Q: Not long ago, I was explained to by two restore stores that I essential to switch the first catalytic converter on my 2005 Honda Accord coupe. The Honda dealer in which I ordered the vehicle recommended a specified store because a distinct mechanic functioning there could be equipped to preserve the outdated 1 with welding or using an expander. The dealer claimed a new OEM cat from him would expense more than the worth of the car. Neither repair service shop would allow me just take the aged cat. The area scrap property mentioned it belonged to me and I should really insist, but that did not support. So, you could say there is additional than one type of catalytic converter theft. Why is it Ok for the store to maintain the previous component that I experienced compensated for?
C.O., Syracuse, New York
A: Your parts are yours — anything at all eradicated from your auto, even the battery. But in this article is the fine print: a main charge. You have the option to shell out the main demand and continue to keep the outdated section or let the shop preserve the component and get its core charge income again. The core demand is like a deposit held for the return of the applied section and encourages returning it. Main prices are established by suppliers based on the value of the supplies in the component or its reusability. Your shop paid out a main cost and then acquired its funds back from its provider. If you acquire and install a battery, the retail store will demand you $10-20 but you will get it back again when you return your old battery.
Q: I adore your delicate and not so subtle humor in several of your replies. Preserve up the great function.
I individual a Subaru Forester. My spouse could before long be the operator of a Subaru Outback. I stopped acquiring snow tires in 1983 (I assume). She confirmed me an report that produced me ponder: My pondering is that most of the suburban streets below (we stay in the Chicago suburbs) are salted and that “winter tires” are not required. On the other hand, my spouse does get journeys farther west of us, which get her on farm roadways where by there is in some cases blowing and drifting snow in the course of the winter season months. What are your views on winter tires? Must I go again to my 1983 behaviors? (It’s possible I could even purchase some parachute pants.)
M.S., St. Charles, Illinois
A: I have read that individuals baggy bottoms are coming back again. Ugh. But winter tires (really don’t simply call them snow tires) never went out of fashion — especially in the snow belt. You might get by great with all-time tires in the Plains states like Illinois, but wintertime tires are valuable there, way too. An added reward is that winter tires assist quit the car or truck in a shorter distance than all-year or summer months tires.
Q: We’re advised there is a right way to demand cell phones to protect battery wellbeing and longevity (cost when you are at 20{09e594db938380acbda72fd0ffbcd1ef1c99380160786adb3aba3c50c4545157}, no right away charging, etc.) Is the identical true of EVs?
B.D., Woodstock, Illinois
A: Sure and no. The batteries lifetime in electric autos would experience the similar destiny as mobile mobile phone batteries. Even so, the vehicle’s computer systems avert charging to 100 p.c even with what your gauge might say. Ditto for functioning the charge down to zero. In other words, there is a designed-in cushion or buffer to maintain battery lifetime.
Bob Weber is a author and mechanic who became an ASE-accredited Learn Vehicle Technician in 1976. Send queries along with identify and town to [email protected]. This column was furnished by Tribune News Services.