Evaluating 87- vs. 88-octane gasoline
How To
John Paul, AAA Northeast’s Automobile Physician, solutions a query from a reader who not too long ago visited a service station providing each 87 and 88 octane fuel.
Q. On a latest highway journey to South Carolina, we stumbled on many alternative locations to get fuel. On just a few events we stopped at Sheetz for fuel. My query is in regards to the totally different octane selections on the pump. My Subaru makes use of 87 octane, however there was 88 octane that was out there and was no less than 10 cents cheaper, sure cheaper, than 87 octane. I used to be slightly hesitant to strive the upper octane, not figuring out if it was okay to make use of. Any ideas on with the ability to use this gasoline in my Subaru?
A. The 88-octane gasoline offered at Sheetz is 15 % ethanol reasonably than the ten % ethanol that’s in most gasoline. Most vehicles made since 2001 can use E15 gasoline with none points. Subaru fashions range a bit. In most fashions you should use reformulated gasoline with as much as 15 % ethanol, however with the two.5-liter engine, Subaru states to make use of gasoline with solely 10 % ethanol. In my very own automobile I’ve tried E-15 gasoline. The automobile ran superb, however I discovered gasoline economic system went down barely.
Q. I changed each wiper blades on the identical time. One wipes clear, the opposite streaks. Is there a product that rejuvenates blade high quality? Good high quality blades will not be low cost, and I would like to not purchase one other set.
A. Alcohol wipes can do a good job of cleansing wiper blades and may restore some life. The streaks or chatter can generally be associated to the windshield. I not too long ago used a glass cleaner and water repellent. The glass was clear, however the wipers chattered. The problem may be the wiper arms. The wiper blades ought to be perpendicular to the windshield. Generally a slight tweak to the wiper arms can remedy blade streaking. Additionally have in mind most wiper blades close to the tip of their helpful life in a few 12 months of use.
Q. I made a decision to test the entrance brake pads on my spouse’s 2016 Toyota RAV4 with 42,000 miles as a result of she has a heavy foot. I used to be shocked there was little rust, which I assume is as a result of the RAV4 is housed in a storage. I seen the inboard pads had about 40 % of the pad left. And the outboard pads had 70 % left. Is that this regular because the caliper piston pushes instantly on the inboard pad? Anyway, I rotated the pads, pondering of all the cash I’ll save. Is there any draw back to rotating the pads?
A. The uneven pad put on could also be a results of sticking caliper slide pins. Likelihood is you will have added slightly brake grease to the slide bolts once you swapped the pads. As for any points, aside from a doable squeak, I don’t see a problem. A few years in the past, I owned an MG-B and the proprietor’s guide beneficial as a traditional upkeep to modify the internal and outer brake pads to equalize put on.
Q. My father owns a 2020 Mercedes E 350 4matic. He’s the unique proprietor, and the automobile has 37,000 miles. My father is getting older, so I’ve began serving to him handle his automobile. We not too long ago went to the supplier for an inspection, and oil and filter change. All went nicely and Mercedes beneficial just a few different companies. They beneficial changing the air filter, 4 spark plugs, and transmission service. We held off on the spark plugs and transmission service which we are going to do in six months on the subsequent oil change. We had been quoted a value of $550 for the spark plugs and $ 1,400 for the transmission service. I didn’t get additional particulars. I personal Honda and Acura autos, and the fluid adjustments are very straight ahead drain-and-fill and I’ve no points performing it myself. Have you learnt if the Mercedes is a drain-and-fill and in that case, do you suppose it’s a DIY service? Additionally, what do you concentrate on the quotes?
A. The spark plugs are slightly expensive, with a instructed listing value for Mercedes spark plugs at about $45 every and about an hour labor to exchange them. I’m seeing labor charges range throughout the nation with some supplier charges as much as $260 per hour. The transmission, differential, and switch case fluid ought to all be modified round 50,000 miles, in keeping with Mercedes service. Additionally the torque converter has a drain so you possibly can change the entire fluid. The fluid is $30 a quart and also you want about 11 quarts. The labor time to alter the fluid is 2.5 hours, and there’s no drain plug — it’s worthwhile to take down the pan. The larger challenge is you want a particular instrument to refill the transmission. The spark plugs are a straightforward DIY venture, however I would go away the transmission service to the supplier.
John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Automobile Physician. He has over 40 years of expertise within the automotive enterprise and is an ASE-certified grasp technician. E-mail your Automobile Physician query to [email protected]. Hearken to the Automobile Physician podcast at johnfpaul.podbean.com.
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