DENNIS O’SULLIVAN’S AUTO Q&A
QUESTION
The other day, while I was driving, I looked out my back window and it looked like it was covered with a sheet of ice. This was on one of the hottest days of the ye ar. I parked my 2010 Ford Focus, got out, looked at it and like I said, it looked like a sheet of ice. I got in my car and I guess the vibration of the door closing caused the glass to shatter a bit. As I was driving home, more and more glass broke off as the picture shows. Do you have an idea what may have happened here? I have had the car since new. Anyone that I have spoken to, say that they have never seen this happen before.
Thanks very much. Ruth
ANSWER
Ford has had a problem over the years with the shattering of the glass on the rear of the Ford Escapes but as to date, I do not think anyone knows why. I have not as of this date, personally had any complaints of the rear glass shattering on the Ford Focus.
There are theories such as the glass getting chipped by a stone and then shattering when the shutting of the door creates pressure from within the car. It is also possible that an undetected defect in the glass has caused the glass to shatter.
It was thought for years that a fast temperature change would shatter the glass and that has proven to be true not only in the Ford products but other manufactures as well. Unfortunately, you will never know why the rear glass shattered but I want you to contact your dealer and ask if Ford is doing anything for a shattering rear glass problem that they know exist in some of their vehicles. Your insurance will also cover the replacement of the rear glass minus the deductible.
READER’S COMMENT
I always enjoy reading your column, and I'm a woman in her mid-60's who understands cars and their operation about as well as nuclear fusion. You bring real common sense, honesty and integrity to the process. I am delighted that you point out consequences to those whose fact presentations challenge credibility.
I am delighted as well that you help many people get through the process of mediation when all they see is an us-vs. them mentality. I am also delighted that you pave the way for solution vs. just plain old anguish. Congratulations and thanks from someone who enjoys the column for many reasons besides good solutions to automobile issues. Emily from Kitchener
MY COMMENT
Thanks Emily for your insight into some of the challenges that I face when important information is not forthcoming before I take the time to look into a complaint. There is nothing more frustrating than to find out that a story has been fabricated or exaggerated to suit his or her needs. I get asked many times why do you help these people when they have lied to you but most of the time, I find that their story does have a ring of truth but they feel that they have to expand on the facts in order for me to take up the challenge. The truth with me holds more weight than a fabrication of the truth which many people think helps with their problem.
QUESTION
I recently had an oil change, tire rotation etc. at Performance Plus in Fort Erie. I was very satisfied with their work and plan to return. It was suggested that I have the suspension stabilizer/sway bar end link replaced on my Chevrolet Optra LT
The total estimate was $242.54. The odometer reading is approximately 173,000 klms. How urgent is this repair? I plan to keep the car for the winter months.
Thanks, Charlie from Fort Erie
ANSWER
Suggesting that something should be replaced is different than telling you that something has to be replaced. I suspect that the part is worn but not to the point that it is in immediate need of repair.
It is like telling you that your tire still holds air but should be replaced.
The problem with worn parts is that once it starts to wear, it does not take much longer to reach the point of needing to be replaced or repaired. The stabilizer bar does help control the steering in your car and steering is important.
I would call the garage and be very specific with them on the necessity of changing the link at this time and be guided by their recommendation.
QUESTION
I know you mostly relate to automobiles but I was wondering if you could help me please. I have a Kohler 4 stroke gas engine on a rototiller. It is a ten HP. It ran fine when I bought it. Now however, when I start it and increase the throttle, it backfires and sounds like a shotgun going off.
Any idea what is causing this? My ears are still ringing and my neighbors probably do not like it either.
Thanks if you can help me and if not, thanks anyway. Ross from Stoney Creek
ANSWER
Start by removing all the old gas, change the gas filter and replace the spark plug. Also make sure that the spark plug wire is properly secured to the spark plug.