Goss' Garage

Pat Goss has worked on cars for more than 40 years. He owns a car repair company that bears his name, has authored numerous books on auto maintenance, and makes weekly appearances on Motorweek, a PBS television program.

He visits right here once a month to answer questions about fixing your car.

The transcript follows below.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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Centreville, Va.: Hi,
I own a 2001 Toyota Corolla. Recently it has started making a clicking sound when I apply the brakes. This happens only for the first couple of times after the car starts. I have read your column where it says that in some vehicles this feature is by design and should happen only after a night's rest for the car. But for me, this started only recently and happens every time the car starts. Is it a cause for concern? What could have gone wrong?
I appreciate your help and read your column in Washington Post regularly.

Pat Goss: Because the noise is apparently new the brakes should be checked immediately. Brakes should always be checked immediately when there is a change in noise or feel. This could be caused by lack of lubriucation on the brake calipers or wear on the metal portion of the brake pads.

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Stony Brook, New York: The automatic tansmission in my 1999 Taurus wagon has an intermittent problem in hot weather - after stopping at a light for 1- 2 minutes, the car will strongly hesitate and shudder before it reluctantly shifts from 1-2 gear. I have it in to the dealer, they have seen the problem, but claim nothing can be done since there are no codes and the fluid pressure is normal. Any suggestions how to correct this problem, as I find this a hazard when trying to merge on a highway or make a left turn.

Thanks for your advice.

Pat Goss: Give me a break! No codes does not mean --- NO Problems! If they can duplicate the problem they can usually test for the problem. In the service literature it is listed as testing --- no codes present. This sounds like either low transmission fluid (I hope it has been checked) or internal transmission problems.

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Silver Spring, Maryland: Hi Pat - the automatic transmission on my daughter's 95 Tercel (about 100k) recently seemed to stick and refuse to shift from first to second to Drive. A transmission shop told her it would cost $1,600 just to drop the transmission out and check it. The problem seems to have disappeared. Should I have the transmission flushed and new fluid replaced? Get an AAMCO external diagnostic? Leave it alone and hope for the best? Another question: the manual is silent on replacing the timing belt except under unusual driving conditions. Do it now?

Pat Goss: Have a good transmission evaluate the condition of the fluid in the transmission. If the fluid is sufficiently clean to warrant flushing, have the transmission flushed. If it's to dirty to flush, leave it alone. The inevitable will happen --- eventually.

Replace the timing belt. Replace the timing belt.

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Washington, D.C.: Pat - What is the difference between a timing belt and timing chain - I have a 1997 Nissan Altima that is closing in on 100K in mileage and I -thought- that it had a timing belt and I wanted to get it replaced before it "untimed" on me (I had this happen to me while I was driving my previous car while I was driving in Los Angeles!). I called the dealership and they said that Altimas have a timing chain which doesn't require replacement. Some unbiased clarity would help here!

Thanks

Pat Goss: Timing belts are made of reinforced rubber. Timing chains are made of steel, and look virtually identical to the chain on a bicycle. Timing chains rarely wear out on modern vehicles unless the vehicle is subjected to poor maintenance.

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College Park, Md.: My husband is turning the big 4-OH in about a month, and I'd like to get him a motorcycle. I'm thinking maybe a Honda Nighthawk. What do you think about it? Do you have any advice about what to look for in a used bike?

Thanks so much!

Pat Goss: Depends on the ultimate goal. If the goal is reliability, durability and low price buy the Honda. If ego is involved buy a Harley.

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Laurel, Md.: All the plastic surfaces in my interior are static electricity magnets for dust. Wiping with cloths stirs about half the dust into the air for a few minutes before settling back down. Is there a product specifically designed for either cleaning or preventing this?

I hope this doesn't seem like too trivial a problem to you, because it isn't to me -- I cough a lot.

Pat Goss: California car cover company they make the California Car Dash Duster. This is a mop looking affair thats treated with a chemical that attracts the dust and holds it in the duster. I would not suggest using some of the household dusting products as their chemicals might be damaging to the plastic.

