Q: My boyfriend recently purchased a new 2010 Mercury Mountaineer. He’s having a problem with the brake pedal being too small and his foot often slips off of it. Do you know if Mercury, or anyone for that matter, makes a larger pedal to correct this problem?

A: I have never seen a new car dealer that would alter the factory placement, because of the liability. You will have to find an independent shop that will make the modification. You can also check with companies that modify vehicles for special-needs persons as well. This should not be a big deal or expense.

- Junior Damato, Talking Cars columnist

Auto owners can do some of the work themselves to lower maintenance costs. Anyone interested in saving money and increasing pride of ownership by doing their own work can spend just a few minutes and accomplish the following four maintenance tasks easily, without any expensive tools or training.

- Cabin air filter replacement: The air conditioner is cranked up on those hot summer days. The cabin air filter keeps the air blowing through the heat and air conditioning ventilation system clean, and it should be replaced at least once a year. But in areas of the country where there is a lot of pollen or dust - from dirt roads, construction projects or even arid conditions - it's a good idea to replace this filter more frequently. Check your owner's manual to see if there is information on replacing the cabin air filter.

- Headlamps and tail lights: When a headlamp or tail light burns out, you may be surprised to discover how easy it is to replace these bulbs. For most vehicles, installation of headlamps is from the engine compartment. Just unplug the electrical connector on the back of the bulb, unscrew the large plastic ring that holds the bulb in place and pull the bulb out. Because headlamps are usually halogen lights, be sure to wear gloves or use a cloth to avoid getting fingerprints on the bulb. Oils from your hands can shorten the life of the bulb. Tail lights are similar - usually you can gain access through the trunk of the vehicle underneath the trim material.

- Wiper blades: Trying to see the road through a streaky window is almost as bad as trying to see the road in a heavy rain shower. The quality of the blade purchased will determine how long the blade will last and how well it will perform in clearing the windshield of rain. Higher-quality blades tend to cost more, but drivers will appreciate the durability and clarity they provide.

- Engine air filter: These air filters keep the oxygen supplied to the engine's combustion chambers free of dirt and other contaminants. Clean air is needed to optimize the engine's performance and extend its life. Manufacturers recommend replacing an engine air filter every 12,000 miles driven.

- Brandpoint

Somewhere on the continuum between Toyota’s Prius C and the new million-dollar gas-electric hypercars from Porsche, McLaren and Ferrari (really), there’s a zone that separates hybrids as economy transportation from hybrids as ultimate speed sleds. We know that electric motors can help small internal-combustion engines stretch a gallon of gasoline from, say, 30 miles to 50 or more, at least at low speeds. But for big gas engines, add-on electric motors are now providing extra wallop—carving a second or two off the 0-to-100 MPH sprint, for example. The GS450h sits in the zone that divides these types of hybrid cars; it enjoys some of both benefits.

There are in fact two extra electric motors buried within this Lexus. One under the hood largely services the batteries; it’s the second one, built into the differential, that feeds more oomph to the back wheels. The gas V-6 up front makes 286 horsepower; the electric motor at the rear can jack that up to a combined total of 338 HP. Lexus doesn’t publish torque figures, but the electrics provide an impressive shove of acceleration.

There’s another surprise here too: a CVT, or continuously variable transmission—something usually found only on economy cars and riding lawn mowers. Lexus, however, calls it a controlled variable  transmission, and its stellar behavior justifies the new name. Not till I tried to get frisky with it in manual mode did I realize it wasn’t a normal transmission with distinct gears. The point of a CVT is to keep the engine in its best operating range, and this one does a good job here as well. We averaged 27 miles per gallon overall and the GS450h’s 34 highway MPG rating for 2013 seems realistic. These are very good numbers for a large and sumptuous sedan that can dust off slower traffic—and also creep through a mall parking lot under electric power only.

Despite its quickness and the capable handling of its adaptive suspension, this isn’t a sports sedan. (For that, you’ll want the lighter, less-expensive and more nimble GS350 F Sport.) It’s an updated luxury cruiser for today’s congested and connectivity-obsessed highway culture. The GS450h is as comfortable tied up in city traffic—where the engine shuts itself off, to save gas and cut exhaust emissions—as it is flying serenely across the great plains on I-80.

