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 Motor week, 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.

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Leesburg, Va.: Pat, a question: I got the oil changed in my car at a shop back in July. In October, I noticed my car was leaking (presumably oil) and took it to a friend who is a mechanic at a different shop. He confirmed the leak was oil, and almost immediately figured out what the problem was -- The shop I took the car to back in July had over-tighened the plug on the oil pan that they had stripped the threading off and damaged the gasket. He replaced the gasket, changed the oil, and got the plug back on the best he could. He also gave me the stripped threading as "evidence." However, I didn't immediately go to the first shop and have been to busy since to see if I can get it taken care of. Do I have any recourse at this point (as far as getting the original shop to pay for the damages), or is it too late for me?

Pat Goss: Maybe --- maybe not! It depends on the year, make, model, engine, and the number of times the oil has been changed. It is really easy to say the first shop did something wrong but that may not be the case. There are certain cars where the threads in the oil pan will wear out no matter how careful the technician is. If you have one of these cars they would not be at fault but if it is a car that never or rarely has problems there could be an issue. But you didn't make them aware of the problem and took your car to another shop which could really complicate matters.

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Arlington, Va.: I drive a 2000 Chevy Malibu, and on two separate occasions, my car has randomly stalled and powered down while driving at full speed. When it happens, I can only liken it to the engine chugging like it's suddenly run out of gas, and then the car slows to a stop, during which pumping the gas pedal gets no response from the vehicle. If I try to restart the vehicle, it cranks and cranks, but most of the time won't turn over (or at least not immediately). I've taken my car to three separate garages (all highly trusted), and none have been able to find or duplicate the problem. At first I thought the alternator had gone bad, but all three garages found it to be in good shape; same with the battery. One thought I needed a new fuel filter (which I did), while another speculated that the fuel pump was going, though an examination showed it to be in perfect working order. And an examination of the wiring proved to be flawless. So understandably, I'm very nervous driving my car now, even though it's run fine since the last check. The only difference in performance I've noticed is that the engine now requires a lot more effort when driving. I'm wondering if maybe I need some new spark plugs. One mechanic even offered a theory, wild though it may be, that the stalling might actually be due to the ignition switch. Which is to say, that since I keep a lot of keys on my key chain, that the weight of the keys has jostled around the ignition cylinder enough so that the car is being tricked out to think that there's no key in the ignition -- hence the powering down and stalling. What are your thoughts?

Pat Goss: Although a lot of keys on the ring that is used in the ignition in any car is a genuinely bad idea it usually doesn't cause these symptoms. Here again you need a shop with the ability do perform diagnosis by symptom. This will include looking at various control parts on an oscilloscope and then heating or cooling the parts to see if there is a reaction. It is much like a stress test for your heart and uses some of the same equipment. First part to check on the oscilloscope is the crankshaft position sensor.

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Washington, D.C.: I own two older GM vehicles, one more than 10 years old with 90,000 original miles. I noticed last year that it was becoming harder and harder to obtain parts for the older car, and that the dealerships were less than helpful in tracking down those parts. Pat, how bad is the parts situation for older GM, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles?

Pat Goss: About the same as it is for any other older car. We find some dealers to be very helpful while others could care less. We shop both dealers and aftermarket sources for our parts to fit older cars. We have very few problems until the cars reach twenty or more years of age. Then we go to old car suppliers through sources such as Hemmings Motor News.

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Viera, Fla.: Pat, Any help would be greatly appreciated -- I'm at wits end. 2002 Chrysler Town and Country with 70K miles. All maintenance has been performed per your recommended schedule. For over a year now, I've had a recurring problem with the van stalling on start-up and hesitating at low speeds. When it stalls, it's like the van just shuts off- Doesn't hesitate, just turns off. It's been in the shop eight times for the same symptoms, including two different dealerships and two independent shops. Diagnosis have included spark plugs, throttle adjustment, battery replacement, fuel filter, carbon build-up, etc. I really don't know where else to turn! Any ideas? Thanks.