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Kansas City, Missouri: Pat, this is not about the car, but gassing up properly. Gas stations here are erratic with warnings about static electricity. One station has a sticker that says don't get back into your car at all while fueling. Another's sticker says to touch the metal above the sticker to eliminate any potential static electricity problem. Yet most stations have no warnings at all. What gives and why no standard warning, if needed? I travel with children in safety seats and sometimes I must get back inside while refueling. My absolute worst fear is sparking a fire while I'm outside and the kids are strapped inside. And while I know fires are very rare, I'd still like more info on how to be careful, especially in cold weather. Thanks so much.

Pat Goss: Fires are no where near as rare as you might think. Whenever you find it necessary to re enter the vehicle during refueling it is imperative that you touch the metal of the car prior to touching the fuel filler nozzle when exit the vehicle. Touch some metal portion of the car, away from the fuel fill. This should dissipate any static electricity built up from the carpeting or seat material and your body.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Pat,

Thanks for all the good information. I've learned quite a bit from you. I have a new to me 2002 Mini Cooper S which uses synthetic oil. I commute via Metro so its basically a fun weekend car. Needless to say driving 3,000 miles will take months. And I believe the schedule for oil changes is actually about 5,000 miles. Should I ignore the mileage and focus on the time instead? I want to do what's best for the car but I don't know what that is.

Thanks!

Pat Goss: Oil change intervals are based on time or mileage, whichever comes first. Most cars with synthetic oil and extremely light use can go 6 months between changes.

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Ellicott City, Md.: Mr. Goss-

Previously I asked about an oil flush to deal with gumming oil (you said not to do it). What would you recommend as the proper way to get this solved?

Thank you.

Pat Goss: There is no way. Leave it alone. Change the oil frequently, do NOTHING agressive that could cause chunks of sludge to become dislodged and clog oil passages.

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Reston, Va.: I need some help. I have a 10yo Suzuki Sidekick. It sounds horrible; it shakes when idling. I don't have the money to get another car. I'm a single mom, that commutes. It will not pass the emissions test...something about failing all 3 gases. What do I do?

Pat Goss: Begin by having a technician determine if the problem is external to the engine (plugs, plug wires, etc.) or internal (burned valves, damaged pistons, etc.). If its external a tuneup (if done properly) will probably take care of both the way it runs and emissions. If it's internal there isn't much hope.

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New Carrollton, Md.: I have a 1997 2 DR Dodge Neon. My car leaks oil all the time. I am constantly putting oil in my car every week. At one time, I was told that my head gasket is busted. Could this be the reason why. Also, during the winter months, my car will not start if it is not driven everday. I was told that could be an electrical short, the alternator or the starter. I have had all things parts checked and I was told that they were fine. What do you suggest that I do?

Pat Goss: Head gasket was an extremely common problem on Neons, so this is highly probable. For the no start, someone needs to go beyond basic testing and look for a items that are drawing electrical energy away from the battery while the car is not running. It's called a parasitic draw test.

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Oakton, Va.: Hello Pat,

My wife and I recently purchased a 2001 Audi A6 Avant with 64K miles. It is my understanding that the timing belt needs to be replaced at some point, but unfortunately I am receiving conflicting advice. The manual says it should be done at 105K, but the dealer says 80K. Can you tell me what your opinion is on this?

Thanks in advance.

Pat Goss: Change it. Generic recommendation is 4 years or the mileage. But in the case of Audi, they have enormous problems. Audis are experiencing failure of the timing belt tensioner which cause the timing belt failure and possible severe engine damage. Make sure to replace the tensioner and all idler pulleys with the belt. It'll be expensive but a lot cheaper than engine repair.

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: Good morning & thanks for taking my question. I drive a (manual) 1987 Nissan Sentra that I'd like to maintain for another 2 years if possible. I recently had the carborator rebuilt, but the car is not idling properly. It continues to idle high after driving on the highway. I'm taking it back to the mechanic tomorrow morning - do you have any suggestions as to what might need fixing/adjusting? Thanks.

