Dave Redinger's The Neighbourhood Mechanic 7/11/06
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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
One of the biggest issues facing the motoring public today is paying to maintain the all high tech stuff which has become the norm in modern cars. I always say “don’t buy a car that will own you”. The following is a short list of what maintenance costs you can expect (listed by country) :
German = very very very expensive, Italian = very very expensive (with attitude),
Sweden = very expensive, Japanese = expensive, French = made of unobtainium,
Korean = who
knows, Canadian/ American = kinda expensive. Just a
thought.
I have 1994
Thunderbird. V8. The check engine light is on and says I need an EGR. How
long will the car run before I have to replace that? Or could it be
something else in connection with that?
Diana
The service engine light is a warning indicator. The engine management computer has detected a failure or a senor that has gone out of range. The car's injection system will no longer adjust to environment and the vehicle is running on back up. Long term driving in this condition will damage the car. Have the unit scanned a repair the problem. Do not pass go, you might not get there.
I read your
column and I find your tips very helpful. I am a first time car owner and
don't really know much about cars. I bought a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu about
two years ago. After six months, the ABS light started to go on and off. I
had it checked and was told everything is ok, BUT; it’s still there.
Every time I see that light it keeps nagging me. Can you give me your
insights on what's wrong with this car?
Cecilia
I
HATE ABS! Every car I own I disconnect the system. ABS (Antilock Braking
System) came to us out of the aircraft industry. It essentially allows the
car to steer while under heavy braking. This is done by cycling the brakes
when the tires are on the verge of skidding. In the real world they may
have the effect of lengthening the distance it takes to stop. So if the ABS
doesn't work I wouldn’t be too upset. ABS lights come when the system
is not functioning, that’s true, BUT...it may be a low fluid level,
burned bulb, or a bad sensor. A scan should diagnose this issue
easily.
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 9:00 am or on the web at http://1050chum.com"
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