Lexus also has done a fine job of submerging the unpleasant parts of a driving a hybrid. The engine stop-start feature is now barely discernable and response is immediate; the throttle doesn’t feel like it’s on a rubber band; the brakes bite down in linear fashion; and the car’s balance is not upset by the addition of several hundred pounds of electric motors and batteries.

The GS450h is a complex and highly sophisticated piece of mechanical, electrical and ergonomic engineering, but Lexus has boiled everything down to apparent simplicity. (For instance, in normal mode, the big dial next to the speedometer simply indicates “charge,” “eco” or “power.” But selecting Sport mode not only amps up the electric drive motor, it also magically converts that dial into a tachometer.) The unique mouse-type computer controller is easier to operate than many other luxury cars’ “user interfaces,” and the split-screen computer monitor is among the largest and most readable out there.

Overall, the instrument and control panels are so elegant that they’re both non-intimidating and downright attractive, and the redesigned cabin is as tasteful and comfortable as we’d expect from Lexus. The optional blond bamboo trim contrasts beautifully with rich, dark-toned leather and synthetics. I don’t recall gripping a bamboo steering wheel before, but it’s highly agreeable.

At $59,000 to start and here optioned up to a full $70,000, the 2013 GS450h isn’t just good “for a hybrid,” it’s a good car, full stop. In fact, it’s a good deal more than just good. If I were shopping for a luxury sedan with less than Powerball money, the GS450h would make my personal short list—even though it’s a hybrid.

Rectification. Last week’s column about the good news, bad news Enclave drew a quick response from Buick: “All Enclaves are assembled in Lansing. It is exported to China. We do not build or assemble Enclaves in China.” There you have it; shame on me — and my source.

Silvio Calabi reviews the latest from Detroit, Munich, Yokohama, Gothenburg, Crewe, Seoul and wherever else interesting cars are born. Silvio is a member of the International Motor Press Association whose automotive reviews date back to the Reagan administration. He is the former publisher of Speedway Illustrated magazine and an author. Contact him at calabi.silvio@gmail.com.

Q: I fill the gas tank every week during my lunch break. I took my co-worker with me last week and he said not to overfill the gas tank. I told him I can usually get another gallon in. He said this is not a good idea, but could not tell me why. Is this true and why?

A: This is very true. When you overfill the gas tank you take a chance of damaging the evap system in the vehicle, both cars and trucks. All late-model vehicles have a charcoal canister that can be damaged when the gas tank is overfilled. Remember, the gas will expand with heat.  

- Junior Damato, Talking Cars columnist

Summer is the time for road trips, whether they cover thousands of miles across the country, or are staycation day trips. Whether you're driving for hours or sitting in traffic, you will want to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road.

The most important component that makes your vehicle run is the engine. Your vehicle will last longer if you take care of the engine by following regularly scheduled maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. This includes oil changes, replacing the air filter and keeping a detailed history log of the work that has been done.

Just as important to the engine itself are the components around it that help it run. Check the hoses that are connected to the radiator. They help pump coolant to and from the engine. Look for cracks, leaks and loose connections, paying special attention to where hoses are clamped. Make sure the engine is cool when you touch the hoses. They should be firm and not soft.

Belts that help cool the system should also be checked for cracks and damage. A visual inspection is good enough, but for the more mechanically inclined, you could also remove the belt to make sure the material inside isn't separating into layers. Cracked hoses or a belt snapping will result in your engine overheating, leaving you stuck on the side of the road.

- Brandpoint

Q: Greg, I'd like to know about what happened to the Lincolns from back in the 1950s. Up until 1958, I thought the styling was quite nice for a luxury car. Then in 1958, Lincoln came out with a massive piece of monstrosity that to this day I think was the biggest Lincoln to date.  What happened in 1958?  Chuck L., Evanston, Ill.

A: Chuck, the year 1958 was one of those years that the stylists went crazy with "big." Regardless of model, from Buick to Chrysler to Ford, manufacturers flooded the market with what I call "bathtub" style cars; i.e., huge vehicles carrying lots of chrome and weight. The year also turned out to be one of the worst on record for new car sales, both from the economy standpoint and, I felt, the design of the cars.

