The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Dave Redinger's The Neighbourhood Mechanic 4/17/06


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

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

On April 1stthe Neighbourhood Mechanic” is available on “1050 CHUM” Listen to: “1050chum.com” Saturdays@10 am EST, join us on air, 866 444 8326 toll free

Potholes are a fact of life. At this time of the year they the major cause of suspension, wheel and tire damage. As a mechanic, I think they’re a great source of business, however; here’s some helpful hints in avoiding damage. Try to avoid hitting a pot hole with the steering turned. If possible drive through with the wheels straight. Again if possible don’t apply the brakes. Hitting the brakes will load the front suspension and reduce the amount of travel available to absorb the impact. One more piece of advice…..make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure. Low pressure reduces the tire’s ability to absorb shock.

Recently I purchased tires from a local big box store. They offered to install them and charge them with nitrogen. Can you enlighten me on the use of nitrogen?

Les.

Nitrogen has been used to inflate tires in the racecars, aircraft and the trucking industry for years. Advantages include better control of air pressure with less loss due to seepage and less increase in pressure due to heat. Nitrogen is dry, this will eliminate corrosion problems inside the tire assembly and the lack of oxygen will also eliminate oxidation of the rubber and rim assembly. So why doesn’t everybody use the stuff? Well actually cost is the major stumbling block. Nitrogen generators currently list in the thousands and customers balk at paying for “air”.

I have a 1994 ford f-150 pickup truck with just under 100,000 km's... the automatic transmission sounds like a washboard when it shifts into the gear sequence... this transmission is equipped with overdrive and also has a button on the end of the shifter that when pushed enables the transmission to enter regular drive for hauling trailers etc. any suggestions ???

Transmissions are designed to operate quietly. The noise that you are describing sounds as if the gears are not meshing or a clutch is not engaging fast enough. This usually is a sign of low internal pressure. Worn parts can cause low pressure, as can a dirty transmission filter....Contact a competent transmission shop and have the unit diagnosed. They will have to drop the oil pan to inspect the transmission properly....

Dave Redinger a mechanic with over 40 yrs of experience. Dave operates his shop “DOCTOR H HONDA SPECIALISTS in Toronto for the last 25 yrs.

Email : davidredinger@rogers.com ( we respond to every email) LISTEN TO DAVE ON 1050 CHUM EVERY SATURDAY @ 10:00 AM OR ON THE WEB LIVE “1050 http://CHUM.COM" target="_blank">CHUM.COM

Dave's Past Columns

July 14, 2005

July 22, 2005

July 29, 2005

August 12, 2005

August 19, 2005

August 24, 2005

August 31, 2005

October 12, 2005

October 19, 2005

October 25, 2005

November 5, 2005

November 16, 2005

November 23, 2005

December 4, 2005

December 11, 2005

February 14, 2006

January 3, 2006

January 11, 2006

January 18, 2006

January 25, 2006

February 1, 2006

February 8, 2006

March 1, 2006

March 8, 2006

March 15, 2006

March 22, 2006

March 28, 2006

April 4, 2006

April 17, 2006

April 26, 2006

May 2, 2006

May 23, 2006

May 28, 2006

June 27, 2006

July 11, 2006

July 24, 2006

August 8, 2006

August 15, 2006

August 29,2006

September 13, 2006

September 20, 2006