Q: When using fuel system cleaner, why is it recommended that the gas tank be almost empty and to run the tank almost empty before the next fill-up?

D.N., Tinley Park, Illinois

A: I always recommend using the additive with a full tank of gas. Pour in the additive and then fill the tank. This blends it for the preferred concentration. Running the tank nearly empty makes sure all the cleaner has done its job. You needn’t use an additive with every fill-up.

Q: In a recent column you responded to S.B. about his timing belt. I have heard of timing belts, as well as timing chains. Same but different? One better than the other? And should either be replaced based on time or miles?

J.H., Saint John, Indiana

A: They are both better, but for different reasons and applications. Timing chains are more robust and seldom fail but they can’t make tight turns around the various components on many small engines. Belts can. I strongly recommend replacing the water pump along with the belt, not the chain.

Q: I own a 2013 Fusion with the EcoBoost 1.6-liter. It now has 51,000 miles, and I average less than 4,000 miles per year. My question is can I still observe the owner's manual guidelines for plugs at 100,000 and timing belt at 150,000? I plan on keeping it long term. Any suggestions?

E.K., Naperville, Illinois

A: Your car is over a decade old and, if you want it to go even longer, follow the maintenance schedule. I have probably mentioned this before and forgive me if you’ve heard it, but we own a 2005 car with 215,000 miles. And, yes, we have changed the spark plugs and timing belt.

Q: I purchased my first new car ever. It was brand new Mitsubishi 2024 Outlander. Last week it dipped to zero degrees. My engine stayed at very high RPMs at a low speed. I called the dealer where I bought it and he said to drive it in. He checked it out and said everything was fine. He then said to "just warm the car for 45 minutes." That's all he was going to do about it. I had to leave; I was getting angry and that might trigger a health concern for me. What can I do?

A.D., La Grange, Illinois

A: I hope the dealer guy said four or five minutes, not 45. Drive gently for the first few minutes. The computer requests a higher engine speed to get it warmed up. In cold weather it takes a couple more minutes for the catalytic converter to get hot enough to control emissions. That’s normal. Idling too long would be a waste of gas, not to mention unnecessary pollution. Once the cat lights off, the idle returns to normal.

Q: I recently bought a used 2013 Tacoma. After replacing the battery, the stereo won't go into either Bluetooth or phone mode from the setup screen. Also, the apps button (which is a physical button, not on the touchscreen), doesn't do anything anymore. Is there a redo? Can you help me figure out how to fix my stereo?

H.X., Oakland, California

A: You guessed right about a redo. You need to go through a setup sequence and your dealer or local Toyota tech can do it, even without a special machine. Some of the steps include turning the ignition to run, shifting into park, applying the parking brake and …..

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