Dave Redinger's The Neighbourhood Mechanic 1/3/06
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Dave Redinger who transitioned to his Heavenly home on February 7, 2022 was a licensed auto mechanic with over 40 years in the trade. He operated Dr. H. Honda Specialists in Etobcoke (Toronto). Dave was heard here on The Auto Channel, RIP Dave your knowledge and helpfulness will be welcome by concerned motorists forever.
DAVE
REDINGER
ASK THE NEIGHBOURHOOD MECHANIC
Recently I service a late model
Lincoln Continental. Nice car. I was blown away by all the controls. The
radio alone had 28 buttons. In total the vehicle had over 85 knobs,
switches and pushbuttons operating various accessories. Why? Why? do
designers continue to complicate vehicles in this way? I wonder just how
many accidents have been caused by someone simply trying to play some
tunes. Just a thought….
Help!! We have a 1991 Chevy Astro Van. It has over 500,000
kms. The body is in great shape. It was well maintained. The reason I am
writing is that we have been spending a lot of money to keep it on the road
and I would like to know if the time has come to say goodbye. We love this
van. Last night it did not make it home. The engine was running, but it
would not move. It was towed. My husband says that I am being unreasonable
in my expectations.
Alice
The real issue we have here is how
much do you need this truck? The value of the vehicle is zero. The money
you invest is really the cost of driving in the purest form. You’ve
indicated that the vehicle is in good condition so our only issue is the
mechanical problem. Have your mechanic give you a full estimate and then
make you decision. Are you asking too much of this vehicle? Today's cars
actually can last forever. I most cases forever is about 300,000
kms.
My 2000 olds, intrigue which has low mileage starts with a touch of the starter when cold. After car warms up it stalls a couple of times before it will remain running, what could be the problem?
Irene
Today's cars are operated by
computers. These systems have the ability to self diagnose. What has to
happen is a technician will connect a second computer to your car and take
readings as the stalling occurs. This will lead to the correct repair.
Don't fall into a trap of spending money on repairs unless the car has been
scanned. The problem maybe as simple as a plugged fuel filter causing low
fuel pressure.
Dave Redinger a mechanic with over 40 yrs of experience operates his
shop
“DOCTOR H HONDA SPECIALISTS in Toronto for the last 24 yrs. Dave can
be heard every Saturday morning at 9:00 on “THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
MECHANIC” on AM740
Email your questions to: davidredinger@rogers.com or AM740.ca (we respond to every email)
Vol 35
Dave's Past Columns