Ask Joe Mechanic: Alternative Energy Vehicles - Part 3A

This week and next week we will point out some of the positive and negative facts about hybrid vehicles including fuel efficiency, emissions reductions, environmental impacts of the hybrid battery, costs and availability of raw materials, and pedestrian safety concerns.

The first two items, fuel efficiency and emissions reductions go hand-in-hand, so we will discuss them together.  The hybrid vehicle typically achieves greater fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), resulting in fewer emissions being generated. These savings are primarily achieved by three elements of a typical hybrid design:

1. Relying on both the engine and the electric motors for peak power needs, resulting in a smaller engine, sized more for average usage rather than peak power usage. A smaller engine can have less internal losses and lower weight.
2. Having significant battery storage capacity to store and reuse recaptured energy, especially in stop-and-go traffic typical of the city driving cycle.
3. Recapturing significant amounts of energy during braking that are normally wasted as heat. This regenerative braking reduces vehicle speed by converting some of its kinetic energy into electricity, depending upon the power rating of the motor/generator.

Other techniques that are not necessarily a ‘hybrid’ feature, but that are frequently found on hybrid vehicles include:

1. Using Atkinson cycle engines (reverse rotation) instead of Otto cycle engines for improved fuel economy.
2. Shutting down the engine during traffic stops or while coasting or during other idle periods.
3. Improving aerodynamics: (part of the reason that SUVs get such bad fuel economy is the drag on the car. A box-shaped car or truck has to exert more force to move through the air causing more stress on the engine making it work harder). Improving the shape and aerodynamics of a car is a good way to help better the fuel economy and also improve handling at the same time.
4. Using low rolling resistance tires (tires were often made to give a quiet, smooth ride, high grip, etc., but efficiency was a lower priority). Tires cause mechanical drag, once again making the engine work harder, consuming more fuel. Hybrid cars may use special tires that are more inflated than regular tires and stiffer or by choice of carcass structure and rubber compound, have lower rolling resistance while retaining acceptable grip, and so improving fuel economy whatever the power source.
5. Powering the air conditioning, power steering, and other auxiliary pumps electrically as and when needed. This reduces mechanical losses when compared with driving them continuously with traditional engine belts.
   
   These features make a hybrid vehicle particularly efficient for city traffic where there are frequent stops, coasting and idling periods. In addition, noise emissions are reduced, particularly at idling and low operating speeds, in comparison to conventional engine vehicles. For continuous high-speed highway use these features are much less useful in reducing emissions. 

Hybrid vehicle emissions today are getting close to or even lower than the recommended level set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The recommended levels they suggest for a typical passenger vehicle should equate to 5.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The three most popular hybrid vehicles, Honda Civic, Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, set the standards even higher by producing 4.1, 3.5, and 3.5 tons showing a major improvement in carbon dioxide emissions. Hybrid vehicles can reduce air emissions of smog-forming pollutants by up to 90% and cut carbon dioxide emissions in half.

As regarding the environmental impacts of the hybrid battery, the industry is still in the learning stage. What has not totally been developed yet is the full technology for recycling of spent hybrid batteries because of their relative newness. While we do know that they are more environmentally friendly than the conventional lead-acid vehicle battery, that battery has a well-established recycling process in place for many years.  The conventional battery has its problems with controlling lead emissions. Today most hybrid car batteries are either nickel metal hydride or lithium ion. Of the two, the lithium ion has the lower toxicity.

We will continue this battery discussion and more in next week’s column.
Recent recalls:
374 2013 Dodge Dart
Vehicles equipped with the Mopar 13 trim package. In the affected vehicles, the front seat mounted side airbags (SAB) may not have been properly installed into the seat. In the event of a crash necessitating SAB deployment, the SABs may fail to deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

2,608 2007-2009 BMW F 800 S and F 800 ST motorcycles
Due to incorrect tolerances, the rear wheel drive bearing and rear axle may wear. Bearing and axle wear may affect handling and control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.

130 Mercedes-Benz 2013 SL63, SL550, and SL65
The affected vehicles are equipped with an occupant classification system (OCS) that may not detect a very light person sitting in the front passenger seat. If the OCS does not detect a very light person sitting in the seat, the passenger side air bag would be turned off.  In the event of a crash necessitating side air bag deployment, the passenger would be at an increased risk of injury.

2,475 BMW 2012 K1600 GT and K1600 GTL motorcycles
In certain riding conditions, an incorrect throttle valve control signal may be received by the engine control unit, limiting the engine speed. As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

22,483 Harley-Davidson 2014 FLHTCUTG, FXSBE, and FLSTNSE FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHTKSE, and FLHRSE motorcycles
The affected motorcycles may have been built with an incorrect clutch release plate. Additionally, The clutch master cylinder may allow air into the clutch system. Either condition may prevent the clutch from disengaging. If the clutch does not disengage, the rider may have difficulty slowing or stopping the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.

If you own one of these vehicles, contact your local dealer for further instructions on how to proceed.

Ask Joe Mechanic: Alternative Energy Vehicles, Part 2

            In this second part of my article about alternative energy vehicles, I will describe the different types of gas/electric hybrids and what makes them distinctive. There are a variety of hybrid powertrain configurations.

            The first type is the parallel hybrid. The best example of this type was the first generation Honda Insight, which was the first hybrid vehicle to go on market outside Japan. In a parallel hybrid vehicle, the single electric motor and the internal combustion engine are installed such that they can power the vehicle either individually or together. In contrast to the power split configuration typically only one electric motor is installed. Most commonly the internal combustion engine, the electric motor and gearbox are coupled by automatically controlled clutches. For electric driving the clutch between the internal combustion engine is open while the clutch to the gearbox is engaged. While in combustion mode the engine and motor run at the same speed.

