Q: I recently took my 2018 Buick Encore with 44,000 miles in for an oil change at an all-purpose auto repair facility. The service manager advised (and showed me) that my coolant level had dropped about 2 inches below the fill indicator line on the reservoir, and that as a result, I should get a complete cooling system flush. He explained that there might be acidity in the coolant, which ultimately could corrode internal engine parts. My owner’s manual recommended this service at 100,000 miles. Should I do it now or wait?
A: The service manager is right that worn out coolant can lead to internal engine problems, especially the water pump. But in your case, I would top off the coolant with some premixed stuff. Then I would check the coolant reservoir regularly. The level usually is higher after running the engine because of expansion. The next morning, it will be lower as the coolant is sucked back into the cold engine. If you need to keep adding coolant, have the cooling system checked out.
Misreading
Q: In response to a recent question, you indicated that automobile displays of speed limits are GPS mediated. While that may be true, an SUV we had would consistently read the speed sign on the exit to Hwy. 169 at 169 mph. Even more interesting, the car would decelerate as we passed a County Road 50 road sign.
A: Yeah, some vehicles mistake route numbers for speed limit numbers. Perhaps a remedial reading class is in order. Thanks for the chuckle.
Chain should be OK
Q: I have a 2018 Subaru Outback with 112,000 miles. I faithfully follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. The dealer tells me that I need to replace the timing chain at 120,000 miles. Other sources inform me that I never need to replace it. What’s your thought about this?
A: The timing chains on the FB25 engines are maintenance-free and should not need replacing.
Follow the monitor
Q: I bought a 2024 Ford Maverick hybrid truck last July. It has 3,000 miles on it so far, and I was wondering when it should have its first oil change. Because the engine is running on the battery part time, how do you figure the miles it actually has driven in a year?
A: It often is hard to give up control and allow the vehicle’s oil life monitor to let you know when it’s time to change the oil. But that is what you should do.
