This is really more about having good brakes. Brake failure is the No. 1 fear of drivers, particularly women. Brake fluid should really be changed every 2 years.

Will keep that in mind. Hey, great pic.

Is that you? LOL

Yes, I was in the Air Force. Picture taken over Otis AFB, MA (Cape Cod), going into a barrel roll.

OMG, is that really you?

What a cool pic!!

Are you going for your BSN at the University of Memphis?

I thought you asked about my BSN and U of M.

I am currently going for my AAS at DSCC, then will attend U of Memphis, GO TIGERS!!

You will enjoy nursing--it's a great career field.

Thank you... I really do appreciate your help.

Oh, yeah, funny thing...

Nothing will be done to the car till Friday,

But when I ran some errands this afternoon it acted as though nothing was wrong.

When I was in engineering school, there were many nursing students in my chemistry classes.

Oh, Chemistry is tough, especially if you get a professor who barely speaks english like I had.

I had a Chinese lab assistant who wanted me to become a chemistry major, but all I wanted to do was become an aerospace engineer and be an Air Force test pilot.

I always wanted my son to become interested in working on cars, planes, and electronics. I wasn't to be. He's a 32 year old securities lawyer, working in Los Angeles. However, he did learn something--he uses Mobil 1 Extended Performance oil in his car and regularly gets his brake fluid changed. He knows if he doesn't, he could have big problems on the L.A. freeways.

There's nothing worse when you are young and get that unexpected bill to rebuild an engine or transmission. I've been there and now try and help young people learn through my experiences. You can learn synthetically through the experiences of others or you can learn from the school of hard knocks.

You are too funny!!

Did you get your spark plugs and fuel filter?

Will your plugs and fuel filter be installed today, as planned?

Did you get your car fixed?

TX,

The car is running FANTASTIC now. Thank you for your help. It is almost like I have a new car.

Thanks again. I wish you were here as my mechanic. I cannot tell you how much help you have given.

Wonderful advice... You are GREAT!!

Thank you! Did your mechanic replace the plugs and fuel filter? Did the ETS light go out with the new spark plugs?

Remember to:

. Record the work that was done in your Maintenance Log,

. Switch to synthetic oil next time (change at 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first), and
. Change the brake fluid with Valvoline SynPower.

Good luck with your nursing studies and happy motoring!

He replaced the plugs and filter with the ones that you recommended. I printed out the log of our virtual conversation and he agreed you were right on the money.

However, he did say something about Castrol Oil and that it is better, what is your opinion on that.

Hubby recorded all the work and keeps all receipts.

You are a life saver. Thanks for all your help.

If price was not a factor, I would only use Amsoil or Mobil 1, which have pure polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oils. These are Group IV oils (best). Castrol Syntec is a "good" oil, but it is only a Group III oil. Castrol markets Group III oils at Group IV prices.

Castrol does make a "World Class" oil, however, in their German Castrol 0W-30. This is available at Autozone but not many other stores.

Cost is a factor, with most people, and I would recommend you only buy oils on great sales; e.g. Valvoline right now. Basically, if you buy any of the main brand synthetics at a great price, you have a great deal. The worst synthetic is better than the best conventional mineral oil.

In the Air Force, we only use synthetics in our jet engines, just like all commercial jet airliners.

Did the ETS light go out?

Opps, sorry, the ETS light as well as the ABS light are very fickle. The usually go on the first time I start the car and then sometimes go off on their own.

Scott (my mechanic) "cleared the codes" after he said he found nothing wrong and the light stayed off today. I will just have to see what tomorrow brings.

Remember, if the light comes back, remove and clean the sensors. There's a possibility that the new plugs will improve the situation and you won't throw any more codes. That's encouraging.

Do I have to take it back to clean the sensors?

I will keep you posted as to anything else that happens. I really appreciate your help.

Like you said, let's see how it goes.

Well, you know for sure that I will be checking in with you.

You are a lifesaver and a "money saver" to say the least.

Saving money is a very good thing.

Yea, and thanks to you it seems that I saved a lot!!

Become an investor and retire young--like me. Saving and investing is a mind set that opens a whole host of new opportunities for your life. My wife and I travel regularly to Europe and Latvia trying to help others. If we did not save our money when we were younger, this wouldn't have been possible.

Well, I plan on investing in something medical.

If you ever have any med questions, please feel free to contact me.

I will keep you informed of anything that comes up and, for all that you have done, let you know how well things continue to go.

You truly have been a life saver!!

Remember to check the air in your tires, including spare, and the water level in your battery (use distilled water).

Next time you go to Autozone, buy a Deutch Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve, Part No. PCV1106, for $1.39. This is something you should be able to replace yourself in no time.

Preferred oil filters for your car would be:
. Purolator Pure One (PL1011)--Premium filter with silicone anti-drainback valve. Great value for the money.
. ACDelco PF47--OEM quality
. Mobil 1 (M1-101)--Premium oil filter

The technology of oil filters has improved tremendously over the past 5 years. Synthetic oil, in combination with a nanotechnology oil filter, is an unbeatable combination that maintains "like new" performance and saves you big money in the long run.

J_9, give me an update on your car. Have the ETS and ABS lights stayed off?

No they have not stayed off.

It seems like they stay on the first time I start the car. If I drive it they stay on until I turn the car off and then turn it back on again.

It only seems to happen the first time the car is started each day.

At startup, the computer probably notices something is not quite right with the ABS sensors; i.e. metallic oxides and grime. Like we talked before, they likely need to be removed and cleaned with a spritziled rag. Make sure compressed air is not used.

Well, TX, looks like I am going to have to get a new car.

The same thing started again, A/C went out, panel lights coming on and off (new ones this time)

Mechanic said this car won't last too much longer.

What does the mechanic say is so unfixable with the car? Should you get a second opinion?

Sounds like you might only need a new ignition switch and harness. They frequently plug into the under-dash fuse box. When the ignition switch starts to go, dash lights and other electrical items won't get power. Not that big of a deal, if you think that could be your problem. Take it to a Chevy dealer and let them assess the situation, before you do anything radical.

Well, among others, got a broken motor mount.

No need for a second opinion, this mechanic never charges us for work, only parts. He is a family friend. Long story as to why, but he feels partly responsible for a situation that happened 5 years ago and now feels the need to repay. He lives 2 doors down from me and has offered for me to use his car till I get another one, his wife has her own and he can drive the tow truck for a little bit.

He charged the A/C at no cost the other day, has towed me at no cost, etc.


Anyway, my in-laws offered to buy me a car, but I have to stick to the dealership they use, which is Ford. What do you know about a ford focus?

The Ford Focus is a very good car.

Just a note to let you know that I got a new car today.

Father-in-law bought me a 2005 Ford Five Hundred, 16,000 miles.

Was a program car with a 6 year/60,000 mile warranty.

Apparently the "computer" system on the cavalier as well as the a/c went out. It DIED on me on Thursday. Could not restart it at all.

Great car--I'm very happy for you. Remember to only use synthetic oil in the engine and transmission. Change the Motorcraft platinum plugs every 50,000 miles. Make sure you get an owner's manual and follow the recommended maintenance.

Read my thread on Recommended Air Conditioner Maintenance--it might save you a lot of money over time.