Pat Goss: Yes, the carburetor. Somewhere there was a mistake in the rebuild or final adjustment. The most probable cause will be improper operation or adjustment of the automatic choke. That is unless your car is equipped with a Hitachi choke-less carburetor. These are considered non-repairable. Must be replaced, extremely expensive. Must have entire control system tested prior to replacing carburetor. The testing on the control system is approxiamately is 28 pages long and can take several hours.

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New York: I want to buy a 1964 Ford Mustang under 8K.
I don't very much about cars, so what so of things should I look for when buying? And are there any other classic cars I compare to the mustang that are around the same price?

Pat Goss: I trust you're looking for a beater. You're not going to buy much in the way of a classic Mustang for that amount of money. Check it for rust --- rust ---- rust.

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Anytown, USA: I'm a metro commuter with a 97 Jetta with 38,000 miles on it. What should I look for when checking the timing belt? I have had miserable dealer service and would like to avoid going there as possible, knowing they will probably charge a few hundred bucks to tell me everything is ok.

Pat Goss: There is no way to tell that a timing belt is good, other than destructive labratory testing. It's possible to determine one is bad (cracks, fraying, etc.) but the real failure of a timing belt is the internal reinforcing fabric. You can not see this fabric, you can only see the cosmetic rubber outer coating.

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New York: Hello,
I am looking to buy a 1989 Lotus Esprit. These are beautiful cars, but I heard that they often brake down and are very expensive to fix.

What is your take on that?

Thanks,
Sam

Pat Goss: Great fun. Gorgeous cars. When they work. Lots of problems. I would not recommend one for anything other than a fun drive once in a while on a weekend.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a 1990 Toyota Camry v6. The problem I'm having is that after I drive the car for 30 to 40 minutes and stop the car, it will not restart for a while. After an hour or so the car starts right up, without any hesitation. But before that I can hear the starter clicking, the radio and headlights work fine but the car will not start. Do you have any idea what the problem could be?

Pat Goss: Test the battery, perform a voltage drop test on the battery cables, and battery cable connections. Test for starter activation current at the starter, which the problem is happening. If all tests pass, you most likely have a bad starter.

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: When the key is turning I hear a grinding noise coming from my rear shock. I have a 1994 Cadillac Sedan Deville. Could you give some insight as to what might be wrong?

Pat Goss: If it has air suspension. Check the air pump. Then in all cases with or without air suspension check the fuel pump.

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Fort Washington, Md.: I have a 1984 MB diesel with 378,000 miles. Is it time for me to start shopping for a new car? I like the MB diesel, but they are very hard to find with low miles. What do you think of the MB E320?

Pat Goss: I don't know, depends on its condition. Old Mercedes diesels have been known to go a lot longer than that. E320, hmmm, let me think. I've owned 5 of them and currently drive an '04 Mercedes C32 AMG. I guess you might say I really truly like the 3.2 liter engine. They're great. They're also quite economical.

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West Palm Beach, Florida: I have a 1994 Saturn SL2 with the dual-overhead cam engine option. Recently I started getting water in the passenger compartment of the car. I removed the carpeting and rolled back interior firewall insulation and padding and can see there is a heavy drip from somewhere upwards of the dash assembly, mostly on the passenger side. The drip gets heavier after a rain, but happens all the time, with the a/c on or off. I've been told it is likely a clogged a/c rain tube. I have looked for such a drain outlet under the auto, along the exterior of the firewall, really everywhere, and have not been able to locate it. The volume of water I get in the passenger compartment is really quite alarming.....some days close to a gallon in about an hour of driving. I am certain I can correct this problem if I can locate the source. Can you help?

Pat Goss: I suspect you were on the right track looking for the a/c evaporator drain. I also suspect you were looking for something that doesn't exist. A tube. Most cars today simply have a hole in the bottom of the evaporator housing, they do not generally have a tube like they did many years ago. Look for a hole very close to the firewall on the bottom of the evaporator housing.

