Da Vinci center offers summer camp
The Da Vinci Science Center will offer a variety of in-person summer camps for kids entering kindergarten through ninth grade. Campers can discover the science behind the colors of the rainbow, dig for the secrets of dinosaurs, and create code that brings robots to life. Experienced educators will lead hands-on activities that inspire campers to think creatively, be curious, and learn through their own observations and discoveries.
In addition to a face mask requirement, Da Vinci has also limited camp capacity to allow for enhanced social distancing, and will assign each camper their own supplies for the week. Temperature checks and wellness screenings will also be required upon entry. The Summer Camp Health & Safety Plan is subject to change based upon updated public health guidance.
Registration is open now for the weeklong sessions. Virtual camp options will be made available later this spring. Da Vinci recognizes that these are difficult times, yielding unpredictable situations, so registration can be canceled or transferred with a full refund/no charge up to 14 days prior to the start of camp.
For a list of camp options, dates, costs, including early bird discounts, and other details, go to www.davincisciencecenter.org/ summer-camp.
Q: With the advent of EVs and the need for thousands of charging stations, who is going to pay for them and will there be a cost to use one? If so, how much? — P.J., Carol Stream, Illinois
A: Good question, but one that I cannot answer in just a few words. Some stations are free, some you pay per kilowatt. There is no standard fee that I know of. Some are installed by retail businesses at their own cost to attract more customers who may spend more time shopping. Some stations are connected to the power grid, while some are solar-powered, especially in public municipal lots. The U.S. Department of Energy has an in-depth publication that may answer more of
your questions.
Q: We came upon a problem that the dealer and two shops can’t fix. The brake pedal, which did catch at the normal amount in its travel, must now be depressed nearly to the floor before it grabs. The master cylinder has been changed, the front brake pads and rotors have also been replaced, and the fluid has been bled. The dealer states it is fine. It’s definitely not. My wife and I would like to keep the vehicle, but do not like the fact that the pedal feels like it’s not going to work. We may need a newer ride, but we love the van. Any idea as to what may be going on? Thanks for a great column; I have enjoyed reading it for the past 30 years. — M.M., Marengo, Illinois
A: If I am not mistaken, the pushrod connecting the brake pedal to the master cylinder is adjustable. Some master cylinders have a deeper dimple requiring a lengthened push rod.
Q: I haven’t heard about snow tires for many years. I think I remember my father having them a long time ago. I usually just get good all-season tires. Recently, my son-in-law in Wisconsin said everyone has snow tires. I asked what do you do with the regular tires during the winter and vice versa. Many of us live in apartments, condos and townhomes and don’t have space for that. What are your feelings on snow tires in Chicagoland? — C.A., Aurora, Illinois
A: Flatlanders, which cheeseheads like to refer to Illinoisans as, may not need winter tires. All-season tires will suffice most of the time. But when the terrain becomes a bit hilly, winter tires will usually get you where you are going much better. Winter tires are not necessary in climates where it seldom snows, but this year that is almost nowhere. Yeah, storing your tires is a hassle.
Q: Last year, I purchased a 2008 BMW 328i, but I only received one key. I asked the local BMW dealer about purchasing a spare key. The service rep quoted me $261 for the key itself, plus $176 labor to reprogram the key, plus
$47 in shop supplies, plus $34 tax. This looked somewhat high, so I politely declined.
Are you aware of any way I can purchase a spare key at a lower cost? — M.W., Englewood, Florida
A: Unfortunately, the only way to get a brand new, original BMW key fob is to buy it from the dealer. But if you search online, you will find used fobs and even some reconditioned fobs for much less. Of course, you will still need to get it programmed. I would refuse to pay for shop supplies. No supplies are consumed and no hazardous wastes need be handled.