            The mild parallel hybrid is a configuration used by many manufacturers. Some examples include Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight 2nd generation, Honda CR-Z, Honda Accord Hybrid, Mercedes Benz S400 BlueHYBRID, BMW 7-Series hybrids, General Motors BAS Hybrids, and Smart fortwo with micro hybrid drive. These types use a generally compact electric motor (usually <20 kW) to provide auto-stop/start features and to provide extra power assist during the acceleration and to generate on the deceleration phase (aka regenerative braking).

The power-split or series parallel hybrid is the highest production version of hybrid vehicle currently on the market. Many of the examples are household names including; Toyota Prius, Ford Escape and Fusion, as well as Lexus RX400h, RX450h, GS450h, LS600h, and CT200h. In a power-split hybrid electric drive train there are two motors: an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The power from these two motors can be shared to drive the wheels via a power splitter, which is a simple planetary gear set. The ratio can be from 0–100% for the combustion engine, or 0–100% for the electric motor, or anything in between, such as 40% for the electric motor and 60% for the combustion engine. The combustion engine can act as a generator charging the batteries. Modern versions such as the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive have a second electric motor/generator on the output shaft (connected to the wheels). In cooperation with the "primary" motor/generator and the mechanical power-split this provides a continuously variable transmission.

On the open road, the primary power source is the internal combustion engine. When maximum power is required, for example to overtake, the electric motor is used to assist. This increases the available power for a short period, giving the effect of having a larger engine than actually installed. In most applications, the engine is switched off when the car is slow or stationary, reducing curbside emissions. A series or series-parallel hybrid has also been referred to as an extended range electric vehicle or range-extended electric vehicle (EREV/REEV).  However, range extension can be accomplished with either series or parallel hybrid layouts. This type configuration has not been used until recently in passenger car applications, but has been popular in heavier duty type usage.

Series-hybrid vehicles are driven by the electric motor with no mechanical connection to the engine. Instead there is an engine tuned for running a generator when the battery pack energy supply isn't sufficient for demands.  This arrangement is not new, as it is common in diesel-electric locomotives and ships. Ferdinand Porsche used this setup during the early 20th century in racing cars, effectively inventing the series-hybrid arrangement. Porsche named the arrangement "System Mixt". A wheel hub motor arrangement, with a motor in each of the two front wheels was used, setting speed records. This configuration was sometimes referred to as an electric transmission, because the electric generator and driving motor replaced a mechanical transmission. The vehicle could not move unless the internal combustion engine was running. The setup has never proved to be suitable for production cars, however several manufacturers are currently revisiting it.

In 1997, Toyota released the first series-hybrid bus sold in Japan. GM introduced the Chevy Volt series plug-in hybrid in 2010, aiming for an all-electric range of 40 mi (64 km), and a price tag of approximately $40,000 USD. AFS Trinity has used supercapacitors combined with a lithium ion battery bank in a converted Saturn Vue SUV vehicle. Using supercapacitors they claim up to 150 mpg in a series-hybrid arrangement.

A final subtype of hybrid vehicles is the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The plug-in hybrid is usually a general fuel-electric (parallel or serial) hybrid with increased energy storage capacity, usually through a li-ion battery.  Which allows the vehicle to drive on all-electric mode a distance that depends on the battery size and its mechanical layout (series or parallel). To avoid using the on-board internal combustion engine for charging, it may be connected to a main electricity supply at the end of the journey. This concept is attractive to those seeking to minimize on-road emissions by avoiding – or at least minimizing – the use of ICE during daily driving.  As with pure electric vehicles, the total emissions saving, for example in CO₂ terms, is dependent upon the energy source of the electricity generating company.

For some users, this type of vehicle may also be financially attractive so long as the electrical energy being used is cheaper than the petrol or diesel that they would have otherwise used. Current tax systems in many European countries use mineral oil taxation as a major income source. This is generally not the case for electricity, which is taxed uniformly for the domestic customer, however that person uses it. Some electricity suppliers also offer price benefits for off-peak night users, which may further increase the attractiveness of the plug-in option for commuters and urban motorists. Examples of this type are the Toyota Prius Plug in Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Energi.

Next week, we will take a look at the environmental and cost factors of alternative energy vehicles.

This weeks recalls:
139,917 2013 Escape equipped with 1.6L engines.
The affected vehicles may experience localized overheating of the engine cylinder head, which may cause cracks that could cause an oil leak. Leaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire.

If you own one of these vehicles, contact your local dealer for further instructions on what to do.

You Auto Know: Cult Classic Vehicles

Over the years there have been models of that have caused consumers to scratch their heads in wonderment over what the automotive manufacturer was trying to accomplish.  These vehicles are often met with one of two fates.  They develop a cult following or fade away into distant memory.  Let's examine a few of those that have developed a following!

Subaru Impreza WRX

• Produced from 2002 through 2007, the Subaru Impreza WRX can trace its beginnings back to the racetrack, the World Rally Championship (WRC).  This compact sports car packed some serious horsepower and a unique exhaust growl.  
• Intended to take on the Chevrolet Corvette head-to-head, the Dodge Viper (produced from

  

  Dodge Viper

  1992-present) featured a V-10 with an amazing range of 400 - 600 HP.  However, like many American sports cars before it, it fails to compete with the loyal following of the Vette!  
•  The Volvo 740 Turbo had a short production run from 1986 through 1991 packed a turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder engine making them a very fast

  

  Volvo 740 Turbo

  car.  Some aftermarket modified vehicles are even zippier than the mass-produced 740s.