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Alexandria, Va.: Pat, what's the "performance car" (and take that however you want) that you think is the easiest to maintain?

Pat Goss: Probably from a do-it-yourself stand point, something like a Volkswagen GTi 1.8T or one of the Chrysler or Mitsubishi compacts with a turbo motor.

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Alexandria, Va.: I was told I have a leaking strut on my 2002 Civic.

What exactly does a strut do, what is it leaking, and how quickly should I get it replaced?

Pat Goss: Think shock absorber. A shock absorber controls up and down bounce over bumps. A strut does the same thing but also forms a structural part of the suspension system. A leaking strut could be dangerous under certain conditions and could cause a loss of control. I'd get it fixed.

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Locust Grove, Virginia: Hello Pat,
I have questions about motor oil. Mobil-1 now is sold in an "0w-20" grade, mainly for the newer Ford and Honda vehicles. The "0" in this multi-vis oil is to indicate the oils performance while the oil is cold. Correct? And how does the "0" part of this newer muli-vis oil replace the "5" of a 5w20 multi-vis oil? Does the 0w-20 oil really perform the same as 5w-20 oil?

Pat Goss: No. The 0 does not perform the same as the 5. It performs far, far better. The zero weight oil flows through the engine much more quickly than the five weight. This can significantly reduce start up wear. Which accounts for 80 to 95 % of all engine wear.

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Frederick, Maryland: I have a 2002 Mustang Convertible that I bought new and for the past year or two, every time I put the side windows down, they act like they want to stick and not open. When they do open, they screech. What might be causing this? I don't want to be ripped off if I have to get them repaired.

Pat Goss: Most typically it would be a lack of lubrication on the moving parts or worn or misadjusted window channels. Specifically the fabric material the windows move up and down in.

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Washignton, D.C.: What's the benefit and is it neccesary to have a transmission tune up after 100,000 miles.

Pat Goss: Whatever a transmission tuneup might be. Actually it is an advertising term. At 100,000 miles if the transmission has not been flushed on a regular basis, it may be too late for anything regardless of what it's called. Have a qualified technician look at the condition of the transmission fluid and if it's badly deteriorated, leave it alone.

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Annapolis, Md.: Hi Pat.
We recently took the kids for a trip in our 2004 Toyota Sienna. The back end sagged several inches (with about 350 lbs. of camping gear and about 200 lbs. on a hitch mounted bike rack--including the rack). The hitch-mounted rack bottomed out several times (Class III, 2" receiver). A reputable garage suggested that we consider "Air bags" for the rear end, to raise it when we are loaded down. Is this the best option? We'd like to ensure that the vehicle handles properly and is safe to operate.
Thanks in advance.
-Mike

Pat Goss: Air bags or more specifically air springs of the auxillary type which will be adjustable are an excellent idea.

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Falls Church, Va.: Thank you for taking my question. My 1997 3.2 Acura has just started a grinding noise when I lock the car from inside or outside with the remote. It is localized at the rear driver's door. What is this and can it be reasonably repaired.

Thank you.

Pat Goss: Check the power lock motor on the door with the noise.

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North Potomac, Md.: Good morning! Is a check engine light always a sign of real trouble? I have a '95 Nissan Maxima that I recently purchased and drives great, but that light came on as I was driving home the other day and has me a little worried. I've read that it's not always a serious matter, but could signify a simple maintenance check. Any thoughts? Thank you very much.

Pat Goss: The check engine light (YELLOW) signifies a problem in the emissions or computer system on the car. Could be very minor (in dollars), could be quite major (in dollars). Because it is amber it signifies caution rather than danger. It should not be allowed to continue indefinitely but there is no imminent catastrophe if the light were RED.

