Q-To preserve the seals in the air conditioner, I’ve heard that it’s necessary to operate the system in the winter. How can this be done? M.J.W., Evanston
A-On seasonal winter days, turn the air conditioner on. You can adjust the temperature controls so warm air blows into the passenger compartment. Also, when defogging the windows on most late-model cars, you can turn on the A/C by pressing a button. Doing so defogs the glass and operates the A/C system. This helps keep the seals lubricated and helps prolong the life of other components in the system.
Q-The steering in my 1993 Dodge Intrepid ES with 14,000 miles seems to skitter to the right on undulating road surfaces. The vehicle has been serviced three times including a tire rotation, which was done at 10,000 miles. When trying to determine the cause of my concern, I found the two outer tread lines on the rear tires are worn bald. Dealership personnel believe the rear tires are the cause of the skittering. Is this the problem and who is responsible? M.R.A., America Online
A-The condition is not characteristic of ’93 Intrepids I have tested. The rear tire wear problem probably is caused by a misaligned front-end. Because both rear tires were on the front-end for about 10,000 miles, the tread is worn. Also, it’s normal for the outer edges of the tires to wear faster than the center area of tread. Since the outer edges of the tires are bald, replace the rear tires. Place the new tires on the front and the old tires on the rear wheels. Once that’s done, align all four wheels. If the worn tires were caused by a factory defect in the suspension, the factory is responsible for the repair and worn tires. If the tires are defective, the tiremaker is responsible for the cost. If not, it’s your cost to bear.
Q-I drive my 1979 Chevrolet Nova short distances every day except on the weekends. After the car is parked for 13 hours or more, the engine won’t start. I took the vehicle to a mechanic who checked out the battery, alternator and tuneup parts. He said that the car is in good condition and doesn’t need any work. He asked me to leave the car overnight so he could experience the trouble. I did as he asked, but he found no problems. Do you think he should tune the engine? Does the car need a battery? What’s the problem? W.T.H., Blue Island
A-The choke may need adjustment. Also, it’s possible that after several hours, fuel siphons out of the carburetor fuel bowl. If so, the carburetor won’t have fuel to start the engine. The carburetor may need repair.
Q-Last summer, I took my 1985 Pontiac Fiero with 12,000 miles out of storage. Occasionally, the right front disc brake sticks too close to the rotor. The brake doesn’t lock, but it gets hot. What should I do? J.P.S., Chicago
A-From your description, it seems that the right front caliper slides are rusted, sticking and need lubrication. This is common among cars that have been stored. Also, it’s possible that the pistons in the caliper are sticking. If the caliper pistons are causing the brakes to drag, you probably will need to overhaul or replace the unit.
Q-Recently, I read in your column about another reader who had a problem with the steering in his 1986 Buick Century. He took the car to a dealership, where the steering was repaired without charge. I took my 1986 Buick station wagon to a Buick dealership for repair of the same problem. I was told that the deadline for free steering repairs has expired. Is this true? M.R.S., Chicago
A-It’s my understanding that, on a case-by-case basis, GM has repaired faulty steering racks on their vehicles within five years or 50,000 miles from the date of delivery. After that, expect the repair to cost approximately $600.
Q-Recently, I read that the 1984 Mercury Marquis should never be driven with the gas tank nearly empty. The low-fuel condition causes the computer and electrical system to go out of kilter making it necessary to reset the system. The same information said that in order to reset the system, a motorist has to place his left foot on the brake, start the engine, place the transmission into drive and with right foot, floor board the gas pedal for a few seconds and release it. Is this true? L.K., Abilene, Texas
A-What you described is commonly called brake torquing the engine. Never do that. Such practice could severely damage driveline components. Also, the car may lurch forward or backward and cause damage and injury. To help prevent the trouble, don’t drive with a short supply of fuel in the tank.
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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.
