Q. I tried removing the lug-nuts on my 2008 Toyota Corolla using a 20-volt Craftsman impact driver with a 21mm black socket to remove tight lug nuts. Is 21mm the correct size for 2008 Toyota Corolla?
A. An impact driver (battery or electric) is a handy tool for removing small fasteners but is not made for removing lug-nuts. The correct socket size is 21 millimeters or 13/16ths of an inch. I would get a large breaker bar, or four-way lug wrench to loosen the lugs. If this is something you are going to do often you may want to invest in a plug-in of battery heavy duty ½ inch drive impact wrench. Once the lug-nuts are snug use a torque wrench to finish tightening the wheels. Properly torquing the wheels helps prevent over or under tightening. Uneven wheel tightening is the number one cause of brake vibration.
Q. I read a year ago you replaced the brakes on your own car with Powerstop brand brake parts. A year later, how are the brakes doing and are the rust resistant rotors still rust free?
A. A year later and thousands of miles the Powerstop brake pads and rotors seem to be holding up quite well. As for the rust resistance. If the car sits for a week there is some light surface rust, but it cleans up quickly after a short drive. Overall PowerStop brakes seem to be a good product.
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Q. I have to start thinking about a new car for next year. I am between another Honda Accord, which at my age is starting to be a little difficult to get in and out of, and a Subaru Outback. The Outback looks like it is a little bit higher and will be easier to get in and out of. I do not want a big SUV or anything like that. I am used to a sedan. Thoughts?
A. The Subaru Outback is an excellent choice. It is easy to get in and out of, comfortable to drive and with all-wheel drive is a desirable choice for our weather. Reliability has also been quite good for the latest models. My suggestion is to drive the car both during the day and evening. It is as important to road test the lights and tech features as it is the drivetrain.
Q. How significant is auto parts bankruptcy in recent news and with First Brands Group, which filed for Chapter 11 protection in September? How does it affect the industry?
A. I am hardly a financial analyst, but here is my take. First Brands is one of those companies you may not know, but they are a major private label supplier brands such as Trico, (wiper blades) Raybestos (brakes), Autolite, (filters and spark plugs) and they are a private label supplier for major automotive retailers. It is also worth noting that at his time, First Brands filed for Chapter 11 reorganization not Chapter 7. Until this gets settled and there seems to be new stories each day, I would expect to see some shortages of popular parts, and some delays in getting vehicles repaired. I would also expect the competitors in this space to step up to capture some of the available market share.
Q. I have a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta SE. I took it in for an oil change and was told I was leaking oil, but they did not know where it was coming from. I took it to a mechanic who said it could be a valve and to bring it back in a few days to see if they could pinpoint the leak. When I went back for a second time to see if they could see it, they then told me I had a large dent in my transmission cover. Still no explanation about the leak. I am going back in a week for the transmission cover and gasket, but I feel I am not getting good service. What do you think?
A. Curious that they did not notice the dent in the transmission pan during the oil change but did notice a leak. Is the leak from the transmission? Then how much of a leak? At 12 years old some small leaks can be expected. I also would be looking for more answers -where is the oil leak, how soon do I need it repaired and how much this will cost. Also, what is the condition of the rest of the car? As an example, you have a minor leak which you can live with but what about the brakes, steering system or even under car rust, that may need work soon. These are all things a good shop should be talking with you about, before recommending expensive repairs.
Q. I enjoy your column and advice. I have a 2022 Honda CRV Hybrid with about 40,000 miles on it. I purchased an extended warranty from the dealership when the original one expired but am now wondering if I should continue it. The premium is $100 per month and so far, I have had no problems with the car. The selling point of the dealer was all the sensors and chips that could fail and be an expensive repair. What are your thoughts?
A. Honda vehicles are not perfect, but they are certainly some of the best engineered vehicles on the road. To me it seems like $1200 a year would cover most non-maintenance items. If it were me, I would just take the $100 a month and put it in the bank. In addition, some parts of the emissions system are covered by an eight-year 80,000-mile warranty.
Q. I just picked up a 2000 Dodge Durango with the 5.9-liter V-8 engine. This will be my winter beater. Even though it is a beater I do want to give it a little love. My first question what kind of oil should I use? Any other thoughts?
A. The recommended oil is 10W-30 and I would use high mileage oil to help keep seals soft and pliable. Other than that, check the battery and all the vital fluids. If any of those fluids look contaminated or the coolant is not protecting the engine to 30 degrees below zero, change it. If you have not already, check the steering and brakes for wear. Even a “winter beater” needs to be safe on the road.
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