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Q: How successful has Caltrans been in taking recycled rubber tires and using them to pave roads? Is there anything else the state is doing in this regard?

A: Oh my, yes, in a huge way. Recycling tires has helped to greatly reduce the number of tires going into California landfills, from 40 million down to 10 million a year. Recycled tires also lower pavement noise, pleasing nearby residents and drivers.

In addition, the state is testing recycled plastic water bottles for pavement work.

But all eyes are on Wales, which is using more than 100,000 recycled diapers to pave a road. In the United States, about 50 million diapers are stuffed into landfills every year. Plastic diapers are biodegradable but only after many years.

This lead a Washington Post reporter to write this great line, “No, it doesn’t smell like poop.”

Q: Your answer about warming up a cold engine was lacking. Modern car engines require little warm up. Just the time it takes to buckle your seat belt is enough. Taking it easy during your first few minutes of driving is the best, most efficient way to reach optimal engine temperature.

A: The original question was that mechanics told two people their cars needed 10-15 minutes to warm up. That’s not true. Your time reference is spot on.

Q: Last week Caltrans was at the Bascom Avenue exit from Interstate 880, replacing the sand barrels with a metal guardrail. Since this spot has historically been demolished by a car at least once a year, what’s the benefit of making this change?

A: A lot. A guardrail is more expensive to install, but does not require constant maintenance. It also reduces the severity of crashes.

Q: Going north on Highway 101 after SFO, several on-ramps merge onto the highway in South San Francisco. This happens in a very short distance. After recent Caltrans construction work, there are now lanes that merge with absolutely no warning. Cars typically exceed the speed limit here, and this is a fatality waiting to happen. I’d hoped this situation was temporary, but it appears to be permanent. Please ask them to have engineers re-examine this debacle.

A: I have alerted Caltrans. They will review the problem.

Q: What is a “kingpin to rear axle” and why is it required on certain roads?

A: It is a heavy metal cylindrical pin located underneath the front end of a trailer. The kingpin is the mechanism on the trailer that hooks to a road tractor. It is set at an angle to keep the vehicle stable during tight turns.

Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow, or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.

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