Goss's 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.

For more auto advice and industry news, visit our Cars section.

The transcript follows below.

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washingtonpost.com: This discussion will begin momentarily.

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Charlottesville, Va.: Thank you for giving us the benefit of your expertise in this forum.

I have a 2002 BMW 325xi. I would like to have an aftermarket Sirius radio installed. (The dealer says that they can't install the factory satellite radio in a pre-2003 3-series.) A warning sticker on my windshield states: "Installation and operation of non-BMW-approved accessories such as alarms, radios, and a list of a zillion other things , may cause extensive damage to the vehicle, compromise it's safety, interfere with the vehicle's electrical system," cause plagues of locusts and frogs to fall from the sky, break your poor mother's heart, etc., etc.

Phony propaganda from Baloney Motor Works? Or legitimate issue? Is there any risk in putting a third-party satellite radio in this thing? Thanks for your help.

Pat Goss: Legitimate stuff! Unless all aftermarket products meet OEM specifications and are installed according to factory procedures there can be huge issues. It can be done but it has to be the proper equipment and properly installed.

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Silver Spring, Md.: A friend of mine recommends turning on the air conditioning at least once a month during the winter months. He claims that it will keep the system in better shape in the long run, and reduce the chance of a breakdown and expensive repairs come summertime. Any thoughts?

Pat Goss: Very true but you do it anyway. Every time you tiurn the defroster on the air conditioner is turned on.

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Fairfax, Va.: They can send a man to the moon. Why can't they make a windshield that won't crack? I just had my 4th one installed Monday. I live in Va. so to pass inspection it had to be done.

It gets a little old after awhile.

Pat Goss: How closely do you follow the vhicles in front? That can be an issue on cars but on many SUV's and trucks the problem is due to the verticle positioning of the windshield. This is especailly true on some mini-utes where the windshield is almost straight up and down..

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Eastern Shore: For several months now, my 1995 Buick LeSabre has had a check engine light that comes on occasionally right after ignition. I have taken the LeSabre to two shops for repair and they have failed. I contacted the local Buick dealer's service shop and one lead mechanic told me that 1995 LeSabres were not fully diagnostic and that he would attempt repairing the LeSabre by "trial and error" at $80 an hour. Does this sound right?

Pat Goss: Sounds like --- go away don't mbother me I only want to work on new cars! Your car is very testable but unless the light comes on and stays on for a period of time testing by anyone will probably be a waste of money. I would ignore it until it comes on and stays on.

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: Recently a host on another chat had some interesting comments on cars that require premium fuel.

"Recommends" the use of premium unleaded "for best performance" in its G-Class automobiles. "Best performance" is open to interpretation. Generally, it means "best performance" in terms of emissions control, although the implication is "best performance" in terms of acceleration and handling. The bottom line is that most cars have computerized programs that automatiautomatically adjustengine performance to the grade of gasoline used. Thus, yes, you can get away with using regular unleaded in a G-Class."

Isn't it kind of cavalier to make such a sweeping statement, given the damage that you could causes to a motor by not using premium fuel?

Pat Goss: Yes! But you have to be careful about the language in the manual. Premium fuel recommended for best performance usually means you may be able to use lower octane but read further for all the details. Premium fuel required means --- USE PREMIUM. Computer programs have no ability to adjust for octane. The computer on a car has no idea which button you pushed on the pump.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hey, Pat. Thank you for the remarkable public service you provide!

My question is about undercoating. After our '98 4Runner recently burst a corroded brake line, I'd like to better protect our other (newer) vehicles.

What should I look for in undercoating options? Is there a particular brand, material, or technique you recommend? Any undercoating shops in the D.C. area which you like? Thanks!

Pat Goss: One thing you don't want is undercoating which actually often causes rust. The best way to protect steel brake and fuel lines is by spraying them with white lithium grease once or twice a year or coating them with wax based rust proofing.

By the way rusted brake line have become a HUGE issue over the last few years.

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Rockville, Md.: Pat: You really are the best. I am about to take my car in for an oil change and usually schedule something that has not been done for a while. This time it will be a transmission flush and a power steering flush. Last summer I got a new radiator -- so it should be OK. Brake pads were year before last and the struts are pretty new. it is a '91 Mazda Protege.

What am I missing? The boots are relatively new, too. Tires are four years old, but are Michelin X. Fresh wiper blades. Hoses and belts less than five years old.

Pat Goss: Sounds as if you are really on top of your preventive mainteance. The only thing I see that is missing is a brake fluid flush.

