Q-I’m thinking about purchasing a new car that has an aluminum engine. What do you think about this type engine? What possible problems may there be? R.M., Chicago
A-Almost every engine available in late model vehicles are made entirely of aluminum alloys or have numerous aluminum alloy components such as cylinder heads and pistons mated to cast iron engine blocks. The engines are reliable whether they are made entirely of aluminum, mixed metals or cast iron. The most common types of damage to these engines, regardless of composition, is caused by poor lubrication or overheating. Poor lubrication generally is the result of improper maintenance, such as not changing the oil and filter regularly or not adding oil to the engine when it’s needed. Overheating may be caused by poor maintenance or when a part such as the water pump or thermostat fails. In either case, damage may be so severe that the engine has to be replaced.
Q-Where can I learn about auto technology and get information about new car prices, repairs and auto reviews? J.W., Lake Villa
A-There is so much other automotive information available, you shouldn’t have trouble finding it. Check your local library or bookstore. If you’re a computer enthusiast, software programs such as Auto Insight will help you understand the inner workings of autos. Books such as “To Fix or Buy? That is the question!” offer basic auto information. Publications such as Consumer Guide’s New Car Facts and the AAA Auto Test review autos and provide pricing. If you are mechanically inclined, consider buying shop manuals printed by Motor, Mitchell, Chilton or a model specific manual from Helms. Or you can enroll in a class available at some community colleges. Southern Illinois University even has a degree program in automotive repairs.
Q-The transmission in my 1992 Dodge Caravan doesn’t downshift as I come to a stop. This causes the van to lurch forward when I begin to accelerate. I took the car to a dealership where I was told that it could be repaired. A part was replaced to no avail. I returned to the dealership, but this time I was told that all the mini-van transmissions operate this way. My Buick transmission doesn’t lurch. Will Chrysler ever wake up? B.M., St. Charles
A-In my experience, transmissions in test mini-vans operated similar to your description. Other make cars with electronically controlled transmissions operate in similar fashion. Often, when stopped for a light, electronic transmissions stay in second gear to help prevent the vehicle from creeping forward. When the accelerator is applied, the transmission downshifts into first. So, motorists often feel a lurch as the transmission downshifts. Regardless, there might be something wrong with your transmission. Ask another technician for a second opinion.
Q-I fasten my dog in the passenger seat with a support linked to the safety belt. Recently, doggy chewed a hole in the center of the seat belt. Is it possible to repair the belt by either sewing or patching it? J.G., Hindsdale
A-Safety belts that are frayed, worn, chewed, split or dirty should be replaced and not repaired or cleaned. With problems such as these, belts lose their strength and could break in a collision. Ask an independent garage or dealership parts department to order a replacement belt for you.
Q-The paint on our Ford Taurus is peeling off. For over a year, I have tried to get Ford to repaint the car to no avail. What’s your opinion? C.C., Jefferson, Ga.
A-The photo you sent shows that the paint is peeling off the trunk lid. Just below the trunk lid is a bumper sticker that says “Look at the paint job, it’s a Ford.” I don’t know the exact year of your car, but it’s my understanding that the warranty coverage expired a long time ago. If that’s true, Ford doesn’t have to give you a free paint job. You stated that Ford isn’t willing to do anything for you. Despite the aggressive bumper sticker, sources tell me Ford offered to pay for 50 percent of the paint repair. You declined. Then, Ford offered to give you a $1,000 owner appreciation certificate that you could use toward the lease or purchase of a new Ford or Mercury. You declined that, too. Since you did that, Ford may have rescinded the offers. I realize that you’re unhappy about what happened to the paint, but a bird in hand is better than two in the bush. The condition of the paint has reduced the resale value of the car. So, because you have to get the paint repaired no matter what, paying 50 percent is better than paying 100 percent.
———-
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.