These are just a snapshot of the many vehicles that have found their niche in automotive lovers' hearts.  What are some of your favorite, unusual and no longer produced vehicles? 

Do you or have you owned one of these three listed or a different cult classic?  Please take a moment and tell us about it! 

Ask Joe Mechanic: Alternative Energy Vehicles, Part 1

Over the next several weeks, my plan is to try to explain the many types of alternative energy vehicles available - or in the development stage - and to try to show the benefits of each. I will try to look at the costs of each type in comparison to similar conventional fuel vehicles and try to give you an idea whether this type of vehicle is right for you. I will also try to explain some of the drawbacks of each type of vehicle.

When you hear the word “Hybrid,” most people think of a vehicle with a gas engine and an electric motor, but what most people do not realize is that there are a number of different sub-groups and types of hybrids. Even in the gas/electric models, there are a number of different operating configurations.

When the term hybrid vehicle is used, it most often refers to a Hybrid Electric Vehicle. These encompass such vehicles as the Saturn Vue, Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h and 450h and others. A petroleum-electric hybrid most commonly uses internal combustion engines (generally gasoline or diesel engines, powered by a variety of fuels) and electric batteries to power the vehicle. There are many types of petroleum-electric hybrid drive trains, from Full Hybrid to Mild Hybrid, which offer varying advantages and disadvantages.

Henri Pieper in 1899 developed the first petroelectric hybrid automobile in the world. In 1900, Ferdinand Porsche developed a series-hybrid using two motor-in-wheel-hub arrangements with a combustion generator set providing the electric power, setting two speed records. While liquid fuel/electric hybrids date back to the late 19th century, the braking regenerative hybrid was invented by David Arthurs, an electrical engineer from Springdale, Arkansas in 1978-79. His home-converted Opel GT was reported to return as much as 75MPG with plans still sold to this original design, and the “Mother Earth News” modified version on their website.

The plug-in-electric-vehicle (PEV) is becoming more and more common. It has the range needed in locations where there are wide gaps with no services. The batteries can be plugged into house (mains) electricity for charging, as well being charged while the engine is running.

Continuously outboard recharged electric vehicle (COREV) given suitable infrastructure, permissions and vehicles, BEVs can be recharged while the user drives. The BEV establishes contact with an electrified rail, plate or overhead wires on the highway via an attached conducting wheel or other similar mechanism (see Conduit current collection).
The BEVs batteries are recharged by this process -on the highway - and can then be used normally on other roads until the battery is discharged. Some of battery-electric locomotives used for maintenance trains on the London Underground are capable of this mode of operation. Power is picked up from the electrified rails where possible, switching to battery
power where the electricity supply is disconnected.

This provides the advantage, in principle, of virtually unrestricted highway range as long as you stay where you have BEV infrastructure access. Since many destinations are within 100 km of a major highway, this may reduce the need for expensive battery systems.  Unfortunately private use of the existing electrical system is nearly universally
prohibited.

Hybrid fuel (dual mode) some electric trolley buses can switch between an on-board diesel engine and overhead electrical power depending on conditions. In principle, this could be combined with a battery subsystem to create a true plug-in hybrid trolleybus, although as of
2006, no such design seems to have been announced.

Flexible-fuel vehicles can use a mixture of input fuels mixed in one tank - typically gasoline and ethanol, or methanol, or biobutanol.

Bi-fuel vehicle: Liquified petroleum gas and natural gas are very different from petroleum or diesel and cannot be used in the same tanks, so it would be impossible to build an (LPG or NG) flexible fuel system. Instead vehicles are built with two, parallel, fuel systems feeding one engine. For example Chevy’s Silverado 2500 HD, which is now on the road, can effortlessly switch between petroleum and natural gas, and offers a range of over 650 miles.
While the duplicated tanks cost space in some applications, the increased range, decreased cost of fuel and flexibility where LPG or NG infrastructure is incomplete may be a significant incentive to purchase. 

While the U.S. Natural gas infrastructure is partially incomplete, it is increasing at a fast pace, and already has 2600 CNG stations in place. With a growing fueling station infrastructure, a large scale adoption of these bi-fuel vehicles could be seen in the near future. Rising gas prices may also push consumers to purchase these vehicles. When gas prices trade around $4.00, the price per MMBTU of gasoline is $28.00, compared to natural gas’s $4.00 per MMBTU. On a per unit of energy comparative basis, this makes natural gas much cheaper than gasoline. All of these factors are making CNG-Gasoline bi-fuel vehicles very attractive.

Some vehicles have been modified to use another fuel source if it is available, such as cars modified to run on autogas (LPG) and diesels modified to run on waste vegetable oil that has not been processed into biodiesel. Next week we will discuss the different engine
configurations in the standard hybrid vehicles we are used to seeing, and if space permits, some exciting new technology. 
 
If you have a question for Joe Mechanic, email the author at JoeMechanic@autolocator.com.
 
This week’s recalls:

42,696 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control in
these vehicles may intermittently become inoperable
when the vehicle is started, preventing the windshield
defroster from working. The inability to turn on the
windshield defroster may decrease the driver’s
visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

14,909 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
Equipped with the 8-way power adjustable front seat feature. The wiring
harness for the power seat may contact the seat
frame which may chafe the harness. If the harness is
chafed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit
could occur, resulting in unintended movement of the
seat, the seat to become inoperative, sparking under
the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or possibly a fire.

15,500 2007-2008 Hyundai Entourage and 79,867
2006-2012 Kia Sedona 
In northern states, the front lower control arms may fracture due to corrosion
resulting from exposure to road salt and water. A
fractured control arm can result in the loss of control
of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

If you own one of these vehicles, contact your dealer for further instructions on what to do.

Enjoy the Drive!

