Test Drive

2009 Ford Edge

Base price: $26,130

EPA MPG: 17 city/24 highway

Critics say: Critics and drivers are falling in love with the 2009 Edge. Caranddriver.com says, “Although the vehicle is overweight, the styling is terrific, the packaging is excellent and it delivers decent gas mileage.” Detroit News says, "From just about any angle, the Edge looks like a winner -- rock-solid, utterly capable and almost universally appealing."

Tip of the Week

If you own a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, you might want to invest in some sand bags this winter. By adding weight over your back wheels, you can help your vehicle gain traction. Make sure the weight is over the axle – if it’s placed too far back, it could make traction even worse. If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, you don’t need to worry about adding weight.

Car Q&A

Question: I own a 2002 Cadillac Deville with only 66,000 miles. There is an engine knock that the dealer says is carbon buildup. They did a de-carbon treatment and the noise went away for a while. I went back and they said the de-carbon treatment will cost $400. What is the problem with this engine? How can I prevent the problem?

Answer: When we have a customer with this problem, we suggest the use of full-synthetic oil, premium gasoline and brick acceleration entering onto the freeway once a week. The carbon buildup is from a mixture of slow driving and oil deposits.

-- Junior Damato, Talking Cars columnist

Fuel Efficient

Other than in winter if you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, you want to get excess weight out of your automobile. According to FuelEconomy.gov, every extra 100 pounds in your car can reduce your gas mileage by 2 percent.

GateHouse News Service