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Rockville, Md.: Hi Pat--

My son is 13 years old, and he's got the car bug bad. After watching American Hot Rod, and other cable shows on cars, he wants to get into Hot Rodding & Customizing as a career. What can I do to promote his interest and knowledge? He know's little about the technical aspects of cars, but wants to learn. He wants to go to Wyotech in Pennsylvania when he gets out of high school. Any suggestions for a parent who wants to be helpful, but knows nothing about cars?

Thanks.

Pat Goss: Make sure he spends lots of time in computer training, electronics training and mathematics courses. Everything in the automotive field today revolves around these basic studies.

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Ft. Belvoir, Virginia: My 1995 Cavalier with the 3 speed transmission is acting strage. At speeds of around 25 to 35, the transmission feels as if it is engaging and disengaging repeatedly. It doesn't do it going up hills or if I take my foot off the gas peddle. Please help.
Phillip Throckmorton

Pat Goss: Check for an update to the computer memory chip. Specifically one that controls the activation of the torque converter clutch. There were lots of control problems in GM cars of that vintage.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a 1995 Acura Integra with the original tires (the car has 55000 miles on it). At what point should I change the tires? 60,000? Or when the mechanic says the tires are worn out (no one has said that yet)?

Thanks

Pat Goss: Tires are consider to be safe for a period not to exceed five years, regardless of mileage. Consequently you're five years over due. That said if the car is only used for short distances and at slow speeds it could be some what safe, after all how dramatic can a blow out be at 35 mph.

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Los Angeles: I'm considering buying a fully restored 40-year-old Triumph for a fun weekend-only, impress the girls, car. I like puttering with cars, but am I taking on more than I realize?

Pat Goss: Old english automobiles can be a lot of fun. Invariably they're a real pain in the ---, but they're incredibly easy to fix and parts are available from lots of different sources. The biggest concern will be the Lucas electrical system as Lucas as always been considered to be the Prince of Darkness. You'll love it.

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Maryland: Hi Pat,

Is it true that if your using Dex-cool coolant in your cooling system you must use distilled water. The problems that have been associated with dex-cool are a result of using tap water in the cooling system.

Pat Goss: No not exactly. However, it is advisable to use distilled water with any kind of coolant in all vehicles. Most of the dex-cool problems are not caused by tap water, they are caused by air getting into the system, frequently caused by the owner's failure to replace the radiator cap every two years.

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Reston, Va.: Pat,

How does turning off the electrical load (e.g radio, lights, fan) decrease gas milage? Understandable for A/C since compressor sap engine power.

Pat Goss: Ahhh, alternators don't. The more work an alternator has to do, the more power it consumes, the more power the alternator consumes, the lower the fuel economy. But lest you think you just stumbled on the fuel saving idea of the century, guess again. Turning a couple of things off, won't make an significant difference. Same for the A/C.

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Temple Hills, Maryland: I have a 96 Chevy Impala and it feels kind of sluggish going from 0-20. I haven't done the trans flush yet but the engine and fuel injection flush has been done. I also want to start upgrading the engine and would like to know how I can get started step by step. Thanks.
Your information on Motorweek is always informative as well.

Pat Goss: First thing in performing updates on a vehicle is to determine what your goals are and how much money you're prepared to spend. Horsepower, better handling, and better braking all cost money. The more horsepower, the better the handling, the better the braking the more substantial the cost. Consider that moderate performance improvements (100-125 horsepower) will cost on average about $6-9,000. A substantial suspension improvement will cost $2-3,000. And a good high quality brake package will be $3,500 - $7,000. Add to that tires and wheels for another $2-10,000. Well you get the picture, make your plan before getting involved.

For the sluggish performance check tuneup related items and computer input sensors.

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Falls Church, Va.: Hi Pat: I have a 1999 Pontiac Bonneville. When I start the car there is a higher pitched humming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. It also seems to struggle to start after it's been sitting a few days. Could this be the fuel pump? Are there other possibilities? Thanks!

Pat Goss: Almost guaranteed to be a fuel pump.