Each week we will bring you a variety of content on the new Auto Locator blog!  You will find tips, trends, tidbits and news that are relevant to the automotive industry.  Additionally, we will publish the column, "Ask Joe Mechanic," that appears in the weekly print version of Auto Locator from the previous week.  

If you have topics and ideas that you would like to see covered in our weekly posts, please let us know.  Either by commenting on this blog or by emailing us at info@auto-locator.com.  Your feedback and participation with this blog is important to us and we desire to offer you the material that is important and relevant to your automobile shopping, vehicle care and any other aspect of automobile ownership or leasing.  

You'll note that a LOT of content was posted to the blog in the past few days, if you have been following our posts.  What you'll find in these recent posts are all of the back-issue columns of "Ask Joe Mechanic."  Any column that has run since the creation of this weekly feature of Auto Locator is now available for your online reading pleasure.  If you have any questions for the author of the column, please post them or contact "Joe" by email. 

We look forward to riding the road together, with you the reader, as we build this new blog in the weeks and months to come.  

Thank you for your continued support of Auto Locator, we appreciate your loyalty and patronage!

Ask Joe Mechanic: Expensive Driving Habits

Everyone has bad habits, it is just our nature. Some are harmless such as biting one’s fingernails, but others can be quite harmful, such as smoking. But we also have habits when it comes to driving, and some of them can be harmful to our vehicles and costly to our wallets. Here are a few bad habits that if corrected, can add miles to your vehicle life and put dollars in your vehicle expense account.

Running on empty. Fuel costs are still high, even though they have dropped recently, and many of us try to get every last mile out of a tank full. While it may feel good to get an extra day or two out of that last fill up, the toll that it takes on your car can be a large one. The sediment in gasoline settles to the bottom of your tank, and when your gas runs low, the car must use this dirtiest gas as its fuel. As that happens, this sediment gets stirred up and
drawn into the fuel system. Yes, your fuel filter is designed to catch this, but some very small particles will slip through. What does slip through will get into your injectors and start to block the tips. Also, your fuel filter is now getting blocked with this junk, meaning you will need to replace your filter sooner than normal. Another thing to consider is that in winter, moisture will condense from the air in the tank and this can freeze up your fuel line on a cold
morning.

Jack-rabbit starts and hard braking. For some drivers, especially those living or working in cities, stop and start driving is a fact of life. For others, the way they stop and start puts a lot of unnecessary stress on their vehicles. Drivers who enjoy accelerating and then stopping quickly between lights may like the adrenaline rush it provides, but their vehicles do not like it. Neither does their wallet. Frequently flooring the vehicle first of all wastes expensive fuel and also puts a heavy strain in the motor. And all that heavy braking puts a lot of excess wear on the vehicle’s braking system, prematurely wearing the pads and possibly warping the brake rotors. Instead of the hard starts and stops, smoothly accelerate and anticipate
stopping. Your engine, brakes and your wallet will appreciate it.

Revving your engine. Fans of the film franchise “The Fast and the Furious” may love to rev their engines just like their favorite movie stars. But in real life, such actions are pointless and potentially very harmful to their vehicle. This is especially true when a vehicle has just been started and the engine is still cold. Revving the engine while still cold means the engine oil has not been properly circulated throughout the engine and this can result in
serious premature engine wear. If continually done, you will end up either with a very expensive repair bill for your engine or a bill to replace it with another one. 

Another thing to consider with all the  turbocharged and supercharged engines on the market is the stress and wear this puts on those parts. Most turbocharger manufacturers recommend about a minute warm up, especially in cold weather, before putting the car in gear and pulling out.  Additionally recommended from these manufacturers is that after any sustained  run, give the engine about 30 seconds at  idle before shutting of the ignition to allow the turbocharger to cool slightly and give it fresh lubrication.

Remembering these few simple tips can add miles to your vehicle’s life and save  you significantly at the gas pump.

This week’s recalls:
344,187 2007-2008 Honda Odysseys:
Due to a combination of system
components and software, the Vehicle
Safety Assist System (VSA) may apply the
brakes unexpectedly. Result: The vehicle
may suddenly and unexpectedly brake
hard, and without illuminating the brake
lights, increasing the risk of a crash from
behind.

2,618 2012-2014 Ford Focus Electric
Because of potential loss of power to
the wheels while driving, caused by
software anomalies associated with the
power control module and is accompanied
by a “Stop Safely Now” warning in the
instrument cluster.

176,000 2012-2014 BMW 320i, 328i, 320i
xDrive and 328i xDrive Sedans, as well
as the 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagon;
2012 and 2013 528i and 528i xDrive
Sedans; 2013-14 X1 sDrive28i and X1
xDrive28i vehicles; and 2012-14 X4
sDrive28i Roadsters. 
Models involved in the recall all have turbocharged four-
cylinder, 2-liter gasoline engines. Because
of insufficient lubrication to a vacuum
pump, it can lose the power assistance in
braking. The driver can still stop the car in
the event of a loss of power braking, but it
will take more force on the brake pedal.

Ask Joe Mechanic: Flat Tires

Most of us have had to deal with a flat tire at sometime in our years of driving. They usually occur at the most inopportune time, such as when you are all dressed up or you are on your
way to work. Others happen when it is raining or snowing or it is blazing hot or freezing cold. Imagine never having to deal with a flat tire again! Sounds too good to be true, but it is. You will be happy to know that run-flat tires have made their way to the market and are now available for many vehicles and are standard equipment on some.