Pat Goss: Unfortunately you need a real shop. I presume the shops you're dealing with are looking for codes and guessing. This will never get the job done. The shop needs to be able to run pinpoint tests on individual parts and systems. In the service manual it's listed as diagnosis by symptom. These tests may require a shop that has two increasingly scarce tools: an exhaust gas analyzer and an oscilloscope. With these tools they can look at the flow of electricity through the various control parts and they can tell if fuel is being delivered properly.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm in the market for a used car and I recall there were companies in the Washington Metro area that would send out a mechanic, for a fee, to inspect the car mechanically with a prospective buyer. With advertising budgets being cut due to the economic environment, it has been difficult for me to locate such a service. Does that service still exist, and if so do you have any recommendations for providers of a used car mechanical check-out service? I have long appreciated your newspaper advice columns, appearance on both radio and Motor week. Any thoughts you have on my question would be greatly appreciated.

Pat Goss: I have never been a fan of these services as they don't really do anything you couldn't do yourself. A real honest to goodness inspection requires the use of a lift. What looks great sitting on the ground sometimes looks horrible when raised in the air. This is because when cars are being reconditioned or repaired (especially body work and paint) they are repaired and examined sitting on the ground. This means they look good if you are looking down on the car. But when you raise the car on a lift you look up on the work and all sorts of things are exposed. Also it is very difficult to look for frame damage, rust and a host of other problems while the car is on the ground. I would find a GOOD shop that has experience in pre-purchse exams and take the car to them.

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Nevada: I'm not sure if this is the right place for this question, but here goes. I have a brand new Hyundai Santa Fe and it got caught in a dust storm. There is sand in every crevice of the car. Would having the car detailed be enough to restore it? Thanks!

Pat Goss: That depends on the detail shop but in most cases no. You would want a specific cleaning to get rid of the sand and dirt. This would include using compressed air to blow the dirt out of cracks and crevices and lots of vacuuming. Ask for a specific service not a general detailing.

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Clinton, Md.: I have a 1992 Buick Park Avenue Ultra 3.8 SuperCharger. The car will not start sometimes. I replaced the starter and battery. When I turn the key to the "on" position, all the dash lights are on, just will not start. When I try the next day or so, it starts. What's going on?

Pat Goss: Providing the engine doesn't crank during these episodes begin by replacing the battery bolts. These are the bolts that attach the cables to the battery. DO NOT attempt to clean the old ones and don't assume that because they look good to you or your technician they are good --- electricity doesn't have eyes and can't appreciate the same things you can.

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Arlington, Va.: I have a 2003 Ford Explorer EB, AWD, 67k mi. The rear wheel bearings have been diagnosed as going bad, which I've seen online is a common problem, and I'm wondering what an average cost for doing this job is? The $1500 quote took me by surprise. Thank you.

Pat Goss: The cost for one bearing is about $350.00 plus an hour of labor for a total of (in most applications) $450.00 plus tax and incidentals.

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Arlington: I am posting really early (Monday!) because I want to make sure I get an answer on this. What the heck is this Ethos fuel reformulator that they are selling via multi level marketing and exactly how does it work and how much damage will it do to my car? I don't trust anything being sold by people with no automotive experience, but I see the Unser family endorses it, so I am curious.

Pat Goss: Ah yes the grand paid endorsement. If you knew how many opportunities I receive in a year's time to get paid a lot of money to say I like something that isn't worth anything you would be shocked. But unlike some folks my reputation isn't for sale. Save your money none of these products work and none of them can work without reversing the laws of physics.

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Elkridge, Md.: Pat, My brand-new 2008 New Beetle's driver-side window squeaks when going up or down, so I took it to the dealership. They lubricated it and said that they couldn't find anything wrong with it. The squeaks returned and are very loud and annoying. Can I get the window replaced under warranty, or do you have any other ideas? Also I want to encourage people to keep their vehicles maintained properly: On Election Day as I was driving to my polling place, an oncoming van lost it's driver-side front wheel! The wheel kept rolling towards my car, but I was able to drive around it. It headed downhill -- hope it didn't hit anyone. The driver of the van was able to safely stop (he was leaving an intersection with a traffic light and was just picking up speed when the wheel came off).

Pat Goss: Safe cars require proper maintenance. You need to have a heart to heart with the dealer. This should be covered under warranty and it will most likely be a part of the window mechanism that is mispositioned.

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Reston, Va.: Pat, I have a 2003 Chevy Tahoe Z71 with almost 60,000 miles. The truck seems to be running just fine, any suggestions to make sure this continues? Also, best place in the area for new tires?

