Goss's Garage

Pat Goss
Automotive repair expert
Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:00 AM

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: Good morning. Pat Goss is running late. He should be starting shortly.

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Northeast D.C.: Pat: I am usually quite particular about applying the correct torque to my wheel lug nuts when rotating my tires. I have used a click torque wrench up to this point, however, I like the promise of the torque stick approach (easier!) I recently purchased (from SnapOn) a torque stick that is applicable to my vehicle's wheel lugs specs. Can I use this with my impact wrench and be comfortable that I am not going to damage my discs, etc when I install my lugs?

Pat Goss: You have to use it with an impact wrench. But you have to be schooled in how to use it properly and the results will be okay. The torque wrench is still far superior.

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Princeton, N.J.: Question about snow tires, I have them mounted on an extra sets of rims and I have a short commute. I'd guess I am probably putting less than 2-3k miles on them each season. What is the useful life expectancy assuming they still have tread left and aren't dried out or cracking? Does the tires compound change over time to where they lose their grippy-ness in bad conditions? Thanks.

Pat Goss: They last up to five or six years. As far as I know there is no significant change in the tread composition. At least not until you start seeing cracks. But because snow tires wear rapidly on dry pavement this should not be an issue.

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Laurel, Md.: Pat, any truth to this statement about making your battery work better on a cold morning? "On those very cold mornings,you can help your car start by turning on the lights for a few minutes before starting your car. It warms up the battery and helps it start better. The the current flowing through the internal battery resistance generates some heat in the battery making it more efficient." I think it is a myth?

Pat Goss: It is an old trick to get a car with a dead battery started. It does work occasionally in those circumstances but it should have no effect on battery life.

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Los Angeles: I appreciate your chats, Pat. You often stress regular transmission flushes. I assume you're speaking of an automatic. Does the same advice apply to manual transmissions? This applies to my 2001 Passat 4 cyl turbo with about 85k mi. I've had the timing belt/thermostat/water pump job done at my mechanic's suggestion, both CV boots have needed replacing, brakes flushed every couple of years, vacuum hoses replaced after a check engine light where that was the suggested remedy, and of course two ignition coils failed for which we replaced all three remaining when the second one failed; I understand coil failure is endemic for this model. But otherwise it's near perfection, and to me that's a reasonable set of repairs. (Is it?) I'm also wondering what sort of failures I should expect in the next couple of years -- and beyond, perhaps, as I plan to keep it another 5-10 years if it will last. I understand a new clutch is pretty expensive.

Pat Goss: No you do not flush manual transmissions but the fluid in them should be changed regularly. Look for electrical problems and not much else unless you are skimping on oil changes and oil quality. By the way the coils were covered by a recall.

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Arlington, Va.: Is it true that a 1998 AWD Mercury Mountaineer has three catalytic converters? If so, what would you estimate it would cost to replace all of them? Thanks.

Pat Goss: Yes many cars have either three or four converters. Average on the Ford SUV style is about $1,300 to $1,500. But look in the aftermarket before buying, there are sometimes less costly converters that meet government requirements and have the same warranty as replcement OEM cats for a LOT LESS money.

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Takoma Park, Md.: I have a '03 Honda Element that I love. I usually just take it to Jiffy Lube and I've started putting synthetic oil in for the oil changes about two years ago. Last time I was in they noticed I was low on brake fluid and said they don't top that off but to just go and buy brake fluid and add it. It looks simple enough. I bought the brake fluid recommended for ABS brakes but am afraid to add it since my owners manual said to NEVER put anything in but HONDA brake fluid. I don't know if this is just Honda making sure I spend money on their products or if it would really make a difference. Thanks for your response.

Pat Goss: Virtually all manufacturers say the same thing. Hey it does drive a few folks back to the dealer to buy their products and that is a good thing for the dealers. But if you are using non-Honda fluid make sure it has the proper rating and that is not ABS. Your car probably requires DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid. Also the low fluid means it is time for a brake check --- it would be advisable to have them checked yesterday.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Pat: Can a (positive) battery cable be the cause of corrosion? Had a vehicle die on us this week as the result of massive corrosion (completely severed the band around the positive terminal). The garage replaced the entire length of the cable and said the battery was fine, but the corrosion I saw seemed consistent with what I recall from the pre-maintenance-free battery days -- meaning acid-related. And there were signs of arcing, as well (black on the inside edges of the rubber terminal cover). Thanks.

Pat Goss: No the cable does not cause corrosion, battery acid or battery fumes do. This could mean one of two things --- you are not having yearly service performed on the battery cables and therefore not having the anti-corrosion pads and chemicals renewed or you have a bad seal around the positive battery post. A bad seal usually comes from someone being very ham-fisted when working on the battery. This causes the seal to open and acid laden fumes then come up around the cable and eat it alive.

