Auto Correct

Auto Correct

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Auto Correct episodes

  • Auto Correct: Shopping for Stuff

    Where do you buy "stuff" for you vehicle? Let's hear what Allison has to suggest.


    At a convenience store? Check out little tool sets or wire brushes

    While at Auto Parts stores look for: rags - buy in bulk on sale; windshield washer fluid - get type that doesn't freeze above zero - buy on sale

    At Dealerships: buy original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts; buy transmission and differential fluid

    Look for name brand engine oil wherever you shop for higher quality


    Call covered:

    • rockauto.com and the MPB Public Media App also Yeikcar App
    • bad gas
    • headlights
    • evac system cleaner
    • cluster in dash of vehicles
    • premium care packages


    Here are the recalls for the week: None – so here are the biggest ones from last year.

    3.5 Million 2014-18 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC SUVs and Pickup Trucks; 1.3 Million Subaru Cars and SUVs; 1.2 Million Nissan and Infiniti Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Vans; 1.2 Million Ford Explorers

    You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.


    Consumer Reports has a list of vehicles that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about:  Cadillac Escalade   2015-2016 Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/        https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.    

    If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2020 BMW X6 M50i  https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

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    49 min
  • Auto Correct: Spring Cleaning of COVID-19

    It's Spring Cleaning time! Keep the inside COVID-19 free. Keep the dirt and pollen off the outside.


    Another MPB local show, Money Talks, recently had a guest from the vehicle information website Edmunds.com http://moneytalks.mpbonline.org/episodes/money-talks-edmundscom


    Edmunds.com has an article: https://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/car-maintenance-and-repair-during-covid-19.html that comments about cleaning the inside of your car.

    Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic, gives some additional information about cleaning the outside of your vehicle.


    A broadcast last year also dealt with cleaning your car. Listen to that episode here: http://autocorrect.mpbonline.org/episodes/auto-correct-cleaning-your-car


    Here are the recalls for the week:

    2016-2020 McLaren GT, Senna, 570GT, 720S: there’s a foam pad underneath the fuel tank causing trouble

    2020 Mercedes-AMG GT: The emergency call system communication module may be missing the wiring harness ground line – the dealer will repair

    2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: The wiring harness under the seat – the dealer will inspect and replace as needed

    You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.


    Consumer Reports has a list of vehicles that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about:

     Volkswagen Passat 2002, 2003 and 2013-2014 for engine problems

    Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/                    https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.    

    If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2020 Nissan Sentra        https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams


    What’s in the news: The California Highway Patrol claims its ticketing almost twice as many motorists for speeding since the start of the stay-at-home order compared to the year prior, when there was no stay-at-home order. https://jalopnik.com/traffic-is-down-but-speeding-tickets-over-100-mph-are-w-1843048439?utm_source=jalopnik_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2020-04-26


    Calls concerned:

    • engine whining
    • wheel bearing
    • Dodge not starting
    • race car brains
    • coolant level
    • dashboard


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    48 min
  • Auto Correct: Inspecting A Used Car

    Are you dreaming of a "new to you" car? Allison Walker,The Lady Auto Mechanic, give some tips on inspecting a used car before purchasing it.


    Look at:

    • frame
    • bumpers
    • rust
    • flood damage
    • oil cap
    • vehicle history

    That's all we could get to!


    Calls concerned:

    • Buddy's fuel pump relay, buying cars at auction, and a joke
    • tips when buying a used car
    • oil change problem; check engine light
    • advice for Buddy
    • more advice for Buddy
    • tire pressure sensors
    • diagnosing problems
    • tires of different sizes
    • even more advice for Buddy
    • air conditioner


    Here are the recalls for the week: 2020 Hyundai Nexo, Sonata; 2020 Ford Expedition; 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500; 2019 Subaru Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, Outback

    You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.


    Consumer Reports has a list of vehicles that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about:

     Jeep Wrangler        2012  Overall the worst problem category is Jeep Wrangler electrical problems.

    Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/                   https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.    

    If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2020 Hyundai Sonata

    https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams


    What’s in the news:

    Hyundai Didn't Stop Making Cars And Now U.S. Ports Are Full Of Them https://jalopnik.com/hyundai-didnt-stop-making-cars-and-now-u-s-ports-are-f-1842998994?utm_source=jalopnik_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2020-04-23


    Is this the time to buy a new car? https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2020/04/23/buying-car-next-few-months/2997012001/


    Price of oil goes negative http://moneytalks.mpbonline.org/episodes/money-talks-free-oil

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    48 min
  • Auto Correct: Engine oil

    Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic, gives her opinion about car engine oil.

    Viscosity and temperature, use what your manufacturer recommends - look in owner's manual or on oil cap lid.


    Callers asked:

    • when to change the oil filer
    • what to do with a car in the carport
    • Wallace's GMC using oil
    • Michael's Chevy Silverado NOTE: Michael called in after the show and suggested Wallace call GMC to get a remedy. That's what Michael did.
    • Transmission fluid
    • conventional oil
    • sealed transmission



    Here are the recalls for the week:

    318,500 2019-2020 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Vehicles;          2020 Ford Expedition, F-150, Ranger;           2013-2016 BMW 3 Series;              2019-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV;               2019 Subaru Crosstrek;                  2019 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee;      2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback;                   2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass

    You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.