Pat Goss: Preventive maintenance, flushes, etc. can double or triple the life of vehicles. Lots of places to get tires but the only place other than my own shop that I have any tire dealings with is Passport Nissan. They are a sponsor of my radio show so I have inspected their shop and interviewed their employees. Other than that ask friends if that have had a pleasant experience and where.

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Manassas, Va.: Love to hear your thoughts on Big 3 automakers situation.

Pat Goss: My thoughts are very basic. I'm not in favor of a gift and business as usual. I am in favor of a loan and a total management revamp and immediately stopping huge multi- million dollar salaries and bonuses. The domestic products are great these days but there has to be an end to mismanagement. I also don't think most folks understand that the auto industry, in some form, effects nearly every household in America.

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New Windsor, Md.: Hello Pat, I have a 1999 Honda Civic with 200+K miles. I believe the speedometer is off and at 70 mph shows the speed as about five mph slower than reality. Would this impact the odometer reading and record fewer miles traveled and is there anyway to fix this? Thanks.

Pat Goss: Yes speed and accumulated miles are linked so too low miles per hour equal fewer logged miles on the odometer. Yes it can be fixed but on a 200,000 mile car? I doubt it would be worth it.

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Germantown, Md.: Good morning-- My 18-month-old boy slipped a quarter in to the CD player in my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. Is there a way to pull apart the front console area of the minivan to get to the radio/CD player, and then pull the CD player out? I'm hoping there's a way to shake the coin out. Perhaps I'm dreaming. Thanks.

Pat Goss: Sure it can be taken apart but because you have to ask how almost guarantees it wouldn't be practical. In most cases with a service manual you could do it yourself but it will almost assuredly require some special tools and you have to be very careful not to create a larger problem. You can get instructions from Alldata.com

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Falls Church, Va.: Hi Pat: On most VW's from 1998 and on, the automatic transmissions are "sealed", no dip-stick to check fluid condition or level. They are apparently filled with "lifetime" fluid and the owners manual says nothing about changing fluid for non-DSG automatics. Is this wise? Has your shop ever changed the auto trans fluid on a Jetta/Golf/Beetle? I called a German car specialty shop and they said its doable, but not really easy. I know you like transmission flushes to prolong car's life. Would you do it on a VW? Thanks.

Pat Goss: Hey --- if you believe that "fluid for life" garbage I have this piece of waterfront property that is exceedingly nice at low tide. I'll make you one heck of a deal. There is no such thing as a sealed transmission just transmissions without dipsticks. It is a simple job to flush most VW transmissions and yes we do them all the time. Actually there is one being flushed outside my office right now.

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Dulles, Va.: Hi Pat -- 2001 Acura CL - Dealer says that the transmission is on its way out- $3,000 to fix. Is it cheaper at an independent? Is it worth fixing? It has $10,000 worth, about $6,000 without the transmission issue.

Pat Goss: First do your homework and see if your Acura qualifies under the Honda warranty extension/recall program.

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Viera, Fla. Follow-up: Pat, Thanks for the earlier reply. My question would then be how to find a capable, quality shop? I would have thought two separate Chrysler 5-star dealerships would have been able to run pinpoint diagnostics. Wish I lived closer to your shop.

Pat Goss: Not likely as many dealerships do not have the equipment. They are not required to have such testers to qualify for quality standard certifications from the manufacturer. I'm sorry but I don't know what to tell you about finding a good shop other than asking friends and neighbors. Diagnosing and fixing things is rapidly being replaced by installing new parts until the problem goes away.

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Reston, Va. - Does DIY maintenance void your warranty?: I have an 2007 Infiniti G35x that I love. I have had no major issues with it and for the most part have received excellent dealer care. But for the 30,000 mile service they want over $900 for a lot of inspections- a few replacement but basically just an oil change and inspections. I have always belonged to a couple of great car forums that provide information on how to replace some of the things in this service (such as the in-cabin air filter) by yourself and where to order it from for about a quarter of what the dealer wants. I am considering doing this but wonder if stuff like this voids your warranty in any way.

Pat Goss: Performing the services can be done by anyone that is qualified (online forums do not provide qualified information and many participants are 100% bogus). If you follow the directions in a recognized service manual you will be fine but remember there is a value to trained eyes that know what they are looking at.

