Saturday January 5, 2013
Paul Brand
Columnist | Cars
Phone:
Email: paulbrand@startribune.com
Paul Brand writes about autos for the Star Tribune.
Recent content from Paul Brand
Flushing, replacing oil won't fix cause of consumption
The accepted standard for "normal" oil consumption is a maximum of one quart per 2,000 miles.
Updated: March 16, 2012, - 03:54 PM
If you have run-flat tires, you shouldn't need a spare
Run-flat tires are designed to do precisely that -- operate safely with zero air pressure for a reasonable distance at modest speed.
Updated: March 09, 2012, - 04:41 PM
Brand: Octane recommendations aren't written in stone
A The rule of thumb is to use the lowest-octane gasoline that will operate the engine efficiently. For the vast majority of modern cars and trucks, that means regular unleaded, which is typically 87 octane. The octane rating of gasoline is a measure of the fuel's resistance to ignition, meaning the higher the octane rating, more heat and pressure are required to "start the fire." If the recommended octane gasoline provides proper starting, power, drivability and efficiency, there's no benefit to using higher-octane fuel.
Updated: March 02, 2012, - 04:25 PM
Cold starts, short trips can be an unhealthy combination
An older Jeep Cherokee has starting problems that may be battery-related. Batteries can wear out after just a few years, so it could be the charging system.
Updated: February 24, 2012, - 04:06 PM
Brake light switch could be to blame for balky shifter
The 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe starts but then can't get shifted out of park unless the engine is shut off and the driver starts over.
Updated: February 17, 2012, - 03:52 PM
Chrysler's flickering lights could be programming glitch
When the car is started, the dash lights and headlights flicker, and the battery light illuminates, then goes off after a while.
Updated: February 10, 2012, - 04:11 PM
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
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
inside the StarTribune
-
425 Portland Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55488
(612) 673-4000
- Company
- Subscriber Services
- Website
- Buy Ads
- Store
- Connect with Us
© 2013 StarTribune. All rights reserved.
StarTribune.com is powered by Limelight Networks
Newspaper Subscriptions
eEdition
RSS
Newsletters