Although run-flat tires have been around since 1994, they have only recently become available for many vehicles. There are two basic types; self-supporting tires (SST) and
patented auxiliary support tires (PAX).  Both are designed to support the weight of a vehicle for 100 miles, some more, and allow drivers to continue down the road safely until they can get to a shop to have repairs made. SSTs rely on heavily reinforced sidewalls to support the vehicle’s weight, while PAXs rely on semi-rigid support rings.

Run-flat tires do offer many advantages, most important of all being the convenience of not having to worry about changing a flat tire. You can leave that to the repair shop. They also open up the space that housed the spare tire, jack and lug wrench to be used for other things. Vehicles with run-flat tires have tire pressure monitoring systems to warn the driver of a deflating tire. This reduces the risk of a blowout, but it also lets you know if the tire is a few pounds low and needs a little air, which will help you save gas. In case a blowout would
occur, these tires handle the sudden deflation much better and will help you retain control of your vehicle.

Because this technology is still fairly new, there are still some problems.  Run-flat tires are heavier, yes there is some weight saved by no spare and tools, but not as much as the weight difference over regular tires. Some people who have had run-flat tires report that they do not wear nearly as long as conventional tires. They also cost more and are not available at all tire shops. In many cases they can be repaired, but you must find a shop
with the expertise and equipment required to service them.

As run-flats become more commonplace, many of these problems will undoubtedly be worked out. In the meantime, consumers may want to weigh the pros and cons ofrun-flats before purchasing a vehicle equipped with them. Definitely, before you make that purchase, get as much information about the tires and their cost and reliability.

Recent recalls

802,769 Toyota Avalon, Venza, Camry, and Camry and Avalon Hybrids, 2012-2013,
Air conditioning drain can block causing water to back
up and leak into the air bag module,
possibly causing it to short out. This
could cause the air bag to either
inadvertently deploy, or else fail to
operate at all.

29,000+ Harley-Davidson, 25,185 touring motorcycles and 3,861 Custom Vehicle Operations and Trikes built between May 3 and Oct. 14, 2013 (2014 models).
Some of these motorcycles may exhibit a condition in
which the hydraulic clutch system may
lose the ability to generate enough lift
to disengage the clutch.

If you think you are affected by any of these recalls, contact your dealer or the manufacturer for further instructions.

Ask Joe Mechanic: Deer Crossing Ahead

We all know that there are lots of hazards that we encounter everyday during our travels, but at this time of year there is another one added to the mix that we must be prepared for. Most of us have encountered at one time or another a deer running across our path. At this time of year, that frequency and danger multiplies due to a number of reasons that people need to be aware of.

First of all, this is the time of year known as the “rut” or mating season for whitetail deer. At
this time of year, deer are not thinking as clearly as they have something else on their minds. They will run carelessly into your path, especially if they are being chased.

Added to that, there are a lot of people in the woods this time of year. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders can disturb a resting deer. But the biggest disturbance to their habitat is hunting. We are in the midst of archery and muzzleloader season and after Thanksgiving comes rifle season. Also, farmers are harvesting their crops so the cornfields where they feed are being disturbed.

Deer are most likely to move from shortly before dark to shortly after sunrise, but at this
time, with so many other factors, you can encounter one at almost any time. Also, daylight savings time ends this weekend so this means that many people will be commuting to and from work at the deer’s peak times for movement.

When a deer has crossed the road, do not just figure that you are safe, does often travel in
groups, many times in single file. Also, a pursuing buck could be following a short distance behind. So, if you see one, the odds are better than 50/50 that there will be another close by.

Damage from hitting a deer can often add up to thousands of dollars, especially depending on the type of vehicle that you drive. Another thing to consider is that with sporty cars with a
low, sloping front end, the deer can actually be thrown up over the front and into or through the windshield which can cause very serious injuries or even be fatal.

If you do hit a deer, you are not required to call the Game Commission. If the deer dies, only a PA resident is allowed to claim the carcass. To do so, you must call the Game Commission office in the county where the accident occurred and an agency dispatcher will record the required information to issue you a free permit number which you should write
down for proof of reporting. You must call within 24 hours of claiming the deer.

A passing PA motorist may claim the deer by following the same procedure if the person who hit the deer does not want it. Antlers from any buck that is hit must be turned over to the Game Commission.

Something very important to remember is that if the deer is injured but not dead, do not approach it, as an injured deer, especially a buck, can be very dangerous. However, if the deer does not move on and is creating a dangerous situation, report the incident to the
Game Commission office or other local law enforcement so that it can be dealt with. Always
remember that your and other driver’s safety is most important.

Recent recalls:

210,228 Suzuki Motorcycle Models. 20042013 GSX-R600 and GSX-R750, and model
year 2005-2013 GSX-R1000 motorcycles
With older brake fluid, corrosion of the brake piston
inside of the front brake master cylinder
generates gas that may result in a reduction of
fluid pressure transmission to the front brake.
As a result, front braking power may be
reduced increasing the risk of a crash.

23,000 Ford 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max
Vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start
System. There is no audible chime when the
vehicle is operational and the driver’s door is
opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(FMVSS) No. 114, “Theft Protection and
Rollaway Prevention.” Without an audible door
chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and
exit the vehicle without being reminded that the
vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle
susceptible to theft.

151,695 Nissan and Infiniti. 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder
Vehicles manufactured April
18, 2012, through September 20, 2013; model
year 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured
September 15, 2011, through January 16,
2013; and model year 2014 Infiniti QX60
vehicles manufactured January 17, 2013,
through September 20, 2013. In the affected
vehicles, during light braking on rough roads,
the antilock brake system (ABS) brake pressure
output software may lead to an increase in
stopping distance.

3,594 Audi 2013-2014. Audi S6 and S7
Vehicles equipped with 4.0L engines. Due to
manufacturing tolerance issues, a fuel line may
leak fuel. A fuel leak, in the presence of an
ignition source, may result in a fire.

