Can a "smoke test" be used to track down a gas leak?

05.01.2011
in Tom & Ray

I've been driving for more years than I care to say, but this is the first I've heard of something called a "smoke test." Recently I noticed a gas odor coming from somewhere around the back end of my car...

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How can William keep his belt on? (The one on his Chrysler, that is?)

05.01.2011
in Tom & Ray

I have a 1998 Chrysler Town and Country Minivan with the six-cylinder engine. Whenever I drive through a puddle, the belt slips off. All of the original undercarriage guards are still present and in factory condition. I have replaced the water...

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Today: headliner cleaning tips that keep the sky from falling.

05.01.2011
in Tom & Ray

I recently purchased a '99 Chevy Suburban. It's replacing an '87 Suburban (which I call my Sanford and Son truck, and my daughter simply calls "Rusty"). The '99 is a great vehicle, in good shape, but is pretty grubby inside...

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Is Katie's husband right to keep the AC off when stuck in traffic?

05.01.2011
in Tom & Ray

My husband and I recently purchased a new car. My husband refuses to run the air conditioning in heavy stop-and-go traffic or if we are sitting in the parked car. When I ask him what the reason is, he says...

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Did Marilyn's mechanic destroy her transmission?

05.01.2011
in Tom & Ray

I took my vehicle in to a local mechanic shop for a timing-belt replacement. After the repair, I drove approximately 75 miles, and the transmission burned up. We had the car towed to AAMCO. The AAMCO owner said the cause of...

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Can a driver be too polite?

05.01.2011
in Tom & Ray

I read your column all the time and value your opinion (especially if you side with me!) My husband (whom I call Bubba, if you are interested) frequently will stop to let someone else go first at intersections, when he...

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Can the brakes on Alexis' Plymouth minivan be made safe?

05.01.2011
in Tom & Ray

We have a 1996 Plymouth Voyager with more than 130,000 miles on it that I use to transport our kids everywhere. On four separate occasions, the brakes have failed completely with absolutely NO warning...no warning light, no gradual diminution of brake...

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What's the best way to approach potholes: fast or slow?

05.01.2011
in Tom & Ray

Every year we face the pothole issue. However, this year seems to be the worst in recent memory. Potholes are so big this year where I live that they've been given names, like the craters on the moon. Did I...

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Can vodka save ailing spark plugs?!

05.01.2011
in Tom & Ray

Setting the scene: Six middle-age guys cruising the Caribbean in a 40-foot catamaran, mooring and anchoring at a variety of harbors, bays and coves in the Dutch and French West Antilles, using our dingy and its two-stroke motor to ferry...

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