Ask Pete

[#1]

One thing you can count on in Florida during the summer months is the afternoon rainstorm. It’s almost to the point that you can set your watch to the daily 3pm shower. I am frequently on the road for my job, and with the amount of dashboard time I spend per year, I get to observe some pretty interesting things—some of which provide great blog material. This is especially true when I am on the road and a summer storm erupts.

It is amazing how many folks you see on the road during a rainstorm with their hazard flashers on. While I know they think they are doing a good thing for the drivers around them—increasing their visibility—the reality is they may be doing more harm than good! First of all, it is against the law to have flashing lights on while driving. (This includes flashing your headlights to warn oncoming traffic of a speed trap.) Also, if a driver is going down the road with flashers on and steps on the brakes, other drivers may not effectively see the brake lights because of the close proximity of the hazard and brake lights on many vehicles. This could easily cause a rear end crash if the driver stops suddenly.

A related topic that’s very important as well is driving with your headlights on. Most vehicles today have DRLs (daytime running lamps), headlights that turn on automatically via a light sensor. The problem with these is when it’s not quite dark enough for the headlights to turn themselves on. It’s not so much about you being able to see where you are going, it’s the problem of folks behind you not properly seeing your vehicle. Your taillights do not come on until the headlights go on, so if it isn’t dark enough to turn on the headlights, the taillights are off as well.

So the summer rainstorm jeopardy goes like this: The taillights are off, the hazard flashers are blinking away, the driver applies the brakes, and the next driver back can’t see the red brake lights because of the blinking yellow hazard lights.

If you are driving in a rain shower that is hard enough for you to consider turning on your hazards, perhaps you’re better off pulling off the road (when safe to do so) and parking with your hazards on until the rain lets up. If you are going to brave the storm, turn your headlights on manually to ensure that you can be seen by both oncoming traffic AND those behind you.

[#2]

i had a ck engine light come on my car on my way to work today,and had it checked out on the way home.they said,the gas cap was bad so i bought a new one the light stayed on so i disconnected the battery and reconnected it the light is still on i even drove around the block the light is still  on.could it be something with the emmisions?please email at tregis@cfl.rr.com

[#3]

It certainly could be something else showing up as a leak in the evaporative emissions system. I have also seen where aftermarket gas caps do not seal properly. If after about 10 key cycles if the light doesn't go out have a qualified tech formally inspect and diagnose the system.

[#4]

thanks pete for the advice about hazard lights during the rain...i had no idea that it was against the law to drive with hazards on ... and that it was hard for drivers behind you to distinguish between the hazards and the brake lights...i have done this many times thinking that i was being safe and alerting those around me ...now i know that i was both breaking the law and making it harder on the drivers behind me....thanks so much! i will be even more careful in the future...

[#5]

Hi Pete,

Recently a dealership mechanic recommended maintenance for my SUV called "Induction, throttle body & injection" for $230. I assume it isn't broken since it's under maintenance. My problem is that I looked at the (Official) Dealership Scheduled Maintenance Guide as well as the Haynes Repair Manual for my SUV and I could not find an any maintenance procedures as described by my mechanic. I would appreciate any opinion or suggestions from you.

Thank You,

[#6]

This is typically recommended on a 30k service interval and is usually a dealer recommended service versus a manufacturer recommended service. I am a proponent of this service as it will keep the injectors clean as well as remove the build up in the throttle body which can affect idle quality. You may also want to change the fuel filter as well if you are getting this done. I wouldn't do this if you have less tan 30,000 miles on your vehicle.   

[#7]

Hi Pete,

I'm a newbie here and know very little about cars, so please excuse me if this is a dumb question. I was distracted by lots of things yesterday when bringing my groceries in and left the key in my car. When I went back out today the battery was dead as a doornail. It's still dead in spite of my attempt to jump it off. It was okay for awhile, but now it's dead again. Is it possible I will need a new battery? Help...

Mary

[#8]

Hi Pete, thanks for the tip about hazard lights obscuring the brake lights! I never thought about it that way before, but it makes sense. I don't think I've ever driven with hazards on in the rain, but I did drive through a blizzard up north one time and thought it'd be safer to keep them on... good to know that I should leave them off next time.

[#9]

mollyfree

Depending on how old your battery is can be the difference on whether your battery recovers from a discharge or not. You can call 800-AAA-HELP and our battery folks can come to you, test your system and determine if the battery is recoverable or not. If not, they have AAA branded batteries to fit your vehicle right there on the spot.    

[#10]

Hi Pete, I have a question just to be prepared when the mechanics comes.  I have an old Nissan Sentra E, 1992, yes, it is old, but I was told that this was a good car.  I have been replacing little by little several items like battery, alternator, oil filter, power steering hose to improve it, however, it´s being two days that the car does not start, however as soon as I placed my portable jumper, it starts immediately, I spend 20 minutes to turn it off, but after a while if I started it again, it contnues being dead, I feel a little noise, like a chasK, chask, trying to start, what could it be, the alternator is new, the battery is new, what do you think it could be?

Martha

[#11]

Martha if the car starts off a jump box minimally the battery is weak or defective. There may be something either drawing the battery down or not keeping it charged as the car is running. I would ask your mechanic to do a start/charge analysis. I would also ask to check the vehicle for parasitic drains. These tests should get to the bottom of your starting issue. Hope this helps!