I have a 2005 Ford Explorer XLT, V6 with 85,000 miles. The car is in very good condition, and I've always had the scheduled maintenance performed. The only problem I've ever had was a wheel bearing replacement at about 75,000 miles. At that time, I mentioned to the service manager that the ride in this car had deteriorated, and asked if replacing the struts would help. He suggested that I save the $1,300, because new struts would probably not improve the ride much and that this year's Explorer really didn't have a good ride to start with due to its basic design. What do you think? Is there something I can do to improve the ride?
In this case, I would disagree somewhat with the service manager at that facility. At 75,000 miles, the struts are not doing the job they were designed to do. Besides giving you a nice ride, they are meant to keep the truck stable and to keep the wheels on the ground. At that mileage, they have served their intended life. New shocks and struts in all corners, proper air pressure in your tires, and lubricated joints should be able to restore the Explorer's ride to like-new condition. The 2005 Explorer was a good model, and it would be a reasonable investment. I do think the $1,300 estimate is too high, and you should be able to do better at a good local repair shop using Monroe parts, which are available at most NAPA stores.
I have a new 2010 Town and Country minivan. My wife has a chronic back problem and needs a softer ride. We find that if the tire pressure is lowered to 32 PSI, it nearly resolves the problem. The difficulty is that the warning light goes on. My service manager advises me that although this is not optimal, it is OK. Would you concur with this, and what are the trade-offs?
I do agree with your service manager that you are going to be OK at 32 PSI. You may want to consider having the seat your wife uses rebuilt at an upholstery shop. The comfort and health of your wife is very important, and a few small changes will make her time in the van that much more enjoyable. You may suffer a little on fuel mileage with the lower tire pressure, however. I would recommend you keep an eye on the tire edges for wear and begin a program to rotate the tires every 6,000 miles.
Car Care Tip: I received this tip in the mail and wanted to pass it on: Please do not turn on air conditioning as soon as you enter the car. Open the windows after you enter your car and turn on the air conditioning after a couple of minutes. According to research, the car dashboard, sofa, and air freshener emit benzene, a cancer-causing toxin. Opening the windows will allow time for the interior to air out before you enter.
Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column sporadically. Write to Larry c/o the Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.
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