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Manassas again: I am with you on the Big 3. I am concerned though that regulations have boxed us into big cars with all kinds of safety requirements. There are all kinds of autos from all over the world that can't meet U.S. standards for safety or emissions but people would love to have. Can't we revisit those issues rather than having them strangle our automakers offerings?

Pat Goss: I would like to see a few rules relaxed which would allow some of the highly fuel efficient and fun cars from other parts of the world into the U.S. But before something like that could happen we would need to overhaul the driving licensing requirements and have much better training for drivers with periodic re-testing. As is most folks who sit behind the wheel of a car are nearly totally incapable of good driving and therefore need to drive in a padded cocoon.

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"I believe the speedometer is off and at 70 mph shows the speed as about five mph slower than reality.": Yeah, I told the trooper that was the problem, but he didn't buy it.

Pat Goss: They usually don't --- believe me on that one! They sometimes don't even accept it when you have a work order in the car stating you are testing for speedometer inaccuracy and you have test equipment and a stopwatch in hand. Yeah believe it!

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Falls Church, Va. again: Thanks Pat. I am confused. The places that do flushes that I know of say its not possible. They talk about "dropping the pan, removing fluid, and changing gasket and screen." Where would someone hook up a flush machine on a VW/Audi with the 6-speed automatic? Love VW's, but finding a place that isn't afraid to work on it and that has VW specified fluids is rare. Wish I was close to your shop.

Pat Goss: They would open their wallet and buy the necessary adapters then they would be able to make a simple connection and do the flush. Lots of shops don't want to or in today's economic climate can't afford to spend thousands of dollars on highly specialized equipment. I am a lot less likely to step up on some of the things I would not have questioned for a second two or three years ago.

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Baltimore, Md.: Pat: This is a shameless plug from someone who has done advertising work for Snap-on. If posters want to know if a shop has the ability to fully diagnose a problem, they could ask if the shop as a MODIS and a tech who really knows how to use it. As you may know, the unit is three tools in one--scan tool, including specific codes for hundreds of makes and models, lab scope and gas analyzer. There may be other, comparable products on the market, but a MODIS will definitely do just about any diagnosis needed. End of commercial. (I am not an employee of Snap-on, by the way, but have worked as an outside copywriter for them.)

Pat Goss: Glad you said that! Although the Modis is better than nothing it is not the end-all be-all that Snap On would have us believe it is. I have one and it has been the most problematic piece of test equipment I have ever owned. True when it works (not often)it does a fair job. So yes looking for such equipment is a step in the right direction but folks remember that the equipment is no better than the person operating it so look for qualifications as well.

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Richmond, Va.: Two questions: My passenger door makes a really loud noise when I unlock the automatic door, could the motor be broken? Also I had some body work on my job and the knob to my AC/heat broke. It just turns without actually turning on the heat. How do I fix both of these problems and how much would it cost? Thanks for all your help.

Pat Goss: Broken control knob on the HVAC sounds like a Honda. But in most cases whether Honda or other make that has similar problems it is usually just a new knob that is needed. The door should be checked as there is obviously something that needs lubrication or adjustment or --- possibly replacement before it fails completely.

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McLean: Pat, I just had the clutch slave cylinder fail in a 2000 SAAB with only 38K miles on the clutch parts. I routinely get 120K miles out of clutch assemblies before they require replacement. Have you encountered or do you know of SAAB clutch slave cylinders failing before their time?

Pat Goss: I don't know of a specific Saab problem but I can tell you that anything on any car can fail at any time. If that were not the case there would never be a need for a warranty.

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Herndon, Va.: Pat: A reminder for all of your "chatters" out there - my son was in an accident last night, nothing serious, thank goodness. The car is a pre-airbag model. He has a good burn on his chest/neck from the seat belt and minor knee damage. If he hadn't been wearing the belt, he no doubt would have gone through the windshield, or, at the least, had the steering wheel in his chest. Keep buckled, folks.

Pat Goss: So true buckling the seatbelts should be an automatic response before the car moves.

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Boonsboro, Md.: Any opinion on whether non-OEM headlight bulb replacements that promise better visibility are worth the much higher price tag?

Pat Goss: Be careful. Although higher wattage bulbs produce more light they also produce more heat and more heat often kills lamp lenses.

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Woodbridge, Va.: Thanks for taking my question. I have a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. When I start the car after it has been sitting a while (a couple of hours) there is this loud squealing noise for five-seven seconds. Then it stops. What could be causing this? Thanks.

