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Acura TL sedans recalled due to fluid leak in power-steering hose

Acura TL sedans recalled due to fluid leak in power-steering hose

Honda has recalled 52,615 of its 2007-2008 Acura TL sedans because over time, the power steering hose can deteriorate and develop a fluid leak, leading to a loss of power steering assistance.

In addition, if fluid leaks onto a catalytic converter it can result in smoke or a fire. To date, no crashes, injuries or fires have been reported in relation to this recall.

Owners of vehicles affected by this recall can go to an authorized Acura dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Acura. Dealers will replace the power-steering hose.

Notifications will be mailed to vehicle owners beginning in mid-June. In addition to the mailed notifications, consumers can see if their vehicle requires repair by visiting recalls.acura.com or by calling 800-382-2238, and selecting option 4.

Source:
Statement by Acura Regarding Power Steering Hose Recall: 2007-2008 Acura TL [Acura]

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iExit Interstate Guide app takes the guesswork out of pit stops

iExit Interstate Guide app takes the guesswork out of pit stops

iExit Interstate Exit Guide helps take the guesswork out of road trip pit stops, by identifying what restaurants, gas stations, hotels, and other services are available at each exit by name. Make a selection, and the smart-phone application gives the option of turn-by-turn directions or calling ahead to a business with one touch.

The app lets you search up to 100 exits ahead or even in another state for trip planning. It allows you to filter by categories and brands/company names, and even to search for campgrounds, diesel or alternative fuels. iExit even offers specialized information for RVers and truckers, including parking and where to find scales. And if all you're looking for is a quick break, it also lists rest areas.

This can add up to a real time saver, especially if you and yours are picky about your favorite road food when traveling. Because of its narrow focus, and limited navigation aid, iExit Interstate Exit Guide is best considered a travel tool in our app arsenal, rather then an all-purpose guide.

We noticed some minor differences between Android and iOS versions of the app, but both were easy to use and helpful. The upgraded iOS version adds more filtering and customization, while removing the banner-style ads found in the free versions. You can try the free version of the app if you're interested. If you use an Apple device and found the "lite" version useful, the upgrade is worthwhile.

What we like: iExit is easy to use, with simple menus. As long as it's turned on, it knows where you are and what's nearby. We found information to be reasonably current and complete, with some exceptions. But we've seen the same thing with GPS device point-of-interest information, or even road signs and friendly locals. iExit limits its selections to choices within a couple of miles of the highway, which can save time, but it might eliminate some favorite attractions. A map button gives the option of pinpointing selections on a map instead of a list.

What we don't like: Like so many apps, iExit can lead to distraction and is best used by a passenger or at a standstill, especially if venturing past the basic display. (The application says as much in the user agreement, displayed upon initial start-up.) Buttons and font sizes are small, and it would be dangerous for a driver to try to use behind the wheel. And they're not kidding by calling it iExit Interstate Guide. If you're looking for guidance on a parkway, lesser four-lane road, or anything that isn't part of the Interstate system, you're out of luck. Google is the default navigation app for turn-by-turn directions, and that functionality is not available to iPhone users.

What could be improved: Voice control would be helpful. Larger icons would also be nice. Some of us experienced frequent system crashes using the app.

Compatibility: A "lite" version of iExit Guide is free for Android and iOS (iPhone, iPad), and the full version is currently $.99 for iOS.

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Our new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 brings top-down fun to the track

Our new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 brings top-down fun to the track

We just took delivery of a car that is made for spring: a "Mars Red" SLK250. This two-seat convertible is just what the doctor ordered to get us out of the winter doldrums. And if the cold weather reappears, our SLK has a folding hardtop, heated seats, and the automaker's exclusive "airscarf neck-level heating system," which features vents in the head restraints that blow warm air on your neck. It's a nice touch that we really liked in the last SLK, and its SL big-brother we tested.

What's new with this generation? Joining the Audi TT and BMW Z4, the SLK is now available with a small, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The new SLK engine puts out 201 hp; we equipped ours with the six-speed manual transmission.

As with many things, the fun in the sun comes at a price. We fitted our SLK with several options that boosted its $42,500 base price, including parking guidance, dual-zone climate control, and the Premium 1 Package. Adding those items resulted in a $48,045 bottom line.

