Maybe this will put vinyl-fog problem to rest

Dear Bob: I have enclosed an article from a popular nuts-and-bolts magazine that deals with removing the tough vinyl fog from windshields.

It worked great on my 1999 Cadillac. I did have to perform the routine a couple of times before it got super-clean.

— G.F., Clifton Park, N.Y.

A: The routine cited in Popular Mechanics makes use of good old rubbing alcohol, and is described as follows:

“The film on the inside of the glass … is practically impervious to ordinary window cleaners. We’ve found that alcohol really cuts it. Cover the dash and door panels with newspaper — alcohol can cause spots — then douse a clean cloth or pad of paper towels and get to work. An added benefit is that you’ll actually be able to see where you’re going at night.

“When you’re finished cleaning everything, leave the car parked out in the sun, with the windows open, for as long as possible.”

Thank you for sending the article, and thanks, Popular Mechanics, for your valuable input. Maybe we can finally put this vinyl-fog problem to rest.

Dear Bob: Some time ago someone wrote about window-wiper savers. These devices keep the wiper blades off the hot window when not in use.

Since I live in eastern Oregon, where it gets hot, I would appreciate it if you have any information about these devices.

— M.C., via e-mail.

A: I don’t know anything about them, but perhaps a reader somewhere does.

You might also check the various auto-parts stores and/or the J.C. Whitney catalog. Sounds like something they might carry.

Dear Bob: This past November I purchased a 2002 Chevy Impala. At times I hear a squeaking coming from my left front wheel. I checked the wheel and found black dust covering the hub cap.

I was told that it was brake dust, that it’s nothing to worry about and that my brakes are OK. What do you think?

Thanks

— B.M., Hummelstown, Pa.

A: Not to worry. It is indeed brake dust and, while it is admittedly unsightly, it does no harm. It’s the residue left after braking, and is attributable to certain types of brake-pad material. It has no effect whatever on your brakes themselves.

There are units that can be installed on the wheel to divert the dust, but — at least as far as I am aware — they have met with only limited success. The only surefire cure for the dust is a temporary one: Don’t let it build up, but clean it off periodically with soap and water or by running the vehicle through a good car wash.

It’s much easier to remove if you don’t let it build up.

Dear Bob: Silicone spray cans state that silicone is a rubber preservative and can be used to lubricate the rubber going around car doors so that they do not freeze in the winter.

Would you recommend spraying the rubber CV (constant velocity) boots under the car, in order to make them last longer, since in time they eventually rip and the grease comes out?

Thanks.

— B.P., Mechanicsburg, Pa.

A: By all means, this is well worth doing, say, every time the car is lubed or the oil is changed.

CV boots live in one of the automotive world’s harshest environments — high heat, rain, snow, sleet, ice, dust, you name it — and any help you can give them in keeping the rubber flexible will, I’m sure, be rewarded with extra life from the boots.

AMERICAN DRIVERS FIGHT BACK

Here’s a tip that will help you get better gas mileage while fighting terrorism and cutting our nation’s dependence on Mideastern oil:

The most fuel-efficient way to cold-start or warm-start a fuel-injected vehicle is not to pump the accelerator pedal before turning the ignition key. Pumping the accelerator was the way one started an older, carbureted vehicle when it was cold, but no more. With today’s fuel-injected vehicles, simply turn the key: If it is tuned properly, the engine should start without any encouragement from your foot on the gas pedal.

If the vehicle balks at starting using this universally manufacturer-approved method, only then should the accelerator pedal be depressed and held about halfway down while the engine is cranked.

If you find that you are using the latter method more and more to get the vehicle started, especially in cold weather, it’s a sure sign that something is amiss. The engine is in need of attention, and because of that your fuel economy is suffering.