Junior Damato

Ask the Auto Doc

ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Drivers must refuel with premium gas if the car requires it

July 18, 2008

Dear Doctor: I read an article that claimed unless you own a high-performance car using premium gas is a waste of money. My sister owns a Cadillac and the dealer says she must use premium gasoline. What do you think about using a lesser grade fuel? Dan

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  • ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Interior light system has burned before its time

    July 11, 2008

    Dear Doctor: I own a 2003 Buick LeSabre with 47,000 miles. Many of the interior LED lights have burned out, such as on the steering wheel, climate controls and radio panel. I'm wondering what would cause the light failure since I don't do much night driving. I was under the impression the LED lights use very little power and last a long time. The dealer said they have to replace the panels as needed. The cost will be about $1,000. What caused the premature failure of the LED lights? Sam

  • ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Steering wheel lock-up has many causes

    July 4, 2008

    Dear Doctor: After pulling out of my driveway and making two 90-degree turns in my 2003 Ford Navigator, I tried to turn left, but my steering wheel was in the locked position and I ended up in the ditch. By moving the steering wheel about one-half inch each way, going back and forth, I was able to get turned back around. I tried restarting the vehicle to see if it would come unlocked, but it did not. My dealer and Ford Customer Service suggested that I replace the entire steering column. The vehicle has 49,000 miles on it. Lloyd

  • ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: A low-mileage car fails state inspection due to steering leak

    June 27, 2008

    Dear Doctor: I am the original owner of a 2004 Nissan Sentra with only 40,000 miles. The car failed the N.Y. state inspection because of a power steering fluid leak. I went to the dealership where I purchased the Sentra and they had to replace the power steering rack unit. The total cost was $964. Does the cost seem reasonable? Would a leaking power steering system cause an inspection failure? Dominic

  • ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Hot weather plays havoc on tires, brakes andother motor functions

    June 20, 2008

    Dear Doctor: We live in the hot climate of Arizona where my girlfriend owns a 2005 Infiniti FX35 with 51,000 miles. One of the rear brake pads went to metal contact, while the other three rear pads were worn evenly to about 1/8 of an inch remaining. The front brake pads are still in good condition. If I apply the brakes hard the front of the car will drop down, I think it feels normal. Why did the rear brakes wear out first and why would one pad wear down to metal?

  • ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Get behind the wheel to make sure the vehicle is right for you

    June 13, 2008

    Dear Doctor: I'm a senior citizen and my vision in one eye is medically limited. I would like to purchase a car with as much all-around glass visibility as possible. Do you have any suggestions as to which car would provide the best visibility? Barbara

Junior Damato

Junior Damato

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Tom Incantalupo

Tom Incantalupo

New Honda Odyssey Touring combines comfort, style

July 18, 2008

Four years into the current generation, the Honda Odyssey is holding its own, relatively speaking, in a new vehicle market savaged by $4 a gallon gas and a slumping economy.

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