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Largo, Md.: I have a 96 Hyundai Accent. Every week or 2, I have to put in a quart of oil. I read somewhere that means the engine will be dying soon, but to hold it off a little longer, use a different grade of oil such as 20w50 (instead of the 10w-30 I've been using). Is this OK to do? And if so, will there be any damage when the two grades mix? Thanks for you answer.

Pat Goss: There is no damage when they mix, but why risk killing the engine for the sake of a few quarts of oil. Oil burning rarely means imminent engine failure. If it were knocking, or making other strange noises, then sure use the thicker oil to prolong the agony.

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Herndon, Va.: My son drives a 1996 Honda Accord. The dealer says it has a slow oil leak, although we see no oil on the ground and the dip stick shows a level just slightly low. Should we get the leak fixed ($$$), or can we wait a little, keep adding oil when needed or until we see a puddle in the garage?

Pat Goss: Wait. An oil leak is not oil leak, until it's actually leaking. With out puddles or at least droplets of oil under the vehicle it does not have a leak. It may have some seepage but it does not sound like this car is leaking oil. Check the oil on a regular basis, as seepage can become leakage.

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Phoenix, Az.: My 97 Buick Lasabre 3800 v6 engine has speedometer problems. The speedometer works sometimes off and on. The odometer quits when the speedometer quits. The tach is trying to work during these periods but fluctuates. My cruise control works all the time. Do I need to redo the vehicle speed sensor. This does not cause any codes in the computer. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
BJ

Pat Goss: Check the vehicle speed sensor.

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Laurel, Md.: Pat,
I have a '95 Mazda Protege (121,000), and I have changed the left and right CV boot/joint many times. Is there a reason why the CV boot would break so often? Is it poor quality on the CV boot or is it something else? Thanks!

Ashish

Pat Goss: It's known as garbage parts or lousy installation. Buy a better quality cv boot and do away with the problem. It's cheaper in the long run.

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Cleveland, Ohio: My mother has a 2003 Toyota Corolla with fewer than 20,000 miles. Occasionally when she stops at a stoplight or at the end of a highway exit ramp the car will rev very high and feel as if the engine and transmission are being pulled in different directions. This has happened at least six times since she leased the car. She has taken it to the dealer twice. The last time she left it at the dealer for two days. The techs have not been able to locate the problem. I did some research and found that similar problems were reported to NHTSA by at least 5 other Corolla owners, but there was no resolution. I suggested that my mother lease the Corolla based on Toyota's reputation, but now she's afraid to drive the car. Can you provide any guidance?

Pat Goss: Check for contamination in the idle air control (valve/motor).

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Ashburn, Va: I have a 2003 Ford Focus with an intermittant brake problem. Most of the time the brakes work just fine but when in prolonged stop and go traffic, the pedal will sometimes go to the floor. I would like to make sure that the brakes are safe but I would think that diagnosing this would be exceeding difficult. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Pat Goss: You already know the brakes are not safe. Have a pinpoint test performed on the master cylinder. It's probably bad.

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Bethesda, Md.: Pat,
I have a '92 Saturn with 186k miles. A little while back the clutch finally went out. In the process of replacing it, we managed to crack the transmission casing. oops. Never really had any problems with the car to date.
This is our 3rd car, the errand running beater. Not needed by any means but quite nice to have. Having it also keeps us from having to put snow tires on one of the other cars.
I've gotten an estimate of ~$700 for a new used tranny, installed.
So, in your professional opinion, would it be silly to get it fixed up, or would there be some value in getting it back on the road? If not, what should I do with it? Thanks!

Pat Goss: That depends of the severity of the crack. Many times cracked transmission cases need nothing, when the car is to be used around town. Also, it is frequently easy to have the crack in a transmission case welded. I think you need to do more research.

