Motormouth: Keep left foot off brake

Q: I think there is an easy solution to the left foot problem. I bought my first car, a 1934 Ford sedan, in 1953. I have had several cars since then, of course, most of them with manual transmissions. My most recent manual is a 1967 Porsche 912. I have been switching between that and a 2002 Toyota 4Runner that is an automatic.

I have had no problems going from a manual to an automatic transmission. What was my solution? Start using your left foot for the brake pedal, and it doesn’t leave you with an idle foot. I find it is actually a better way to drive an automatic!

A: I advise against using your left foot for the brake for three reasons. You might unintentionally rest your foot on the pedal, and traffic behind you may think you’re braking and react accordingly. Plus, riding the brakes causes premature wear. Third, it confuses the engine control module, and that usually causes reduced fuel economy. Keep your left foot away from the brake pedal.

Q: One of the tires on my 2024 Subaru developed a very slow leak. The dealer noticed something in the tire and recommended replacement. The culprit turned out to be a small screw just half an inch long. I thought steel-belted tires could resist something this small. Is this common?

A: It’s more common than most drivers think. Steel belts are not armors to protect the tire.

Q: I have a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with 80,000 miles. My mechanic has recommended replacing my spark plugs even though the owner’s manual states the plugs should be changed at 105,000 miles. I asked another trusted mechanic what his thoughts were because I felt I was being upsold by the original guy. He said that waiting until the recommended mileage could make removal of the plugs more difficult and, thus, more costly. The car runs fantastic. What do you think?

A: I would change the plugs if some other service is required. But 100,000 to 105,000 miles is typically when the plugs should be swapped out.

Q: I want to get an EV. My husband ran a dedicated power line into the garage but won’t put in a receptacle because he says the industry hasn’t standardized chargers yet. How can I get an EV without the receptacle to plug it in?

A: Electric vehicles and hybrids come with the proper charging cable to fit the vehicle. But the other end of the cable is standard for 120-volt service.

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.