Motormouth: Higher elevations can use lower octane

Q: We reside in the suburbs of Chicago and push a 2015 Dodge Caravan, for which it really is encouraged to use standard gas rated at 87 octane degree. We just accomplished a highway excursion to Seattle, and the gas stations in the western states showed the common gas with an octane ranking of 85. Do automobiles at better elevations run just high-quality on the 85 octane rating? Could I have saved income by obtaining standard fuel as a substitute of midgrade?

A: At bigger altitudes, the air is significantly less dense. To retain the air/gasoline ratio, lessen octane is suitable. Contemporary cars adjust for adjustments in altitude and the driver in no way notices any difference in general performance.

Open up-door plan

Q: About your latest short article about car or truck split-ins and the possibility of the thief making use of the garage door opener, I would guess that most car entrepreneurs have a stand-by itself garage doorway opener hanging on the solar visor, and it would be a cinch for the crook to open up the garage doorway. My guidance to anyone leaving their car in the driveway right away would be to take into consideration the doorway opener like one more auto vital and carry it into the household overnight.

A: That is a superior plan, if you have one particular of the older fobs that had been the dimensions of a deck of cards. But openers have come a extensive way given that then — some can be programmed to function up to four units — and have gotten a whole lot smaller sized. There are numerous garage door remote controls that are no larger sized than a critical fob. They can be attached to your key chain or quickly carried in a purse or even a pocket.

Limping dwelling

Q: I have a 2008 Chrysler minivan. On my way dwelling from do the job, I stopped to operate an errand. When I commenced again, the motor was revving really high and I only experienced second and reverse gears. I experienced it towed to a transmission shop, and they stated it was in a little something they named “limp manner.” They mentioned it was a broken shaft in the transmission and not worthy of correcting. When I picked it up, to my surprise, it labored wonderful. I have been driving it small distances for a few weeks with no complications, but I am scared to just take it on a lengthier excursion. Any ideas what the problem may well be?

A: Numerous engine or transmission sensor concerns, or even a brake process sensor malfunction, can final result in the limp — as in limp household — manner. This is to permit you to travel to a harmless put. The look at motor light ordinarily will glow, as very well. Occasionally there is a temporary glitch that can bring about the limp method. A technician can interrogate the vehicle’s computer system to keep track of down the dilemma, deal with it and send you on your risk-free and merry way.

Bob Weber is a author, mechanic and ASE-accredited Grasp Vehicle Technician. His composing has appeared in automotive trade publications, Customer Tutorial and Buyers Digest. Send out automotive queries along with name and city to [email protected].