Q. This is the well-publicized 100th anniversary of the Ford Model T, which put America on wheels. Why did this funny-looking car last so long? How fast did it go? How many miles per gallon did it get. Was it easy to drive? --E.H, Evanston

A. The Model T was introduced in 1908 and the first several hundred cars were built as 1909 models. It's doubtful even Henry Ford thought the car would last until production ended in 1927, when it had become too dated. The Model T was basically unchanged during its life. It lasted because it was dirt cheap (but not cheaply built), rugged enough to keep chugging along on primitive roads, easily maintained and had unusually light steering, which made it inviting to women. Horsepower was about 20-22 and top speed was between 35 and 40 mph -- decent for the era's mostly unpaved roads. It delivered about 25 mpg. Learning to drive it was a trial. For instance, it had three floor pedals and a hand-controlled throttle. About 15 million were built in America. The Model T eventually was outsold by the Volkswagen Beetle, and then by the Toyota Corolla.

Q. Conventional wisdom has been to change oil every three months or 3,000 miles. But someone told me today's computerized cars can be safely driven 4,000 to 5,000 miles without an oil change. --T.H., Chicago area

A. Today's cars can safely be driven 5,000 or even farther without an oil change because of improved engines and lubricants. But check your owner's manual for the manufacturer recommendations. It might call for oil changes at lower mileage if your car undergoes "severe" motoring -- often defined as consistent stop-and-go driving. However, it doesn't hurt to change oil every 3,000 miles under any conditions. That's a cheap way to keep an auto running smoothly for a long time, if driven normally.

Q. Why shouldn't I inflate tires to the maximum pressures put on their sidewalls? I've always been told to just inflate them to the pressures shown on my car's door jambs. --J.T., Oak Park

A. Because this isn't the 1950s, when bias-ply tires were used with unsophisticated suspensions. Maximum pressures listed on sidewalls of today's far more advanced radial tires usually are very high and just show the absolute maximum to which they can be safely inflated. Do that and you'll feel as if your car is riding on bricks. Moreover, it won't steer, handle or brake as well as it's intended to do with today's computer-designed suspensions. And the tires will be more susceptible to blowouts. That said, it's OK to inflate tires a few pounds above recommended vehicle-manufacturer pressures for slightly sharper handling.

Q. I have a 2001 Honda Civic with 55,000 miles that I bought in the spring of 2007, and I loved it until last winter. That's when it wouldn't move when I tried to get it out of "park" unless I waited about six minutes. That happened every morning -- and if I made a stop and parked for several hours. When the weather got warm, the problem disappeared, and I was in love with the car again. Now I'm worried because winter is coming and I'm afraid the problem will return. --M.A, Chicago

A. Here is what probably happened: Your car has an electronic shift interlock mechanism and winter-generated moisture under the car's carpet caused the mechanism to freeze and prevented the Honda from moving until the heater generated enough warmth to thaw out the mechanism. If the problem occurs again, Elmwood Park's Caira Automotive suggests you can get going quickly by putting your foot on the brake and then pushing the ignition key into a small slot on the console that might say "override" -- after moving aside the slot's cover. This releases the shift interlock that prevents your car from going until the interior is warm. I've never heard such a complaint from another Honda Civic owner, so there must be a fix for the problem.

Q. My car begins sounding "haunted" around Halloween because it sometimes emits squeals, screeches and other strange sounds. Should I be concerned? --J.S., Chicago

A. Noise is to a vehicle what pain is to a body -- a warning. And cold Chicago area weather brings out noises not heard during warm weather, which is kinder to vehicles. Such noises are clues that trouble is brewing. For instance, a squeal is a sharp noise that usually indicates a problem with the brakes, power steering, fan or air conditioning belt. A screech is typically caused by brake wear indicators that tell it's time for brake work. Squeaks can be caused by several things, such as belts, the water pump, alternator bearings or a pulley. A thump usually means a tire problem, and a clang indicates gear problems.

Car question? Send it to Dan Jedlicka, Chicago Sun-Times, 350 N. Orleans, Chicago 60654, or e-mail dan@danjedlicka.com. Include name and hometown.