Auto Q & A
Auto Q & A
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Posted by editor Wed Aug 2, 2006 10:26:32 PDT
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Dear Q & A: I was watching TV the other night and caught the final few seconds of a report on the so-called Smart car. Not enough to find out much about it except it gets 50-plus miles per gallon and looks like you could put three of them in a standard parking space. What can you tell me about it?
— Neil
Dear Neil: An innovative product of Daimler-Chrysler, the Smart ForTwo has been sold in Canada since 2004. Nick Hayek, CEO of watchmaker Swatch, pitched the idea of a mini-car successfully to D-C, and the name, naturally, came out as S (from Swatch), M (Mercedes), and ART (because it’s arty?). Its primary asset is its length, or more accurately, its shortness, a dinky 98.5 inches. It’s 59.5 inches wide. Fuel economy is claimed to be 48 city, 70 highway, in a car that weighs only 1,588 pounds and has a three-cylinder 800-cc engine cranking out 60 hp (or 75; claims differ). The company’s optimistic sales expectations let you buy onto a waiting list for $55. The idea of being able to park two to a conventional American parking space, as you suggested, probably appeals to many in our crowded cities. Its US prices (depending on your deal and the model) are reported to vary from about $16 to $22K.
Dear Q & A: My engine was running too hot, so I took the bull by the horns and put in a “new” radiator that was pre-checked for cooling efficiency before I installed it. Problem: the engine still runs too hot. I pressure tested the cooling system; no leaks. Thermostat and pressure cap are okay. Any suggestions?
— William T.
Dear William: Here’s an easy check: Run your engine in your driveway until it gets too hot. Does your electric cooling fan come on, as it should to relieve the overheating? (In some models, the fan comes on automatically when the air conditioner is turned on.) If it doesn’t, the fan motor may be defective or, more likely, the temperature sensor that is supposed to switch on the fan may be kaput. Was your original radiator really plugged? Sometimes taking the bull by the horns is the unnecessarily painful way to go.
Dear Q & A: Can you tell me if there have been any recalls recently on my car? I have a 2000 Ford Focus. I’ve moved a couple of times, and the manufacturer may not have my current address to keep me informed of things I’d better get taken care of, like safety issues.
— Beck
Dear Beck: The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) has not been kind to the Focus, as was only proper, given its problems. Somebody’s been on coffee break in Quality Control on the Focus line for too long, and it seems you do not own the safest car in the parking lot. Here’s a partial list of the Focus recalls and “service campaigns”: - 2000 and ‘02 models: NTHSA Nos. 99V-34, 00V-302, and 02V-117. Speed control cable. May cause unexpected acceleration and crash. - 2000: NTHSA 00V-303. Rear wheel retaining nuts loosen, enabling rear wheels to fall off while moving. - 2000: NTHSA 00V-411. Rear lights wiring may fatigue and break, shutting off brake and tail lights. - 2000-01: NTHSA 00V-418. Folding rear seat hinges may fail, making seat belts inoperative. - 2001: NTHSA 01V-108. Reclining front seat handle springs may fail, causing seat backs to recline suddenly while driving. - 2000-01: NTHSA 01V-258. Windshield wipers may overheat and quit and/or burn. And worst of all, 2000-01: NTHSA 02V-289. Bolts holding the lower control arm to the steering knuckle may separate or fracture, causing sudden loss of steering control. At 75 mph, this is not a cheering prospect. It’d be a good idea to visit your Ford dealer soon if you’ve missed any of these recalls.
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