Paul Brand

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Paul Brand

Columnist | Cars

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Paul Brand writes about autos for the Star Tribune.

Pricey hybrid battery alters repair vs. replace equation

At what point do you throw in the towel and replace the car -- when the cost of the repair is about the same as the value of the car?

Updated: February 03, 2012, - 03:57 PM

Shutting off after 25 minutes defies do-it-yourself diagnosis

Despite desire to save money, a professional shop and its sophisticated testing equipment might be a good choice.

Updated: January 27, 2012, - 04:00 PM

Confusion over brake fluids: Which is right for your car?

How do synthetic DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluids differ from the conventional DOT 3 or DOT 4 ones?

Updated: January 20, 2012, - 03:50 PM

Sputtering, then dying: Suspicion falls on fuel pump

Troubles with 2003 BMW 330i leave the driver nervous and asking questions.

Updated: January 13, 2012, - 03:50 PM

Remounting driver's seat complicates air-bag light fix

Q About three years ago, the air-bag light came on in my 2005 Hyundai. The dealership fixed it, and the...

Updated: January 06, 2012, - 04:08 PM

After 8 years, original battery is living on borrowed time

A Not only has it lasted significantly longer than typical -- three to six years -- I suspect you're now on borrowed time with the battery. Batteries always seem to last until, well, you need them most. You can have the battery load tested to determine how many amperes of current it can deliver to crank the engine, then compare that to its original rating. I suspect it will be at something less than half of its original capacity.

Updated: December 30, 2011, - 04:29 PM