Dear Tom,
I own a Mercury Grand Marquis with about 108,000 miles. I want to take a road trip that’s about 2,500 miles. Can I be reasonably sure that this car will make it and if so what do I need to have done to make the car trip worthy? Any help would be appreciated.
Carl from WI
Carl,
Have a bumper-to-bumper inspection done by your trusted auto repair facility prior to the trip. Check brakes, steering/suspension and undercarriage. Repair anything questionable. Have a scan of the performance system for any codes and address flags that pop up. Make sure the coolant is still good, and all belts and hoses are in good shape. Finally, make sure all maintenance is up to snuff according to the maintenance schedule and you should have trouble-free travel.
Tom
Dear Tom,
My 2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible has 69,000 miles, and after it warms up the engine smokes. What’s causing this? A leaking valve or cylinder? The oil level regularly goes down, but I can't find where it’s leaking.
Patrick from Malibu, CA
Patrick,
Oil consumption in an engine can happen for a number of reasons. Plugged PCV system, excessive sludge buildup in the cylinder heads stopping oil from draining back down into the crankcase and spilling down the valve stems to be burned, bad valve stem seals, work valve guides, bad piston oil control rings, excessive crankcase pressure due to sludge and/or a stuck PCV valve, and a leaking cylinder head gasket or cracked or warped cylinder head. In short, an engine inspection and diagnosis has to be done which may include partial engine disassembly. Good luck.
Tom
Dear Tom,
What is the difference between a crossover vehicle and a hybrid?
KBP
KBP,
A crossover vehicle is one that incorporates the utilitarian aspects of a truck/SUV and a car. This makes for a platform that is comfortable to drive, takes advantage of fuel economy of a car, and offers the benefits of a truck or SUV IE: 4WD or AWD, heavy duty suspension and/or brakes and spacious interiors. A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that blends a small internal combustion engine and an electric powertrain. The engine and electric motor share the responsibility of powering the vehicle. Sometimes they power the vehicle separately or together depending on the demand. Hybrids, when driven in reasonable fashion, offer better gas mileage than conventional gas-powered vehicles.
Tom
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals and many other websites. Hear his radio show. America’s Car Show, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at 8 a.m. Listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at www.americascarshow.com. You can also find Tom’s book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever,” in local Barnes & Nobel booksellers, or order online at Amazon.com.
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