Missing key for locked tires
Q: I went to Costco to get snow tires. While I was waiting, I was told they could not remove my wheels because the key for the locking lug nuts was missing. I went to the Honda dealer who had rotated my tires four weeks ago for advice. I was told these are not genuine Honda locks and they could not make a new key. The car still has the original tires and wheels and I have never changed out the locks. I didn’t even know I had locks. I am now driving around with new snow tires in my car and can’t use them. What would you do? - C.K., Lake in the Hills, Illinois
A: Most wheel locks will keep honest people from stealing your fancy rims. But there are options for removing them. (Thieves already know.) Mechanics know that many auto parts stores sell special sockets that will bite onto the outside of the lug nuts but will damage their appearance at the very least, and probably destroy them. Be prepared to buy new lug nuts — locking or not. It is a small price to pay to get those winter tires installed. It is impossible to obtain the right replacement key.
Q: I just purchased all-season touring tires for my vehicle. Some reports suggest touring tires may not be non-touring all-season tires on slushy or snowy streets. What gives? How can touring tires be considered all season if they don’t fare well on slushy or snowy streets?— K.S., Chicago
A: Touring tires, whether for summer use, all-season use or winter use, are constructed to provide a comfortable ride. Incidentally, experts agree that all-season tires are good for climates that have light or occasional snow. For the snow belt they advise winter tires.
Q: I own a 2008 Toyota Solara SLE convertible with 26,000 miles of gentle use. Recently, I needed to adjust tire pressure due to temp changes by only 2 psi. After a 10-mile trip, the TPMS light came on blinking then steady indicating a malfunction. I checked pressure the next morning and it checked out OK at 32psi in each tire. Yesterday after a few errands the light came on again while I was pulling into my garage. All four tires have just over 10,000 miles. I realize the sensors have a limited life span. I just did not know if it could be something else and would appreciate your input. — R.P., Las Vegas
A: Your guess about the life span of the sensors as the problem is probably good. The sensors are battery powered and those batteries may be getting weak. You may have to replace the sensors since there’s no way to simply replace the batteries.
Q: Regarding a 2015
Chevy Impala with the 3.6-liter, V-6 engine, the owner’s manual says to change the transmission fluid as indicated in the maintenance schedule. The maintenance schedule for normal driving does not mention changing the transmission fluid. The maintenance schedule for severe driving states that the automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 45,000 miles. Does the transmission fluid need to be changed for normal driving? If so, is the fluid exchange process offered by the dealer service department appropriate? — B.M., Lisle, Illinois
A: Unless you pull a cabin cruiser, you needn’t change the ATF. But if you choose to do it, the fluid exchange process is the way to go. Dropping the pan sometimes leads to trouble.