Using tire sealers such as "Fix-a-Flat"

I have heard that if a tire goes flat, is not safe to use one of the products such as "Fix-a-Flat. Is this so?

Yes and No! On the yes side, it would be a great idea, especially if you have a flat at night or in bad weather .However, if the inflator is flammable, you must warn the tire shop that the tire has tire sealer inside. There is a warning sticker which comes with the cans of the flammable stuff which you’re supposed to stick on the rim to warn the tech. There have been some pretty serious injuries caused by a spark setting off the flammable mixture when the tire tech breaks down the tire!

On the no side the tech must clean all the goop out of the tire before it can be repaired. Some shops may want to charge you extra for this service. Also, the tire sealer won’t help if you have a blowout, as it only can seal up relatively small leaks.

Using cooling system sealers on newly assembled engines!

I have heard that it is common for auto manufacturers to use cooling system sealers on newly assembled engines cooling system. Is this so?

Yes! Many GM cars come from the factory with cooling system sealers.They are used to guard against porosity seepage, to keep the facing of the water pump seal clean and to seal any minor leak that may accrue. Apellet type of sealer is used which dissolves in 5-10 minutes, becoming a fine powder that disperses through the coolant system. The sealer will pass through a .024-inch sieve to prevent blockage of the small tubes in many heater cores. Chrysler and Ford have been using such pellets too.One company that supplies the sealer(Bar's Leaks) is Bar's Products.

Taking care of CV boots

I have heard that you should not apply spray silicone to CV boots even thought it does preserve the rubber. Is this so?

Yes! Also, avoid using solvents, engine degreaser or brake cleaner on CV joint boots. Keep them clean with mild soap and water. While spray silicone is good to help preserve the rubber parts of your vehicle, but it shouldn’t be used on CV joints. It isn’t a good idea to put silicone, vinyl protectant (ArmorAll), or other type of petroleum product on CV boots. A problem is created when the protective coating attracts dirt which then sticks to the surface of the CV boot. Once the dirt clings to the CV joint, it acts like sandpaper on the CV joint bellows where the boot compresses. As the CV joint flexes, the abrasive action of the sand weakens the boot and eventually causes it to tear.

Blue smoke on startup

I see blue smoke in my exhaust when I start my engine. Is this normal or should I worry about it?

Yes, and No! Your engine is burning oil. That, in turn means your engine has worn valve guides, piston rings etc. An engine that burns a lot of oil (more than a quart in 800 miles) is an engine that needs to be overhauled. Normal oil consumption should be a quart or less in 1500 miles. If this is the case then the bit of blue smoke you see is considered normal and there is no need to worry. Most newer engines consume less than half a quart of oil between oil changes (every 3000 miles). In general if your engine is burning oil, it’s essentially worn out and needs to be repaired.