James D. Halderman is an ASE-certified master technician, a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the author of 12 textbooks. Submit your automotive care questions to Halderman via e-mail at jhalderman2@juno.com, or write him in care of: Wheels, Marketing Publications Department, Dayton Daily News, 1611 S. Main St., Dayton OH 45409.
Wheels: Wally writes by e-mail: “I read your article in the Dayton Daily News ‘The case of the $700 oil change.’ I have a 2004 Ford F-150 4-wheel drive, 5.4-liter V-8 engine with 55,000 miles. At my last service Ford recommended a brake flush. I was wondering if you recommended this.”
Halderman: The domestic vehicle manufacturers do not have a designated brake fluid replacement interval but most of the “import” manufacturers do. The recommended interval is usually every two years and 24,000 miles or every three years and 36,000 miles.
Ford and others say that the brake fluid should be changed based on an inspection that can include a testing with a test strip or measuring the boiling point. If Ford recommended a brake fluid change based on a test, then yes, this is a good recommendation.
Wheels: Gary of Dayton writes by e-mail: “I am seeing an increasing number of ads talking about power chips for one’s vehicles. The claims run all over the map, so to speak, i.e., better fuel economy, more power, better acceleration, and on and on.
So what is the real scoop? I have seen chips put in diesel trucks and it does seem to increase power and mpg, but in gas trucks I wonder if there is any truth to the claims. In my view, if this were the case, the manufacturers would have already done this.”
Halderman: You are wise to check these claims, and while they do seem to improve performance and sometimes fuel economy, it does come at a cost. First, there is the cost of the unit — that can be several hundred dollars. That alone will pay for a lot of fuel. Then, there is the installation that could be relatively easy and may be able to be performed by the vehicle owner, whereas others can require a professional technician to handle the installation.
Almost all of the chips and add-on devices will take the vehicle out of emission compliance. This is the main reason why vehicle manufacturers do not use higher-performance programs and settings.
In supercharged and turbocharged engines, most of the chips increase boost pressures, requiring the use of premium gasoline that can cost more.
Before purchasing a “chip” or other aftermarket performance-improving device, check online forums for comments from others who have tried them before purchasing. Usually owners of these units will give you real-world examples of the improvements and also some of the negative issues involved, if any. Most chips will also void a factory warranty so this is another reason to avoid using them in a vehicle that is still under factory warranty.
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