    Starting 04/06/2020, owners of certain Ford Fiesta and Focus small cars equipped with the automaker’s PowerShift automatic transmission can begin filing settlement claims that could top $20,000 apiece, depending on the issues experienced. For owners, with questions, you should contact Capstone Lawfirm at [email protected] or (855) 310-9583. https://www.cars.com/articles/ford-focus-fiesta-transmission-settlement-what-owners-should-know-420135/


    Consumer Reports has a list of vehicles that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about:

     GMC Yukon 2009, 2015, 2017     GMC Yukon XL        2008, 2014-2016 Overall the worst problem category is GMC Yukon accessories - interior problems. The most-reported problem is also with the 2015 GMC Yukon for taillight not working properly.

    Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/                    https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.    

    If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss and Ford Ranger FX4 https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams


    https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/coronavirus/top-auto-insurers-offering-consumers-refunds-during-covid-19-crisis/2351283/

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    48 min
  • Auto Correct: AWD

    Allison discusses All Wheel Drive Cars (in Mississippi)


    Calls about:

    Subaru

    Dodge Dakota

    Cruise Control

    Ignition problems



    Here are the recalls for the week:

    2018-2020 Bentley Bentayga:  Dealers will replace the upper seat belt attachment bolt for free.

    3,300 BMW X3, X4, 3 Series, 8 Series: Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, for free.

    2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, GLS-Class: Dealers will replace the rear crossmember for free.

    2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: Dealers will replace the engine oil plugs for free.

    You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.


    Consumer Reports has a list of vehicles that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about:  Ford Focus    2012-2016    Ford Focus accessories - interior problems. Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/         https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.


    What’s in the news: The Trump administration proposes a modest increase in fuel-efficiency standards for new cars and light trucks. The Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles rule applies to most passenger vehicles for model years 2021 through 2026. Administration officials who unveiled the rule Tuesday said it will save hundreds of lives each year by encouraging families to buy newer cars that have the latest safety features because they'll be more affordable when freed from meeting tougher standards.

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/31/trump-eases-up-obama-era-fuel-efficiencies-rules-cars-trucks/5093923002/

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    47 min
  • Auto Correct: Cars at Home

    Are you stuck at home? We’re going to talk about maintaining your car if you can’t go anywhere between your vehicle repair question calls. 

    • Drive your car every week or two. Or idle until the temperature gauge is in the middle of this range.
    • If you're worried about your battery, use a trickle charger.
    • Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
    • GET THE POLLEN OFF YOUR CAR: rinse or wash using a "car washing" product.

    How can you learn about your car?

    • Read your owner's manual
    • Join an online forum about your make and model
    • Watch YouTube videos from knowledgeable creators
    • Read Chilton or Haynes repair manuals


    Calls concerned:

    • changing a battery
    • Lamborghini
    • Dodge Dakota
    • changing transmission fluid
    • ECU computer
    • battery maintenance
    • shopping for a Mazda
    • fuel injected car trouble


    Link to the Mille Miglia episode http://autocorrect.mpbonline.org/episodes/auto-correct-mille-miglia-and-eurofest


    Here are the recalls since we last met:

    2019 Volkswagen Arteon;               2020 Chevrolet Silverado HDs, GMC Sierra HDs ;  2019-2020 Volvo Cars, SUVs and Wagons;                    2017-2018 Land Rover Discovery                   2020 Toyota Highlander                 2020 Infiniti Q60                       2017-2019 Audi Q7, Q8                  2020 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ                            2019-2020 Audi A6              2014-2016 Ford Fiesta and Fusion, Lincoln MKZ

    You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.


    Consumer Reports has a list of vehicles that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about:

     Dodge Grand Caravan       2008-2011, 2005

     Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/             https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.    

    If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2020 Subaru Legacy, 2020 Lincoln Corsair.  And a review of Consumer Reports suggestions for Standard Terms For Auto Safety Gear.   https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams


    What’s in the news:  America’s highway safety regulators last Friday suspended daily driving limits for truck drivers hauling medical supplies, personal and other items necessary for battling the current outbreak. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration put the regulation in place to protect fatigued truckers from making a potentially fatal error in their multi-ton vehicles. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/us-department-transportation-issues-national-emergency-declaration-commercial-vehicles





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    48 min
  • Auto Correct: MPG

    Want to increase your Miles Per Gallon? We've got some tips from https://www.fueleconomy.gov/


    Follow Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic on social media https://twitter.com/TheLadyAutoMech https://www.facebook.com/theladyautomechanic78/


    The official U.S. government source for fuel economy information

    This website has LOTS of tips for improving your fuel economy:

    • Drive more efficiently
    • Drive sensibly – don’t be aggressive
    • Observe the Speed Limit
    • Avoid Hauling Cargo on Your Roof
    • Remove Excess Weight
    • Avoid Excessive Idling
    • Use Cruise Control
    • Keep your vehicle in shape
    • Keep your engine properly tuned
    • Keep tires properly inflated
    • Use the recommended grade of motor oil
    • Planning and combining trips – make one trip – while the car is warm rather than multiple short trips
    • Commuting – avoid peak rush hours, work from home, carpool
    • There are tips for better gas mileage in warm and cold weather


    There are so many lists with the “best” fuel economy vehicles. Some go by class of vehicle, some include hybrids, some trucks – but trucks can also include SUVs and vans.