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Washington, D.C.: Is an 'all-wheel' alignment really that much better than a front-end wheel alignment? Does one offer more benefit over the other on a front-wheel drive vehicle?

Pat Goss: All-wheel or more corretcly four-wheel alignment is not an option. Either the car needs one or the car does not need one. The only way to know is to connect the alignment equipment to the car and take readings. The first thing the equipment does is read the settings on the rear wheels. If the settings on the rear wheels are good (YOU DO NOT NEED A FOUR_WHEEL ALIGNMENT) there is absolutely NO reason to align the rear wheels. If the rear settings are incorrect you will need a four-wheel alignment. Be exceedingly cautious of any shop that offers or suggests a four wheel alignment before the car has been checked on the alignment machine. Either they have no clue what they are doing or they are greedy.

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Ocala, Fla.: Pat, nitrogen filled tires: beneficial or hype?

Pat Goss: Not a miracle but definitely a benefit. The primary advantage comes from the lack of moisture in Nitrogen. I have a NitroFill machine and find that my cars go a lot longer between topping off and since I have converted I have had no problems with tire pressure sensors or corrosion on the inside of my alloy wheels.

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Seattle: Pat, I have the dumbest problem in the world, but I guess what bugs you, bugs you. Anyway, I have a 2005 Acura TSX that I love in every way -- it's well-appointed, good looking, quick, handles terrific has a great stereo. Except there's one thing that is making me want to sell it -- I have to fill the tank too often. It's not fuel economy -- I get about 22-24 mpg in mostly urban/suburban driving, which is just fine -- it's that the 14-gallon tank basically gives me about 300 miles between fill-ups, and I just find it a pain to have to go the gas station so much. So -- since I can't imagine there's anything I can do about increasing my car's range, I'd like to know if there's a car that's as likeable but gives me a lot longer between gas-station visits.

Pat Goss: I really doubt it unless you are ready to go to a diesel or a hybrid. I find the same thing on my car. I had a diesel Mercedes but had a lot of little problems with it and traded for a domestic gas car with a small tank. With the diesel I could go 600 or more miles between refuelling but mot now the best I can do is slightly over 300. The reason I say not likely is that carrying a lot of fuel around costs money because it reduces fuel mileage. To make cars more fuel efficient there hass been a trend toward smaller tanks for more miles per gallon. But if you want more information about tank size miles per gallon and range go to fuel economy dot gov.

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Columbia, Md.: Someone told me the other day that if I would put high test gas in my car that I would be better gas mileage. Is that correct? My car, an Escort 1999 ZX2, does not call for this grade of gas. Would it add enough mileage to make the difference in price worth it? Any problems to the engine in using it? Thanks.

Pat Goss: That's pure bunk!

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Falls Church, Va.:2006 Chevy HHR owner here. Warranty just expired, and -- just my luck -- the heating is going out. Do you know why the heater will function only on full-blast, and not on any of the lower settings?

Pat Goss: Blower module, switch, or blower resistor are the most common causes.

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Warrenton, Va.: Pat, can you convert one of the dash spaces in a 2005 Corolla to a dash ashtray with a light? I find that the cup is dangerious, you tend to take your eyes off the road more than if it was in the dash.

Pat Goss: I'm sure it could be done but it might become involved. Due to the lack of smokers these days most cars no longer even have ash trays except as an option. Also there used to be lots of accessory ash trays in auto parts stores but I don't know if they still exist. You might look in the auto stores to see if someone still makes one of the add-ons.

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Atlanta: 2006 Honda Civic. My brakes refuse to stop squeaking. I've taken it a non-dealer shop repeatedly. They can't find the squeak, but assure me the car is "fine." Do I just gather my pennies and go to the dealer?

Pat Goss: It isn't the name over the door it is the quality of the technician working on the car. Some independent techs would do fine and some dealer techs would do fine. The problem is finding the one that knows how to make brakes quiet. There are several steps involved in getting rid of brake noises and a really qualified tech should be able to take care of the problem in about an hour. That is providing you don't have cheap pads.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Pat, why do you think so many high price cars like BMW's, and Jaguars end up breaking down so much in the first three years?

Pat Goss: I wasn't aware that they did. They used to but my experience has been that later ones are quite reliable.

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Clifton, Va.: Actually, Pat, the heat cycles can have effect on the rubber compounds etc. used in snow tires. Several years of heat cycles will render these compunds useless. The compounds that gave you extra grip in snow and ice will be gone. These compounds are what make the difference between a real snow tire and a AT tire.

Pat Goss: If you say so!

