Tom Torbjornsen
Tom Torbjornsen
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association), Torbjornsen… is a major contributor to AOL Autos, Edmunds, CNN, At Home Portals and many other websites, he also writes for several newspapers across the country. Torbjornsen is the auto expert of record for Channel 4 WIVB TV, Western New York's CBS affiliate. Hear his radio show, AMERICA'S CAR SHOW with Tom Torbjornsen, on the Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel - Stars Too -- Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday nights - 10PM -- Mid EST. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com.
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Tom Torbjornsen
(44 Articles)
Published Oct, 23 2009
Dear Tom, I own a 2002 Ford Focus. The other day I filled it with gas and now the check engine light is on and the gas cap is gone. I must have set it down at the gas station and left it there. Did I damage my car? Why is the light on? Cynthia from Baton Rouge, LA Cynthia, No, your car is not damaged. Go to your local Ford dealer and get a new gas cap. Install it and keep an eye on the check engin...
Published Oct, 17 2009
Dear Tom, I own a ‘97 Honda Accord SE Coupe. I want to replace the front and rear struts. What safety precautions should I take? Can I jack up each corner of the car with the bumper jack and replace one strut at a time? Jack from Seaport, FL Jack, If you are determined to do this job yourself then you will have to use more than a bumper jack to safely replace the struts on your car. Ge...
Published Oct, 13 2009
Dear Tom, I just bought a 2009 KIA Optima. The owner’s manual says I should use 5W20 oil in the engine. My dad used to fix cars and he said that this oil is too thin and that I should use “Straight 30 weight” in the winter and the 5W20 in the summer. Is he right? Sandy from Salt Lake City, UTSandy Gently tell your dad to stifle himself. Use the 5W20 oil in your KIA. The carmaker ...
Published Oct, 06 2009
Dear Tom, My 2003 Chevy Cavalier makes a clicking sound in the front when I make a right turn. It doesn’t do it when I turn left. Should I be concerned? What could cause this noise? Larry from DetroitLarry, My first thought ... your car probably has a bad front CV joint. Get the vehicle into a shop and have them check the CV joint on the side of the car where the clicking occurs. Tom After I...
Published Oct, 04 2009
"Donut" Tire Dear Tom, I own a 2004 Chevy Aveo. The other day I got a flat tire and I had the spare installed. It’s a fake tire (one of those “donut” spares). I haven’t had a chance to buy a new tire yet, and I want to know how long can I drive before I replace it with a real tire. Funds are tight right now. Sarah from Burlington, VTSarah, Check your owner’s manual fo...
Published Oct, 01 2009
Dear Tom, I just bought a used 2003 Ford Taurus from a local dealer. The first time I hit the brakes on wet pavement it scared the devil out of me! The pedal bounced back and there was a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle that sounded like a motorboat. What is wrong with my vehicle? It doesn’t do it on dry pavement. Should I take it back to the dealer? Sharon from Dallas, TXShar...