Paul Brand
Columnist | Cars
E-mail: paulbrand@startribune.com
Paul Brand writes about autos for the Star Tribune.
Recent content from Paul Brand
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If accelerator gets stuck, just turn off car
Q We just bought a 2010 Camry and read about the problem of uncontrolled acceleration, which Toyota has attributed to floor mats getting caught under gas pedals. I recommended a two-step strategy to my wife, just in case. If we are on the highway, I believe the safest driving area is the inside lane because you could use the shoulder to pass other vehicles. This is where my brother the cop disagrees with me.
Nov 19, 2009 -
Tracking down cause of death for car battery
Q My son has a 1997 GMC Jimmy with 200,000 miles that is in really good condition. For the last two years, he's had an intermittent electrical problem where his battery will go completely dead. The battery was new about three years ago and tests just fine. We'll jump the car and everything is fine. He can go from one day to four or five months between entering the dead zone. He never notices any lights staying on or any other issues.
Nov 11, 2009 -
Once parked, car's journey far from over
Q When I park my 1998 Ford Explorer on a slight incline facing downhill and put it in Park, it will creep forward on its own, very slowly. According to my wife, it happens even when the emergency brake is set. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Nov 4, 2009 -
There's method to madness in mounting tires
Q Recently when buying two new tires for my front-wheel-drive car, I was told the company policy is to put the two new tires on the rear. Their rationale: In a skid they would have more traction and tend to straighten the car out. In theory, this is correct if no other control action is taken.
Oct 28, 2009 -
What's leaking from car? Color should tell
Q I have a 2001 Buick Century with 74,000 miles on it. For the past few months I have noticed spots on the garage floor -- mostly in the right front area. I put newspaper down, then took the paper to two different garages. They said it was not oil. I thought it might be windshield wiper fluid but it's not leaking. It's a puzzle. Any idea what it could be?
Oct 21, 2009 -
Lights signal serious trouble in brake system
Q The emergency and antilock brake system lights in my 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 stay on all the time. What needs to be done?
Oct 7, 2009 -
Storing hybrid just a matter of pulling plug
Q I have a 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid. This car has two battery systems, one for the gasoline engine and a battery pack for the hybrid system.
Sep 30, 2009 -
After U-joint repair, 4WD light won't quit
Q I have a '98 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 truck. The right front universal joint went bad, so I changed it. Now everything runs and works fine -- except that the 4WD light stays on. I never touched any switches, and the truck isn't in four-wheel drive. Where do I start?
Sep 23, 2009 -
10-minute wait to start this car is aggravating
Q I own a '99 Pontiac Grand Am V6. When I turn the key, it dings seven times and I hear the fuel pump working. But if the car doesn't start, the security light comes on and blinks for about 10 minutes before it goes off.
Sep 2, 2009 -
Buick owner questions need for $365 repair
Q I have a 2001 Buick Century with 25,000 miles on the odometer. I recently had an inspection by a Buick dealer, and was told that the rear wheel cylinders were leaking.
Aug 26, 2009