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Richmond, VA: Hello and thanks for facilitating this!

I have a 1990 Saab 900 that was given to me last year(love it!) It's been up to now. It recently would not start in the D.C. area so I left it there to be repaired. The ignition was replaced and it started fine, but I left it in the area (I'm from Richmond), sitting for another week. On my second day of driving it, it suddenly seem to just pop out of gear (the gear shift didn't move), just no 'engagement' it seems. Any gear position it tried would not engage, no rpms. Does this sound like the clutch just went out, or is it possible that something the ignition installation could cause (or encourage) this to happen?

Thanks.

Pat Goss: I would check the clutch and clutch activation parts.

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Detroit, Mich.: I have a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix that makes an awful noise when I start it cold -- after it has sat all day or overnight. I'm not sure how to describe it. At first, I thought maybe a fan blade was rubbing against something. It has a metallic sound that gets faster if I rev the engine. It eventually stops after the engine warms for a few minutes. Thoughts?

Pat Goss: I would begin by checking for a weak valve lifter.

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Rockville, Md.: What's your expert take on BMW's RWD vs. AWD and run-flat tires? Advice, suggestions?

Pat Goss: The all-wheel drive is very nice but I get huge numbers of complaints on the run flats BMW is using.

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Reston, Va.: I have a side draft single carb (Stromberg) from 1971 MB 220 and I want it rebuild (new from MB Classic in Calif. maybe too expensive?). Do you have recommendations on where to go? Thanks.

Pat Goss: Sorry!

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Ellicott City, Md.: Good morning, Pat. My car's chrome wheels had a problem holding air due to the chrome flaking where it meets the tire. I had a wheel shop sand and repaint the flaky areas and that did the trick (no more adding air every day!)

I know that moisture in the air used to fill the tires can cause this (ALWAYS fill with nitrogen because it's dry) but what about tire dressings? I used spray "wet-black" tire dressings a lot and wonder if they can cause chrome to flake near the tire even though they claim to be safe with my wheels.

Thanks for lending us your vast wisdom in these chats!

Pat Goss: Usually we don't see any chrome problems that can be traced to tire dressings. The flaking chrome is almost always the result of moisture (use nitroget to prevent moisture) or low quality chrome plating on aftermarket wheels.

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Silver Spring, Md.: How do the 1997-2005 Passats hold up? I have not heard good things about the 1.8 turbo but the VR6 is OK. True?

Looking at a used car.

Pat Goss: The 1.8 is a wonderful engine to drive but it has been plagued with oil sludge problems (like several other makes). The VR6 is a great engine and the Passat is a very nice car but like most European cars tends to have some electrical and electronics problems.

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Clifton, Va.: RE: 4Runner owner. Go with an aftermarket stainless steel brake line. Never had a problem with my '90 3-series with 240,000 miles on it. You can get them to repalce the hard steel lines and the rubber lines should be replaced every few years.

Pat Goss: His advice not mine! Very expensive for some vehicles. On one model the cost was over $1,000.00 compared to $25.00 for wax rustproofing. If the stainless steel lines are affordable they do make sense but they don't address the other issues covered by the rustproofing. High quality stainless steel brake lines always add a slight extra margin of safety though.

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Takoma Park, Md.: How are KYB GR-2 shocks as aftermarket stock replacements?

Pat Goss: KYB builds good products.

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Alexandria, Va.: My '96 Infiniti had belts replaced (and almost $2,000 of other "recommended" service!) a year ago. Something's squeaking in the engine when it runs and is getting worse. Kind of like a whiny "chitty-chitty" (from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) sound. As you can tell, I'm a no-mechanical-ability type. Everything seems to be just fine otherwise. I opened the hood and it's coming from stuff turning around on the passenger side. I'm scared to take it to a shop, because the minute they see me, they'll see dollar signs for sure. What should I do?

Pat Goss: Check the condition of that replacement belt, check the condition of the belt tensioner, and check the condition of the bearings ion the devices the belt turns.

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"... use nitrogen to prevent moisture": Pat: Nitrogen isn't readily available in most areas. Where would you go to get it ?

Pat Goss: Due to the popularity of TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems) which become mandatory on all new cars next year and is curently installed on about 50% of new cars nitrogen is becomming much more popular. Check with some of the chain tire stores and ask your local shop.

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Hummer H3: Pat: Do you see more than average problems with the H3? A friend of mine has had it in the shop 12 times in the past year and a half.

Did he just get a lemon or do all of them have a lot of issues?

