a complete set to fit your vehicle. John Paul is an automotive consumer advocate with AAA. Questions can be sent to him via email at https:// northeast.aaa.com/automotive/aaa-cardoctor/ask-the-expert.html.