Dear Tom,
I own a 2003 KIA Spectra 1.6L. The timing belt broke recently while I was driving down the road. My user manual says to change the belt at 90,000 km. I changed it earlier based on the recommendation by my KIA service department at 61,300 km. When the timing belt broke, the mileage was at 111,000 km. This means I have only used the belt for about 50,000 km. I lodged a complaint at the consumer court to make a claim against the shop. However, the shop came up with an excuse that I have not been servicing my engine with oil and oil filter changes on a regular basis, which caused the timing belt to fail early. Can this be a reason for why the belt broke? I have diligently changed the oil and filter according to factory recommendations (every 10,000 km). I use semi-synthetic oil. My question to you is: Do oil and filter changes have any bearing on the aging of the timing belt? I know that sludging occurs if I don't change the oil/filter, but the belt breaking? Your opinion is much sought after and pardon my stupid question.
Ong from Seattle
Ong,
The only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked. Your question is a good one and needs to be answered to substantiate your claim with KIA. First off, oil changes have no bearing on timing belt life or performance. Timing belts break for three reasons: An encumbrance cutting the belt such as a twisted piece of metal from the timing belt cover; excessive soaking of the belt with oil or engine coolant, which causes the belt to soften and break up; and finally, wear from age. That's about it. Success to you on your claim.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I bought a new 2008 Chrysler 300 in late December of last year. The car is now nine months old and the air conditioning doesn't work. The dealer told me it has a leak, but won't explain to me how a brand new car can have a problem like this. What is the source of an a/c leak? I have only used the a/c once since I bought the car.
Effie from Sarasota, Fla.
Effie,
There are many possible causes of an A/C leak. A broken A/C refrigerant line, leaking evaporator core, leaking condenser or dryer, a faulty compressor or a leak in one of the lines. Have the dealer perform a dye test on the system. The tech installs a fluorescent dye in the system and then you will drive the vehicle that day. The next day you bring the car back to the shop so that the tech can shine an ultra violet light on the A/C system to locate the leak (shows up as a bright yellow color). This test makes finding stubborn A/C leaks a snap. Best to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a 2002 Pontiac Aztek. There is a popping sound that's coming from the back of my car when I depress the brake pedal slightly, like when I am initiating a stop. When the pedal is depressed fully the noise stops abruptly. Also, when the car comes to a stop there is a loud clank. Are the two related and what do you think the problem(s) are?
Sergio from Miami
Sergio,
The two problems could be related. Get the car up on a lift and have the rear suspension checked for a bad control arm mounting bushing or shock bushing. Also, check the rear brakes for a hung up brake shoe, bad return spring, loose backing plate, or seized e-brake cable. There's not much more I can suggest without looking at the car myself. Good luck!
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a 2006 Infiniti G 35 Coupe and I am the second owner. I purchased the car in mid-March of 2009 with 12,000 miles on it. The car now has 13,400 miles. I had the oil and filter changed when I purchased the car. My question: Can I use synthetic oil in this car? If not, can I wait four months instead of three months to change the oil since I don't drive that much?
Randi from Richmond, Va.
Randi,
There's no reason why this car can't use synthetic oil. Just check your owner's manual before switching over to make sure. Some manufacturers do not recommend the use of synthetic oil for engine-engineering reasons. The oil change interval with synthetic can be extended from 3,000 miles to 7,500 miles or 3 months to 6 months, whichever comes first. The two best synthetics out there are AMSOIL and Mobil One. Make sure to use an OEM quality oil filter when changing, and yes, 13,400 miles is a good time to switch over. Best to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I have a problem of my own making. I was trying to change the thermostat on my '97 Dodge Caravan and I snapped the first bolt while trying to loosen it. About a half- inch of the bolt came off, but the other inch remained in the engine. I am a novice home mechanic, and have never drilled out and re-tapped a threaded hole. I called a local shop for a price and they told me it would cost $78 an hour to do the job. He said it could be 15 minutes or two hours, which would be $156 in labor costs for a $1 bolt! I know the alternator will need to be loosened and moved (to get clearance to the right housing bolt hole). Can you give me some advice?
John from Springfield, Ohio
John,
Make sure the area you are working on is clear of obstruction. ANY component that is in the way should be cleared, alternators included. Next, make sure you center punch the broken bolt so you can drill in the center of the bolt. Use a drill that has variable speed control and drill slowly and deliberately. I suggest you get a titanium drill bit set and start with a small bit, working up one size at a time until you are one size away from drilling out the threads. Once you have gotten to this point, take a tap that fits the hole and thread size and start running the tap into the bolt hole. SLOWLY and DELIBERATELY turn a half turn, then back out and turn a little deeper, then back out, and so on. The tap will cut the old bolt out and find the original threads. Use lubricant and air (if available) to clear the hole of metal. This job can be done if you take it very slowly and meticulously. Good luck. Let me know how it turns out.
Dear Tom,
I noticed my reserve tank of coolant was low. I checked my manual and it said to add coolant that is pink in color (not to mix any coolant that is bluish green because it could cause damage). Can you tell me if that is right? My car is a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta.
Stan from New Brunswick, N.J.
Stan,
This is correct. The two chemicals are different in their chemical makeup and if mixed, will react and change to a consistency of Jell-O. This will cause the engine to overheat and blow head gaskets or warp/crack cylinder head/s. Don't mix the two!
Tom
'Til next timeKeep Rollin'
- ? ?
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association), Torbjornsen is a major contributor to AOL Autos, Edmunds.Com, At Home Portals and many other Web sites. Torbjornsen is the auto expert of record for Channel 4 WIVB TV, Western New York's CBS affiliate. Hear his radio show, AMERICA'S CAR SHOW with Tom Torbjornsen, on the Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel - Stars Too - Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday nights from 10 p.m. to midnight. Send your car questions to his Web site at: www.americascarshow.com.