There’s a little leeway when it comes to an oil change
Q: I have a 2014 Highlander with 86,100 miles. My last oil change was mid-march 2020 at 80,000 miles. Should I go more than 12 months between changes because it will be more than two months before we reach 90,000 miles? — D.Z., Westville, Ind.
A: Although I don’t encourage it, you may fudge a little when it comes to oil changes. A couple of months or 10,000 is stretching it a bit, so I suggest that you at least check the oil level and add some if it is low.
Q: My 2011 Honda Pilot sits most of the time and the battery slowly drains, so I keep it on a battery tender. Since I live in Minnesota with its winter cold, how often should I unhook the tender and drive the car for errands and such?
I change the oil regularly, but during the pandemic, I’m hardly driving either of my cars. My other car, a 2019 Toyota Highlander, is used sparingly but regularly. It’s the Pilot that sits. — B.R., Eden Prairie, Minn.
A: Driving the car for short trips such as errands is probably not enough to fully charge the battery. Short trips, where the engine may not reach normal operating temperature, is considered severe operation. Engines enjoy road trips. Let the Pilot rest and drive the Highlander.
Q: My one and only car remote fob to my 2006 Cadillac STX is in a snowbank in my yard somewhere.
I have ordered online and received two remote fobs that are identical to the one I lost, part numbers match, etc.
I am seeing various videos on Youtube, etc., that show how I can program the two new remotes myself. Is it really that easy? I have called two different Cadillac dealers and have gotten quite a price spread for another key, from $33 to $68.
For programming the two remotes, I got price quotes from $86.44 to $153. Can a regular locksmith do this kind of programming of remotes? — M.W., Cambridge, Minn.
A: Do not trust the simple instructions you find on the Internet. Leave this job to a dealer or locksmith. If you bought the car and have taken it to the same dealer for service, they may pair the new fob for free. If your dealer charges, a locksmith will usually charge a lot less.