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Is canned flat tire sealer a good option versus a spare?

- Bob Weber Motormouth

Q: Several weeks ago, I wrote you concerning the lack of spare tires in new vans. I purchased a 2 0 1 9 Pacifica. During the last couple of months, I have visited several auto parts stores looking for “canned flat tire sealer” to carry in the van. Is this a good alternativ­e to have in the van in case of a flat? Would you have any recommenda­tions as to brand or type? Would have any other suggestion­s for this situation. — E.Z., Chicago A:

Your van comes with a space saver spare tire. If your regular tire has a slow leak, you may not need the spare right away. Aerosol tire sealer/inflator products do work — temporaril­y. I can’t vouch for a particular brand. Just be sure you choose a product stating that it is safe for tire pressure monitor systems (TPMS).

Q: My daughter’s BSW system in her 2 0 1 7 Hyundai Tucson stopped working recently for no reason. What would be the best and most economical option to have it checked for a solution to have it repaired: dealer, independen­t garage, body shop, other? Love your column, very informativ­e. — P.R., Evergreen Park, Illinois A:

The first option is to use the vehicle’s setup functions found in the touchscree­n system. There are a number of steps to reach the blind spot warning setup, but once there you may toggle the warning system on or off. Although

your owner’s manual may have the informatio­n, I discovered a couple of YouTube videos that may be more helpful. Do a little surfing.

Q: I agree with your sentiment on handicappe­d parking. Some years ago, I saw a sign below the (ubiquitous) wheelchair sign that read: “If you are not handicappe­d when you park here, you will be before you leave!” Still cracks me up!

— K.D., East Haddam, Connecticu­t

A: Ouch!

Q: Why do drivers — mostly men who drive pickups and large SUVs — back into the parking space in parking lots? My observatio­n is usually in grocery store, big box or shopping mall parking lots. During this process, they block the entire roadway between the rows of cars while they attempt to maneuver their large vehicle into the parking space. It seems much more efficient and less time-consuming to drive

your vehicle face forward into the parking space. — L.P., Eden Prairie, Minnesota A:

Hey, Mrs. Motormouth drives our full-size pickup. I had a part-time job driving a truck delivering auto parts and was trained to always back into the parking space. If I didn’t, the GPS would rat on me and I’d get scolded. Pulling forward out of a parking space is safer. The driver has a better view than backing out. It’s also easier to slip the truck into the spot because you can cut it sharper. It’s like pushing a shopping cart backward. Test that once you get inside the store.

Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by seeking certificat­ion every five years. Weber’s work appears in profession­al trade magazines and other consumer publicatio­ns. Send questions along with name and town to motor mouth.tribune@gmail.com.

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 ?? DREAMSTIME ?? A reader’s van has a space saver spare tire.
DREAMSTIME A reader’s van has a space saver spare tire.

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