Q: Larry, I need your opinion. I cannot find a sedan that fits my needs with all-wheel drive. At first, I was thinking of a Subaru but then I changed my mind. I may go with a Toyota Camry, which does not come with all-wheel drive. Do you feel that a Camry with a six-cylinder engine would get me out of a snowbank easier than a Camry with a four-cylinder engine? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Vicky
A: This question is a bit more difficult to answer than one might think. The need for extra power would depend on your situation at the time. However, a driver's skills have even more weight in this equation. An excellent driver will be able to get the vehicle out of the snow with either engine. The most important thing to remember when stuck in snow is not to spin the tires. Depending on your driving needs, you may want to consider a set of four snow tires with rims to put on every winter.
Q: Larry, is it necessary or recommended to slow down when approaching small potholes in the road? I realize you do not want to intentionally hit them at top speed, but is there any benefit to ease off the gas to minimize the impact? I'm referring to regular speeds in regular traffic. Thanks, Bob J
A: My driving style has me slowing down before I hit a pothole. The weight of the car bouncing down on the front suspension is never good. However, if you're on a highway traveling at 65 mph, you would never want to do this. The main thing you want to remember would be to stay off the brake pedal when going in or coming out of a pothole. Doing this will only put more weight on the front suspension of the car.
Q: I have a 1999 Lexus LS400 with 84,000 miles that I hope to keep for the next five years. I plan to put roughly 5,000 miles a year on it. Lexus has recommended that I replace the timing belt and water pump at a cost of approximately $1,000. There is nothing wrong with the car. Should I do this or wait until there is a problem? Thank you very much for your advice. Merry via E-mail
A: Hi, Merry. Thanks for your letter. A check on the ALLDATA information center shows that with normal use, the timing belt should be changed at 90,000 miles, and at 60,000 miles for extreme use, which is closer to our driving conditions in the Northeast. I strongly recommend you have this service done either by the dealer or a qualified repair facility. If your timing belt breaks, you will be in for major repairs due to bent engine valves. I recommend you take care of this just as soon as possible.
Car Care Tip: If you insist on using quick lube facilities, find out what kind of oil the manufacturer of your car recommends and let the oil change facility know that is what you want put in your car.
Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears Sunday in the Wheels North section. Write to him at The Eagle-Tribune, c/o Auto Scanner, 100 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 01845 or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.