Pat Goss: Check the condition of the drive (fan) belt and its related tensioner and idler pulleys.

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Downtown D.C.: Hi Pat - what's the best way to maintain tires on a my car that has larger tires in the rear (Honda S2000)? I have directional tires too which means I can't simply move them right to left and vice versa. Other than properly inflating them and not driving too aggressively, is there anything else I can do to extend the life of the tires?

Pat Goss: Not much that can be done other than what you are already doing. I have the same situation on one of my cars and am not looking forward to buying tires for it every ten or fifteen thousand miles.

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What to do with it?: Our 1998 Dodge Intrepid is in great physical shape other than the fact that it won't start. My husband thinks it might be the starter but isn't interested in trying to figure it out - "good money after bad" and all that. Since he isn't interested in repairing it and I don't want it sitting in my driveway if it won't run, any suggestions on how to sell it? I suggested donating it for a tax deduction, but he's not interested in "giving it away" either.

Pat Goss: Advertise it in one of the specialty automotive magazines and their online counterpart. Very inexpensive and very effective.

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Reading, Pa.: Pat: 2001 Mercury Sable LS, 66,000 miles, runs fine. Check engine light came on in early October, took it right to the mechanic (not the dealer). He hooked it up to the computer which told him "not ready for testing". He turned the light off, but it came back on while he was test driving it. Computer again told him the same thing. The car runs fine; no hesitating, no rough idling, mileage is consistent, no symptoms. Any idea what I can expect the dealer to tell me when I get it inspected next month? Thanks.

Pat Goss: Check the "Readiness Monitors". They have to set and ready before full communication is possible and the light will go out.

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Richmond Follow up: You are right It's a 1994 Honda Accord, thanks for the tips.

Pat Goss: We see a lot of broken knobs on Hondas but on the plus side its a cheap two minute fix.

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Bulbs for tail lights: Pat, my mechanic says a lot of the 1157 and similar bulbs are being made overseas and are not of good quality. He only recommends bulbs made by Osram or other quality brands.

Pat Goss: He's is very observant and he is absolutely correct. In many cases the offshore bulbs do not work properly, turn on bulb monitor warning lights and burn out fast. Quality costs a buck or two more but delivers a lot more.

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Montgomery Village, Md.: Pat, my wife's 2001 Honda Civic has 28,000 miles. We have it serviced appropriately and it is running very well. My question relates to the tires. All are original equipment and show no signs of uneven wear. Should we be concerned simply about the age of the tires? I have never owned a car with so few miles after so many years. Thanks.

Pat Goss: There is certainly some worry involved with old tires. The usual recommendation is five or six years but that has to be tempered with how the car is used.

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200+K Honda Civic Again: Pat, I plan on keeping the car for at least another 100k and have had no problems with it yet. Everything is original except the exhaust and tires. What would cause the speedometer to be wrong? Is there a sensor on the wheel that records the speed?

Pat Goss: Calibration or wiring or sensor problems. Expect to pay not less than $100.00 but it could easily climb to several hundred.

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Columbia, Md.: My girlfriend's car is a '96 Accord automatic with +200,000 miles. Recently, the car has revved higher than normal before shifting. My girlfriend maintains that it occurs more often/worse when it is cold outside. She took it to a local Honda dealer, they flushed the transmission and replaced the speed sensor. When that failed to fix the problem, they told her it was time for a new transmission. Is there any value in taking the car to Aamco or some other transmission specialist, or are we looking at possibly replacing the transmission?

Pat Goss: I doubt it, the symptoms and the fact that it is a Honda suggest it's time for a new transmission or a new car.

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State of Dyspepsia: Pat, my 4.0l Explorer is continually throwing a lean condition error codes even after replacing the intake gaskets and a feeder hose that had deteriorated. Vacuum tests seem to check out. Is cleaning the MAF sensor next, or what?

Pat Goss: Maf sensor cleaning would be highly recommended but make sure you use nothing but a high quality MAF sensor cleaner like the one from BG which we have been using with great success.

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2000 Malibu that stalls and powers down: Pat, I had a similar problem on my car. I don't know if the Malibu has an electronic throttle or not, but that's what was wrong on my car. I had to go to the dealer and have the computer flashed.

