Q: I just took my 2017 Jeep Compass to the dealer for an oil change and tire rotation. The mechanic said he couldn't do the rotation because all the lug nuts were swollen, due to water that had been behind them, and they could not be put back on after a rotation. Cost: $400, or about $20 per lug nut.

How did water stay there and do damage? I drive in normal conditions on normal rural highways. Could it happen again? Why so expensive? Can I just walk into an auto parts store or even a hardware store and buy nuts at a lower cost?

K.O., Chicago

A: Yes, and when you buy those replacement nuts, make sure they are solid steel with no chrome dress-up coverings like the original caps. What happened? Moisture got between the chrome covers causing corrosion, and when those nuts were removed, they became nixed nuts.

Q: My wife and I have enjoyed driving our Toyota hybrid vehicles for over a decade (2012 Camry XLE with 75,000 miles and 2014 Prius with 90,000 miles). Both vehicles came with a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the hybrid battery system, which by age has significantly passed now. My question is whether there is actual data on how long the hybrid systems last before they require a very expensive, I presume, replacement? Should I consider replacing the vehicles now before they fail? We both drive probably less than 3,000 miles a year.

J.M., Buffalo Grove, Illinois

A. Chances are you may not need to replace your batteries for a while. According to Ace Hybrid Tech, a major battery replacement company, “Most hybrid batteries have an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first. Most hybrid cars, (like your Prius) are now using nickel-metal [hydride] batteries. If your hybrid vehicle enjoys this type of battery and you drive the average miles per year, then you can use the battery for around 10 to 15 years.”

Q: In a recent column, H.B. of Chicago asks about his car being an antique. You told him if it's 25-plus years old he can get antique plates. However you stated he will need a city sticker if it's a "daily driver." State law reads vehicles with antique plates can only be driven to car shows or auto repair facilities! No daily driving!

T.B., Berwyn, Illinois

A: Well … yes and no. According to the Illinois Secretary of State: “To qualify for Expanded-Use Antique Plates, motor vehicles, including motorcycles, must be more than 25 years old. Vehicles displaying these plates during the months of December-February may only be driven to and from an antique auto show or exhibition, service station or demonstration. Vehicles displaying these plates during the months of March-November may be driven on the highways without being subject to the restrictions of a standard antique vehicle plate.”

Q: I noticed in your column someone asked about using premium gas in their 2025 Audi A3. I have a 2025 Lexus NX, and they said I have to use premium gas. I really don’t want to. What do you think?

S.R., Glenview, Illinois

A: According to Lexus dealers, there are two reasons you shouldn’t use regular gas. For one, low grade gas leads to engine knocking, which can damage your engine in the long run. In addition, using regular gas when you should use premium could void your warranty.

I contend that if engine knock is detected, knock sensors will report it to the engine control computer, which will back off the ignition timing until the knock stops, usually within a fraction of a second. But you do lose a bit of performance. Void your warranty? Prove it.

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