Q: Since I retired, I don't drive my car as much. What precautions should I take? Should I add Sta-Bil to the gas? Anything else? I drive about 25 miles per week. I get a tank of gas about every three months. My next 5,000-mile oil change is due in about four years. — S.D., Minneapolis
A: Adding a fuel stabilizer may be beneficial. Like a tonic, it certainly won't hurt. Don't wait five years to change your oil. Change it annually at the very least. Short trips are rough on oil.
Q: At a recent oil change, my dealership performed a complete brake system fluid exchange that cost me an additional $129. I have 46,000 miles on my SUV. Was this necessary? How long could this have gone? — T.C., Bridgeview, Ill.
A: The Society of Automotive Engineers suggests changing the brake fluid every three or four years. We prefer to change it based on analysis of the amount of copper found in the fluid. The higher the copper content, the more worn-out the fluid. Professional technicians use special test strips to make the determination.
About the Author