Q: Why do cars have an indicator light when you are losing traction? I can feel the loss of control when it’ is happening, and I find it very distracting that a so-called idiot light starts blinking, diverting my focus at a time when I should paying very close attention to the road because I am losing traction.
A: Warning lights are there to alert the driver — sometimes to proper operation, such as to let you know the traction control is operating, sometimes to report a problem. I feel your angst. But there are drivers who need to be told when they’ve lost traction. I’ve seen them.
A long story
Q: Why is it called a glove compartment? Is there any historical reason?
A: Early automobiles were not enclosed. Motorists were at the whims of the weather. Coats and hats were common, and so were gloves. They not only kept fingers warm, they served as work gloves. Engines were crank-started, and there was no power steering.
Packard is credited with installing a box that held lots of stuff, including rainwear and gloves. Today, those compartments store things like registration and insurance cards — and occasionally gloves. The term endures, like when we say we’re dialing the phone but actually using a key pad.
Fix the sway bars
Q: I have a 2011 Mercedes GLK350 with 121,000 miles. At a recent oil change at a car shop, I was told that both front stabilizer links are worn and need to be replaced at a price of $400. I called another car shop, which told me that these were not necessary. I am unsure what to do.
A: Many of us call them sway bar links. The job of the sway bar (stabilizer bar) is to help keep the outside wheel on the ground when cornering. I suggest replacing the links.
It could be worse
Q: Recently, the auxiliary button on my 2009 Honda Accord stopped working. This feature had allowed me to play my Spotify music through my car radio hooked up with my cell phone. I know nothing about cars, but I can’t believe that fixing that would be less than the $29 I paid for a mini Bluetooth speaker, which works just fine for my Spotify music.
