Category: Automotive

Q: My 2023 GV80 has a lot of bells and whistles and one of them is the engine turning off at stop lights to save gas. I noticed that the feature had stopped working so I took the vehicle back to the dealership. Two hours after my appointment time, it was returned to me with the statement that there was no error code and there were many things that could affect that feature from operating correctly. I was surprised but they offered nothing more.

Tesla is recalling almost 700,000 vehicles because of an issue with the warning light on the tire pressure monitoring system.

Q: I recently took my Jeep in for routine service including the replacement of the driver’s side headlamp. I know that it’s a pain to replace, but $650 to replace the bulb seems to me to be outrageous! The dealership said the HID ballast alone was about $450. I asked if I could switch to LED technology instead and was told no. Is it true that LEDs are not an option? Should I move on to an independent mechanic?

Q: I have a question that I haven’t seen you address before. I bought a 2018 Ford Taurus with a V-6 a few years ago. The dealership said the oil should be changed every 5,000 miles or 6 months. I don’t drive that much, so it was changed every 6 months. I now have a Honda CR-V EX-L 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.

Q: My main concern is if it should be any more of an issue than just a temporary nuisance I can live with. Your expert take on this?

A: Back in the day, fuel systems, gaskets and such were made using materials that didn’t tolerate alcohol very well. That day is long gone.

Q: I live in Chicago and have a deep-cycle battery for my pop-up camper that I keep in my unheated garage between trips. I have it on a maintenance charger. Should I bring it indoors during the Chicago winter, or will the charger keep it ready (and undamaged) for next season?