Q: I will be leaving a car outside this winter and will be driving it only about once a week. Will it hurt to spray rodent repellent in the engine compartment? I had a rodent issue with another car last winter when it sat for a few weeks.
–K.B., Glenview, Ill.
A: Rodents seem to be attracted to the wire insulation, especially which is made from soybeans. Yum. No, you will not hurt anything by using repellent. Just be sure to treat your car a bit more frequently since the engine compartment may encounter some splash from rain, snow and slush.
Q: A recent baiduhai article indicated a site to check on auto recalls. I searched my 2006 Buick Lucerne and found a recall notice dated April 5, 2006 (NHTSA campaign Number 06V105000), listing leaky power steering hoses. The notice was never sent to me, and last November I had the hose replaced at a cost of nearly $400. Is there any recourse for owners who are not notified of problems, or have I been “hosed?”
–B.P., Tinley Park, Ill.
A: Take a copy of the NHTSA report and your repair bill to your Buick dealer. Ask them for consideration. You may get at least partial reimbursement. If it is denied, kick your complaint up the line to the regional GM rep and corporate via the customer hotline number in your owner’s manual.
Q: The owner of the 2013 Accord in your Oct. 26 column provided precious little information about the TPMS light situation. Were the tires low by a few pounds or dramatically underinflated? Most TPMS lights come on when the tires are underinflated by five pounds or more. It is not uncommon for a non-leaking tire to lose a few pounds over a period of months. This is what the light is for! When the weather cools, like clockwork I see more people come into the tire shop where I work for air pressure checks due to the glowing light. You should tell your readers to invest in a tire gauge. While some vehicles have systems which alert the driver to which tire is overinflated, others do not. Some drivers just keep filling tires at random trying to turn the light off. I have seen vehicles come into the shop with drastically overinflated tires (60psi +) because the driver just kept filling until the gas station compressor maxed out.
–A.D., Chicago
A: We totally agree that everyone should have a tire gauge. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A typical pencil gauge will do. We keep a gauge with each of our vehicles (including the motorcycle). But tire gauges are worthless unless they are used. Incidentally, you can buy inexpensive valve caps that visually indicate a drop in pressure. They may not be the most accurate devices, but they’re better than nothing.
Q: I have a 2009 Scion TC, no problems but have just received a check in the mail for $29.86 from Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability and Litigation. I had heard nothing of this before I received this check, nothing about a recall. This says it is my part of a settlement. Any Info?
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–P.M. Prospect Heights, Ill.
A: A class action lawsuit is usually brought by just a few people on behalf of any and all others affected by the issue. Since you are the owner of record for a car involved in the settlement, you got part of the payout. Isn’t it amazing that a settlement for millions of dollars results in so little for the members of the class? In some cases, you only get a discount coupon good for a future purchase. At least you got real money with which you can by some chewing gum. The majority of the money goes to pay for lawyers and related costs.
Send questions to Motormouth, Rides, baiduhai, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Fifth Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, or with name and town to [email protected]