1,120 Audi 2013-2014. Audi A8 and S8
Vehicles equipped with a standard sunroof,
manufactured March 12, 2013, through July 15,
2013. These vehicles are equipped with a
standard sunroof glass panel that may shatter.
Should the sunroof’s glass break while the
vehicle is in use, the falling glass could injure
the driver or passengers. It could also distract
the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

10,474 Mitsubishi 2008-2013. Lancer Evolution
Vehicles manufactured from
December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In
the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder
can fail. Failure of the clutch master cylinder
reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out
of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.

If you think you are affected by any of these recalls, contact your dealer or the manufacturer for further instructions.

Ask Joe Mechanic: Winter Driving Tips

As we soon approach the time (hopefully not too soon) that we will begin to experience winter weather, one needs to brush up on their winter driving. We already covered getting your car prepared for winter, but it is also important to prepare yourself for everything that winter can throw at you.

The first thing to do is preparation. Now is the time to get all the things ready that you should have in your vehicle just in case you have a problem this winter. If you live in an area where winter can strike early and hard, such as around Hazleton as I have experienced, all of these items can prove of great importance, and in extreme cases, could mean the difference between life and death! 

A winter survival kit should include; a snow shovel (collapsible ones are handy and do not take up much space), a scraper/ snow brush, tire chains if you travel in an area that gets a lot of snow, a flashlight with extra batteries, a bag of cat litter, sand or salt in case you get stuck, jumper cables, flares or an emergency triangle, and a bright colored cloth to signal for help. Your should also have a tight sealing container in which you pack candles, matches or lighter, bottled water and snacks such as energy bars. And, some of the most important things, mittens or insulated gloves and a ski mask, a sleeping bag or blankets, first aid supplies, and any prescription medications for at least 2 days including diabetic supplies and a fully charged cell phone. 

I know this list sounds extensive and maybe a bit extreme, but it is much better to be over prepared than to get stranded and possibly not see help for a couple days such a man from Pine Grove a few years ago who was on his way home from work on RT 501 just a few miles north a Myerstown who got stuck and his car sat completely buried on the roadway in a drift for three days until he was rescued.

When you experience bad weather, it now becomes important to use common sense. As soon as roads become slick, slow down and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. If someone insists on following you too closely, pull over when safe and let them pass. One important fallacy that many fall victim to is that I have a 4WD so I do not have to worry. Yes, 4WD definitely gives you more traction and gets you moving better, but, most 4wd’s are heavier vehicles and that extra weight will actually increase braking distances on slick roads. Also, on ice, 4WD actually can be more tricky while under power and stopping. Giving extra room not only allows you more chance to stop, but if the vehicle in front of you or an oncoming vehicle has problems, you have more time and space to take evasive action.

If you find yourself in a skid, there are a number of things to remember and to consider depending on the situation. If the rear wheels are skidding, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction that the car is sliding. If the front wheels skid, take your foot off the gas, shift into neutral and allow the car to slow itself and then start to apply light braking and steer in the direction you want to go. Even an expert can sometimes have trouble recovering from a skid. Snow tires can aid you in snow, but they will not make much difference on ice
unless they are studded.

Should your car break down or you become stuck, there are some very important things to remember. If you are able, try to get your car safely off the road surface. Put out flares or the warning triangle to make yourself visible to other drivers. If you are stuck, you can then try to shovel yourself out, use some of your abrasive material for traction and see if you can rock yourself free. If you are unable to free yourself, make a call for help, but do not over use your phone to retain its charge. You can run your engine for heat about ten minutes every hour, but leave a window open slightly for ventilation and always keep snow clear of your exhaust to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Use your blankets or sleeping bag to keep warn and ration yourself on your snacks and water so that you do not exhaust your supply. Also, remember that you can eat snow for your thirst, but not too much at once as this can lower body temperature. And, make sure its not yellow!

Remember, some prior preparation, and use of common sense may prevent a very dangerous situation from developing.
 
What tips can you offer for winter driving preparedness that weren't already covered?

Ask Joe Mechanic: Replacing An Aging Vehicle

Much the same as last week’s subject of purchasing a teen’s first car, there are many factors to consider when trying to decide whether to keep repairing or replace that aging vehicle.

Of course, the first thing to consider is cost. Many times an aging vehicle can start to nickel and dime you and you do not realize how much money you are spending on it. Naturally, a
new or newer pre-owned vehicle is going to have a cost involved. But, what you sometimes do not realize is that what you spend each month to keep an older car on the road can often come near or even exceed the payment for a newer vehicle. When it gets to that point, it is a wise move to say goodbye to that older car as you are now throwing away good money.
 
Of course, a major problem such as an engine or transmission failure can make the decision much simpler if you are looking at a one-time repair of a thousand or two. I also realize that a person can become attached to a vehicle that they have owned for a long time. It sometimes can seem that the vehicle has become part of the family. But, if you are spending a lot of money on it, you need to separate your personal feelings and look at the situation objectively.

Another consideration is functionality and type of use. It is always important to consider the type of use your vehicle is to perform. Often, over the course of time owning a vehicle, your needs may have changed from the time when it was purchased. Some are simple decisions such as if your vehicle now is a car and you need a truck, or if you need the added space of a minivan or SUV to suit a growing family. But sometimes it is a far more subtle change in needs such as a longer or shorter commute for work.  Of course, shorter commutes are not really a problem, but a longer commute can put more stress and wear and tear on an aging vehicle, and fuel mileage now becomes a consideration also.

