Q. We need to drive our car more so it will pass the emission test. What speed and for how long? Please help!
A. Most cars will set the various emissions monitors in a mixture of city and highway driving. Although there is no actual number of miles, most shops will tell you to drive 100 miles or so. It is important that your driving is both low speed under 30 miles per hour and higher speeds up to 55 miles per hour. Also to set the EVAP monitor you need to keep the fuel tank above ¼ of a tank and under 3/4 ‘s of a tank. Depending on your car, there are methods to speed up this procedure with a very specific driving procedure.
Q. I need a battery boost and from someone who knows how to open stuck hood. I used to open from under dash latch with no problem but now I can’t. I don’t want my car towed because in my neighborhood I don’t want to give up parking spot. What can I do?
A. Most tow truck drivers can work around a stuck hood. The issue is a jumpstart will get the engine going but will not fully charge your car’s battery. The car’s alternator is designed to maintain a battery and not fully charge a dead battery. You could have the battery replaced with a fully charged battery so you can hold onto your parking spot. Although it almost seems like if your car is sitting without being used long enough for the battery to become fully discharged, perhaps you don’t need a car.
Q. I am specifically considering the Lexus hybrid and the Acura RDX among luxury SUVs. I know Volvo puts out a good product, but I think anything from Honda or Toyota is a no brainer due to their reliability and quality. I’m not in a rush to buy, but the value of my 2015 vehicle seems to be appreciating, likely due to its excellent condition and current market trends. Your thoughts.
A. The Lexus RX hybrid is an exceptionally good vehicle and I solid pick. The Acura either RDX or larger MDX are also very dependable and hold their value. Years ago, I was told that Toyota/Lexus was the belt and suspender company. Meaning that Toyota takes multiple safety measures to prevent something from going wrong, typically more than necessary, and that is still the case today.
Q. My Mazda 6 has reached 60,000 miles. Should I have a mechanic check my car’s car belts and any other things?
A. Depending on previous maintenance, at 60,000 miles your repair shop should check the condition of the drive belts and coolant hoses, replace the engine coolant and brake fluid. Depending on the age of the tires and how you drive, inspect those as well. When the car gets up to 75,000 miles it is time for spark plug replacement. If the car still has the original tires those are also likely to need replacement. This would be the ideal time to ask your repair shop to perform a thorough checkup. If you have a check-up performed annually it is much easier to plan for repairs as they come up in the future.
Q. I have a 2018 Ford Expedition Max that is purchased new from the dealer. It has the EcoBoost twin turbo engine and 10 speed transmission. The issue is the transmission; it has been in to the dealer five or six times for slipping gears and loss of power. What can I do?
A. I was optimistic about this transmission since it was a collaboration between Ford and General Motors. Unfortunately, both GM and Ford have had their share of issues with internal leaks in the transmission at cause a variety of issues usually around the four to sixth gear change. The repair is typically a complete replacement of the transmission.
Q. I have seen you mention Mike Finnigan and Tony Angelo on YouTube, who else do you watch? I personally like Scotty Kilmer and The Car Care Nutt.
A. I do like watching YouTube videos where the hosts accurately diagnose and repair the vehicle. Some that I enjoy are Eric at South Main Auto both for his humor and having to deal with rusty cars. Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics and Mr Subaru are good. For VW and Audi vehicles, the Humble Mechanic and Deutsche Auto Parts channels are quite good. For outright entertainment and just making old cars run and drive, Derrick at Vice Grip Garage is very talented. I also have become a fan of Sarah-N-Tuned for her outrageous attention to detail.
Q. I am putting away my winter car and just recently purchased a Mazda Miata for summer driving. What should I do with my very dependable Toyota Matrix?
A. I would start with an oil change and topping off all the vital fluids. Give the car thorough cleaning inside and out and apply wax to protect the paint. Depending where it will be stored a car cover is always a good idea. I like the idea of using a battery maintainer to keep the battery fully changed. If that is not possible, at least disconnect the battery. Air up the tires to the maximum inflation pressure. I also park outside but put some pieces of construction foam insulation under each tire to eliminate flat spots. I also take a pool noodle and cut it to fit and put them around the wiper blades. Top off the fuel tank and add a gas stabilizer. I usually put in a couple of tubs of moisture eliminator/dehumidifier. In your case, one on the front floor and one in the cargo area. I put tubs on a disposable pie plate just in case they tip over. I usually pull out the seat belts and buckle them to prevent mildew stains on the webbing. I would also avoid using the parking brake when storing a car.
Do you have a car question? Email the Car Doctor for a personal reply: jpaul@aaanortheast.com.
