AUTO MAINTENANCE
Undercoating vs. rustproofing
Q: I’m 70 years old and keep my cars for years. I just purchased a 2013 Toyota in October. I have heard a lot of pros and cons on getting the vehicle undercoated and rustproofed. What’s your view?
A: Let’s distinguish between rustproofing and undercoating; they are two different concepts. Undercoating is a relatively thick rubberized material applied to the exposed underbody and chassis to primarily act as a sound deadener. This coating obviously has some anti-corrosion properties but does not protect vulnerable areas such as boxed sections and the bottom of the doors.
Rustproofing is a lighter spray-on material that is applied to seal and prevent moisture from reaching vulnerable areas such as inner fender lips, door bottoms, inside door skins, boxed frame sections, inside rocker panels, door jambs, lower insides of the front and rear fenders, the cowl, the underside of the hood and trunk lips. The spray can reach untouchable areas and the material remains pliable, allowing it to flex, stretch and self-heal small scratches. Rustproofing can be very effective when applied properly and maintained on a regular basis.
That said, the build quality, alloys and galvanized steel used in modern automobiles has reduced the need for additional rustproofing. In fact, several carmakers like Volkswagen and BMW rustproof their vehicles when built.
I used to rustproof used vehicles to prolong their service life, and I would consider having a new vehicle rustproofed if it had to survive more than a decade in a rust-prone environment where salt is used to de-ice roads.
But the absolute best rustproofing is frequent car washing that includes a thorough flushing of the underside of the chassis, wheel wells and the inside edges of doors, hood and trunk.
— Paul Brand,
Minneapolis Star Tribune
WORKPLACE
Is religion talk OK?
Q: I work in a furniture store. Our department supervisor is a church pastor who preaches on the job and hands out fliers about his church. He also has told a co-worker who is a single mother that she is “disgusting” because she doesn’t have a husband. She is a hard worker who goes to school part time and doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment. What recourse do we have? We sent a letter to corporate, but nothing happened.
A: The preacher needs to ease off, or he could land your employer in court.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of l964 prohibits employers from harassing individuals because of their religion — or the lack of one, said Elizabeth Grossman, regional attorney in the New York District Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Manhattan. If the company doesn’t stop the preacher’s behavior, it could be sued.
What is religious harassment?
“Religious harassment occurs when employees are required or coerced to abandon, alter or adopt a religious practice as a condition of employment,” Grossman said.
In order to protect itself legally, your employer should investigate harassment claims immediately.
— Carrie Mason-Draffen, Newsday
What about dress codes?
Q: In our office, the women often come to work wearing skimpy tops, sleeveless dresses and flimsy sandals. I realize some companies have a casual culture (but) that is not the case here. The men all wear coats and ties. ... these women may have no idea that they could be hurting their chances of advancement.
A: Dress for the position you want, not the one you have. This doesn’t mean an ambitious mechanic should work in a suit, but does mean people should consider the impression made by clothing. Career-minded women have a wide variety of suitable options when it comes to business attire. Nevertheless, some make unfortunate choices.
— Marie G. McIntyre,
McClatchy-Tribune News