Ask Pete

Pete Candela is a AAA ASE Certified Auto Expert with more than 20 years' experience.

By Pete Candela

Q. For the past several weeks, my truck has had trouble starting. Usually it requires an extra tap on the gas to get it going. I had an oil change, but that didn't help much. Today is the coldest day of the year, frost on the hood, just now at 34 degrees. The engine won't turn over. It makes a couple of weak attemps and shuts down completely. Lights come on, so I don't think it's my battery. Any insights or suggestions? –Jack S.

A. Even though the lights come on, it could still be the battery. It takes a lot less power to light the lamps than it does to turn the engine over with the starter motor. You may want to consider calling AAA for road service. They can send a light service unit to you to test your battery and charging system. If it is determined you need a new battery, they will most likely have one on the truck they can install for you on the spot.

Q. I have been asked by my repair shop if I want to switch the air in my tires over to nitrogen and he wants to charge for this. Is he for real or am I being duped? –Marion N.

A. Using nitrogen in tires has been around for many, many years, but until recently has only been popular in the aircraft, military and racing industries. Because nitrogen is an inert gas, it doesn't attract moisture the way air does, and therefore isn't as responsive to temperature change. That means your tires won't fluctuate in air pressure with nitrogen as they would with air. Because of the difference in the molecular structure, your tires will hold their pressure longer, as nitrogen won't tend to leak out around the bead or through the casing. While I personally am still on the fence about the whole nitrogen fill idea, many consumers have made the switch. My concern is that this could lead to further complacency as it relates to vehicle maintenance.

Back to top