Motormouth: Electric power steering needs no fluid change

Q: I had the oil changed on my 2018 Honda Accord Touring, and, on the receipt of services rendered, the power steering fluid box was crossed out. I assume that meant it didn't apply. I researched a little and saw it has "electric" power steering. But I found conflicting info. One place said there is fluid, and it should be changed every 75,000 miles, but the owner's manual doesn't mention power steering fluid. What's the deal?

A: There is no fluid. Instead of a hydraulic pump and fluid, there is an electric motor providing the assist.

Q: I have a 2009 Chevy Cobalt that has the alloy wheels. I have lost the center caps on two of them. I have seen other Cobalts that also are missing center caps. Do they tend to fall off, or is someone stealing them?

A: Wheel center caps are not worth stealing, but they do commonly come loose over the years. You can buy replacement caps. There are generic caps and others with logos, American flags and more. They might not be a perfect fit, but you should be able to modify them.

Q: How much does it cost to recharge an electric car? I have never seen a comparison to the price of a tank of gas. Is the industry hiding this from us?

A: The price per kilowatt-hour (KWH) of electricity fluctuates. Many utility companies' rates vary by time of day (e.g., lower at night) and time of year (e.g., higher in summer). Rates at public charging stations vary and usually include a connection fee. Depending on how much you drive, I'd figure on $20 to $40 per week to charge a car. Compare that to your miles traveled and price per gallon of gas.

Q: I have a 2021 Ram pickup with a V6 engine and an eight-speed transmission. It gets only 18 miles per gallon on the highway. What can I do to increase mileage?

A: The estimated fuel economy for this vehicle is 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. As they say, "Your mileage may vary." Do you religiously zero the fuel economy readout every time you hit the road? There are many other variables to consider. Do you have a lead foot? Do you carry an antique anvil collection? Do I have a good answer? No.

Q: My daughter has a 2017 Hyundai Elantra with aluminum rims. She has had to buy two rims recently at a cost of $600 each because the rims had gotten bent. Her dealer told her that she could not get steel rims for her car. Is that true?

A: If the car has 16-inch or 17-inch wheels, there are no steel replacements of which I am aware. Hyundai does offer reconditioned wheels for about half the price of new ones.

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.