Dayton Daily News

Wheels:From a reader, “Would you please address the time requirement for oil changes? I have an Accord and a Durango and usually drive the Honda. I drive the Dodge to work about once a week. My drive is 18 miles, almost all at highway speeds. I don’t understand the time requirement for oil changes since there shouldn’t be much oil damage sitting in the garage. I see the need to change oil based on mileage since the oil is being used, getting dirty and additives are wearing out. I assume that the time requirement applies to people who drive short trips where the engine doesn’t warm up. My infrequent driving always warms the engine and runs it at 50-60 mph. Thanks for your help.”
Halderman: You are correct that the time interval is for those who drive very little or short distances. While there are condensation issues, I would think that an oil change once or twice a year would be OK for the vehicle that is driven 18 miles, but not everyday.

Wheels: TP says, “I have a 1994 Dodge Caravan with 126,000 miles. For the past two years, the ABS light comes on sporadically. It is worse in warm and hot weather. I have had the system tested a couple of times, and everything checked out OK. The service technician said it could be a cracked ABS computer board making and breaking contact on the on-board connections. How can this condition be tested without investing in a new ABS computer?”
Halderman: Usually when the ABS warning light comes on, a trouble code is stored. If the code indicates a fault with the ABS computer, then your technician is likely correct that a hairline crack in a circuit board could be the cause. Most ABS faults are the result of a bad wheel speed sensor. A possible cause is a loose wheel bearing, which would cause a problem with the sensor. I would look for a loose wheel bearing on the right front as this is a common bearing to fail on your vehicle.

Wheels: With the price of gasoline increasing, could you list some suggestions we can do to save money at the pump?
Halderman: Actions that can be taken easily to reduce gasoline usage include:
1. Drive less. Try to combine trips or put off unnecessary driving.
2. Empty the trunk. Weight in the vehicle increases the amount of fuel needed.
3. Purchase regular (87 octane) gasoline unless it specifically states in the owner’s manual that premium gasoline is needed in your vehicle.
4. Check tire pressures. Keep tires inflated to the pressure listed on a placard on the driver’s door or pillar.

James D. Halderman is an ASE-certified master technician, a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the author of 12 textbooks. Submit your automotive care questions to Halderman via e-mail at jhalderman2@juno.com, or write him in care of: Wheels, Marketing Publications Department, Dayton Daily News, 45 S. Ludlow St., Dayton OH 45402.