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Do you have a car question?
Contact John Paul

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I do not understand the mechanics of cars but I have a question. Can you please explain to me, in language anyone can understand, how obeying a speed limit is more fuel efficient than speeding? I do not mean driving 100 mph in a 55 mph zone, but say an average of 70 mph. Also, how can this be a constant formula when there are so many different styles, shap­es, and motor sizes in cars, trucks and SUVs? I think this is a nonsensical urban myth to try to get people to drive at certain speeds for ticketing purposes. Is there is any scientific basis for this that you can explain to me?
It is actually the speed of the engine more than the speed of the car that determines the fuel efficiency. In general, a typical gasoline engine will perform most efficiently between 1800 and 2400 rpms. In many cars this engine speed translates into a vehicle speed of 55 to 65 miles per hour. 
My daughter is living in Fargo, North Dakota and is considering purchasing a Toyota Solara convertible. How will the vinyl top stand the brutal freezing and snowy winters?
The vinyl top should be OK as long as she is careful with it. This includes not just cleaning snow and ice but also warming the interior of the car before putting the top down on a cold day. A better choice may be one of the newer retractable hardtop convertibles. In the price range of the Toyota Solara, she could look at the Volvo C70, Pontiac G6, Chrysler Sebring, and one of my favorites, the Volkswagen EOS.
I have a new Toyota Tacoma. When it first starts, it revs up to 1800 rpm, stays there for 30 seconds, and goes to 1500 rpm for another 15 seconds. It is practically undrivable and probably can’t be sold in this condi­tion. Toyota says “they all do it.” Is this a well-known problem?
I have driven several models of the Toyota Tacoma and don’t remember the high idle issue you are experiencing. Inconsis­tent idle can be caused by any number of reasons. The technician should take a look at the air intake system, air conditioning signal, electronic control module and possible vacuum leaks.
Our family has a 1995 Nissan Pathfinder with a very serious rust problem. The mechanic told us rust has eaten through the frame on the vehicle and it could be a costly repair. I’m wondering if there is a formula on how much we should allocate to repair the vehicle before it just doesn’t make any sense. Would that number be 20 percent, 50 percent or more?
It is always cheaper to fix an old car than buy a new one, but sometimes it just doesn’t make sense. One of those cases can be when dealing with structural rust issues. Unless the frame is repaired properly, the vehicle’s safety could be severely compromised in a crash. Before any extensive rust repairs are performed, have a thorough inspection performed on the vehicle to determine its overall condition. If the overall condition is good, then it may make sense to have the frame repaired.
My 1997 Dodge Caravan has left a puddle of antifreeze on the driveway. I removed the radiator cap and the coolant in the radiator looks OK. What is happening?
The antifreeze had to come from somewhere. The radiator may appear full if the system siphoned coolant out of the radiator expansion tank. Have the cooling system pressure checked to see if there is a leak. The problem could be a leaking radiator, hose or water pump. If the pressure check doesn’t reveal any leaks it is possible the car overheated due to a faulty thermostat or cooling fan.

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