Motormouth: How to keep gas ‘fresh’

Q: I have a hybrid Ford Fusion. Most of the miles driven are on the battery, and I use very little gasoline. Sometimes the gas is in the tank for almost six months until the tank is refilled. Is there anything I should add to the tank to keep the gasoline “fresh”?
S.J., Chicago

A: The fuel will be OK for six months or so, but you may want to add a stabilizer such as Sta-Bil for your peace of mind.

Q: I have a 2017 Ford Fusion hybrid. I took the car to Ford for a 60,000-mile service. I was told that the lug nuts were swollen. The technician told me that Ford charges $240 for replacement or I could go to a parts store and buy them for about $40. I went online to check if there was a recall and found a class action suit. I tried to get the lug nuts off myself and was unable to. I also sent an email to the local dealership, but no response. I may wait until next service to have this fixed or should I try something else?
J.B., Las Vegas

A: Ford has been using steel lug nuts with chrome-plated covers. Corrosion develops between the cap and nut. Get rid of them. I agree that aftermarket lug nuts would be a good choice, but be careful that they, too, are not the sandwich style. Dorman is a brand I trust. Unless there is a need to remove the tires, wait until your next scheduled service. I wouldn’t waste my time on the class action suit.

Q: I purchased a used 2013 Cadillac SRX a couple of years ago with super low mileage. About a year or so after the purchase I discovered that the vehicle had no spare tire. I inquired about it at the dealership I bought it at, and they said that no spare tire was provided for that year and model. I was told to have a can or two of flat tire repair foam. I can’t find anything searching the internet. Looking for any suggestions about a possible spare tire kit.
L.R., Des Plaines, Ill.

A: As with most carmakers, spare tires are becoming extinct. Instead, you get a kit containing a pump and some tire sealer. The SRX originally came with an electric pump located in the stowage area, but no sealer. Pump and sealer kits are available at most auto parts stores and big box retailers.

Q: I am a car guy and love reading your articles. Regarding the person whose flip phone would not pair with his Subaru, some phones can be paired by using a cable and once paired in that manner will work via Bluetooth. I did this with a very old phone that would not pair via Bluetooth. Thought I would pass that along as something to try.
E.M., Chicago

A: Cool idea and worth passing along. I love my readers.

Q: I have a 1985 Mercedes SL with Bundt-style rims. Those cars give off a lot of brake dust and it is difficult to get anything in all the crevices. My son worked for a dealership in the summer during high school washing cars. Purple Power melts the brake dust. Be sure not to get it on the paint. Ammonia-free Windex also works well.
T.H., Springfield, Ill.

A: I have used Purple Power in professional garages as well as my own, but never on an automobile. It is powerful stuff. I advise users to read the label. Thanks for the tip.

Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by seeking certification every five years. Weber’s work appears in professional trade magazines and other consumer publications. His writing also appears in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest. Send questions along with name and town to Motormouth, Rides, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Fourth Floor, Chicago, IL 60611 or motormouth.tribune@gmail.com.

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