At what PSI should my 2002 Honda Accord's spare tire be set? | Car Doctor
Q: At what PSI should my 2002 Honda Accord's spare tire be set?
A: Just like the other four tires on the car, there is a recommended air pressure rating for the spare tire, which is usually indicated on the driver door placard.
In my own cars, I tend to air up the spare tire (only the spare tire) to the maximum pressure on the side of the tire. The reason is that all tires lose air over time, and the spare tire doesn’t always get checked.
Hopefully, if you need the spare tire, it will have enough air in it to get you home.
Maintenance costs of electric vehicles vs. gasoline cars
Q: I am trying to get a handle on costs related to battery-operated electric vehicles. Could you kindly give me an idea of cost per mile or annual cost of maintenance of electric vehicles? The numbers seem confusing.
A: As a general rule, in the first five years of ownership, the cost of owning a battery car versus a gasoline car can be quite similar. Using the Kia Niro as an example, during the first five years of ownership the EV Niro and gasoline Niro are quite similar. This is due to the fact that the upfront costs are higher with the EV.
When you break it down, things change. As an example, EV maintenance costs are very low, since there are no oil changes, and brakes last a very long time. Electric costs can vary quite a bit depending on where you live and how you charge.
Some public charging stations can be free, while others can be a little pricy. If you charge at home (as 90% of EV owners do), it depends on your local electric rates. I live in Massachusetts, where we have very high electric rates, but based on my limited use of an electric car, charging at home — even with a 120-volt charger — is still cheaper than the $3.59 per gallon I just paid for gas.
For more information about electric cars — including overall cost — go to AAA’s EV website ev.northeast.aaa.com.
Should I soak the oxygen sensor in bathroom cleaner to help my car run better?
Q: A car maintenance post on Facebook said that if your car is running rough, try soaking the oxygen sensor in bathroom cleaner to clean up carbon deposits. Have you ever heard of this?
A: If I believed everything I read on social media, I would be rich and good-looking — nope. If the oxygen sensor is lazy, the car may not react to differences in throttle opening, but it won’t run rough unless the spark plugs become fouled.
You can clean an oxygen sensor with carburetor cleaner. If you are going through the work to take one out because you think there is a problem, due to codes pointing to the oxygen sensor, it is more cost-effective to change it rather than attempt to clean it.
Some technicians believe to keep your car running efficiently, you should change the oxygen sensor every 100,000 miles.
Windshield was replaced, and now the back-up collision sensors don't work
Q: I have a 2016 Subaru Forrester with 57,000 miles that is in perfect shape. The windshield was replaced with original parts by a large glass company because of a crack. Our problem doesn’t seem related, but I cannot get a straight answer: the back-up collision sensors don’t work (don’t chirp). Everything in front works: backup cameras and lights are fine. What’s likely going on? Who’s best to fix it? The glass company sent me the calibration and said the two issues are not related.
A: The back-up sensor and automatic emergency braking are tied into the eyesight camera system, which sits behind the windshield.
The reverse automatic braking uses sonar sensors in the rear bumper. The sensors send a signal via the CAN (computer) network. When the vehicle is backing up, the system becomes active and sends a signal to the eyesight camera. So, based on this, I would say the two systems are related.
At this point, I would find either an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) calibration specialist, or go to the dealer to have the system checked.
Why can't my mechanic get the lug bolts off?
Q: I have a 2016 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk in which I replaced all the lug bolts last year. I went to have my brakes changed last month, and the mechanic can’t get them off. A 16-millimeter socket is too small and a 17-millimeter socket is too big. The advisor quietly told me they all fail, and said to get stainless steel bolts.
I have called all the auto parts stores and gone online and can’t find the steel ones. Please, what can you advise? It is expensive to change them every time I need to remove the tires.
A: This is a pretty common issue with many cars that use a chrome cap over the steel lug nut or — in the case of your Jeep — lug bolts. Rust builds up under the chrome cap and swells the nut, making the lugs hard to remove.
I did a search online and found several sources for solid one-piece lug bolts. Dorman (a company that makes a lot of clever products) makes what appears to be the correct replacement, which upgrades the two-piece lug bolt to a one-piece bolt.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: At what PSI should my spare tire be set? | Car Doctor
