Q. Recently I drove over some broken asphalt. It put a gouge on my passenger door. Are there any good scratch removers on the market? Should I sand it and what grit sandpaper should I use? Where should I buy matching Touch up Paint?
A. Mequirs scratch polish is good, but it really depends on the scratch. www.meguiars.com/automotive/products/meguiars-quik-scratch-eraser-kit-all-one-kit-remove-fine-blemishes-g190200-kit If it is deep you will need to sand the area with various grip papers ending up with a very fine 1500-2000 grit. You may also need to fill the area, then apply a primer, color and clear coat and blend it into the existing area. Like all painting, the end result will be based on the level of preparation. You can find paint at various locations, but I like www.automotivetouchup.com. This company has factory colors in various sizes from touch up bottles, pens, spray cans and quarts. They also have primer, clear coat and other supplies. They also have a good library of “how-to” videos.
Q. We own a 2011 Toyota Avalon, bought pre-owned in 2014. I have recently lost one key fob. Looking online for how to replace it is confusing and I am skeptical of their accuracy. How would you suggest I get a new fob, and is it even worth it? The car has over 100,00 miles but my husband loves it. Personally, I’m ready for a new car with more safety features. What do you think the price would be? Would any reputable Toyota dealer even be able to have one made, or is the model too old? Do I have to return to the dealer we purchased the car from?
A. Any Toyota dealer will be able to order and program a replacement keyfob. The typical cost posted by Toyota dealers to replace a key fob with programing is $250-$350. As an alternative you may want to check with an automotive locksmith. The locksmiths may have both the factory remotes as well as aftermarket clones. Using an aftermarket remote in some cases can save you up to 40 percent of the cost or the dealer part. Even if you are looking to replace the car, when it comes time for a trade in, having to remotes/keys, increases its value. Recently I was contacted by Tomskeys.com who explained the cost savings of using a locksmith and may be able to help.
Q. I have a 2016 XC 70 Volvo wagon. About 15 months ago I replaced the original batteries, both the large and small batteries, with new ones. Now, occasionally, I get the “low battery charge “warning. What does this mean? Is it referring to the large battery or the small battery? What should I do about it?
A. Several things need to be checked, starting with the batteries. If the car is driven very short distances, it may be the battery is not getting enough of a charge. If the voltage is low, then the battery should be charged using a battery charger. Once charging is completed the alternator should be tested. Volvo, like many cars, use a battery module that needs to be reset once the new batteries where installed. I would check to see that was performed at the time of the battery installation.
Q. The serpentine belt broke on my 2009 Hyundai Genesis and all the lights on dash went on. After the new belt was installed all the lights were reset except for the airbag light. We were not able to reset and is still and it is still on, any suggestions?
A. Just replacing the drive belt even if the battery was completely discharged should not have caused the airbag light to stay on. In many vehicles when the battery is completely discharged or replaced dash warning lights will come on, but generally just a minute or two of driving resets all of the lights. The airbag light is on due to an issue with the airbag system. It is possible that when the belt failed it could have damaged the front crash sensor. Checking for SRS (supplemental restraint system) codes should reveal the issue.
Q. My 2022 Ram 1500 truck had the check engine light come on my way to work. It is still on and yesterday when I went to remote start it in the parking garage, the engine started but then shut off after a few seconds. I was able to start the truck inside the cabin using the button on the dash and drove home. The truck is still at home, gas fully filled up. I made an appointment with the local Dodge dealer to have the truck looked at – but the appointment is not for several weeks. So, is it ok to still drive the Ram and any idea what is going on with that check engine light? I won’t use the remote starter again until the light is off, and any repairs made.
A. The check engine light is indicating something is wrong, it could be a minor issue such as the gas door seal is leaking or something else. As for driving it, as long as the check engine light is not flashing it should be okay to drive until you get to the dealer. On some vehicles with remote start, the system will shut off the engine if the check engine light is on as a safety precaution.
Q. I live near the ocean and although I have a garage I am concerned about my newly restored 1966 Ford Mustang rusting. The body shop did a good job of removing all the rust from the car and painting, but I still worry about rust. Any suggestions?
A. Keeping the car and your garage as dry as possible is the best method to prevent rust. You might also consider a rust treatment. Over the years I have become a fan of Waxoyl. This is a rust proofing material that is used on high end restorations and even new vehicles and equipment. There is both an undercoating and a spray that is applied to the inside of panels.
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