Q: I am going to need an oil change soon. The Ford dealership wants me to use their synthetic oil (I am not sure of the brand), and they say it's better than a conventional oil change. Can I switch back and forth from synthetic to regular? Do you have any thoughts on this problem?
A: I would definitely not keep switching from synthetic to petroleum-based oil. You can create problems by that practice. The best oil for your car, despite what the dealer says or the advertisements are yelling that day, is the oil that is listed in the owner's handbook. Of course, if there is a change, the manufacturer will publish a technical service bulletin on this problem. If you e-mail me your year, make and model as well as the engine size, I will be more than glad to check for the recommended oil for your car. The bottom line is, if you're the type of person who changes your oil every 3,000 miles, in my opinion there is no need for the more expensive synthetic oil unless mandated by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
Q: I own a 2002 Maxima GLE with 34,900 miles. The rotors were replaced at 9,000 miles and it failed inspection at 30,000 miles and the rotors were again replaced — both by Nissan. I paid for the brake pads. I just came back from a three-week vacation and used the car for some errands. I backed out of the garage and it felt like the emergency brake was on. The car broke loose, and I heard a clicking-type noise for a few miles. I have been told by the dealer that I do not use the car enough and rust builds up on the rotors. I have seen the old brake pads, and they look like steel fingers were run through them — about a third to a half of the pad's depth. The pads had good mileage left in them. Besides using the car more, we also have a 2002 Camry that gets better gas mileage and does not have to use the expensive high-test gas. What would you suggest? Are there special rotors or pads I should use? I love driving the Maxima, but this is driving me crazy.
A: I have checked the All Data information system for technical service bulletins concerning brakes. Although there are a few, none relate to the problems you are having. The way you are describing the problem, it sounds like a combination of a sticking caliper, collapsed brake hose or caliper slide as well as the use of inferior brake parts. At my shop, we perform more than 500 brake replacement jobs every year. We have experimented with a lot of the major brake company parts and found that the Napa Premium brake parts are by far the best. Once the brakes are fixed by an ASE certified technician, I am quite certain your fuel mileage will also go back up to the manufacturer's specifications.
Car Care Tip: Check your owner's manual concerning a cabin air filter. If your car is equipped with one, spring is the time to replace it to avoid allergens in the air.
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Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears Tuesday in BizNorth. Write to Larry c/o BizNorth, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.