Now, if you have made the decision to replace that vehicle, you have to consider the options that are out there for you. This is a great time to look at new vehicles because new car dealers are looking to move out their remaining 2013 inventory and there are some fantastic incentives out there for you for either leasing or purchasing.

Another great option is Certified Pre-owned Vehicles. Generally offered by new car dealers of the same brand, CPO’s offer great extended warranty packages, attractive pricing, and often even have special financing available. And then, of course, there are always lots of late model pre-owned vehicles which offer big savings over the cost of a new vehicle. Check out this week’s ads as there are lots of great deals if you find yourself in the position of needing to replace your vehicle. And always remember to thoroughly check out any vehicle before making that purchase. 

Ask Joe Mechanic: Buying a Teen their First Car

There are many things to take into consideration when you go car shopping for your teenager’s first vehicle. Things like cost, insurance, who is paying for it and how, safety, what it will be used for and other things must all be given serious thought before making that purchase.

The first thing to consider is cost. If your teenager is paying for it, do they have a job, are they using savings, or are they planning to seek financing? If they are planning to finance, are they able to keep up with payments, and are you prepared to cosign for them, knowing that if they fail to pay, you will be responsible for the payments? Another thing to remember is that if they are under eighteen, they cannot secure financing in their name as they cannot sign a legal contract. If they are thinking about a new car, remember that most likely, with limited credit history, they may not qualify for the best financing rates, especially the manufacturer’s special financing.

Before you decide on a type of vehicle, it is important to consider your teenager. How
responsible and mature are they? Remember, and remind them that a vehicle used carelessly can be very dangerous to themselves and to others. They do not want to have to live the rest of their life regretting a bad decision or a careless moment. Think about suggesting a used, older car as a first vehicle. Of course, every teen wants a neat new car to show off to their friends, but it is smart to let them earn their way up to a new car. They will take care of it better and respect it more if they have to work for it.

A smart choice for a first car could be a four to six year old four door car like a Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cobalt or Ford Focus, or even a slightly larger car. When you take into consideration all the factors of cost, insurance, cost of maintenance, fuel economy, and all the other factors that weigh in, these vehicles can be a very smart choice. They also are not high powered, so it adds a little bit of extra safety and reduces the risk for an accident for the inexperienced driver.  Encourage them to get their Mustang, Camaro or Jeep Wrangler after they have a few years of driving under their belt.

Another reason to consider this type of vehicle is insurance cost. The type of car, engine size, risk for theft and a lot of other factors go into determining the cost of an insurance policy. High performance cars, two door sporty cars, and four wheel drive vehicles especially those that are lifted or modified, carry a much higher insurance rate due to increase risk for an accident or rollover risk. Also, any car that is financed will need to maintain full coverage insurance to protect the lenders’ investment, which will cause a significant increase in the cost of insurance.

Also, take into consideration the type of use that is required of the vehicle. If the vehicle is
going to be used to commute to and from school or work, the above mentioned vehicles would once again be a smart choice. They also work great if they have a job like delivering pizzas, etc. If your youth is working in a job such as construction or manufacturing, a vehicle like a Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier or a smaller SUV may be a smart choice as they offer the utility of the truck or SUV without the higher investment and cost of operation of the full size models of similar types.

These are just some of the many things to take into consideration as everyone’s circumstances and needs are different. But, probably most important of all, is to use your best judgment, because most likely it will not agree with your teen’s wish list. Also, always check out the vehicle thoroughly that you finally land on. Ask for, or do a CARFAX report to check the vehicles history, and ask if your mechanic can examine the vehicle before you complete the purchase. That added assurance can offer you a lot of peace of mind in your decision and your teen’s safety. Also browse through this publication as there are a lot of great dealer and private party choices to pick from.

This week’s recall announcements:

98,307 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 & M45
Vehicles for accelerator pedal sensor for cruise
control. Sensor may deteriorate cause vehicle to
get incorrect signal and go into limp home and
cause possible stalling.

614,722 2004-2005 & 2007-2009 Toyota Sienna Minivans
For faulty shift lock solenoid which can allow shift
lever to come out of park without pushing brake
pedal. This can cause vehicle to move into drive
gear or neutral and can cause crash.

161,400 2009-2013 Mazda MAZDA6
For rear door latch screws loosening. If screws
loosen sufficiently, door many not latch correctly
and could open while vehicle is in motion.

374,618 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey and 2003 Acura MDX
Due to electrical noise, component in airbag
module can fail causing front or side airbags and
seat belt pretensioners to deploy.

320 Yamaha XC50A Vino Classic
Brake lining improperly bonded to shoes and
may separate causing loss of braking
performance.

If you own one of these vehicles, contact your dealer for further instructions on what to do.

Ask Joe Mechanic: Vehicle Winter Readiness

The seasons are changing so it is time to start thinking about getting your vehicle ready for winter. There are a number of things that sometimes get overlooked which are very important and can be very expensive to repair.

This is a good time of the year to have your car serviced. If you drive an average of 12,000 miles per year, you need to have your car serviced at least twice a year.  Spring and fall are an excellent time to do this as it allows you to prep your car for winter’s cold and summer’s heat respectively. If you are not a do it yourselfer, and take your car to a reputable shop, they will most likely already be checking these things for you, but it never hurts to make sure. In addition to the normal oil and filter change, it is very important to check your tires. We covered a lot about tires last week, but, while your car is on the lift, your technician can give them a good professional check over, and if necessary, do a tire rotation for you.  If he does a tire rotation, while he has each wheel off, he can do a quick visual brake check to make sure your pads do not need replaced.

