Q: I have been reading your column for many years and you have talked me into using synthetic oil in all my vehicles. I use it in my two daily vehicles.
Are all synthetic oils the same? I have been using Mobil-1 synthetic oil but it seems to get more expensive each time I buy it. I would like to save a little money but don’t want to risk a problem. Can I use less expensive oil?
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A: I started using synthetic oil on my wife’s car many years ago and noticed the car started quicker and quieter in cold weather. Since then, I have used synthetic oil in every vehicle I have owned.
I have seen testing that shows that there is a quality difference in oil brands but being cheap, I tend to shop around for oil. It has always been my understanding that all synthetic motor oil needs to pass certain industry performance standards and that is good enough for me.
Over the years I have used every brand of oil and I have seen virtually no difference with those brands. In my opinion, it is more important that engine’s oil is full and clean than the brand used. If the synthetic oil meets the specification for your car’s engine and meets your budget, use it.
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Q: My wife has a 2015 Subaru Legacy. The dealer we go to recently changed hands and is a little pushy about extra services. We live in the suburbs and her driving is typical of most New England drivers. Do we need to follow “severe service/weather” schedule or just business as usual?
A: Subaru considers severe conditions if you drive less than ten miles per trip or in freezing temperatures, driving in temperatures more than 90 degrees, extensive idling, driving on muddy, dusty or de-iced roads. Subaru goes on to state, use the normal service interval if the vehicle is primarily operated in conditions other than those previously listed. Although there are times that your car may be driven in some of the conditions listed, in most cases the normal service schedule should be fine.
Q: I have a 15-year-old Ford Windstar and the check engine light was on. I took it to a shop and they said all of the oxygen sensors were faulty. They replaced the sensors and the van runs better than it has in a long time, but the check engine light came back on.
The shop now tells me my van will need a very expensive computer. When the light came back on, there were two codes, P0174 and P0171. I’m not sure what to do at this point.
A: I think the shop could have misdiagnosed the problem. Although the codes indicate a problem with fuel, the issue is more likely related to a slight leak in the intake manifold causing a lean running condition. Historically replacing the intake manifold gasket/O-rings solves the lean running problem and the check engine light will go out.
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Q: I plan to keep my car only until the beginning of next year. Last year, I put four snow tires on the car. The summer tires are worn out. With the warmer weather here and hot weather coming, is there any problem driving in hot weather with snow tires?
A: The rubber compound in winter tires is designed for cold weather use. In warm weather the tires will work fine but will wear quicker. It is not an ideal situation but driving with good winter tires is safer than driving with bald tires.
Q: Our 2008 Kia Sportage (V-6 engine) has had a problem starting. I have been told it needs a new neutral safety switch. Is this something I can do myself with basic tools and no lift?
A: The part is called a transmission range senor (about $75) and it is located under the battery. You will need to remove the air cleaner assembly, battery and battery tray to get to the switch. At that point there are a couple of screws, a cable and an electrical connection. One word of caution: I have seen the attachment bolts get very rusty and brittle due to a combination of battery acid and build up of moisture and road salt on top of the transmission.
— John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 30 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email [email protected] and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. At 8:30 Saturday mornings, tune in to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at wrolradio.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
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