Q: I have a 1994 Suburban 1500 four-wheel-drive with 180,000 miles. It runs good and doesn’t leak any oil. But this winter when I turn on the heater, it spews a film onto the windshield. The defroster has no effect on it. It seems a bit oily and doesn’t wipe off clean. What do you think?
T.P., Las Vegas
A: It sounds like you have antifreeze coating your windshield. How did it get there? Most likely there is a small leak in the heater core, which is part of the HVAC system. Replacing the heater core can get expensive so try a radiator sealer such as Bar's Leaks, which may plug the hole.
Q: I went to Costco to have two new tires installed. They told me that I needed to get new lug nuts as the lug nuts on my 2004 Dodge 1500 Ram truck were swollen and that they couldn't get them off and I would have to get new lug nuts. I have never heard of this. I called the dealer and they said it would cost $24 (took off $4) for each lug nut. To replace the lug nuts on my truck would cost me $500, which is ridiculous to me. Do you have any suggestions on how to get new lug nuts at a reasonable price other than from the dealer? You would think the manufacturer would take some responsibility for this product.
T.M., Virginia Beach, Virginia
A: This was common on some Ford and Dodge vehicles. The original lug nuts are steel with a chrome cap over them. The nuts corrode between the two and swell, making them nearly impossible to remove. I say nearly impossible because there are special sockets that technicians can use to get those nasty nuts off. I suggest replacing them with chrome or stainless steel nuts. Check out your local parts store for availability and find an independent shop to replace the nuts for a lot less money.
Q: My question is: Does it matter what lane of a three- or four-lane highway I travel in, so I can travel fewer miles. In other words, is the far-left lane shorter, for example.
N.B., Tinley Park, Illinois
A: The shortest path between two points is a straight line. To approach that, you must cut corners — literally cut corners — to stay on the inside lane. On a multi-lane highway, that could cause trouble and maybe even get you a ticket. Since most roads have many curves, pick a lane. It will average out.
Q: I have scratches from my wiper blade on the windshield. Is there a product to remove the scratches?
R.S., Crystal Lake, Illinois
A: No. None that I am aware of other than cerium oxide. But using it takes lots of time and may create optical irregularities. If the scratches are deep enough to feel with your fingernail, forget it.
Q: My friend and I have had a discussion regarding gas tanks. I usually like to keep my gas tank mostly full, and he says extra weight causes the mpg to go down a lot. He usually only has his tank a quarter full. Is there some validity to this?
D.L., Liverpool, New York
A: Every extra ounce is a factor when it comes to fuel economy. That’s why carmakers trim every bit of weight possible. Remember spare tires? Almost extinct. Chrome insignias? Plastic now. But I prefer to fill the tank when I have enough money. Chances are the price of gas may go up and your savings will evaporate.
Q: I recently began reading your answers to readers' questions. I hope you can clarify one. As I read your response to T.D., Chicago, I concluded you either did not understand the question, or you did not reach the correct conclusion. You stated the husband was correct, but your analysis contradicted that. Essentially, the husband claimed that leaving accessories in the on position was detrimental to the battery during the starting sequence. However, you responded claiming the start sequence cut power to all accessories. Thus, the on position would have no adverse effect on the start sequence. This would prove the wife correct.
B.S., Chicago
A: At my last count, 31.4 readers have me eating humble pie. The original question was: “[My wife] leaves on the radio, heater and other accessories when she turns off the ignition…. I say this is a slight drain on the battery when the vehicle is restarted. She says it does not matter. Who is correct?” I got the answer backward and the wife is, indeed, correct. Thanks to so many alert readers.
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