Ask Pete

[#1]

A few days ago my TPMS (or Tire Pressure Monitoring System) light came on my dash and I immediately thought, “That can’t be…I just looked at my tires and they all looked fine!” Taking a second look at my tires, I confirmed I wasn’t going crazy. All my tires were perfectly inflated, and I even took out the tire gauge to triple check myself. Then it dawned on me—the spare! What about the spare all tucked up underneath the vehicle? You know…the tire that receives the least amount of attention. That is, until one of the others let’s you down. (Get it? “Down?”…never mind.)

Sure enough, my spare was almost 10 pounds low on air, which was enough to set off that annoying (but informative) light. Once I adjusted the air pressure in the spare and reset the light, all was well with the dash again.

Then I started thinking, what about the folks with those space saver spares? I bet folks don’t check the air in that spare often!

I see some folks with space saver spares on the interstate doing 70 mph or better in the left lane like they don’t have a care in the world. The truth is, they are putting themselves and those around them in danger. Space saver spares are designed to be used only as a temporary solution. Most should only be driven at speeds around 45-50 mph and for no longer than 50 miles.

If you find yourself having to use a space saver spare, use it only to get yourself to a shop so you can either get your full-size tire repaired or replaced. The motoring public around you will appreciate it!    

[#2]

Recently purchased an auto with nitrogen in tires and none of the tire dealers in my

area seem to endorse using nitrogen.  The aircraft industry and the military has been using

nitrogen for more than 30 years and find this practice to be very effective at maintaining tire

pressures and extending tire life.  What say you ?

[#3]

It's a great profit center for repair shops! I still use good old fashioned air in my tires. Get my drift?

[#4]

Two weeks ago my 91 Chevy Caprice Classic would not turn over and start. It didn't make a sound when I turn the key. I checked my fairly new battery and discovered a small thin wire hanging from the side of the engine compartment next to the battery. I placed that on the negative post and wire and tried to start the car. It started without a problem.

I forgot about it for two weeks except when driving it and couldn't check it. When I finally checked it the wire was hanging in the broke position again. So why is my car starting without a problem. I figured that the little wire was a ground and worked when I completed the connection by placing it on the post.

They say if it is not broke, don't fix it. Do I reonnect that wire? Why is my car starting without a problem?

[#5]

Without seeing it I don't want to say for sure that's where the wire goes but it sounds like you had poor connections at the battery to start with. Just to be safe I suggest having your starting/charging system checked. This may tell you conclusively what the situation was and potentially prevent another break down. My experience has been things like this usually don't heal themselves!

[#6]

HI Pete,

I recently took my Ford Escape into the dealer due to the air pressure light coming on the dash.  He my sensor was bad and it would cost between $100 and $200 to install a new one.   What would happen if it was disconnected or if I just let it show on the dash?  I keep my car up to date on maintenance and watch the tires and keep them on a rotation schedule.

[#7]

Nothing will happen as it relates to affecting other systems however you will not know if there is an issue with another tire real time. You will have to depend and be conditioned to checking the tires on a regular basis just like the old days!

[#8]

Hi Pete,

   I have a 2001 Honda Civic that is 9 1/2 years old and has 56,600 miles on it. When would I need the timing belt replaced.

                            GTual@tampabay.rr.com

[#9]

Even though the maintenance interval recommends replacement around 110,000 miles, because your driving is much lower than average miles per year, you may want to consider getting it done at some point next year ( the 10 year mark). Even though the car isn't driven much, the rubber belt is still subject to dry rotting and deterioration if there are any area oil leaks. Better safe than sorry!