Pat Goss: Most cars these days have electronic throttles (fly by wire) but although they can cause the car to lose power they seldom cause it to stall like the previous car did.

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Laurel, Md.: Need to buy a used car soon. Your picks for everyday travel ,good economy mid size, low repair costs. Thanks.

Pat Goss: I am a firm believer in buying condition rather than make or model. No matter what a car's reputation is as a new car when it is used it is no better than how it has been maintained and treated. Good new cars treated poorly make lousy used cars.

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Arlington: Pat - Several years ago my wife rear ended another car in her 2000 Civic. Fortunately, no one was hurt but there was about $5,000 damage to her car. An auto body shop fixed the car and it has run fine ever since then. The car still has fewer than 60,000 miles and has been about the most problem free car I have ever owned, so we would like to keep it if possible. On the other hand, we just had our first baby recently and I have started to worry about how safe the car is if it gets in a second accident. Do you have any advice for a worried dad?

Pat Goss: I would get a qualified technician to examine the car to see if all the safety features were restored and base a decision on that. Look at things like crumple zones etc.

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Baltimore, Md.: My elderly father passed away and I inherited a 1993 Plymouth Caravan with 30,000 miles and the original tires. I'm getting four new tires. The full-size spare has never been used. Should I replace that tire too, just because of age?

Pat Goss: Either replace it or consider that if you have to use it that you will have to drive at a very reduced speed and only far enough to get help. Personally I would air on the side of caution and replace it .

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Arlington, Va.: Got a 2002 Dodge Neon with less than 40k miles. When I parked the other day I noticed the speed gauge was at 60 even though I was in park. I turned off the car and restarted it; the problem hasn't returned yet. Do you know what could be causing this? Are there any good places in Arlington you would recommend bringing a Neon to where they won't try to rip me off? I brought it to a dealer's shop a while ago and was very unimpressed with their service.

Pat Goss: That is most likely not a problem. Although gauges usually return to zero that may not always be the case. This sometimes caused by static buildup in the plastic lens in front of the gauge. If it returns or malfunctions during operation I would get it checked but as long as it continues to work properly don't worry.

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Doylestown, Pa.: Mr. Goss, Sorry that I can't be here live since I am in meetings all day. I have a 1998 Mazda 626 that is burning oil, about one quart every 500-600 miles. There is no smoke or anything and the car runs great with about 200K miles. Any thoughts on how to get it to last another year?

Pat Goss: Last another year? Easy check the oil at every fill up and keep the oil topped off. That's it no sense spending thousands to keep it going for just a year.

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New York: Tomorrow, I take the plunge: I'm buying the new VW (Jetta) TDI. What can I look forward to?

Pat Goss: A great and very fun car!

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St. John, Virgin Islands: Good Day Pat, I own a 1998 Ford Escort Station Wagon. Last week while in St. Thomas I had my oil and filter changed at Western Auto. To my surprise they put in 5 quarts of oil instead of the specified 4 quarts. Will this hurt my engine. A friend told me it depends if the crankshaft is covered with the oil. Please advise. By the way, the speed limit max is 35 mph, if that makes a difference. Thanks, Tony Scimeca

Pat Goss: Usually one quart would not be a problem but to be on the safe side check the dipstick and if it significantly overfull on the stick take it back and make them redo the job. Better to be safe than sorry!

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University Park, Md.: Darcars College Park VW just told me this morning my 2003 Passat needs $1600 worth of work, including a tune-up. I thought I remembered reading in your chat that today's cars don't need tune-ups. Am I twisting your words, or do dealers just use "tune-up" as shorthand for something they think the customer won't understand?

Pat Goss: Yes and no. Today there really isn't any such thing as an old fashioned tune up. What should be done is when the car has a performance or fuel economy issue have it checked to determine the cause then fix what has failed. Don't buy a collection of "generic "tune up" parts.

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Kansas City, Mo.: I have heard from several people that you can save gas by shifting the transmission into neutral when coasting on down hills. Does doing so hurt an automatic transmission? If this is an OK thing to do, why don't more people do it? Thanks, Jeremy

Pat Goss: It's dangerous and it could damage the transmission.

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Pat Goss: Well folks the clock has caught up to me again. I'm sorry I couldn't get to all your questions but perhaps next time. Till then please support and honor all those who protect us and protect our freedoms. Have a happy Thanksgiving and please everyone --- drive gently!

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