However, with all this said, today the 1958 models are sought-after collectibles, and that huge '58 Lincoln is one of them. Riding on a 131-inch wheelbase and a full 6 inches longer than the 1957 Lincoln (which was a great-looking car), the new Lincoln had a look all to its own, and to this day, probably stands out more than any other make that year.

Powered by a 430-inch V-8 producing 375 horses, the wide grille and "quad lite" recessed and outlined vertical headlamps, (slightly slanted actually) along with sculptured side with fender skirts produced the look we all now remember.  

The behemoth weighed 4,890 pounds and came with a 22 gallon fuel tank, while the transfer of power came via a three speed automatic transmission called Turbo-Drive. Lincolns for '58 came in Capri, Premier and Continental badges, while an Executive Limo (same wheelbase) joined the fray in 1959 and 1960.

Although not a success at the showroom, these cars today generate lots of interest at the car shows, as do the 1959 and 1960 models.

Available in two door, convertible and four door motif, a total of 12,556 Lincolns were built in 1958, and the base entry price was an expensive $6,012. By 1960, the last year for the design, the curb weight went up to over 5,000 pounds and 11,086 were manufactured.  

In ending, although I thought the car was way too big and ugly back then, today I'd love to own one. Thanks for your interest and letter.

Greg Zyla writes weekly for GateHouse Media and welcomes reader questions on collector cars and auto nostalgia at 303 Roosevelt St., Sayre, PA 18840 or at greg@gregzyla.com.

Q: We are buying a new car. Checking the final price, my wife found an additional charge called a “doc fee.” I asked what the fee was for and the dealer said it was for administration service for writing up and processing the paperwork. My wife said, “If we buy a new car from you, we have to pay you an additional charge for writing up the paperwork?” The salesman said that is correct. I checked with other dealers and they also charge a doc fee, however, the prices all vary. Is the doc fee a normal charge? And do I have to pay for the charge?

A: Doc fees have been around for many years. I do not know who came up with the additional fee for a customer to pay for the writing up of documents to buy a car or truck or any other vehicle purchase. It is a great way for the dealer to generate additional profit without actually doing any additional work or service. Check with your local laws on doc fees, because they all vary. I will tell you and my readers, if you do not want to pay the doc fee, do not. The salesman will say everyone has to pay it and he or she cannot take it off the billing invoice. What they can do is just deduct the doc fee amount from the sale price and leave the doc fee on the sales form. I see this practice all the time, and it is legal, and you should insist on it. Or go elsewhere to buy the car.

- Junior Damato, Talking Cars columnist

Racking up miles can evoke pride in some, but it is more than just bragging rights. Many people are driving cars tens and hundreds of thousands of miles further simply to keep their wallets a little fuller.

For those who plan on taking a car past 150,000 miles, routine maintenance starting early in a car's life can help mitigate hefty repair costs further down the line. Inevitably though, drivers of high-mileage vehicles will sooner or later face repair costs that challenge their willpower.

"We're seeing professional trucking companies, small-business owners and everyday drivers looking to keep their vehicles running longer," says Andrew Hamilton, director of lubricants for CHS, which manufactures and markets Cenex fuels, lubricants and propane. "Regardless of the size or type of vehicle, it's almost always more affordable in the long run to make repairs rather than to replace a vehicle. And in today's economy, more and more people are doing just that."

Using a good motor oil and changing it frequently and consistently throughout a car's life is essential for getting the most miles from it. High-mileage oil is available with added protection for older cars, but it doesn't necessarily benefit newer cars. Hamilton recommends a high-performing synthetic oil, which can help take a vehicle that extra mile and improve fuel economy no matter how many miles it has.

Smart driving is another simple way to keep a car running smoothly into the higher miles. Vigilant driving not only helps prevent accidents that could shorten a vehicle's life but also is less taxing on an engine and brake system. To keep a car running well, make a habit of accelerating slowly, using cruise control on the highway and easing up on the brakes.

- Brandpoint

As much as I like to drive, and as dynamically brilliant as this car is — except for one or two little hiccups — the best seat in the house is in the back. This is the “L” variant of Audi’s flagship A8 sedan, longer by 5.1 inches. That doesn’t sound like much, but those inches were applied behind the front seats. The rear of the A8 was hardly cramped to begin with; now there’s room back there to land a hang glider.

