OK to fill up with non-oxy gas?
Q: To the best of my knowledge, in Minnesota it is illegal to use non-oxy gasoline in any vehicle except classic/collector vehicles, off-road, farm and small engines, etc. If my info is incorrect,
I’d love to know, so I can start using non-oxy in my Grand Cherokee. I have a 1963 Principality of Monaco T-bird that is run using only nonoxy fuel. — J.J., Minneapolis
A: According to Minnesota statutes under section 239.791 OXYGENATED GASOLINE, “a person responsible for the product shall ensure that all gasoline sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must contain at least the quantity of biofuel required.” The gas pumps must have a notice stating that nonoxygenated gas is for use in collector vehicles, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles and small engines only. Although I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express one night, I am not a lawyer, but I concur your T-bird passes, but not your Jeep. Besides, the onus appears to be on the seller, not the buyer. Happy motoring.
Q: I have a 2016 Ford Explorer that recently started smelling musty when the A/C is first turned on. The service writer at the local Ford dealership said there isn’t anything that can be done except maybe spray an antibacterial into the ducts. This doesn’t sound right. It seems to me that the evaporator pans should have drains and maybe are clogged and can be cleaned. What is your thought? — C.J., Richfield, Illinois
A: If the evaporator drain is clogged, the evaporator will ice up, blocking airflow. As the car sits overnight, the dark, warm moist environment is like a petri dish for microorganisms. The simplest solution is to turn off the A/C and put the fan on high for the last five minutes of driving to dry out the HVAC plenum.
Q: I have a vehicle that has lots of automation and I would like to know if it is better to let the car’s automation handle the tasks or do it myself. I set the vehicle on the biggest following distance available when using cruise control. I was wondering if I should allow the vehicle to do the braking and the acceleration or to do it myself. When traveling freeway speeds, I never use the autobraking. I apply the brakes way sooner. — S.H., Ham Lake, Minnesota
A: Autonomous vehicles are making their way into the nation’s fleet. Little by little, computers are replacing humans. This is usually a good thing since computers never get distracted. Their reaction time is better than us. Computers also control fuel use better. I consider myself an excellent driver, but my cruise control constantly beats me in the MPG competition.
Q: A few weeks ago, you mentioned always going with the tire pressures stated on the vehicle sticker, regardless of what the tire capacity states on the sidewall. What about antique cars? I have an original unrestored 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 that my father bought new in Feb 1961. The manual says 22 psi but that was for the old bias ply tires. It has Coker Classic radials now and I drive the car at 32-34 psi. Max inflation is 40 or 44psi. — H.S., Chicago
A: Bias ply tires are more sensitive to overheating. For this reason, lower cold inflation pressures are often specified. Inflating your radials as you do is probably fine. I suggest contacting Coker for their professional opinion.
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.
His writing also appears in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest.