Do cars need to warm up, on cold winter mornings?

01.01.2008
in Tom & Ray

With the cold New England winter weather about to swoop down on us, I have a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Why, you ask? Because every winter when my boyfriend and I get into my car, I start it, then I...

Comments

Today: Tom and Ray settle The Great Gas Tank Debate!

01.01.2008
in Tom & Ray

I am having a debate with co-workers about whether filling your gas tank halfway is more or less efficient than filling your gas tank completely. What is the most efficient way to fill a tank? Does the weight of a...

Comments

Are "shop supplies" a legit charge?

01.01.2008
in Tom & Ray

What are shop supplies? I always thought it was old rags and sprays to clean or lube. My recent visit to a dealer's garage cost me $22.56 for shop supplies. My total bill was $297.81. If I take my car to the...

Comments

Can your average new car be expected to make it to 100,000 miles?

01.01.2008
in Tom & Ray

I was looking for a second car. I wanted a classic. For some reason, I said something about a 1992 car with 180,000 miles on it. My stepbrother said, "You know that engine has been rebuilt. don't you?" That started the debate...

Comments

Can driving an SUV make you more aggressive?

01.01.2008
in Tom & Ray

I listen to your show a lot, and I completely agree that SUV drivers are a menace. I know, because I just bought one. I had a Saturn sedan and I was very careful and considerate. After I bought my...

Comments

Today: car recommendations for older drivers.

01.01.2008
in Tom & Ray

I will be 77 years old soon and would like your opinion as to which of the following automobiles you would recommend for someone like me. I love driving, and I drive a stick shift to this very day. For the...

Comments

What should you do when your car goes into the water? Hear from a survivor.

01.01.2008
in Tom & Ray

You recently answered a question about what to do if your car goes into the water. You asked if any of your readers had personal experience in this matter. I do. Here's my story. On June 17, 2006 (the eve of Father's...

Comments

Are four snow tires really necessary, or is Mark's tire salesman giving him a snow job?

01.01.2008
in Tom & Ray

I have a 2004 Mazda Miata (with rear-wheel drive). Most companies advise me that I need to put snow tires on all four wheels. Is this true for my rear-wheel-drive Miata? Or is this true only for front-wheel-drive cars? -- Mark...

Comments

Can an egg really help plug a radiator leak?

01.01.2008
in Tom & Ray

Following an end-of-semester party, my university English students were headed home for the holidays -- sober, at least for the moment. One of the girls said she was concerned about driving home in the snow with a radiator that had...

Comments