With the Rear Seat Comfort Package, both back seats are independently adjustable as well as heated and cooled. Furthermore, the front passenger seat can be controlled from the back, so the CEO can motor it forward — maybe squeezing her executive V-P a bit in the shotgun seat, but gaining that much more space behind. Keep on ticking the option boxes and the rear seats become more and more luxurious, topping out with recline and massage features, power sunshades, a fridge and dual 10-inch computer screens.

By now we’ve spent the price of an economy car in the back seats. But the pilot’s seat of an A8L is a nice place to be too. Not only is it adjustable (18 or 22 ways), heated, cooled and massaging, it also provides access to what’s under the hood: A silky twin-turbocharged 4-liter V-8 that squeezes out 420 horsepower and 444 pounds of torque. All the torque is available at just 1,500 RPM, so a mere dip of the driver’s toe accelerates this cruiser like a sports car. (A hushed and serene sports car.) The swell of power flows through an 8-speed transmission that shifts almost seamlessly, while the adaptive air suspension and the Quattro all-wheel drive absorb bumps and straighten out corners just as we’d expect them to.

Mere performance, comfort and refinement are no longer enough to impress the well-heeled, however, and so Germany’s Big Three are locked in an arms race to overwhelm us with techno-tronics. BMW has iDrive, Mercedes-Benz has COMAND, and Audi calls its computerized control system MMI, for Multi Media In your face — sorry, Interface. It’s a dial/buttons/screen combo that adjusts most of the car’s functions, from suspension and steering to the five distinct movable parts of each front seatback, and accesses the array of connectivity features. Audi has now fed Google Earth into its satnav, to provide zoom-in maps — alongside traffic, weather and news alerts as well as AM/FM/XM radio, all under manual or voice command. An A8 is even a mobile WiFi hotspot.

MMI can cause heart palpitations among seniors, but anyone comfortable with a smartphone should be able to cope. Furthermore, once everything is set, we’re left with easy one-click operations to toggle between Normal and Sport driving modes, pick radio stations, and work the windshield wipers or seat heaters.

Given what Audi has invested in digitalism, I’m almost abashed to complain about something so humdrum as driving, but let’s go back to the snags I mentioned: From a full stop, the A8 sits for a moment before it responds to the throttle. I thought this might be the fuel-saving engine stop-start feature, but disabling it didn’t solve the problem. I suspect the lag is programmed into the transmission to allow the motor time to restart — even if it isn’t needed. Annoying. I’d also like a bit more self-centering in the steering as the car comes out of a corner — a slight lack that might be due to the longer wheelbase, or even the four-season tires on our car.

Audi A8L 4.0T prices start at $87,200. Our sample came with extra driver assists (active cruise control with automatic stop & go, various alert sensors and a 360-degree, top-view camera) plus LED lights, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear Comfort Packages and other options, but the sticker was still slightly below a hundred grand. It can, of course, go well north of that. (A8s also come with 333HP V-6 or 500HP W12 engines, priced accordingly, and there’s an S8 sport model too.)

If you’re wondering how to fit such a vehicle into your budget, here’s a suggestion: Get rid of the company jet, lay off the pilots and cancel the maintenance contract, and then order one of these stretch Audis. What the heck, get two of them! Even with a full-time chauffeur, and even if you fly first class when you do need a plane, you’ll save 20 or 30 million bucks and be more comfortable too, especially in bad weather.

Silvio Calabi reviews the latest from Detroit, Munich, Yokohama, Gothenburg, Crewe, Seoul and wherever else interesting cars are born. Silvio is a member of the International Motor Press Association whose automotive reviews date back to the Reagan administration. He is the former publisher of Speedway Illustrated magazine and an author. Contact him at calabi.silvio@gmail.com.

Q: I purchased a 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera-S six-cylinder with 3,500 miles. The car was driven for about a year when purchased new, then garaged until I bought it. The car was thoroughly checked and is mechanically sound except for a nonworking fuel gauge. I use the trip odometer to monitor fuel level. When I get down to four to five gallons of gas in the tank, the car will stall upon a sudden stop or sharp turn.

A: It sounds like the fuel pump pickup is sucking some air, not gas. The computer also gets information from the fuel level sender in the gas tank. I suggest replacing the fuel module and fuel filter.

- Junior Damato, Talking Cars columnist