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Adelphi, Md.: Pat, what is the correct type of "dry gas" to use, methanol or isopropyl alcohol? How often should I add it? I have heard every fill up in the winter and monthly the rest of the year. Thanks.

Pat Goss: The dry gas to use --- the only dry fgas to use is isopropyl dry gas. The methyl products only help prevent freezing they do help get the water out of the tank. Use isopropyl dry gas once every month twelve months of the year. One conatiner once a month.

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Anonymous: For Seattle: The same thing drives me crazy on my RX300. My solution has been to find a few full-service gas stations around me. I'm a lot less bothered by needing to fill up all the time if I'm not the one who has to do it.

Pat Goss: Tough thing to do these days but you're right I found one as well and it does make the chore less painful.

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Washington, D.C.: What type of car do you drive and do you have any problems with it?

Pat Goss: I have three cars: 2004 V8 Explorer, 2006 Mustang GT convertible, 2007 Cadillac DTS Performance Sedan. The only problem I have had with any of the three is with the miserable tires on the Cadillac. Bagain basement and no end of aggravation.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi Pat, I broke a drillbit tip about a 1/4 inch long trying to drill out a broken bolt. Unfortunately I think it fell in the area where the cam, rocker arm assembly and valve springs are (lots of nooks and crannies). The bolt holds down the valve cover gasket. Question is will that broken tip eventually make it into the oil filter or the bottom of the oil pan? Thank you.

Pat Goss: Yipe! DO NOT EVEN engage the starter motor much less start the engine until the piece has been extracted from the engine. It probably will never hurt anything but it could and if it does the damage could be horrific.

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Trenton, N.J.: What are you seeing these days on the longevity of the latest CVT transmissions? One of the first I remember was the Justy I believe in the 80's. But how are all the current Nissans and Fords holding up? Did Ford drop them for a 6sp auto because of mechanical issues, or did buyers just not like them? Do they need similar maintenance to a regular auto? Thanks.

Pat Goss: Ford dropped the CVT because of poor sales is what I am told. We see no problems and never have seen problems even with the early Subaru and Honda versions.

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Kansas City: Pat, just curious -- do you detail your cars regularly? While we are learning lots of tips about taking car of our cars under the hood from you, I was wondering if you have any day-by-day tips about maintaining the interior and exterior as well. You must see cars that run the gamut from filthy to sublime. What things do you see most neglected that could be simple ways to keep cars looking sharp all around? Thanks.

Pat Goss: One of the most common mistakes I see comes from the driver who believed the sales person who told them they don't have to wax their new car because of some miracle paint or sealant. Wash your car weekly, if possible, wax it quartely, clean the leather and plastic inside (body oils must be removed) keep the brake dust off the wheels and be careful about protectants as many are not beneficial except to appearance.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Pat, thanks for these chats. A while back in one of these chats you had mentioned seeing some issues with the 2007 Camry. Can you elaborate on that and inform us if they've been fixed for 2008?

Pat Goss: Mostly performance issues, especialy hesitation during acceleration.

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Northwest, D.C.: Hi Pat. I have a 2007 Hyndai with about 4,700 miles. The manual says I'm supposed to check my tire pressure and oil at least once per month, but I only drive the car on the weekends, and even then, it's usually just for short trips to grocery store and dry cleaners. Am I in danger of getting a flat or running on dirty oil if I don't check my tire pressure and oil? I know I should, but I'm a typical girl -- I love driving but hate the maintenance. (And my boyfriend knows nothing about cars, so he's no help.)

Pat Goss: You are giving your poor car some of the hardest use it could possibly get. First tires don't care whether you drive the car or it sits, air escapes so they must be checked at least monthly. Oil could be a real problem unless you step up your maintanenace to time rather than mileage. All owner's manuals give a mileage interval for services for people who drive a reasonble distance. But they also give a time interval for those who drive a very little. You need to perform service based on time not miles.

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Reisterstown, Md.: Hi, Pat, my chemistry teacher explained the turning on the lights trick, the current generated warms the electrolyte solution allowing starting a little more quickly. However, he also explained that this method is only really useful in climates where the winter temperatures drop below 32F on a regular basis, when the electrolyte solution will come near to freezing solid. Here in Maryland there is no noticeable difference. See you on the back roads of Owings Mills!

Pat Goss: Absolutely correct. The trick works well in Alaska and if you have a dead battery it can sometimes get the car started. Lights on for 0ne minute then try to start the car.

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Wheaton, Md.: Pat, I have an '80 Nissan Frontier 5 speed. What can I do about this, when on below freezing mornings my emergencey brake locks and when I release the emergency brake the vehicle will not move normally when in gear and giving it gas.

Pat Goss: Check for faulty seals in the parking brake cables, proper lubrication of the brake system, and proper friction material on the rear brakes.

