Q: Years ago, a neighbor who was also a mechanic told us to put a rug on our concrete garage floor, underneath the motor, to prevent moisture from prematurely aging the engine. Is there any evidence that this does in fact have a positive effect on a car’s engine? We have been recycling old rugs from the house and putting them beneath the motor for years. Does this do anything except liven up the interior design of our garage floor?
D.H., Chicago
A: Huh? I have a hunch your old mechanic was trying to pull the wool, er, carpet over your eyes. If moisture prematurely damaged engines, highways would be paved with curb-to-curb Karastan or at least Olefin Berber for longer wear. Of course, this may impede snow removal in the winter.
Q: We have a 2017 Subaru Outback that has developed a tear on the bottom of the driver's seat. Subaru says it is out of warranty. The car is less than 5 years old and has fewer than 35,000 miles. They've offered a "goodwill" coupon that will cover the part only. Do you think we should go ahead and replace the seat cover with the OEM part and pay the service fee at the dealership to install it? I'm wondering if it will just tear again in three or four years.
R.T., Cupertino, California
A: Vinyl seat covers are prone to wear cracks and tears. There are rip repair kits available from 3M and others. I have used them, but the repair has never totally blended in and disappeared. I recently bought a roll of Neaylfe self-adhesive tape to repair my TV-viewing recliner. So far, so good and it looks good. You may choose to replace the seat cover with a genuine Subaru cover and have it installed by an independent upholster. Check around for prices.
Q: I have a 2019 Subaru Legacy approaching the end of its warranty. I paid for an extended warranty, and they tell me I need to keep all service records to keep my warranty in effect. Dealerships give me the runaround and only tell me what’s “recommended.” What is the minimum service required to keep my warranty in effect?
B.F., Pahrump, Nevada
A: All you need to do is follow the maintenance schedule found in your owner’s manual. If you rack up more miles than the book lists, just keep repeating the routine. You may keep a record in your book, but you must also have proof that the maintenance was performed. Save every service bill. If you do it yourself, keep receipts for the oil, filters, spark plugs and so on. In the event of a dispute, you have proof. If all your service is at the dealership, they have your records on file.
Q: I hope you can help me understand why some carmakers have opted to place turn signals in the bumpers of cars. Unless you are the driver right behind this vehicle, you would have no idea someone ahead of you is planning a turn or changing lanes. This would seem to be a hazard. The more information we have as we drive, the more likely we are able to prevent accidents. I realize you cannot solve the problem, but hopefully you can help make people aware of this.
D.H., Chicago
A: So long as the turn signals (and all lights) meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, the carmakers are free to place them wherever they please. Yes, they are often dumb designs that do not please the driving public.
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