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Washington, D.C.: I own a mid-90s Saab. 900 S, automatic trasmission, overall, a great car. This a replacement for a late 90s 900SE that was just extraordinary, but wrecked by a very careless driver plowing 40 mi/hr into its side in a parking lot.
So the car was purchased, it drove just fine, and now, admittedly, there is a hiccup when moving from 1st to 2nd gear but then the car is just fine. And I'm a single female and nervous about having a safe and reliable car, but feel 100% confident in this car. A mechanic has said not to take the car out of town, it's transmission is bad, and basically given me a number of reasons to fear driving it.
This escapes me. It's a car, it is meant to drive. It can stop and start all over town, but highways are the problem? This confuses me. Is this a common problem? Is the car shot? Basically, I feel like I'm left with a worthless piece of junk right now.

Pat Goss: Time for a second opinion. Hopefully the second opinion will provide insite into what is actually wrong. And whether or not it is serious.

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Washington, D.C.: Should I use 5W30 motor oil in my 1999 LS400 Lexus sedan? Thank you so much.

Pat Goss: I don't know. If that's what the owner's manual specifies than absolutely.

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Woodbridge, Va.: I have a 2001 Pathfinder that I like very much (I bought it new). As a "good" car owner I bring it for all maintenance schedules and I try to keep it clean as possible. However, underneath the hood is very dirty and every time that I have to check the fluids in general, it became a mess and unpleasant job. Can you please tell me how to clean underneath the hood without compromising all the parts there?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Fernando.

Pat Goss: Purchase a can of Gunk at the local parts store. Follow the directions on the label, and it will look like new.

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Silver Spring, Md/: Can you use synthetic oil for the first oil change for a 2004 Toyota Highlander V-6,4WD?
Thanks.

Pat Goss: Absolutely. Not a reason in the world why you can't.

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Arlington, Virginia: My four-year-old Mazda Protege was damaged during a hail storm last week. The damage is not very noticeable and I only discovered it on the weekend when the car was perfectly dry, the sun was shining, and I was looking from the right angle. However, under the right conditions, I could see literally hundreds of tiny dents (the paint was not scratched). I have a $500 deductible on my comprehensive coverage so I'm not sure if it's worthwhile to have it fixed. What do you think?

Pat Goss: That's a personal choice, it certainly will have a big effect on resale value. I would at least get an estimate as the damage could be several thousand dollars. Usually hail damage can be corrected through PDR. Paintless Dent Removal. For information on that contact Detail Authority.

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Clinton, Maryland: My 2001 vett with 16000 miles the right headlight makes this grinding noise when closing , I check the motor on the headhights, and notice that the manuel closing housing that sits on top of the headlight motor is loose is there anyway of fixing this without replaceing the motor .
thxs.
And if you're not to busy give your shop address and I'll bring it back . thxs.

Pat Goss: Can't tell you, some are repairable, some are not. Depends on VIN number and style. 9421 Smith Avenue Seabrook, MD 20706 301-577-9200

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Frederick Maryland: Regarding oil changes every 3 monts or 3000 miles. I use a 1994 Mazda 2300 pickup only about 300-400 miles a month. DO I still have to change the oil every 3 months? I usually go 6 to 9 months.

Thnak you

Pat Goss: Six months would work for me.

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Bethesda, Maryland: I have a 1994 Ford Taurus LX wagon with 140,000 miles and the transmission bangs(suddenly downshifts)when I slow down. I can make it skip that gear (I think it's third gear)if I slow down fast. Is it worth fixing? Should I consider repairing, swapping for a used transmission, or just donating the car to charity? The engine was replaced by Ford when I had 84,000 miles on it because of a head gasket recall. Other mechanical seems fine. I love the car and would hate to give it up. Are current Taurus transmissions compatible?

Pat Goss: Never fall in love with a car. Because it had the engine replaced it obviously a 3.8. Don't spend a nickel on it, donate it, submerge it at the local gravel pit, or what ever you see fit. At this point you're ahead of the game, spending money on it will place you behind the curve on a vehicle that typically has little or no value.

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Pat Goss: As always, thank you. It's fun, looking forward to next month. 'Til then, drive gently. Pat

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