&
Q A
Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became
an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976.
He maintains this status by seeking certification every
five years. Weber’s work appears in professional trade
magazines and other consumer publications. His writing also appears in au-
tomotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest.
Send questions along with name and town to motormouth.tribune@gmail.com.
Q:
During the past year, we have driven only once a week to our
grocery store, five miles away. One person thinks it would be
good for the 2011 Ford Escape to go onto the freeway occasionally,
up to speed for a few miles. The other person thinks this is unneces-
sary because on these cold nights he puts the battery charger on the
night before. What do you think?
— M.P., Minneapolis
A:
Although driving the vehicle occasionally is not necessary, I still
do it just to get a change of scenery on a sunny day. I consider
three car lengths adequate for social distancing and I am helping the
economy by spending money … on gas.
The BulleTin • Sunday, april 25, 2021 D5
Q:
I was recently having my car
serviced. The dealer did the
tire rotation and reported that one
of my aluminum wheels was very
slightly out of round, a pothole for
sure. It was subtle but visible. He
asked if I had any issues with driving
it. I said no. He suggested replacing
the wheel and that would cost al-
most $900 for one wheel. He com-
mented that there are aftermarket
services that will repair the damage.
He also said, that if it’s not so bad
that you don’t notice it, it’s probably
not that big of a deal. I’m inclined to
live with it and evaluate its impact on
tire wear.
Q:
— T.J., Lake Zurich, Ill.
Q:
I have a 2020 Subaru Forester and it has something
called a “vehicle descent assist” feature, which I’d love
to use, but, according to the manual, it is designed to turn off
when the vehicle reaches 25 mph, which it does! This makes
no sense to me. Any thoughts or suggestions would be
greatly appreciated.
— M.F., Bristol, Conn.
A:
Hill decent control is helpful if you are driving off-road
and going down a steep slope. It is not of much good
for everyday driving. But if you want to get out and get dirty,
you will like it.
I wonder if the Intelligent Q: I own a 2010 Toyota Tacoma
truck with 42,000 miles on it. Several years ago, when I
had an oil change, the dealership put in synthetic oil instead
of regular oil. A couple of months ago, the dealership did the
same thing. Will this damage my vehicle? Should I just switch
to synthetic?
A:
It may simply be cosmetic
damage. I would live with it,
but I would also keep an eye open
for the low tire pressure warning
light on the dash. Wheel repair is
certainly a money saving option and
there are several companies in your
area. Some large wheel repair shops
may have your wheels in stock and
able to ship right away, repair yours
and put it in their stock.
— M.E., Las Vegas
A:
Synthetic oil will certainly not damage your engine. You
may use it exclusively if you like. But if you want to
switch back to traditional oil recommended in the owner’s
manual, there will be no harm.
Q:
What does it mean to buy a certified car? When I got my used 2018 Toyota Camry SE
nearly a year ago, they played up the certified car bit, but I found out later that it does
not mean anything. I feel this dealer is doing an injustice to their customers. I tried to get
that answer from the dealership manager and others. No one can answer. In their shop no
one can answer questions regarding the information on my dash screens. It also jerks when
changing gears, but they will not look at it. Toyotas should be great cars, but not this one.
— M.B., Austin, Texas
A:
Did you buy the car from a Toyota dealer? Certified Previously Owned cars usually
have fewer miles and may have had better care. They usually have extended war-
ranties. CPO cars pass a multipoint inspection to verify that repairs are not imminent. Of
course, you will pay a little more than for a comparable car that has no CPO, but it is a
more reliable purchase. It sounds like you may have been taken by a not-so-honest used
car lot. Independent dealers can slap CPO signs on anything. It is just a meaningless
piece of paper.
SERVING OUR CENTRAL OREGON
COMMUNITY!
Q:
Oil-Life Management 10,000-mile standard set forth in the owner’s manual can be
trusted. Will it protect the engine versus the 5,000 mile-standard the dealer recom-
mends? Normal vehicle usage is assumed. Also, my question is whether or not the warranty
would be affected.
— P.J., Naperville, Ill.
A:
Yes, oil life monitors can be trusted. Automobile manufacturers don’t want people to
stop buying their vehicles because they break down, so they are careful to put the
best information in the owners’ manuals. Following the recommendations saves you money
while reducing the amount of petrochemical waste. Neither following the monitor nor
changing the oil more often will affect the warranty.
$
50 OFF
Insurance Deductible for Glass Replacement
Mention this ad
$
35 OFF
Rock Chip Repair
Mention this ad
$
120 OFF
Both Front Window Tint
Mention this ad
Auto Glass Services
Rock chip repair • Windshield replacement • Auto glass
repair • Auto glass replacement • RV & Boat Glass
Heavy equipment glass • Glassparency
Glass Protection • Window Tinting
Mobile and/or In Shop Service • All makes and models
Now Offering Recalibrations
Payment options
discounts
Most Insurance accepted
Visa Cards
Mastercards
Amex Cards
Discover Cards
Veteran Discounts
Upon Request
mobile service areas
Bend • Sunriver • Sisters
Redmond • Prineville • La Pine
www.rimrockautoglass.com
2122 SW Deerhound Ave STE 3 • Redmond • 541.977.5021