Q: The oil pressure gauge indicator in my 2000 Ford Explorer V-8 with 136,500 miles on it stays below the "low" mark until the engine is warmed up. The indicator then jumps to the middle of the gauge between the low and high marks. Also, should you let a car run for a few seconds before driving in both winter and summer? --S.S. Sr., Chicago

A: First, have the oil pressure checked with an outside gauge at a service facility to make sure the engine gets decent oil pressure even when cold. If not, you eventually will get a high engine repair bill. If the pressure reading checks out, the Explorer probably has an electrical problem. The best-case scenario would be just a bad gauge. And, yes, it's a good idea to let the engine idle for at least 15 seconds after starting it to allow oil to reach strategic engine parts in any type of weather.

Q: My 2006 Pontiac G6 information guide provides an oil life indicator that is supposed to be based on how I drive the car. What factors go into that calculation? I've been changing engine oil every 3,000 miles. But, with concerns over costs and the impact of old oil on the environment, I don't want to change it more often than necessary. --B.B., Chicago area

A: Late-model cars can safely go much farther between oil changes. Autos with sensors that determine oil condition keep tabs on such things as hours of engine operation and temperature and give readouts about engine oil condition, such as "50 percent of oil life remaining." Your type of driving has much to do with oil condition. For instance, lots of stop-and-go driving is considered "severe" and calls for more frequent oil changes. Follow maintenance intervals found in the owner's manual. And get receipts or your warranty might be voided if the car develops problems. Drained oil should be recycled, not put in the ground.

Q: I missed your AutoTimes review of the new Chrysler Sebring convertible. What did you think of it? --L.B., Geneva

A: I drove the Sebring convertible (April 2 AutoTimes) over a variety of Southern California roads during a Chrysler preview of the car and gave it a mostly favorable review. I particularly liked the retractable hardtop version, although that Sebring also comes with vinyl or cloth folding tops. Chrysler says some convertible owners insist on a regular soft top, although a retractable hardtop seems to make more sense in today's world. That top costs an extra $1,995 but isn't offered for the entry LX convertible. The LX has a vinyl top and a four-cylinder engine I found to be lazy. The Touring and Limited come with more powerful V-6s.

Q: A major consumer publication says it no longer recommends the 2007 Toyota Camry V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission. Have problems with the car been fixed for 2008? --M.S., Lombard

A: Toyota found a problem with sixth gear in that transmission in a "small number of very early'' 2007 Camry V-6 models and fixed it, says Toyota national spokesman Bill Kwong. However, the flaw led Consumer Reports to give the Camry V-6 an unfavorable mention. Kwong says there are no transmission problems with most 2007 Camry V-6s with that automatic, and none in such 2008 models.

Q: My 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix's engine occasionally dies during windy days, especially when taking a turn. Mechanics just give me blank stares. --A.K., Chicago

A: It's highly improbable that wind has anything to do with the problem. It might be caused when the fuel pressure regulator occasionally leaks fuel into a vacuum hose when you take your foot off the gas pedal when taking a turn (as most people do). If that's the case, the engine generally dies instead of starting right away, says Elmwood Park's Caira Automotive.

Q: I'm thinking about buying the new, small BMW 1 Series Coupe but wonder if I'd be better off with a larger 3 Series model. --E.H., Chicago

A: The success of BMW's Mini Cooper shows that more Americans are welcoming small, upscale cars. So wait to check out the new 1 Series Coupe, which goes on sale next spring. BMW says the car "draws inspiration'' from the automaker's small, sporty 1968-76 2002 four-seat model, which put BMW on the map in America. Like the 2002, the 1 Series is sporty, with rear-wheel drive and looks as if it will be a kick to drive. It will come as the 128i with a 230-horsepower six-cylinder engine -- and as the 135i with a twin-turbocharged 300 horsepower six-cylinder. No prices have been released, but at least the 128i should have a reasonable cost because it's meant to draw younger buyers.

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