Pat Goss: Actually we see very few pronblems with the Hummer H3. If it is the same problem over and over I would try another shop.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi, Pat. My '98 Mercury Mountaineer (V8, all-wheel drive) had begun to make a 'rubber on rubber' sounding noise coming from the front wheel areas when I turn the steering wheel. A friend who has a '98 Explorer had a similar problem which turned out to be his wheel bearings. Does this sound right to you, or should I have my mechanic look for other causes?

Pat Goss: I would look for other problems. Specifically the sway bar frame busings which often need to be lubricated. The lubrication process takes half an hour. Wheel bearings usually make a rumbling sound while the vehicle is moving and the sound increases or decrease as the car goes around corners.

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Rockville, Md.: I have a '97 Ford Explorer SOHC V6 with about 150,000 miles. It runs fine, never had any real problems with it, but the local know-it-all says the early Ford SOHCs are notorious for timing chain issues. He claims there was even some sort of "secret recall" over it. Looking online, I do see some support for that, with the front main chain tensioner seeming to be the weak spot.

What isn't clear to me is what, if anything, I should do about it. I've only ever used synthetic oil, and don't have any chain rattle or other symptoms now, so should I just leave it alone? Or should I spend the big money and replace parts preemptively?

Pat Goss: What to do? Quit worring and enjoy the vehicle. At some point there may be an issue but you have used synthetic oil so "some point" may be a long way away.

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Laurel, Md.: Pat -- In your opinion is there a problem with refueling a modern car with the engine running, that could cause a fire?

Pat Goss: In my opinion there is an enormous refueling any car with the engine running. Why not light up or use a lighted match to look into the gas tank as well?

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Nashville, Tenn.: Pat, thank you for doing this forum. It is very educational. I believe in the past you have recommended synthetic motor oil. Is a blend OK or is full sythetic better? Why is synthetic motor oil better for me since I change the oil on my 2005 Colorado every 3,000 miles? Thanks for taking my question!

Pat Goss: Conventional oil is very good, a synthetic blend is better, and full synthetic is best. The reason each level is better than the one below it is the oil's ability to keep moving parts from touching on another thats called shear strength and its ability to withstand heat. The shear strength of full synthetic is often as much as 700 times greater than conventional oil and it can also stand up to 4 times the heat before it breaks down.

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2003 Subaru Outback: Thanks for sharing your expertise. How much would you say can be safely towed behind a 2003 Outback (four-cylinder)?

Thanks.

Pat Goss: Usually it will be limited to either 1,000 or 2,000 pounds depending on how it is equipped but I would look in the owner's manual or contact Subaru to be sure. A mistake could be very costly.

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RE: Infiniti Belts: Um ... can you put that in layman's terms or refer me to a resource for non-auto types?

Guess what I'm really asking is do I have to take it to a mechanic, or can it be attributed to the car's "character?" The belts were dealer installed.

Pat Goss: It can not be attributerd to the car's character. If the car hgas always been quiet any noise is therefore abnormal and anything abnormal needs to checked right away. This would require the services of a shop but ask them to check the things I mentioned first. It should be minor issue if taken care of right away.

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: Pat: We'd like you to settle a bet. There's a very nice lunch riding on the answer. I say the Northstar engine has more than three oxygen sensors. My buddy says it only has two. Which one of us is right?

Pat Goss: Virtually all late model (1996 and newer) "V" type engines have a minimum of three oxygen sensors and if they have two catalytic converters they have four oxygen sensors.

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TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems): Pat: What would the system do if you wanted to run your tire pressure a little higher than recommended?

Pat Goss: Most of the systems would turn on a warning light informing you of a dangerous situation. On today's cars over inflation can be nearly as dangerous as underinflation.

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Timing belt replacement: Pat: Please remind people that when they are changing the timing belt, they should have the idler pulley checked as well.

My neighbor just had his replaced and had to take it back for the idler since the new belt was making a lot of noise.

Pat Goss: Depending on the mileage and age of the vehicle I would not just check but replace all the pulleys that go with the timning belt. Many companies are now manufacturing timing belt kits that include the belt and everything with a bearing that goes with the belt. Saves money and saves problems.

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Boston, Mass.: Mr. Goss, thanks for taking my question. The other day my 1997 Jeep Wrangler has been making a noise much like a tea kettle that's ready. The noise shows up after a couple of minutes while the car is running and stops when accelerating but not by reving the engine with the clutch out. What might be the cause?

Pat Goss: Escaping air noises usually mean a leak in the exhaust system and often indicate the failure of the catalytic converter. I would check both before going into more difficult testing.

