Car Doctor Q&A

Q

I read your column every week, in a November article, you said that you have seen Waxoyl applied to highend restorations. I have a 1989 Buick Century Presidential edition that was my deceased husband’s. So it has a lot of sentimental value, and the car is a perfect size and comfort for me. I have a lot of rust on the undercarriage. Would this product work for my car?

A

Waxoyl is a high-quality rust preventative which has been around for over 50 years. But depending on the condition of your Buick, all it may do is lock in the existing rust. Any structural damage would need to be repaired first. I would have the car evaluated by a good body shop and let then make the recommendation of repairing the car. If the rust is making the car structurally unsafe it may be time to let the car go. There are plenty of mid-sized sedans, such as the Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord that could replace your beloved Century. If you were to let the Century go, perhaps keep an emblem, keys and picture of the both of you with the car in a frame as a way to remember the good times with the car.

Q

I have 2016 Toyota Highlander with 80,000 miles. Do you think I should put in a new battery on age alone?

A

The average life of a battery in the Northeast is about five years. Now no one likes spending money on something that doesn’t need it more than me. I have a 2015 Volkswagen with the original battery. I keep the battery fully charged using a Battery Tender when the car is not in use for a few weeks and test is periodically. So far, the battery is fine. Realistically with your Toyota at now seven years old, the best advice would be to replace the battery before you breakdown.

Q

I have a 2009 Suzuki SX4 with 165,000 miles. A couple of years ago I spent $4,000to get “everything” fixed instead of spending that (or more) to buy another used car. I forgot to mention the air conditioner didn’t work until after all the work was done so I just deal with a hot car in summer. A second catalytic converter is needed now (only one was replaced earlier). My question is, why does it cost so much to repair an air conditioner? Will repair cost be reduced if it’s done the same time as this second converter is replaced?

A

There are times when overlapping labor on certain repairs can save a consumer money. From something simple such as a tire rotation when brakes are replaced, to a water pump when the timing belt is replaced. Depending on what is wrong with the air conditioner will determine the repair costs. A major component such as a new compressor, evaporator or condenser will be expensive and unfortunately there is no overlapping labor that could reduce the cost when replacing the failed catalytic convertor.

Q

I really like the Volkswagen Golf GTI/R but they are just out of my price range. The Subaru STI is a possibility, but is there something else I should be looking at for a small and really fun car?

A

Recently I spent some time in the Hyundai Elantra, but not any Elantra but the Elantra N. The Elantra is a great compact sedan, but when you add a 274-horsepower turbo-charged engine, rev-matching transmission, improved chassis bracing, larger brakes, performance tires and throaty performance exhaust, the Elantra N may be one of the best performance values available. Sure, there are

some hard plastic surfaces, but the overall driving experience makes up for any interior compromises. The Elantra N prices out at $33,000 more than $10,000 less than the Golf R.

Q

I have a 2010 Toyota Fielder and I have changed transmission mount, spark plugs and I have done the normal car service. The car was vibrating but my mechanic noticed the fan wasn’t functioning so we changed the fan sensor and vibration reduced. But now when I stop in traffic and the car is in drive the vibration, I feel very uncomfortable. All

is well when the car is on motion the vibration happens when I stop or in traffic. What could be the problem?

A

After doing a little research I found out the Fielder is a version of the Toyota Corolla, a car I am familiar with. Like any engine the vibration could be caused by a vacuum leak, mechanical engine issue or fuel related. If the motor mounts are badly worn that could also be the cause. At this point I would start with a cylinder balance test and if needed compression test to rule out any internal engine issues.

Q

Does filling tires with nitrogen help them to maintain pressure in cold weather?

A Nitrogen is not affected by temperature changes, and therefore maintains proper tire pressure regardless of climate. Tires filled with nitrogen maintain inflation pressure longer than compressed airfilled tires in fluctuating temperatures. This is why nitrogen is used to fill airplane tires, as temperatures can change dramatically between takeoff and landing. Since nitrogen does not completely eliminate temperature-related pressure changes under normal driving conditions, it is of little benefit to vehicle owners who properly maintain their tires.