Q: Do you know of a way to clean the inside front windshield as well as the inside of the back window without contorting your body? It is always a difficult proposition to try to clean the film on those windows, which is especially bad when the sun hits the windows at certain angles while driving.

— L.C., Homer Glen, Ill.

A: There are tools that pivot and swivel much like a Swiffer, only much shorter. The cleaning pad is shaped like home plate to reach into the corners. Place a microfiber bonnet over the pad and clean away. I have used such a tool for many years. By the way, avoid washing microfiber cloths with soap or detergent. Clean water works best.

Q: Our 2011 Toyota Avalon with 68,000 miles has front seats that are heated and ventilated, which is very nice in the winter and summer. Lately, the ventilation does not seem to be working as well as it once did. On my last service visit to the dealer, I asked the service rep what they could do to check it. He said they could take the seats out and examine them. This sounded rather expensive, so I declined. Is there some relatively inexpensive way to restore the ventilation such as having the leather seats or vents cleaned?

— B.B., Mount Prospect, Ill.

A: Most likely, the perforations in the leather seats are becoming clogged. The safest route is to take the car to a professional detailer. If you are short on cash, you can clean the seats yourself. I have heard of several techniques but have never tried them. One is to use a soft bristle brush dipped into soap foam, not liquid. Gently brush and dry small areas at a time. Another route is to use a toothpick to gently poke out any debris. The weirdest one is to use a dental gum stimulator with a rubber tip to flick the stuff out of the holes. There must be a bazillion holes, but not all will be restricted. Nevertheless, it’s a job that I would not have the patience for.

Q: I read your suggestion about using Aquagel for keeping windshields clean. I’d like to get some for my daughter who parks her car on Chicago city streets. However, I’m having difficulty finding it at stores and online.

— F.P. Chicago

A: If you do an Internet search, just enter Aquapel (not Aquagel). Do not include PPG. Pittsburgh Glass Works is the current owner of the product and PGW was a part of PPG. Many auto parts stores carry the product, as do some big box stores.

Q: A friend has a Prius that he has driven for about 18 months and still has three-quarters of a tank of the original gas. How long will this gas last before it gels up? How does he know that the engine will even start after all that time when he needs it? Any suggestions as to what he should do?

— L.H., Mount Prospect, Ill.

A: Unlike diesel fuel that gels up when it gets cold, gasoline will not. Over time, though, gas loses some of its components. Gasoline is a blend of many chemicals. It is also a mixture of alkanes, alkenes and naphthenes. These light hydrocarbons evaporate over time causing “stale” gas. If the car is frugally driven, a fuel stabilizer such as Sta-Bil or Sea Foam can help. He shouldn’t have any trouble starting the car.

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ABOUT THE WRITER

Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by seeking certification every five years. Weber’s work appears in professional trade magazines and other consumer publications. His writing also appears in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest.

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