Q: I agree with your sentiment that pulsing brake lights are annoying, and they should not be allowed. However, as I'm sure you've noticed, some new cars are coming stock with the third brake light pulsing. Honda and Toyota appear to be doing this. I've started seeing some GM products with it, too.
A: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) state that only solid glowing brake lights are allowed. However, federal law does not prohibit the owner of a car from installing pulsing center-mounted stop lights, and they are available on the aftermarket. Check your local laws, though. Many states — including Minnesota — don't allow them.
Regaining memory
Q: I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and stopped by a dealer because my memory seats stopped working. I was told there would be a two-week wait and the car would be tied up all day. I made an appointment. The next week, I got an oil change for my wife's car at my local mechanic and mentioned the Jeep seat problem to the service writer. He told me just use the forward-backward power switch all the way each way and it will reset it. When I got home, I tried it, and, sure enough, it works again. I wonder what the dealer would have charged?
A: One of life's mysteries is why things lose their memories, but as you found, those memories sometimes can be restored with ease. If your power windows stop working properly, try the same thing. Put them down and hold the switch for three seconds, and then up and hold for three seconds. Voila.
A better blade
Q: Some drivers pull their wiper blades away from the front windshield during snowfalls. Does this help the longevity of the wiper blades?
A: Yes, it extends the life of the blades by keeping them from freezing to the glass. Many motorists damage their wiper blades when scraping snow and ice from the windshield. Sometimes they forget to turn the wipers off when parking and, upon startup the next day, the squeegee (rubber part) suffers damage. Even minor damage results in streaks, which always seem to occur directly in your line of vision.
Go by the book
Q: I have a 2020 Nissan Titan two-wheel-drive. When I took it in for an oil change, I was informed that I need a brake line flush and to replace the brake fluid at 15K to 30K miles. I pull a travel trailer, so I went with the fluid flush and replacement at 22K miles. I have been driving for more than 50 years, and this is the first time I have ever heard of this. I also discovered that it's in the manual. Is it really necessary?
A: If it is in the owner's manual, then yes, it is necessary.
Bob Weber is a writer, mechanic and ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician. His writing has appeared in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest. Send automotive questions along with name and town to motormouth.tribune@gmail.com.
