Q. I have a 1992 Ford Explorer with 6,200 miles on it. It has ABS brakes on the back and disc brakes on the front. Whenever I park the vehicle after driving in the rain I notice a burning smell coming from the back tire wells. Is this normal? — K.S., Baltimore, Md.
A. If it’s only during wet weather that you notice the burning smell, it’s probably the result of water getting onto hot underparts (exhaust pipe, catalytic converter). I don’t think it’s anything to be overly concerned about.
However, if you notice the burning smell during dry weather, then have the car checked out. It could be the brakes are too “tight” or the parking brake isn’t fully releasing. If it is even slightly “on,” that could cause the burning smell.
Q. I have a 1981 Dodge Aries that I use to run errands. It has 36,500 miles on it and we add about 500 miles per year. I have the brakes adjusted two or three times a year because the brake pedal goes practically to the floor.
The brake cylinders were replaced in 1989, and in 1992 the master cylinder was replaced. Three months after the master cylinder was replaced I was back with the same problem. Now the mechanic says I’m not driving the car enough. The linings are OK. Can you shed any light on the problem? — M.J.A., Satellite Beach
A. I think your mechanic is right. Not driving a car is harder on it than driving it a lot. Cars are meant to be used and not just parked. When sitting, certain neglected or unused parts tend to deteriorate. Rubber parts especially, like those in your brake system, will dry and crack if not exercised frequently. The brake system then will leak. You say the linings are OK. That’s because they can’t dry out or suffer from nonuse.
Try driving your car a little more and use the brakes more; 500 miles a year just isn’t enough to keep your car in shape. With more use, I’m certain your brake problem will be a thing of the past.
Q. I own a 1987 Dodge Daytona with 70,000 miles on it. Only recently have I had any trouble with the engine. The water temperature gauge, which usually goes to the “normal” position, now jumps back and forth.
I’ve changed the antifreeze and had the cooling system flushed to no avail. The car never overheats but the temperature gauge remains jumpy. What’s wrong? — A.R., Smithtown, N.Y.
A. Since engine temperatures don’t jump up and down at will, the problem isn’t with the engine. Most likely, it is with the temperature sending unit located on the engine or with the temperature gauge itself. Have these parts checked and, if needed, replaced. Your temperature should soon be back to normal.
Q. I am writing to ask about the lemon law for used cars. How can it be used and how do I go about doing it? I feel my daughter was recently sold a lemon because it is constantly in the shop and it’s costing a fortune to repair it. Please help us and others who would benefit from this information. — C.R., Plainview, N.Y.
A. Not all states have lemon laws and those that do (New York is one that does) differ in the kind and amount of protection offered car purchasers. Contact the consumer protection division of the state attorney general’s office. They should be able to give you all the information you need to take advantage of your state’s lemon law.
Q. I have a 1972 Chevy Blazer with a 350 engine and 110,000 miles. It is in mint condition. What heat range thermostat do you think would be proper to use? My mechanic put in a 150-degree thermostat when I had work done recently, but the temperature didn’t get to the middle of the temperature gauge. I had him replace it with a 190-degree thermostat and the temperature now gets to a little shy of the middle of the gauge. — M.K., Melbourne, Fla.
A. OK, you have a vehicle that has given you 110,000 miles of excellent service (it’s in mint condition) and you want to change the thermostat to a different temperature range. My question is why? Why would you want to change something that is obviously working flawlessly and giving you great service?
Put in the same temperature range thermostat that was in the vehicle for the previous 110,000 miles. If you don’t know what that is, check the owner’s manual. If you still can’t find out, then of the two choices above, I’d stick with the hotter 190-degree thermostat.
Bob Sikorsky, has written several automotive books. Write to him c/o Lifestyle, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33301-2293.
