Q & A #83 With The Auto Specialist

Q & A #83 With The Auto Specialist

Thanks for joining me for another installment of the Auto Specialist. CNNMoney recently reported that the average U.S. household now spends $368.09 a month on fuel. All signs suggest this number will be increasing for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and EPA are discussing a proposal that could push mileage standards up to 62 mpg by 2025. While it won’t address the recent spike in gas prices, experts suggest it will help avoid an impending crisis down the road. Time will tell.

In other news, first-quarter sales numbers for Hyundai‘s Sonata and Elantra models have been finalized. Dealers had expressed early concern that the Elantra – with many of the same features as the Sonata, but a sticker price $4,500 lower – would eat into Sonata sales. The official numbers prove otherwise. Elantra sales roared nearly 90% while Sonata sales climbed a stunning 46%.

In today’s segment, we’ll help Marcus figure out why his Maxima’s engine overheated. We’ll also answer Raquel’s question about spark plugs for her Sante Fe. Lastly, we’ll help Jesse determine whether his Explorer needs a valve job. We have another full agenda, so let’s get started.

Question: I have a 2003 Nissan Maxima with 107,000 on the odometer. Recently, a buddy and I were coming back from Las Vegas, and the temperature gauge on my dash shot into the red zone. I immediately pulled over (luckily, we were passing through Reno at the time), and called a tow truck. The mechanic at a local shop told me my engine had overheated. How could that happen? The oil level is fine, and I replace it every 5,000 miles. Any insight?

Answer: Thank you for your question, Marcus. While motor oil is important to the life of your engine, other factors can cause the assembly to overheat. For example, a coolant leak in the hoses, radiator, or heater core, might allow your engine’s temperature to climb. So too might a leaking water pump.

There is also a fan near the radiator that helps reduce the temperature of the coolant. If the motor that drives the fan fails, the coolant may remain hot, which in turn will allow your engine to stay hot. Given these circumstances, driving in Las Vegas heat could easily lead to an overheating problem.

Ultimately, several things can play a role. Be sure to ask the mechanic fixing your Maxima to explain the problem to you.

Question: I own a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. It has a little over 46,000 miles. I took the car to the dealer last Thursday for servicing, and the technician recommended that I have the spark plugs replaced. The spark plugs that are in the engine are supposed to last for 100,000 miles. Is the dealer just trying to get me to agree to extra work?

Answer: Thanks for writing in, Raquel. Normally, I would suggest referring to your owner’s manual for the recommended service intervals. But spark plugs are a unique case, especially those designed to last 100,000 miles or longer. Because so many factors can foul the plugs, I always recommend having them replaced around 40,000 or 50,000 miles. They’re too important to the performance of your engine to risk waiting 100,000 miles.

My suggestion is to follow the dealer’s advice. Assuming the original plugs are still in the engine, have them replaced.

Question: I’m driving a 2000 Ford Explorer with 120,400 miles on it. I’ve never had problems with the car, but it recently started giving me trouble whenever I accelerate. It lacks power, almost as if there’s a vacuum leak in the engine. I had a mechanic at the repair shop near my house take a look. He said I need a valve job. Can you explain what that means, and how much the job costs?

Answer: Thanks for sending in your question, Jesse. A valve job entails a lot of steps, but namely involves taking the cylinder head off the engine block to expose your engine’s valves and guides. The purpose of the job is to seal compression leaks, and address any problems that are causing oil to burn in the cylinders. A full description of the job is beyond the scope of this segment. But realize that it is a major undertaking.

Regarding cost, it’s difficult to say for certain because there are so many factors involved. The bill could literally range from $400 to several thousands of dollars depending on your engine and the needed repairs. Hope that provides a useful baseline.

That’s it for today’s installment. Thanks again to Marcus, Raquel, and Jesse for giving us an opportunity to answer their car questions. Join us for the next segment when we’ll have a new batch of automotive problems to address. Until then, drive safely.