Ask Pete

[#1]

Even though AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities have been performing a free 24-Point Vehicle Maintenance Inspection service for members for almost a decade, I am still routinely asked, “What does the inspection include?”

Just to be clear, this is a maintenance inspection of the things that are most often attributed to roadside breakdown, such as tires, belts, hoses, etc. It does NOT include taking off tires and inspecting brakes (although the brake fluid is checked), inspecting the under carriage or exhaust system, or scanning the computer for codes because the “check engine” light is on.

During this inspection, the technician will also look at your lights, mirrors, horn, wiper blades, etc. Ensuring that these components are functioning properly not only helps keep you safe, but it may also prevent you from getting a traffic citation.

Since early 2002, AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities have offered this Free Vehicle Maintenance inspection to AAA members. All you have to do is ask. Just call a AAA Approved shop near you and make an appointment today. You may be surprised of what they find and how it could save you!

[#2]

Dear Pete,

I am in need of replacing my current vehicle and do not  have a lot of time to find the "right" car.  Can you please direct me to one or two websites or publications that could easily help me to review current recommended models and US and foreign models under 3 years old for: safety  evaluations, features, reliability etc. 

Also-  If I were to finance rather than lease again, why should I do one over the other?  I am aware that financing might allow me to drive a car without monthly payments after the payment period ends, if the car is still in good shape, but are there other  drawbacks to leasing?

Lastly, can one really trust Carfax or Vehix 100%, or should the buyer of a used vehicle from a dealership still be cautious?

Thank you!

Marianne

[#3]

For comparisons I would use edmunds.com, for vehicle values I would look at kbb.com and to see what the fuel economy rating is I would use fueleconomy.gov

I have never been a fan of leasing because at the end of the lease you don't own anything and should you decide to purchase the vehicle you leased, typically the residual value is rediculously high. Depending on your credit rating new and used car loan rates are pretty good right now. Check out http://www.aaasouth.com/financial/finance_auto_financing.aspx

Carfax is a trusted source in finding a vehicle history report. Because the data is taken right from repair orders it is not modifyable as the information transfer is done electronically. As a member, you get a discounted rate on Carfax reports. Go to AAA.com and it can be found under the automotive tab.  

[#4]

I recently had some brake work done on my 2000 Century Buick.  Now the front end "shimmies" when I apply the brakes.  Does this mean I need to get a wheel alignment or maybe that the tie rod ends are shot?

[#5]

Tie rods or an alignmenet wouldn't be my first suspicion. Instead, I would take the car back to who did the brakes and tell them the symptom. To me it sounds like the front brake rotors are out of parallelism  AKA warped. The shop should offer to machine them if possible otherwise you may have to have them replaced. Warped rotors are often caused by sudden changes in temperature which usually happens after you have been driving the car for a while, the brakes are nice and hot and then perhpas suddenly cool them by riding through a puddle, etc. Another cause for the pulsation when stopping is improper wheel lug torque. By overtightening the lug nuts, the rim and rotor can become distorted causing the vibration.  Hope this helps!

[#6]

I recent had to have a new starter and battery... but immediately afterwards, my car began to die whenever I came to a stop--unless I keep just a little gas to keep the idle running at 500r.  About 2 months ago I had a "small vacuum leak" light come on but twice but then they went out.  I just get funny looks from mechanics and I don't think they have a clue.

[#7]

It is possible that because the battery had to be replaced that some of the computer values have not been relearned. It usually only takes a few ignition key cycles for this to occur but if it didn’t it may have to be “reflashed” by a place of repair. The best way to know for sure is to have a qualified technician formally inspect and diagnose your concern.

I am assuming you had a check engine light on and the code retrieved referred to a vacuum leak. You didn't mention wether the light has come back on or not. Vacuum leaks can be tough to trace and be responsible for a variety of drivability problems including stalling and rough idle. It will take time and patience and dilligence on the part of the service techncian to successfully locate the cause of the leak.

[#8]

From: momo222

I'm on SSI (Disability)  and can barely make ends meet. I inherited a 2000 Chevy Cavalier from a friend, I'd had a 1991 Lincoln Towncar that was constantly breaking down. I'd never seen the inside of the Cavalier, but she assured me the air conditioner worked. It wasn't very cool, & within a month it just blew warm air. I had someone put 2 cans of freon in it, and it felt much better on the approx. 15 mile ride home. Next time I got in the car, it was blowing hot air again. I'm hoping since it does blow, that I have a leak somewhere. One place told me they had to do a computerized check for $100, to diagnoze the problem. There IS NO WAY I can come up with that kind of money, can anything else be done? I REALLY need help, it's been about 97 degrees, w/ 100% humidity, and to top it off, it rains in Miami almost every day all summmer. Thank You!

[#9]

Unfortunately A/C repairs on a vehicle can be some of the most costly repairs you can encounter on an automobile. If you leaked out enough Freon to reduce the quality of the air in less than 15 miles, more than likely you have a significant leak. Additionally, fixing one leak will not ensure you will not get or even have another leak. Unfortunately you will have to have the system diagnosed so you can see the whole picture and because the the system has to be charged to give a complete diagnosis, there is a cost involved. My best suggestion is to call around to a few places to see who can do the diagnosis the cheapest. Just be sure they are certified and know what they are doing. Getting a referral from a friend or neighbor is beneficial.