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Cold weather freezes up cruise control
By Doug McAllister - 01/13/13
Q. I have been using the cruise control on my 2006 Grand Marquis on a regular basis. It works just fine except when temperatures get below about 40 degrees. Then I need to wait until the car warms up before it can be made to activate. FULL STORY
By Doug McAllister - 01/13/13
Q. I have been using the cruise control on my 2006 Grand Marquis on a regular basis. It works just fine except when temperatures get below about 40 degrees. Then I need to wait until the car warms up before it can be made to activate. FULL STORY
Winter tires increase traction for performance cars
By Doug McAllister - 01/06/13
Q. I bought four Goodyear Eagle GTs for my 2006 Pontiac G6 GT coupe. They do not perform well in snow. Do you think this is because the tires I bought are too aggressive for the car? FULL STORY
By Doug McAllister - 01/06/13
Q. I bought four Goodyear Eagle GTs for my 2006 Pontiac G6 GT coupe. They do not perform well in snow. Do you think this is because the tires I bought are too aggressive for the car? FULL STORY
Car maintenance is also smart finances
By Doug McAllister - 12/30/12
One thing of which we can be sure is 2013 will be a more expensive year for most of us. I have talked about the advantages of good auto maintenance before but in these challenging economic times it is worth bringing up again. FULL STORY
By Doug McAllister - 12/30/12
One thing of which we can be sure is 2013 will be a more expensive year for most of us. I have talked about the advantages of good auto maintenance before but in these challenging economic times it is worth bringing up again. FULL STORY
Battery care is vital for stored cars
By Doug McAllister - 12/16/12
Q. I purchased a new 6-year battery in January 2011. On average, how many weeks would a garaged 2002 Pontiac Bonneville's battery be OK before a trickle charger would be necessary? FULL STORY
By Doug McAllister - 12/16/12
Q. I purchased a new 6-year battery in January 2011. On average, how many weeks would a garaged 2002 Pontiac Bonneville's battery be OK before a trickle charger would be necessary? FULL STORY
Short trips still tough on engine
By Doug McAllister - 12/02/12
Q. The dealer recommended I have the timing belt changed at a cost of $489.95, transmission flush at $169.95 and coolant flush at $139.95. I keep my 2008 Elantra in the garage when not in use. It is in showroom condition and only has 22,000 miles on... FULL STORY
By Doug McAllister - 12/02/12
Q. The dealer recommended I have the timing belt changed at a cost of $489.95, transmission flush at $169.95 and coolant flush at $139.95. I keep my 2008 Elantra in the garage when not in use. It is in showroom condition and only has 22,000 miles on... FULL STORY
Biodiesel blends worry fleet owners
By Doug McAllister - 11/18/12
Here's a follow-up to my Nov. 4 column on biodiesel fuel blends. Many diesel fuel suppliers in Illinois are switching from B5 (5 percent biodiesel) to B20 (20 percent biodiesel) fuel. One fleet technician says Mercedes-Benz requires buyers of its... FULL STORY
By Doug McAllister - 11/18/12
Here's a follow-up to my Nov. 4 column on biodiesel fuel blends. Many diesel fuel suppliers in Illinois are switching from B5 (5 percent biodiesel) to B20 (20 percent biodiesel) fuel. One fleet technician says Mercedes-Benz requires buyers of its... FULL STORY
Make sure biodiesel won't void warranty
By Doug McAllister - 11/04/12
Q. Im looking at a new vehicle and like the idea of a diesel SUV. However, I've heard talk that Illinois diesel-fuel blends have caused many manufacturers to say they will void warranties if it's used. FULL STORY
By Doug McAllister - 11/04/12
Q. Im looking at a new vehicle and like the idea of a diesel SUV. However, I've heard talk that Illinois diesel-fuel blends have caused many manufacturers to say they will void warranties if it's used. FULL STORY
Engine oil vapor may cause problem
By Doug McAllister - 10/14/12
Q. I own a 2008 GMC Acadia with a 3.6-liter engine. My mechanic noticed oil pooled underneath the air filter. He told me it appeared to come up the air intake hose from the engine to the air filter. FULL STORY
By Doug McAllister - 10/14/12
Q. I own a 2008 GMC Acadia with a 3.6-liter engine. My mechanic noticed oil pooled underneath the air filter. He told me it appeared to come up the air intake hose from the engine to the air filter. FULL STORY
Autumn safety checks for your auto
By Doug McAllister - 10/07/12
Car safety might feel like a no-brainer all year round, but as another class of student drivers gets behind the wheel, maybe we all could benefit from a quick refresher course. First and foremost, whether you're dropping your kindergartner off in... FULL STORY
By Doug McAllister - 10/07/12
Car safety might feel like a no-brainer all year round, but as another class of student drivers gets behind the wheel, maybe we all could benefit from a quick refresher course. First and foremost, whether you're dropping your kindergartner off in... FULL STORY
Tough to compare phone estimates of car repairs
By Doug McAllister - 09/30/12
Q. Why is it when I call around for prices to replace the shocks and struts on my minivan the amounts vary so much from shop to shop? Then to add insult to injury, I can buy these parts dirt cheap on the Internet. FULL STORY
By Doug McAllister - 09/30/12
Q. Why is it when I call around for prices to replace the shocks and struts on my minivan the amounts vary so much from shop to shop? Then to add insult to injury, I can buy these parts dirt cheap on the Internet. FULL STORY
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