Ask the Auto Doctor
Q : Could you inform me the best way to winterize my gas mower? Is it best to store the mower with an empty gas tank or should I keep the tank full with a stabilizer in the gas? Also should the oil be changed before the winter or in the spring before its first use? In the past I have always stored the mower with an empty tank and with fresh oil. Is this correct? — Marty.
A : I like to change the oil and spark plug before putting the mower away; I also use fuel stabilizer and/or a tri-fuel in the tank and then run the fuel dry. The same care holds true for any gas engine that will sit over the winter, except weed whackers don’t require changing the oil.
Q : I own a 2015 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck with a 5.3-liter V-8 with 35,000 miles. The truck runs great and gas mileage is 16 mpg city and 21 mpg on the highway. My question is about the engine tapping sound that has been there since day one. The dealer said it is normal. A couple of my buddies also own a 2013 and 2014 and these engines also have a ticking sound. What is the noise and is it normal? — Niles.
A : Yes, the sound is normal and is found in a lot of these LS engines. Between the high-pressure fuel injectors and hydraulic lifters some tapping sounds are normal. GM has designed and engineered one of the best engines in the world with this LS family of engines.
Q : I’m interested in buying a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid as my next vehicle, particularly for its outstanding fuel economy. How does a hybrid vehicle maintain excellent gas mileage in winter season’s cold temperatures? Doesn’t the gas engine have to start first and run until it warms up — negating the ability to run on electric and achieve high mileage statistics? —Don.
A : The Toyota Hybrid system does work well in cold weather; the gas engine does a great job of keeping the vehicle moving during the cold winter months, as well as keeping the battery charged up. The new batteries work a lot better than previous years. The gas engine initially starts first.
Q : I’m the original owner of a 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe with the 350-cubic-inch-displacement, 5.7-liter gas engine and 291,000 miles. Other than leaking some oil, the truck runs great and is extremely reliable. Cosmetically, the SUV is in excellent condition and I don’t need any of the myriad features and conveniences — like rearview cameras or a dozen airbags — that new models offer. At what point should I consider replacing it? — Chris.
A : As long as the vehicle is serviced on a regular basis, another 100,000 miles should not be a problem. If there are no rust problems, then you can always consider a new — not rebuilt — GM crate engine. A $3,500 engine replacement is far less expensive than a vehicle replacement. The worst part of these older General Motors vehicles is the rotted brake and fuel lines, fuel tank, and rusted-out rear parking brake backing plates. The 350 V-8 has a few small faults like the intake manifold gasket leakage, or exhaust-manifold-to-block-bolt failure.
Q : I’m the original owner of a 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS with 85,000 miles; its signal lights and emergency lights are not flashing on command. Sometimes they’ll work and other times they don’t. I’ve done some research and in order to replace the flasher the entire dashboard must be removed. Is there a way to get around removing the dashboard? That seems like it would create more problems for me. — Tony.
A : You’re correct; the faulty four-way flasher in the center of the dash is the problem. Removing the plastic dash panel to access the flasher assembly is not a big project. You can watch the removal and replacement video on YouTube. This is a project that will take less than an hour with a few basic tools.
Q : What are your thoughts on the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler versus the 2017 model? I currently own a 2011 Jeep Wrangler and want to trade up. — Mary.
A : The revised 2018 Jeep Wrangler has many improvements over the predecessor, including the engine, transmission, and the audio system — just to mention a few. If I were in the market for a Wrangler, then the new 2018 model would be my preferred choice.