QUESTION:

I came out to my car yesterday and it would not let me in.

I'd locked it the night before using the key fob which activates the alarm system.

The trouble is, it cannot be opened manually with the key after that or the alarm will go off and the car will not start.

I called Oakville Hyundai (I own a 2003 Tiburon) and they talked me through a few things but to no avail so they asked if I could get it to their shop. CAA came right away and towed it to Hyundai where the mechanic was able to do a quick fix and get me on my way. They didn't charge me for it and they washed my car as well. The problem, apparently, is an error in the computer that needs to be replaced. I was quoted $850 with parts, labor and taxes included.

My question is three fold: Is this a reasonable price? Can it just be disengaged altogether as I really don't use it except as an easy way to lock the car? If I lock the car manually, the alarm does not set and I am able to unlock and drive it with no issues. Is it reasonable to do nothing about this and just keep it manual or will other areas of the computer eventually be affected by it?

The people at the dealership and the entire CAA staff were amazing; they knew I was in a bind and really went out of their way to help.

ANSWER:

The computer (body module) will eventually prevent the car from starting, so I suggest you get the needed repairs done before that happens. You could get along by just using your key to open the doors for now but I suggest you do not use the remote until you get the part replaced.

You need to understand that the remote is more than just a convenience; it is also a safety device. It allows you easy access to the car rather than fumbling for the key in your pocket or purse, when most thieves attack someone at their car.

It also turns on the interior light so that you see inside the car before you get in. Most remotes have an alarm that works well to find the car and alert others if there is a problem by setting off the alarm horn.

With the many millions of dollars lost from stolen cars every year, the passive immobilizer is also is a deterrent to thieves.

As far as getting the car repaired, I would have suggested you get one more estimate for that problem, but your dealer appears to have looked after you.

Both keys have the ability to open the doors, so make sure you take both of them in to the dealer when you get the repairs done. Also ask them to make sure the remote battery is not weak or defective before replacing the module.

QUESTION:

I bought a 2000 Mercury Cougar V6 and I noticed that when it rains the car tends to slip/slide once it reaches 60 km/h (40 mph) and when you start to slow down to brake. The tires came with the car and our friend said they were bought about 6 months ago.

The tires that are on the car now are Sport GTX P225/50R16 91V Mirada (oversized for the car).

I would like to purchase new snow tires for the winter and when I called a tire dealer and they said that any tire would probably slip or slide with that type of car (front wheel drive). Could you please suggest the right size and make of tire I should buy for the winter to help prevent me from sliding when the brakes are applied.

ANSWER:

Any major tire dealer has the proper tire specs for that car and I would be guided by that chart. You generally will not find a problem with any major tire brand.

I am not however, sure that the tires are the problem with your car's skidding problem. I would go very soon to any quality brake specialist such as recommended by the CAA and ask then to take your car for a road test. I think you are going to find that it is not your tires but your brakes that are causing the skidding problem, and no tire is going to compensate for defective brakes.

The information you received that any tire would probably slip or slide with that type of car (front wheel drive) would not have come from a tire professional, so please disregard that statement.

Do you have a query for Dennis O'Sullivan?

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dennis.osullivan@cogeco.ca,

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