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Herndon, Va.: Pat, I received an Autocommand remote start/alarm kit as present for my '03 Accord, which already has an alarm, key fob, trunk release. Are those devices expensive to install and would installing it be risky to the cars current systems? I really don't need the remote start as the car is garaged. I'm thinking about giving it to my wife for her much older Camry, which doesn't have those features.

Pat Goss: Remote starter systems have very few advantages and some have a lot of disadvantages. These systems are usually easy to install providing the technician follows directions carefully. We had one a few weeks back that was connected into the air bag system -- EGAD! Some completely disable the factory alarm, etc. so you have to make sure what affect this individual system would have on your car and if you don't have a specific need don't use it.

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Fairfax, Va.: I have a 1999 Mazda Protege that runs fine, except when the temperature is below freezing. Then it starts and runs, but will not go into gear when it's put in drive, and will not move forward. If I press really hard on the accelerator sometimes I can get it to lurch forward, but I don't think that's good for the engine! It also causes a small amount of antifreeze to squirt out on the pavement, though I don't believe I have an antifreeze leak; maybe it's coming from the overflow tank. Do you have any idea what the problem might be? Thank you.

Pat Goss: You need to have the transmission checked. Sounds like a hardened seal inside the trans.

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Alexandria, Va.: Pat -- I purchased a 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible (with the mid-range V-6 engine) last August to use at a weekend home. Consequently, it gets very little time on the road... the current mileage is about 1,400 miles. I took the car to the dealer at 3 months and asked about routine service (oil change, etc.) They told me that since the car gets little use, as long as the oil is clean, I could wait to change it until it has more miles on it. Does this make sense? How should we maintain a vehicle that gets little regular driving? Thanks.

Pat Goss: No it does not. OIl should be changed at leats every six months.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Hi Pat. I have a 9-year-old cougar with about 150K miles. I've noticed lately that when I have the turn signal on, the "turn signal" light inside the car will turn off, and the indicator sound will go off. If I turn the signal off and then on again, it is fine... for the next couple of seconds. What do you think causes this?

Pat Goss: Check the ground wires on the bulb sockets and the sockets themselves. If all is okay check the flasher module.

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Anonymous: Given the price of gas, I'll be driving my 1999 Toyota van more this summer across country for two family reunions -- probably a total of 5,000 miles over two long trips. I have 180,000 miles on the Sienna now and maintain it regularly. Aside from having my mechanic look it over before I leave, do you have any suggestions for preparing for any other potential problems? Thank you.

Pat Goss: Actually no! What you propose is right. That is if your technician knows how to look for impending problems not just broken parts.

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Vienna, Va.: Hi Pat, I'm submitting really early because I'll be at a meeting during your chat. I have a 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5S with around 3,500 miles on it. I took it to get an oil change a few hundred miles ago and they advised me to use synthetic oil instead of standard (of course it was over $20 more for synthetic). I thought you only used synthetic if you had a high mileage car or it was a luxury car. So this may be a dumb question, but should I use synthetic oil instead and what are the advantages?

Pat Goss: If you want to keep a car for a very long time (in miles) use synthetic from the beginning as it can provide up to four times longer engine life. You would not use it on a worn engine.

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Frederick, Md.: Pat, a question on tire rotation: I have a new Jeep Wrangler with a full size spare. I had the tires rotated at the dealer recently, and they only rotated the 4. I thought that the spare should be rotated in. I asked, but they said that isn't normal. What would you do? Thanks.

Pat Goss: Some people use the five tire rotation but most do not when they find out how much extra it costs. To do a five tire rotation requires removing the spare tire cover, unbolting the spare, then replacing the spare after the job is done. Takes about 15 minutes and there is an extra charge. That extra charge usually negates any savings in tire wear but you have to ask the price then decide.

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Manassas, Va.: Hi Pat, question about Ethanol containing fuels. Is dry gas really still needed with these? I am putting 10% ethanol gas in my truck and i cannot see what additional effect adding a small pint of isopropyl alcohol will do in addition. I know water will be absorbed (or more accurately dissoved in the ethanol).

Pat Goss: Yes you need Isopropyl dry gas more than ever now that gas contains Ethanol. Ethanol attracts water so there is more that accumulates in everyones fuel tank.

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Rockville, Md.: Hey Pat, I have a simple question, I think. My 1999 Nissan Maxima's AC/heater fan only works on the highest setting but the fan will not turn on for the lower ones. I thought it was a blown fuse but I didn't see one. Any ideas on what it may be? Thanks.

Pat Goss: Sorry to call it quits but time has run out. Thank you for participating, I really appreciate it. Until next time please support our troops and please everyone -- drive gently!

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