Q: I know it is probably a good idea to have a dash camera. But what are the odds that someone will break in to steal it?
A: I doubt that anyone would try to steal your camera. It needs to be wired into the electrical system, and a quick snatch-and-grab would be unlikely. But wouldn’t it be ironic if the camera caught a video of the intruder?
Don’t blow your top
Q: I am on my second convertible. Because I don’t drive them in the winter, I own them for many years without excessive mileage. If the top no longer works, is it more difficult to get it repaired because of the age of the car? My current one is a 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder with just over 60,000 miles. I was considering putting money into the body, cleaning up nicks, dings and scratches, etc. I worry that it might be unwise if something happens that can’t be fixed.
A: Get to know a convertible repair shop. Not only do they replace worn out tops, but they also know the workings of the system.
Nit pick
Q: I’m writing about a recent column in which you wrote about keeping a new engine between “2,000 and 4,000 RPMs.” I’m not faulting the advice, but I must point out that RPM already is plural. It stands for revolutions per minute.
A: Right you are. If my memory serves me right, I learned to use RPMs when I worked in the department of redundancy department.
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.