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Silver Spring, Md.:2006 Toyota Rav4 V6: Back in the '90s I remember you recommended auxillary transmission coolers and inline power steering filters as useful add-ons to extend the life of a vehicle.

Are those still worth considering on new cars today? I assume you wouldn't want to do this on a car under warranty?

Pat Goss: They are still highly beneficial and you're right --- keep things stock until after the warranty has expired.

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Maplewood, N.J.: Would appreciate your opinion regarding the quality of Hyundai cars. The new Sonata and the SUV models look great, and get overall good reviews.

Wondering how they look for your end of the business, meaning frequency of repair and build quality. Thanks.

Pat Goss: The improvement in Korean cars over the years has been astounding. Currently we see almost no pattern failures on them. And they are usually a great value.

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Washington, D.C.: I've been caring for an '03 Jetta for my son while he's been deployed to Afghanistan. He's returning soon so I took it for a 75,000 mile service at a local VW dealer. I was informed that the oil pan thread holes were stripped and the plug could not be removed so I had to replace the pan at a cost of $400. When I looked at the pan I could see that the pan is aluminum and the plug is steel which seems to me a natural for either thread stripping, expansion contraction damage, or corrosion damage. I've had the oil changed regularly at the same station every 3,000 miles for a year but of course they deny responsibility. So how do we prevent thread stripping in the future without having to go to a dealer every time for an oil change?

Pat Goss: It is a normal occurance. If you're good about service the threads will go away in the aluminum oil pan. And most cars now use aluminum oil pans with steel drain plugs. But if the threeads do go away there is often a much better solution than replacing the pan. Install steel threds in the existing oil pan. Much cheaper and much more durable.

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Washington, D.C.: I have been considering doing my first power steering flush in my '04 Silverado with 55,000 miles. I know the BG flush uses a series of "cleaning agents" in the flush process then adds "conditioners" along with the fresh fluid. Am I right to be freaked out about these additional items (besides just replacing the fluid?) Also, in a BG Brake fluid change, is the replacement fluid DOT 3 or DOT 4. My Silverado requires DOT 3. Additionally, GM says that these flushes aren't neccessary. Are they giving me bull?

Pat Goss: First if you don't want to clean the system there really isn't any reason to flush. That's what flushing is all about. As far as the DOT 3 fluid GM recoomends it because it absorbs less moisture than DOT 4 which in turn cuts warranty costs. But it also reduces the safety margin of your brakes because DOT 3 will boil at a lower temperature than DOT 4. If the truck is still in warranty I ould stick with the 3 but if it is out of warranty you will be safer with the 4. As far as the necessity of brake flushing, brake fluid is hygroscopic which means it attracts and absorbs moisture. Moisture in a brake system is what causes most brake hydraulic component failures. That includes the VERY expensive ABS pump.

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Herndon, Va.: I drive an Olds Royal 88, 1997, almost 200,000 miles. New engine, new ignition, new starter, new fuel pump and some other things because the car dies while it's going downhill or coasting flat with no need for me to accelerate.

I've noticed two things: 1. The car does this when warm -- on a cold day I can get from Herndon to Falls Church before it starts dieing--one mile on a warm day; and 2. If I can goose it as the tachometer drops from one to the halfway line before zero, it will allow me to slow down and even stop without dying.

I can be going DOWN hill at 55 mph and it will die. Generally I can safely put it in neutral, restart, and drive as long as I continue to give it gas on the downhill slope. The time I feel unsafe is when it dies just as I start a downhill left turn because there aren't any power brakes nor power steering and I have to juggle the timeing of restartng while I'm manhandling the wheel as I turn the car.

My husband says the timing's too low. The repair shop says it's a computer thing and they can't adjust it. I'm short, fat, 'n 63 and I'd like to see 64 in May when it's going to be warm.

Pat Goss: You need a shop that takes you seriously. Although things are not adjustable on computer controlled cars parts fail. One of the most common failures on that car that leads to stalling is the Mass Air Flow sensor. Big-time problems with it so I would have someone check it.

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Air conditioning filter: I drive a 2005 Toyota Camry. We bought it new in March of 2005. It has about 34,000 miles on it. I believe in getting maintenance done but think that some of the "XX,XXX Checkup" services are nonsense. The 30,000 mile list at my dealer is full of visual inspections. Typical.

However, there is one service on their list that I am considering. They claim I should get an air conditioning filter replacement. They claim that when a car has 30,000 miles -- that filter is gross and full of pollen and dust. The cost is $50. My husband "could" do the work since he is handy but one has to remove the glovebox and I am worried that it wont look right again.

