Rene Isip's Toyota of Lewisville Blog

Alex writes: Hi Mike! I had a tune-up done on my 92,000 mile, 2004 Toyota 4 Runner about 6,000 miles ago. The fuel economy has gotten progressively worse and now it is becoming hard to start.  I know that they didn’t use dealer parts, but instead used “upgraded” parts such as Platinum Spark Plugs. Could that be a problem? If not, what could it be?  I read your column every week so I thought I would ask an expert.

Mike: Alex, thanks for the e mail. I have heard of this problem several times after using aftermarket tune up parts. The best spark plugs for your vehicle are the Original Equipment (OE) plugs made by either ND or NGK.  You can NEVER go wrong buying your tune up parts from the dealer. They designed specifically for your engine so that it will perform better than any replacement. It may surprise you to find out that the dealer prices aren’t more expensive. Have someone go back and use OE parts and you will be fine.

Here is a tip: It seems that you never remember that you need wiper blades until it is raining and nighttime. That is why I’m reminding you now to get to your parts store or dealer and get a new set of wiper blades. In our climate, wipers need to be replaced about twice a year to be dependable. In between replacements, they can be cleaned with a paper towel soaked with Windex. Pull the wipers away from the windshield and run the wet towel along their length to remove road grime. You will be amazed at how greasy they become in just a week or so.  You could do that now and see what I mean. -MH

Author: Mike Herzing publishes the website: www.letstalkwheels.com. Mike has owned Accurate Auto Center in Tomball, TX since 1979 and is a former ASE Certified Master Tech.

This car care tip was brought to you by Toyota of Lewisville, please call us with any questions at 469-671-5500.

Another satisfied customer from Rene Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville

Convenient and Local. Sales & Finance stayed late to complete the transaction (good). Straight forward communication, flexible, answered all questions – C.B, Lantana TX

Henry writes: I am a long time reader and want to know what you think about the new Hybrid cars. Are they worth the extra expense, are they trouble free, and are they as good as they say on gas?

Mike: Henry, I get those questions daily and I answer that not many things are as good as they say or as bad as they say. (who are “they” anyway?) Hybrids have been out long enough to have good repair records, so that isn’t an issue. If you do mainly highway driving, a hybrid may not your best choice. For example, if I drove a lot of highway miles, I would choose a Toyota Corolla ahead of a Prius any day. A Hybrid’s selling point is its city fuel economy, so if you drive enough in the city, the fuel savings could pay for the extra expense of the hybrid system. To make the right choice, it all depends on you driving habits.

Here is a tip: With the black bugs coming in season soon, most of us will have them all over the front of our vehicles. Their bodies are loaded with acids that can and will destroy your cars paintjob. Get them cleaned off as soon as possible because the longer you let them stay there, the harder they are to get off and the more damage they do. There are cleaners on the market specifically for removing bugs and road tar and those all help. What helps the most is to maintain a good coat of wax on your vehicle and keep the finish as clean as possible.

Mike Herzing publishes the website: www.letstalkwheels.com. Mike has owned Accurate Auto Center in Tomball, TX since 1979 and is a former ASE Certified Master Tech.

This car care tip was brought to you by Toyota of Lewisville, please call us with any questions at 469-671-5500.