Mary's Columns: FAQs

Because of what I do for a living — I'm a car care expert who travels around the country speaking about vehicle-related topics — people ask me a lot of questions about cars. Some are easy to answer, like "What do I do if my car overheats?" (see below). Some, like "What does it mean when my car goes ching-ching-CHING?" are a little more challenging. (Questions like that can be fun, though, especially when the person tries to act out the noise.) Here are some of the most common and interesting questions I'm frequently asked...

"What do I do if my car overheats — and what's the worst thing that can happen when it does?"
Your vehicle's engine generates enough heat to melt steel. If too much heat accumulates, the engine can be damaged in a number of ways: the metal cylinder head can warp or twist, the layer of insulation called the head gasket can burn away, and internal parts like pistons and their connecting rods can warp or crack. The worst thing that could happen is the engine "seizes" — meaning the pistons actually melt into the cylinder walls — never to move again. If your engine overheats, turn the heater and the fan on high to help get rid of the heat. If that doesn't help, get your car safely off the road, turn off the engine, and let the engine cool down.

"How often should shock absorbers be replaced?"
Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations, but it's a good idea to have the original shock absorbers and struts checked after 25,000 miles, then again every 15,000 miles. Worn shocks or struts can increase wear and tear on your car's tires, suspension, and steering components, and — more importantly — reduce your vehicle's safety.

"I just got new brakes and they squeak. The mechanic at the repair shop says it's normal. Is he telling me the truth?"
Probably, but the condition isn't "normal," it's "common." Modern brake pads and linings are no longer made of asbestos (thanks to the EPA), but of tiny slivers of metal and other materials. These brake pads and linings are much harder than asbestos and have excellent friction qualities, but, unfortunately, they often make noise. Sometimes the sounds are the results of tiny variations in the surface of the pad. A squeak may also be the result of vibrations. The bottom line: The shop that did the work should re-check the brakes, making sure there aren't any loose parts.

"Is there any advantage to choosing one color over another when you're buying a car?"
Given that you're probably going to have to live with whatever color you pick for a long time, you should choose a color you like. Outside of that, here are some things to keep in mind: Does your vehicle sit outside in the elements, especially in the blazing sun? You might want to avoid black, which attracts heat, and red, which often fades. Do you wash and polish your car regularly? If you don't, you might be better off with low-maintenance white.

"How do I calculate my car's fuel economy?"br> Just divide the mileage you get by the gallons of gas used. For example, if you used a tank of gas (say, 15 gallons) and you drove 300 miles on that tank of gas, your car is getting 20 miles to the gallon.

"What should I do if the alternator light comes on?"
When the alternator or battery light comes on, it means more electricity is being used than is being replaced. Just keep driving until you reach a service station, making sure to turn off as many electricity-draining accessories (such as your heater) as you safely can. The hardest thing the electrical system has to do is start the car, so don't turn off the engine unless it's absolutely necessary. Here's a warning: If the temperature light comes on at the same time the alternator light is on (or simply by itself), stop the car as soon as you can. The same belt that drives the alternator often drives the water pump. If the water pump stops working, it won't be long before the engine overheats — and that, as we've discussed, could mean major damage and expensive repairs.

"What does it mean when my car goes ching-ching-CHING?" Very funny. I could be wrong, but your car might just be singing you its favorite Broadway show tune. You never know...

About Mary • Seminars • Car Smarts • Media Spokesperson
Mary's Columns • Contact Info • Home