    37 miles per gallon seems to be the best for a non electric vehicle – combined city and highway mpg (35 – 41) according to https://www.edmunds.com/vehicles/best-gas-mileage-cars/


    Here are the recalls for the week:

    • 2020 Hyundai Sonata
    • 2020 Jeep Gladiator, 2018-2020 Wrangler
    • 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500
    • 2019 Ford Ranger

    You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.



    There are so many lists with the “best” fuel economy vehicles. Some go by class of vehicle, some include hybrids, some trucks – but trucks can also include SUVs and vans.

    37 miles per gallon seems to be the best for a non electric vehicle – combined city and highway mpg (35 – 41) according to Edmonds dot com


    Consumer Reports has a list of vehicles that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about: The Chrysler 200       2015 model  one of the complaints is the engine stalls/shuts off while driving. Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports.   https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/    https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists. 

    If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Titan

            https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams


    In the News: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russian-saudi-price-war-sends-oil-prices-plummeting-amid-coronavirus-n1153001

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    47 min
  • Auto Correct: Check Engine Light Info

    Are you driving around with your check engine light on? Get it "checked" out at an auto parts store or do it yourself!


    In addition to CEL or Service Engine Soon information, we had calls about:

    • Expedition revs
    • EGR code
    • Brake light codes
    • High Mileage oil
    • Refrigerant leak
    • Prius standard battery
    • Dash board
    • Intake cleaner
    • Mass airflow sensor
    • Loose wiper connection
    • Throttle body


    Here are the recalls for the week:

    2015-2018 Porsche Macan             2019 Audi Q7           2011-12 Kia Sedona           2013-2014 Kia Optima                    2016-2019 Audi TT              2010 Jaguar XF                  2014-2019 BMW M6 Gran Coupe             2014-2019 BMW M6 Gran Coupe           2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG G-Class                2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach Cars and SUVs             2020 BMW X6                      2013-2019 Lexus and Toyota Cars           2013-2014 Hyundai Sonata

    You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.


    Consumer Reports has a list of vehicles that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about:

     Chevrolet Equinox  2010-2011    engine problems

    Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/                   https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.    

    If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the __ 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD____ Toyota Racing Development____

    https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams


    Go vote on Tuesday, March 10th 2020 and WASH YOUR HANDS and DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE so the Corona virus doesn't spread!

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    50 min
  • Auto Correct: Car Shopping

    Our guest, Renier Stiglingh, answered questions about car shopping, the auto industry, and trade ins. Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic, was on hand to steer our listeners in the right direction with their auto problems.

    • car buying story
    • auctions
    • fuel pump relay
    • transmission
    • used cars
    • lube jobs

    Here are the recalls for the week: 2018-2020 Ford F-150, 2015-2016 Ford F-150

    You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.


    Consumer Reports has a list of vehicles that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about:

     BMW X5      2011-2013 with various complaints

    Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/                    https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.    

    If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2020 Ram Rebel Diesel  https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams


    Did you enjoy the Super Bowl ads? We did! My favorite is the "Smaht Pahk"  https://www.motortrend.com/news/super-bowl-liv-2020-best-car-commercials/


    Follow Allison on social media: https://www.facebook.com/theladyautomechanic78/ or https://www.instagram.com/the_lady_auto_mechanic/?hl=en

    Here's our guest on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwb1Z5gvxbbcBbqGqsSttg

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    47 min
  • Auto Correct: Open Topic February

    Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic, took calls and emails today on various subjects including:

    • changing brake fluid
    • rear transmission mount
    • door latches
    • antique car maintenance
    • driver side heater
    • oil leaks
    • regular maintenance
    • grinding noise


    Did you know: a "late model car" is a newer car - the latest? (Liz didn't know that!)


    Here are the recalls for the week: 2006-2010 Kia Sedona, Sorento; 2020 Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG Cars and SUVs; 2015-2016 Tesla Model X; 2015-2016 Tesla Model X

    You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.


    Consumer Reports has a list of vehicles that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about:

    •          Volvo S60     2015

     Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/                    https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.    

    If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2020 Jeep Wrangler, Diesel

    https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams


    From State Farm: https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/what-to-do-if-your-car-has-flood-damage

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    47 min

About Auto Correct

From the publisher's feed

Auto Correct is a route to correct your problem with your automobile. Our mechanic on duty, Coach Charlie Melton, ASE Master Mechanic, retired instructor from Clinton High School’s…

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