Do timing chains ever need to be replaced or serviced?
Dear Motormouth: I own a 2011 Toyota Camry with 116,000 miles. Is there ever a need to replace or service the timing chain due to routine maintenance? The salesperson who sold me the car said it should last the life of the car.
— G.K., Naperville, Illinois
Dear G.K.: Timing chains do last the life of the car. Timing belts, on the other hand, require routine replacement — usually around 100,000 miles. If the vehicle has an “interference engine,” one where the valves and pistons crash into each other if valve timing is lost, that engine becomes a boat anchor. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Dear Motormouth:
We purchased a 2022 Mercedes-benz GLC
300 SUV. In talking with the service manager, he indicated the need to run premium gas (91 octane) in the vehicle. I told him many gas stations carry premium (93 octane) or plus (89 octane). Are there any issues with alternating both premium and regular to get an average of 91 octane ?
— J.Z., Allentown, Pennsylvania
Dear J.Z.: I advise against switching fuels back and forth. But I am OK with mixing them together at the pump. Determine the capacity of your tank and fill halfway with each octane gas. Of course, it’s unlikely that you will have a dry tank so you have to do the math. You might try watching the fuel gauge on the dash and switch to the other octane gas at the midpoint. Of course, you
will have to finish one sale and initiate another.
Dear Motormouth: Ata recent service inspection, I was advised that the rear frame in my 2011 Ford Escape was severely rusted. Who would be able to do a repair? Is there some warranty or recall provision that I can use?
— B.H., Chicago
Dear B.H.: Ford has had several issues with subframe rust and issued recalls for 2001-04 Escapes. I am not aware of a recall for the 2011 model year. You can contact a Ford dealer and inquire, or you can go to the NHTSA website (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and enter your car’s VIN. A welding shop may be able to fix the problem.
Dear Motormouth: I have a Subaru Forester that I absolutely love and don’t want to part with unless I have to. It has 113,000 miles, and I want more. The check engine light has come on several times and has been fixed with minor repairs like the gas cap. However, the light came on a few months ago, and my mechanic said it had to do with emissions. He said if the light is flashing, it means “fatal.” Yesterday I drove it for about 15 minutes. No light. I’d like
to believe it’s a miracle and it fixed itself, but I don’t.
— N.M., Brooklyn, Michigan
The check engine light always has something to do with emissions. Of course, components in various systems (spark plugs, gas caps or even a thermostat) can go bad and cause emissions to go up and trigger the light. If the light goes off by itself, the problem was intermittent. If the problem does not reappear after 50 ignition key cycles, the light will stay off. The problem has gone away. Professional automobile technicians can examine everything using a sophisticated scanner that plugs into the onboard data link connector. Getting reliable information is worthwhile. The full report may help you decide whether to keep or sell.
Dear N.M.:
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 motormouth. tribune@gmail.com.