Answers to your car questions

QHi Dennis! First of all congratulations on your excellent columns that I eagerly wait for every week. With your deep dive into issues, it is clear that there are far more “bad customers” than bad mechanics. Keep it up. With regard to updating GPS navigation systems, this is becoming more and more difficult as navigation is now being replaced by online apps. I have a 2014 and 2016 and the 2014 cannot be updated at all and the 2016 is very expensive to be upgraded. While these tend to be fine for most trips especially in established areas, I would highly recommend that your readers, who have older navigation systems, use Waze in parallel if there is any doubt. Waze apparently is current and also gives you alternative routes and most important for safety, verbal directions. If I can figure this app out at 73, I am sure that your readers will be fine. REGARDS, WAYNE FROM BURLINGTON

AI have never heard of Waze so I looked it up to see what it was about. According to its website, it is free of charge to download. The site claims that you will receive real-time road information related to your route. The site also claims that you will need a mobile data plan with your mobile service provider in order to use Waze on the go. Phone and carrier data rates will apply. I do not know enough about this product in order to endorse it but it may be worth your while to look into it, if you are having problems with your vehicle’s GPS.

QHi Mr. O’Sullivan, I have some premium gas that has been stabilized with a fuel additive (Briggs & Stratton Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment and Stabilizer). I use it in my snow blowers and grass cutters. This year, I seem to have more than usual left over. My question is, can I burn this fuel in my 2010 Dodge Caravan? I thought perhaps that I could add 1 litre, once the van was down to 3/4 full and let it mix in with the regular gas and use it up. I plan on keeping the mini van as long as possible and do not want to damage the engine! Thank you in advance for your advice and assistance. KIND REGARDS, JACKIE FROM KITCHENER A You will not do any damage to your van’s engine and if the van could talk, it would definitely thank you. Whatever you have left over, you can mix it with ½ a tank or more of gas in your van’s gas tank. Q I have an older Chevrolet product with a leaking sunroof. I have tried silicone as you have over the years suggested but it still leaks. I had it to a glass place and they wanted an arm and a leg just to look at it. My thought was to use that construction glue to permanently seal it. I would like your thoughts on this before I do something that I might later regret. I never use it so I will not miss it, if I seal it shut. What do you think? MIKE FROM WATERDOWN

AOlder sunroofs are notorious for leaking but before you try to seal it, I would first make sure that the drain for the sunroof is not plugged. If you try to seal it with that construction glue and are not successful, you will be in for a very expensive repair just to stop the leak. I would at least get an expert just to look at it first before you try to permanently seal it and have them make sure that the drain is not plugged. Hopefully, you can get away with just clearing the drain, which in most cases is the problem.

QHi Dennis, I enjoy your advice column and never miss reading it. I have recently purchased a 2017 Honda Civic, which I love but the message, when I turn on the ignition, is that the keyless remote is low on battery. I have purchased a battery from Amazon and have installed it but now the remote keyless fob does not work at all. I have checked online and have installed the battery correctly. Does the remote keyless fob have to be reprogrammed after installing a new battery? JACQUELINE FROM KITCHENER.

AYes, you have to reprogram the key fob after you replace the battery. Check your owner’s manual for the instructions on how to reprogram the key fob. It is very easy to do. To my readers: Please indicate the town, city or village that you live in. Be advised that unfortunately not all emails can be answered. Send your questions (including address) by email to: dennis.osullivan@cogeco.ca