The last SLK we tested was fun to drive, with quick, communicative, and well-weighted steering and a direct and smooth-shifting manual transmission - traits we normally don't experience in a Mercedes. We look forward to seeing if the new generation measures up.

Stay tuned as we put on break-in miles with our SLK and get ready to test it against the Audi and BMW... and maybe another competitor.

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Automaker tests show damage to older car engines from running on E15 ethanol

Automaker tests show damage to older car engines from running on E15 ethanol

A 2010 decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the sale of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (called E15) has come under fire from many groups. The latest is the Auto Alliance, an auto industry lobbying group representing several major automakers. The Alliance has published a new study saying that up to 5 million cars on the road today may be damaged by the higher concentrations of ethanol.

The study showed problems with damaged valves and valve seats in some car engines from the 2001 to 2009 model years, which could lead to the need for valve or cylinder-head replacement. Costs for such work could run from $2,000 to about $8,000, the study says.

Testing 16 vehicles, with eight different engines on a 500-hour durability cycle designed to simulate 100,000 miles of usage, the study showed two engines suffered damage to the valves or cylinder heads in the test, says Alliance spokeswoman Gloria Bergquist. Another engine fell out of compliance with emissions requirements when running on E15.

The 5 million-vehicle figure is based on examining the metallurgy and other component materials used in the damaged engines, then surveying automakers about how many engines they produced with similar materials.

The study also showed that the engines got poorer fuel economy running on E15, which mirrors our own findings that showed significant drops in fuel economy from ethanol blends. (Our tests were based on a vehicle running on E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol with 15 percent gasoline that is approved for use only in specially equipped "flex-fuel" vehicles.)

The study was funded by automakers and by oil companies, both of which have a financial interest in reducing ethanol use. The federal Department of Energy has criticized the study for testing engines it says are known to have durability problems anyway, for failing to test the engines running E10 (the most common fuel sold in the U.S. today), and for not providing a baseline test of the engines running on straight gasoline (E-zero).

In 2010, EPA approved a two-part "waiver" allowing E15 fuels to be sold at stations across the United States for cars from the 2001 model year and later. E15 would be sold at specially labeled pumps alongside traditional gasoline, which may contain up to 10-percent ethanol.

Makers of small off-road engines, such as for lawn mowers, as well as boats, and ATVs, have objected to the waivers, claiming that consumers are likely to mix up the fuels and fill their equipment with E15, which isn't authorized for any non-road engines. Further, the manufacturers are concerned they could be held liable for warranty claims caused by excess ethanol.

So far, no gas stations sell E15, because no gas pumps have been certified to dispense the fuel.

Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, has advocated that EPA address the likelihood of consumers misfueling older vehicles and small engines with E15, as well as warranty concerns of owners of vehicles still under warranty that could incur higher costs of repairing or replacing an engine that is incompatible with E15.

See our guides to alternative fuels and fuel economy.

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When to retire a child seat, how to recycle an old one

When to retire a child seat, how to recycle an old one

Hand-me downs are a part of growing up in many families. It can be a great way to save money, but not all things should be shared equally. For instance, child seats can be passed down, though there are key restrictions to keep in mind.

It's time to retire a seat if any of the following apply:

It has passed its expiration date. All seats have a date after which they can no longer be used. It is based on the expected life span of various components, and the structure of the seat itself. The expiration date also takes into account that newer seats will incorporate the latest safety technology and meet the most current standards. Most seats have a six-year service life. Check the labels on your seat or the owner's manual to determine its age.
It has been in a moderate-to-severe crash. Though most seats can be reused after a minor fender bender, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends replacing a seat if it has been involved in a collision that involved injuries, required the vehicle to be towed, deployed air bags, or damaged the seat or nearest door.
The child has outgrown it. This one may seem obvious, but it's important to move up to the next size once your child has reached the weight or height limits of the seat.
It is damaged. Check for cracks, loose parts, and worn straps and fasteners. If the seat is damaged, it may not offer as much protection in a crash.

If you're ready to retire a seat, you need to dispose of it properly. Most of the seats are recyclable and some towns offer car seat recycling. If not, here's what to do:

Remove all fabric, padding, and screws. Disassemble the restraint.
Use a screwdriver to remove as much metal as possible
Recycle all plastic and foam parts, and discard the rest.

If you're ready to move up to a new car seat, check out our buying advice and Ratings to find out the best one for you.

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