Kia offers new anti-theft fix
Dear Motormouth: My Kia is one jeopardized by the social media mess and my Kia’s lack of an immobilizer. The first fix offered was a software program, but apparently that fizzled. I recently got a mailer from Kia telling me there is now an offer to fix by installing an “ignition cylinder protector.” Have you heard of this?
— B.M., Niles, Illinois
Dear B.M.: Kia said in a statement that it was issuing a security measure in response to criminals using methods of theft seen on social media to steal or attempt to steal certain vehicles. This hardware modification — an ignition cylinder lock protector — is designed for those vehicles not eligible for the security software upgrade that Kia introduced earlier. It reinforces the ignition cylinder body and helps prevent its removal, as promoted by the Tiktok challenge. The modified cylinder lock was rolled out in December. Each vehicle gets window decals informing would-be car thieves that the car is equipped with enhanced theft protection.
As a fogey, I have a rant. I don’t understand drivers who accelerate toward a red light only to have to come to a full stop behind the waiting traffic. Your thoughts?
— J.G., Elmhurst, Illinois
Dear Motormouth:
Dear J.G.: I learned to coast when the traffic signal turns yellow or red. With luck, the light may change before stopping. For those who are annoyed by start/stop technology, this may lessen their annoyance. As a motorcycle rider, I can occasionally avoid putting my foot down, even momentarily, before proceeding. Besides, speeding to the light doesn’t save a lick of time. Maybe they need a moment to respond to a text message. It does beat texting while driving.
Dear Motormouth: How often do you, as opposed to the owner’s manual, suggest rotating tires on a smaller, four-wheel-drive truck? FYI, I always mark my tires prior to a rotation. I have caught a major dealership not rotating my tires three times. The first time I was compensated with a $10 gift card and the second time with a tank of gas.
This last time, I received a free five-year extended warranty and an additional $3,000 on my trade.
— M.C., Manitou Springs, Colorado
Dear M.C.: It sounds like you hit the jackpot. I suggest tire rotations every second oil change since it is easier to remember than the mileage suggestion in the owner’s manual. You are neither the first person to mention marking the tires prior to service nor the first person to discover the job wasn’t done.
I have thought of writing several times, but thought I needed to throw in my two cents this time, regarding a couple of questions. First, I would be very careful
Dear Motormouth:
about where I used a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. They are mildly abrasive, which is part of the way they clean. Using one once or twice on the windshield should not have a serious impact, but regular use will etch the inside surface, hurting visibility and possibly making it more prone to misting up (due to the shallow scratches). The question writer was careful to specify the use of microfiber cloths, presumably to minimize the surface impact on the glass, but he throws those precautions out when he uses the Magic Eraser.
— R.G., Allentown, Pennsylvania
You make some good points. Although automotive glass is pretty durable, everybody has seen windshield pitting after a few years, caused by sand and road debris striking the glass. I am not saying that I would endorse using Magic Erasers though.
Dear R.G.:
Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became an Ase-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by seeking certification every five years. Weber’s work appears in professional trade magazines and other consumer publications. Send questions along with name and town to motormouth. tribune@gmail.com.