Q: The windshield washer is only spraying to the bottom of the windshield. It looks like a weak stream. What could be the problem?

A: You could have a clogged nozzle end, split or kinked windshield washer hose, or weak washer pump. Remove the windshield washer hose from the nozzle and then try it. If the stream is strong, the nozzle is your problem. Use a needle to clean the end. If is still weak, inspect the hose from the nozzle to the windshield washer reservoir for kinks or splits. Another possibility is a defective windshield washer check valve that is restricting the flow.

Q: Why wouldn’t the cruise shut off automatically when I push on the clutch pedal?

A: You may have a bad clutch switch. The clutch switch is designed to shut off the cruise control when you press on the clutch pedal. When the pedal is pressed, the switch opens the electrical circuit.

Q: I know some cars have GPS as standard equipment. Can GPS be added to any vehicle?

A: Multiple ways exist to add GPS (global position systems) that will give you turn-by-turn directions in your car. Two leaders in GPS navigation systems are Magellan (www.magellangps.com) and Garmin (www.garmin.com). Many cell phone/wireless providers also have GPS navigation available on selected cell phones and BlackBerry handhelds – see www.telenav.com. MapQuest, the highly reliable online map creator, will soon release a product called MapQuest Navigator. Go to www.mapquest.com for more information.

Q: The windshield wipers on my GMC SUV will not work when it rains but work fine when it is dry outside. What could be the problem?

A: General Motors (GM) had a recall for 2002-2003 mid-size SUVs for windshield wiper related issues. What may be happening is that water enters the wiper control module, shorting it out. Your vehicle may have a similar design. Call your dealer to see if your vehicle is covered under the recall. Technicians will inspect the electrical circuitry and may put a patch over a vent hole that is letting the moisture into the unit.

Q: I recently moved to a cold climate and was told I should get a block heater for my car. What is a block heater?

A: A block heater is a heating element that is put into the engine block to heat the antifreeze. By heating the antifreeze, heat is transferred throughout the block making it easier to start the engine in cold weather. To install a block heater, a technician removes a plug in the engine block, puts in a block heater element in place of the plug, and then connects an electrical cord to the element routing it through the grill. When the temperature is extremely cold outside, plug in the block heater ½ hour to 1 hour before starting to warm the engine.

Q: Do yellow fog lights work better than clear ones?

A: Some people debate the answer to this one, with no clear cut conclusion. Some studies indicate that yellow fog lights do not offer any added visibility. Others will claim that the yellow wavelength is longer, causing it to cut through the fog better. The science behind this doesn’t necessarily agree. The key in getting the best visibility is less dependent on color and more dependent on being properly mounted and aimed.

Q: What could be causing my keyless entry system not to work?

A: Periodically you will need to change the battery in the keyless remote. As the battery’s life is near the end, it may work intermittently. You should be able to purchase a new battery at most discount department stores (e.g., Wal-Mart) and automotive parts stores.

Q: I lost my keyless remote to my car. Where can I purchase a new one? How do I get it to work with the locks on my car?

A: You can purchase a replacement remote at your dealer or at an aftermarket supplier. The new remote will have to be reprogrammed. Some aftermarket suppliers will also provide you with the programming instructions to make the remote “talk to” the door locks on your car.

Q: On my car’s dashboard I have a gauge that is labeled “RPM”. What does RPM represent?

A: RPM stands for Revolutions Per Minute. This instrument gauge is called a tachometer. The tachometer measures the number of times (per minute) the crankshaft makes a complete revolution. This is also referred to as engine speed. Look at the gauge and look for numbers in red or a red line. When running the engine, do not let the engine operate in the red areas. Running an engine in or near the red line puts excessive strain on engine components, could damage the engine, or ultimately shorten its life.

Q: Why do I have to use distilled water to tint my windows?

A: When tinting windows it is important to keep any dust, lint, or other contaminants from getting trapped between the tint and glass. Anything that is trapped under the tint can potentially cause bubbles. Distilled or filtered water is less likely to contain any contaminates, so that is why it is recommended.

Q: How are trailer hitches rated?

A: Trailer hitches are commonly classified into five groups: Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV, and Class V. The style that you install depends on the vehicle. Class I hitches have a towing capacity of 2000 pounds with a tongue capacity of 200 pounds. These are common on small cars. Class II hitches have a towing capacity up to 3500 pounds with a tongue capacity around 350 pounds. Class II hitches are often installed on mid-sized cars. The next larger hitch is a Class III hitch, which has a towing capacity up to 5000 pounds. Class III hitches are common on mid- or full-size trucks and SUVs. The next two hitches, Class IV and V, are for heavy duty towing. Refer to your owner’s manual to identify the maximum towing capacity and the correct trailer hitch for your vehicle.

Q: Do you think it is worth it to have a car undercoated?

A: If you plan on keeping your vehicle for more than four years and live in an area where road salt is an issue, undercoating can be a valuable addition to your vehicle. Undercoating a vehicle can slow the rust process. Ideally, it is best to undercoat the vehicle when it is brand new, since the underbody is clean at this time.

Q: I want to tint my windows. Do you think that as a beginner I can produce a professional result?

A: Tinting windows takes time, patience, and a dust free environment. When purchasing window tint, make sure you comply with local and state laws regarding tint shades and placement. Professional tint installers use high quality tint, which is usually not what you find at a retail store. They use specialty tools such as a pressurized solution tank and a heat gun to form the tint to a curved window. If you have never tinted a window before and can’t get assistance from someone with experience, it might be best to bring your tint job to a professional for professional looking results. If you want to give it a try, always follow the exact directions on the product label and buy the best tint you can find. Be patient about working out air bubbles with a rubber squeegee and make sure you don’t trap any dust under the tint.

Q: Is there a way to repair a rock chip in a windshield instead of replacing the whole thing?

A: Many chips can be repaired. Check your local yellow pages for a windshield repair company. Collision repair centers and auto glass service centers have personnel and equipment to repair some cracks and chips. A special tool is used to remove the air in the chipped area., a resin is used to bond and fill the damaged area, and then an ultraviolet light is used to cure it.  Fixing small cracks and chips early can prevent further breakage. Do-it-yourself windshield crack repair kits are also available at auto parts stores for around $20. Follow the manufacturer instructions to complete the repair.The cost to fix a chip is much lower than replacing the windshield. Most repairs can be completed in less than half an hour.

Q: My windshield wipers are starting to make a chattering noise. Do I need to replace them and how much do they normally cost?

A: If your wipers are chattering, smearing, streaking, or skipping, it is a sign to replace them. The rubber on wiper blades gets worn and dried out over time with exposure to the elements such as tree sap, dirt, sunlight, and changes in temperature. Do not take a chance having poor visibility. Wiper blade refill sets usually run between $5-$10, while whole wiper blades usually cost around $20-$25 a set. Always replace wiper blades in pairs. I recommend replacing the whole blade, not just the rubber “refill” component. This is because the metal pivoting points can also wear out or become damaged, which can cause the blade to apply uneven pressure across the windshield. Also, do not forget that many SUVs and minivans have rear wipers on the back window that need periodic replacement.

Q: What are winter wiper blades?

A: Winter wiper blades have a protective rubber boot over the pivoting mechanisms on the wiper. This rubber boot keeps snow, ice, and slush from clogging the blade, allowing the wiper to provide even pressure on the windshield even in extreme wintry weather. Winter blades cost around $10 each depending on the vehicle.