When you get under the hood, there are quite a number of things that should be checked. Always check your antifreeze for fill level and condition. If your antifreeze is discolored, especially if it is rusty colored, you should have the system drained and flushed and refilled with new antifreeze. If you are not having the coolant changed, you should have it tested to make sure the level of protection is sufficient for your area. For this area, that should be at least -35 degrees, because you never know while traveling, you could run into a cold pocket of air in some valley.

One Monday morning three years ago, when I left my house to head north, it was - 5. As I headed up I-81, I watched the temp display on my car start to drop and by the time I passed Hazleton, it was -15. It stayed about that temp all the way until I exited I-81 about 30 miles north of Scranton to head for a small town called Hop Bottom. As I descended into the valley, I watched the temperature display start to fall, first -18, then -20, a little later -22, and finally bottoming out at -25 degrees. So, you just never know when you may need that extra protection.

Another item often overlooked until the first good freeze is your windshield washer solvent. I have seen many washer reservoirs frozen completely solid because people often add water over the summer when the weather turns cold. It is important in the fall and winter to add full strength washer solvent to give maximum protection, because if the reservoir freezes and cracks, it can be expensive to replace because in most newer cars it is not in a very easily accessible location so it can involve some significant labor to replace it.

Also, check your belts and hoses. Check belts for proper tension and also for visible cracks. If your belts are older than 5 or 6 years old, it is a good idea to get them replaced. It is not fun to get stuck on the side of the road with a broken belt on some cold morning. As far as hoses, check for cracks or if they are bulging or have a spongy feeling near where they connect to the radiator or engine.

Checking the condition of your battery is very important. Do a visual check for corrosion around the battery posts and

cables. If present, corrosion needs to be thoroughly cleaned off, being careful not to get it on your skin, clothes or in your eyes. If your battery is not a sealed unit, the electrolyte level should be checked and add distilled water to bring it to the proper level if needed.

Other items you would want to check if your vehicle is equipped with them would be your heated seats. You also need to check and make sure your front and rear defrosters and your heater are working properly.  If you check these items, your car should be pretty well prepared for winter, but remember, problems can arise quickly, and without warning, so, if your car suddenly starts acting differently, get it checked, it may be nothing, but it is much better than sitting beside the road.

Recent recalls:

134,100 2008-2010 BMW 528,

535, 550 & M5 models

For a rear light grounding problem which could cause failure of one or more rear light functions.

If you think your vehicle may be affected by this recall, contact you dealer or manufacturer for further information.

Ask Joe Mechanic: Tires

This week we will discuss tires. A good policy that I follow is every time I am filling my gas tank; I do a walk around my car and among the things that I look at are all my tires. I do this to see any apparent problems like a tire noticeably low on air or a damaged tire or wheel.

A good policy to follow as far as tire preventive maintenance is every 1000 miles do a more thorough check of the tires and wheels. For the average driver, this means about once a month, and if you drive much more than the average, you really need to check them more often. Check your tire pressures first of all. You should always inflate your tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for your type of usage. Most vehicles have a label either on the driver’s door or door jamb, if not, the information is in the owners manual.

Do not just go by the maximum pressure marked on the tire sidewall, as this may not be suitable for your vehicle. A tire that is a few pounds low on air pressure can cost you 2 to 3 mpg, and at $3.50 per gallon, nobody wants to waste gasoline. When you are checking your air pressure, look for signs of abnormal tire wear. A tire that is worn on just the inside or outside edge is usually a sign of an alignment problem.

If the tires are worn on both the inside and outside edges, this is usually a sign they have been run underinflated. If the

center of the tire is worn down with good tread on the edges, this is a sign of either the tires being overinflated or having tires that are too wide for the wheels on the vehicle. This is something seen most commonly on 4x4s. Another sign of a problem is a bent rim.  Examine the rim and the sidewall of the tire because damage from hitting a curb or a pothole can cause alignment problems in addition to a tire belt separation.

A belt separation can be noticed by an area of the tread, which is worn down much more than the surrounding area or a bulge in the sidewall of the tire. Another sign of this type of a problem can be a shaking through the steering wheel, although this can also indicate a wheel balance problem.  One thing many people do not think about is the age of their tires. Most people think that if their tires have good tread, they are perfectly safe, unfortunately, that is a dangerous myth.

Someone who drives only a few thousand miles a year can actually have tires more dangerous than someone’s whose are almost worn out. Tires can develop age cracks either in the tread or the sidewall, and these tires can blow out, especially during times of very hot weather, heavy loading, or if you strike a road hazard.  Most newer tires are date coded, but a good visual inspection is usually enough to know you are safe.

As far as tread depth, the old adage is to take a penny, stick the top of “Abe’s” head into the tread groove, and if you do not see the top of his head, your tires are of safe tread depth. Tire safety is a place where using a little common sense can make your car much safer.

Recent recalls:

193,936 Vehicles

2006-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara &

2007-2011 Suzuki SX4
For a defective passenger seat air bag sensor which if it fails could deploy the air bags.

861 Indian Motorcycles models

2009 Deluxe & Standard

2009-2011 Roadmaster

2009-2013 Vintage

2010-2013 Classic & Darkhorse

2010 Bomber &

2011 Blackhawk & Blackhawk Dark

Rear wheel may crack and cause sudden lose of air pressure and could result in a crash.

13,709 Polaris Victory Motorcycles

models 2010-2013 Victory Crossroads.

Cross Country, Cross Country Tour &

Hardball

With combination Lock & Ride accessory backrest with luggage rack, backrest can fail.

89,527 Child safety seats,

certain Safety 1st Complete,

Safety First Alpha Omega Elite, & Eddie

Bauer 3-in-1 Convertible seats

Have improperly labeled and vague mounting instructions.

If you think you are affected by any of these recalls, contact your dealer or the manufacturer for further instructions.