Q-In a recent column, a reader had a question about flashing the high-beam lights to warn other motorists that their high beams were on or that police were hiding ahead. It’s illegal to flash high-beam lights for any reason. Can you make this clear to other readers? T.L.C., Elgin
A-According to the AAA-Digest of Motor Laws, in Illinois, the high beams should be off when your vehicle is 500 feet from an oncoming vehicle. When approaching a vehicle from behind, the high beam lights should be off 300 feet from the rear of the vehicle. Also, as of Jan. 1, motorists will be required to turn their low-beam headlights on when they turn on the windshield wipers.
Q-I just purchased a new Saturn SL2. A salesperson recommended that I purchase a paint protector to protect the paint for five years. Also, the salesperson suggested that I purchase a sound protector, which has a lifetime guarantee against corrosion. My car is not garaged. Should I spend $500 for the extra protection? V.C.W., Northbrook
A-Often, I recommend the SL2, but save your money on the paint protector. Buy a quality wax and apply it at least twice a year. That should cost less than $10. The sound protection you mentioned is the new name for rustproofing. Since the exterior panels of your new car are made of plastic composite materials, they won’t rust.
Q-Recently, I had to take my car to a garage for repair. The technician told me that the car needed a new computer. When he removed it, he asked why the unit had been replaced before. I told him that I never had any computer work done to the car. I promptly called the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. I was told that it’s not uncommon for the computer to fail and need replacement before the car is sold. Also, I was told that they aren’t obligated to tell customers that repairs were done to the car prior to purchase. I figure that when a person buys a new car, all the parts should be new. I called GM about this and got no satisfaction. They told me to talk to the dealership about the problem. Can something be done? B.S.W., Joliet
A-Not really. There is no law in this state that forces a dealership to disclose repairs performed before the sale. Regardless, there should be a record of the repair. You could ask the factory to see the warranty records, but they are not obligated to show them to you.
Q-In a recent column, T.I. of Bartlett had a question concerning poor acceleration in his 1988 Jeep Cherokee. I experienced the same trouble in my Jeep. I had taken the vehicle to dealership technicians several times without a cure. One day I read an advisory statement in the owner’s manual that said that the use of alcohol-blended gasoline may cause the engine to miss. I stopped filling the gas tank with alcohol-blended fuel and the engine performed normally. Is this information useful to T.I.? J.D.P., Wheaton
A-It could be. When trouble such as you describe appears, try a different brand of gasoline. That may cure the trouble. Many motorists will buy the same brand, but try a higher octane. It’s better to buy another brand of gasoline at another station. If the problem doesn’t go away, there may be problems in another system. In that case, ask a qualified technician to test the vehicle.
Q-In reference to a reader whose car stalled at highway speeds, I, too, had that problem with my 1985 Ford wagon. The car was towed to the dealership five times where a mechanic replaced electronic components. The last time the car was towed because it stalled, I suggested that the mechanic replace the ignition coil. The unit was tested, but no problem was found. I insisted that he replace the part because it was the only part he hadn’t replaced. He installed a new coil and the engine hasn’t stalled since. N.D.J., Bluffton, S.C.
A-What you experienced is not only frustrating to you, but to technicians as well. While the car is at the dealership, electrical components can pass tests with flying colors. Once the vehicle is on the road, the part can falter. New technology is entering the repair arena that monitors auto systems and record computer electronics while the vehicle is operating under normal conditions. A technician connects the equipment to the car. Then, the owner drives the vehicle. When a monitored part falters, the device records the malfunction for technical evaluation, diagnosis and, it is hoped, a proper repair.
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Phil Arendt is an automotive technical consultant for the AAA-Chicago Motor Club. Readers may send technical questions about cars and trucks to him at Dr. Gizmo, A+Automotive Career Counselors Inc., P.O. Box 548, Cary, Ill. 60013 or to his America Online mailbox DRGIZMO.
