Dear Jim,

I drive a 2000 Cadillac Escalade and I have to keep replacing blown fuses for the air conditioner. It seems that whenever I set the fan to high speed, the fuse blows. It also happens whenever the fan is on medium speed for a long period of time, and I've replaced the fuse a bunch of times already this summer. Otherwise, the air conditioning works fine. What do you think the problem is?

-- Laura Foley

The problem is with the A-C blower motor, sister. You need a new one.

This time of year is really hard on these units because of the extra work they do, and out here in the desert your Cadillac's blower motor probably has been seeing some very heavy labor. Over time, certain parts within it -- brushes, rotor, commutator -- start to wear out. Nothing is technically broken yet, but all that wear has made the motor less efficient, causing it to draw more current from the electrical system just to keep up. More current through the circuit means more generated heat, and too much heat means a blown fuse every time.

The good news is that a new blower motor won't cost nearly as much a new A-C compressor, which a lot of drivers find themselves suddenly needing in the hottest part of summer. But until that worn-out blower motor is replaced, sister, this annoyance won't go away -- not even in the winter months ahead. The car's heating system uses the same blower, so you're likely to have the same problem once the mercury drops low enough that you need warming up.

Tip of the Week:

Just a few weeks ago, we talked about one reader's trouble with electrolysis caused by mild electrical current leaking into the car's cooling system. Well, I just came across a coolant treatment product called "Kool-It" that's designed to address that very problem. At about eight bucks per 16-ounce bottle, not only will it prevent damaging electrolysis from happening, but it will prevent radiator corrosion, lower the engine's operating temperature and reduce the chance of overheating.

So check this stuff out, drivers, but remember the cooling system basics too: Double check that you're using an optimum 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Cold nights aren't that far off, and running into freezing weather -- either locally or when traveling -- can crack open an engine block if you're just using plain water.

Buffalo Jim, owner of Allstate Auto & Marine Repair in Las Vegas, writes a weekly column. Send your automotive questions to him at buffalojim@lasvegasniftynickel.com. If Jim picks your question to answer in Nuts & Bolts, you'll also be the proud recipient of a deck of official Buffalo Jim playing cards, presented in a classy, tin box bearing his hairy image.