Is this service of value, Pat? What do you recommend?

Pat Goss: It is only of value if you want to continue to have air enter the vehicle. You are describing a "cabin air filter" and if it gets completely clogged air flow will be reduced and consequently your AC and heat will be greatly diminished. It will look fine after the very simple install.

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Glendale, Calif.: I have a 2004 Infinity FX35 with over 57,000 miles on it. I have it serviced according to the dealers recommended maintenance schedule. Lately I noticed a little vibration when at idle mode and I hear the engine. The dealer recommended a throttle body flush. I was told this is an unnecessary service. What is your opinion?

Pat Goss: Cleaning throttle bodies on modern cars is a routine service. It usually has to be done at 30 to 50 thousand miles. Just make sure they do it right as your vehicle probably has an electronic throttle body (fly by wire) and if the service isn't done right it's goodbye throttle body and $1,200.00. The job is also very inexpensive.

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Los Angeles, Calif.: Hi, Pat. Thanks for answering my question and having this chat. You've been a great help with my buying a 'new' to me car (Chevy Malibu Maxx -- LOVE it). I have your repair sheets from the site and wonder if you have a spreadsheet or word cheat sheet to write everything down so that I can keep track of the general repairs?

Also since my car isn't under warrenty I want to find a regular shop and how you recommend I find. Most of my friends are not native L.A. people so take them to the dealerships.

Thanks and have a great day!

Pat Goss: Nothing as far as "cheat sheets' yet. When looking for a good repair shop spend some time visiting shops. Look at the general cleanliness. look for ASE certified technicians and the top shops will be ASE Blue Seal certified. Then check with friends nad co-workers to see if they have anything to say about the shop. Finally check with the local consumer agency and BBB for their complaint rate. Remember that all shops get complaints and you have to look at the number of complaints relative to the size of the shop. In other words a shop that does a hundred cars a day and has ten complaints would be better than a shop that does twenty cars a day with five complaints.

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Fredericksburg, Va.: My parents have an '01 Pontiac Grand Prix. The windshield wipers work, but when they turn off the wipers, the wipers stay in the "up" position. This makes driving the car a little more difficult. Any ideas?

Pat Goss: It probably has a bad park relay on the motor's circuit board. Some can be replaced others require a new motor assembly.

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Peekskill, N.Y.: Had ABS and brake lights stay on on a '98 Durango. I changed the rear speed sensor and the lights did go off, but ...

Now I have the ABS light and brake light come on intermittently. The ABS seams to come on early when I start to brake softy at times. A hum even when I let off the brake? I had too change the right fount CV joint, the boot was gone and grease was around the brake area. The Durango has 182,000 got it off eBay, I put in water pump, Freeze out plug, ball joints and a lot of other things in this SUV. I have no idea what this noise could be.

Pat Goss: The noise and the ABS light suggest the truck may have a bad wheel/axle bearing.

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Fairfax, Va.: I have a Mazda Navajho that has 303,000 miles on it. Could I put another 4.O liter v6 from a newer Explorer in it? The ohv v6 produces more power and should fit. Or should I rebuild and hop up the old engine?

Pat Goss: Do the old one! Too many emissions and fittement problems with the new engine and you wouldn't gain that much anyway.

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Washington, D.C.: Mr. Goss -- 1. What may cause a 1993 Dodge B250 cooling system to continually generate rust? I've replaced the radiator, power system flushes and chemicals and it still generates rust.

2. Can you change remove the steering knuckle from a 1991 4x4 Ford Bronco without taking the front spindle/ujoint assmebly off the truck?

Pat Goss: Use one of the concentrated cooling system flush products designed for rusty systems then ground the cooling system and check the condition of the alternator diodes. Can't tell you about the Bronco no time to look it up in this setting.

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VW Passat: For what it's worth ... I would recommend against buying any Passat made in the last 10 years. My brother owns a 1999, and it is nothing but one gigantic headache. When it runs, it's actually a nice ride. The engine is not really the problem. It's everything else on the car -- mainly anything electrical: alarm, door locks and windows, etc. Even when he bought it, the trunk latch wouldn't keep the lid down. Basically, the finishing work on the car is bad, every repair is costly, and customer service is horrible.

Go to Edmunds.com and check out user review of this car -- it'll back me up.

Pat Goss: Well folks the clock has caught me again. Thank you for you questions and comments. Until next time drive gently!

Pat

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