10-and-2 rules have changed

Q: As I approach my eighth decade, I remember being told to place my hands at the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock position on the steering wheel. With airbags I’m wondering if an 8-and-4 o’clock position would protect arms better in an airbag deployment.

A: Ten-and-2 is a no-no. If the airbag deploys, your arms may get broken. In a driving school several years ago, I learned that 9-and-3 o’clock is best. It is the standard of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well as the AARP Defensive Driving Course and the Bob Bondurant School of High-Performance Driving. Some drivers choose the 8-and-4 o’clock position, and that’s considered OK even though it’s not ideal.

Q: What’s octane, and what’s it good for? In the days of leaded gas, I recall that if the octane was too low, it was connected to engine run-on after ignition. But what’s the point now that we’ve switched to unleaded gas?

A: Octane is a measure of the fuel’s ability to prevent preignition. Tetraethyl lead octane booster has been replaced with a less harmful chemical. Without going into how it is scientifically measured, higher-octane gas, then and now, helps prevent knock or ping. Using high octane when it isn’t stipulated is a waste of money. It has very little to do to engine run-on.

Q: I have a classic car that I don’t drive often. The battery sometimes goes flat between drives. What is the best type of battery for this situation? I don’t have access to an outlet where the car is parked.

A: AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries hold a charge longer than typical batteries, but, of course, they cost more. Check out solar battery maintainers that sit on the dashboard. They have come a long way since first introduced. They are eco-friendly, convenient to use and relatively inexpensive — in the neighborhood of $50.

Bob Weber is a writer, mechanic and ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician. His writing has appeared in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest. Send automotive questions along with name and town to motormouth.tribune@gmail.com.