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Viewer-submitted inquiries for The Auto Health practitioner:
Honda HR-V
Q. I have found that you often suggest the Honda HR-V. My spouse and I test-drove it when it was to start with promoted and made the decision not to buy it for a amount of motives, generally since of extreme cowl shake at 5-50 miles for every hour. This is a dilemma that was also mentioned in a number of automotive publications. I am wanting to know if this trouble has now been tackled.
A. I have not pushed the 2023 design but did not discover cowl shake in the earlier products that I street-analyzed. The preceding HR-V was based mostly on the Honda Healthy, which has been discontinued. Though I only highway-check motor vehicles for about 1 7 days, I do not recall cowl shake in any Hondas that I have driven. Like the more substantial Honda CR-V, the cabin of the HR-V can get a little bit buzzy, and the trip is a little bit severe on the freeway. But in general, ride and managing were being protected. Like lots of small SUVs, I would have liked a little additional electric power from the engine. But all round, the versatile inside, very good resale worth and all round dependability make the Hone JR-V an simple auto to endorse.
Window-cleaning guidelines
Q. I am practically 80 and can’t thoroughly clean the inside of of the rear window of my Toyota Avalon because of my age and the slant of the glass. I saw anything on Television with a manage that seemed like a flyswatter with a sponge on the close. Are you common with anything like this? Also, do you have any window-cleansing ideas? We utilised to use newspapers but that does not appear to be to function the way I keep in mind. I want to get rid of that film buildup.
A. I have also observed that window cleaning products “as witnessed on Tv.” I have in no way utilised just one, but the plan of a lengthy-handled device that is versatile and springy adequate to preserve even force on the window is a good a person. I have uncovered that the important to clean up windows is a great top quality window cleaner (Spayway and Invisible Glass are each good). When you are pleased the home windows are clear, go above them with a very good microfiber cloth. You are suitable about newspapers quite a few now are designed from article-customer recycled fiber which is fantastic for the surroundings but doesn’t clean up home windows.
Motor vehicle servicing charges
Q. I have a 2014 Toyota Avalon hybrid and the dealer advised I get a transmission fluid adjust and gas injector assistance at a whole price of $350. Is that realistic? Also, need to I be contemplating of a new 12-volt battery within a calendar year or so?
A. Although transforming the transmission fluids and cleansing the gas injectors can’t damage general performance, it is not a required support. The vendor is very likely recommending this support dependent on time and mileage, but not by any real inspection of the fluid or fuel injector situation. As for the 12-volt battery, at 9 decades previous it still may perhaps have a small existence in it. The 12-volt battery does not guide a specifically hard daily life in a hybrid, as it is seriously only there to switch on the car’s electronics.
Q. My 2014 Chevy Equinox is a terrific jogging truck with 40,000 miles. The dealership a short while ago explained to me I required to service the cooling program ($229.95) and the brake fluid ($189.95), declaring the chemical compounds break down after five many years. What do you believe?
A. In accordance to Typical Motors, if the coolant level is taken care of appropriately, the coolant does not need to have to be serviced until eventually 150,000 miles. Relating to the brake fluid, Chevrolet does not have a particular interval for substitute, but AAA tests has demonstrated that brake fluid can fail and come to be contaminated soon after just three decades of regular use.
Tires
Q. I have a tire problem. The details plate on my 1977 Plymouth states the front tires really should have 28 PSI of strain and the rear tires 32 PSI of stress. My mechanic retains them at 32 PSI in all 4 corners. I am utilizing Firestone, 225/70R/15 tires. Would it make a big difference to go with the information plate specs or maintain them at 32 PSI?
A. Usually I would go with the car specs, but in this situation, 32 PSI of tension all around is a fantastic starting level. Preserve in thoughts that in 1977, this car or truck did not occur with radial tires. If you want a tiny more managing and a little bit softer experience, reducing the entrance tire pressure a couple kilos will in principle make improvements to the get hold of patch of the tire tread to the street. A very little far more speak to may well give you a little improved steering experience. But if you are satisfied with the experience and dealing with, remain with the 32PSI.
