Q. I have narrowed my choices between two non-hybrid SUV’S. They are the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4. What are the pros and cons of each vehicle and what would be your preference? I only drive 4000 miles per year, so fuel economy is not that important. I am more interested in reliability and handling. Interior size also really does not matter.
A. The Mazda CX-5 handles a bit better on twisty roads. The Toyota RAV4 rides a bit smoother and has Toyota legendary reliability. The interior of the Mazda depending on trim level is a bit nicer. Also, the engine performance with the Mazda may be a bit better, although in normal driving it would be hard to tell the difference between both vehicles. Personally, I would go with Toyota for reliability and resale value; Toyota products typically hold their value better than most cars.
Q. I have a 2013 VW Passat TDI which I bought new, it has just under 81,000 miles. I took it to the dealer and had oil and filter replace as well as the air filter and fuel filter. They also suggested having a transmission and brake fluids flushed. What are your thoughts regarding the flushing of these fluids?
A. Changing brake fluid on any vehicle every 3-5 years is a good idea. Brake fluid over time will attract moisture and moisture is the enemy of a modern brake system. Your Volkswagen TDI uses a dual clutch automatic transmission and changing the fluid (not flushing) every 60,000 miles is a recommendation by VW and one with which I would agree.
Q. My 2008 Toyota Corolla looks like it needs new low beam bulbs, When I look them up, I am confused are the low beams/daytime running lights 9005 or 9006?
A. A simple questions that has a bit of a complicated answer. The Toyota part number for a 1991-2016 Toyota is 9098113047. The part number 9098113047 is the manufacturer’s specific part number for a standard 9006 (also known as HB4) automotive bulb.
Q. Several months ago you discussed several different products to remove the haze on headlamps. Would you be able to list those products for me?
A. Cloudy headlights can block up to 90 percent of the usable light. Combining cloudy lenses with older weak bulbs and driving at night can become hazardous. The one I had the best luck with is the Sylvania Headlight restoration kit. The other is Mothers Headlight Restorer Kit. The Mother’s kit requires the use of a drill and polishing pad to clean up the lights. Readers have also recommended Turtle Wax headlight restoration kits. All the products require a certain amount of “elbow grease” to get satisfactory results. When you are satisfied with the results, use a headlight coating (sometimes included in the kits) to preserve the clarity. Also, I have never had success with “wipe on wipe off” products.
Q. My 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport (turbo engine) has just under 30,000 miles. I have always used synthetic oil (Mobil 1) and changed my own engine air filters. Since I only drive an average of 4,000 miles per year, I bring my vehicle to my mechanic for annual oil and oil filter changes. I also just recently rotated the tires. Lately, I have noticed the vehicle drives rough when I first start it. I have had issues with the turbo engine not smoothly engaging when I accelerate from a full stop or after slowing to make a turn. Multiple “software fixes” have been done by the dealer but the issue has not been resolved. My questions: could this be a simmering issue with transmission? Also every time I bring the vehicle for an inspection, I ask my mechanic if the brake fluid, transmission fluid, and antifreeze need to be changed/flushed. He always advises not to do it.
A. The hesitation is probably not a transmission issue but more of a fuel system problem. You could try a fuel system cleaner. Techron is my choice and it just pours into the gas tank. Try this with a combination of TopTier fuel. Go to toptiergas.com to find a station near you. Top tier has more fuel cleaning additives. Hyundai actually recommends a fuel additive every 2000 miles due to carbon build up which can cause hesitation and poor performance. As for the fluids, it is time to replace the coolant. The other fluids should be checked and replaced if they show signs of deterioration.
Q. What are your thoughts on “night vision” glasses? I see them advertised on social media all the time.
A. Years back I purchased a pair and saw no difference in driving at night. Every week I get an email from some random company selling night vision driving glasses. They always seem to be developed by some famous yet unnamed NASA engineer. Also when I ask to try out a set, they never respond. Based on my experience, save your money on these glasses and have your eyes checked every two years by a professional. Readers have you tried these glasses, let me know your thoughts.
Reader comments about speed bumps: A few weeks back a reader asked about going over speed bumps. I received several comments but the most thoughtful was from Leonard. I shorten up his thoughts for space. He said, “it’s a matter of physics.” If a driver approaches a speed bump without significantly slowing, the front wheels will hit the speed bump hard, because the force is both forward and downward. The initial shock is to the tires. If the degree of shock cannot be fully absorbed by the tires, the rims are next in line. Finally, the suspension will be subjected to repeated shocks and key components will fail prematurely. It is best therefore to gently coast up to the speed bump. When you feel the tires make contact, just give enough throttle to get the tires to roll over the bumps.
Do you have a car question? Email the Car Doctor for a personal reply. [email protected]