Q. I have a 2019 Genesis G70 with Brembo Brakes and electric parking brake. It is time to replace the rear brake pads. The rotors are smooth and within thickness tolerance. I believe that the parking brake is contained within the rotor hub (common with most cars today). My question is do I need a special scan tool to release/reset the parking brake, or can I push the pistons back as normally done? If I do need the scan tool, which one would you recommend for the Genesis?
A. I will start by saying I have never replaced the rear brakes on that model. Yes, you are correct that unlike some cars the E-parking brake uses brake shoes not an electronic caliper. The brake cables are pulled with an electric motor rather than a hand lever. Although Genesis (in two repair manuals) never states anything about an electronic parking brake reset when replacing brake pads although they do mention it when doing a parking brake shoe replacement. The service manual does show a special tool to push the caliper pistons in, although it looks like something you could do with two flat screwdrivers. Today there are dozens of scan tools that can handle this function (if needed). I have the Innova 5610 that I have used for parking brake resets. The Innova 5610 is very capable and has decent price. I also have a Harbor Freight Icon T-10 which is pricy but handles every situation I have encountered.
Q. I have a 2024 Subaru Forrester all-wheel-drive, and I got a gash in the right rear tire, so it had to be replaced. I have 16,000 miles on the car and the tread on the new tire is about 2/32 or 1/16 Higher than the other rear tire. The tire people told me I did not need to replace both tires in the rear or even get all four new tires. Could you give me some thoughts on this? The car is a lease, which is up in about six months.
Car Doctor: ‘In a recent column one reader was asking about getting a smaller car’
A. Here is what Subaru recommends. Replacement tires should be within 1/4-inch of tire circumference or about 2/32-inch of each other in remaining tread depth. Based on that and especially as a rear tire I do not see a problem. An additional option if only replacing one tire, especially with very expensive tires, is to have the new replacement shaved down to match the tread depth of the other tires.
Q. Your answer to your readers’ questions are informative and very often entertaining. Realizing the primary purpose for your column is to answer questions from readers, but at times you do otherwise educate. This is especially true of drivers who do not know or understand the significant difference between automatic-on headlights and DRLs (daytime running lights). How often do we come upon other drivers in pouring rain or dead of night driving on DRLs, not headlights. As a vehicle salesperson for years it was a point in my new owner orientation to point out the difference and the switch gear operation.
A. Nearly every state has a law that states lights-on with wipers or lights-on during times of limited visibility. Daytime-running lights (which could be low beams, parking lights or high beams run at a lower voltage) may provide illumination but do not turn on the rear lights. When driving in poor weather conditions it is always best to manually turn on the headlights, just do not forget to turn them off when you stop.
Q. I have a 2017 Acura MDX, which I purchased new and has it been garaged throughout its life and has approximately 50,500 miles on it. I bring it to the dealer every six months for oil, filter change, and anything else they suggest. At my most recent visit, they suggested radiator flush and transmission fluid change for about $1200 total. Also, they mentioned the timing chain, and it may be time to change it which is a lot of money. I understand the radiator/transmission work but the timing chain? Shouldn’t I just avoid the timing chain for now? What’s your experience with that timing chain? I know if it goes, the engine dies. It that were to happen, I think I would just get rid of the car and buy a new car. Your thoughts?
A. If it were my car I would wait until the on-board Maintenance Minder told me to do the service. The indicator for the timing belt (not timing chain) is 4 – although there is a note to change it at 60,000 miles if you routinely drive at temperatures above 110 degrees or below -20 degrees. Although it gets hot and cold in our area, the key word is routinely, so I think you are safe on that. Transmission fluid displays as 3 and radiator flush at 5. Now if they checked the transmission fluid –which is unlikely since there is no dipstick and saw contamination yes change it. The same with the coolant if they checked it and it was dirty and not protecting the car to -34, then change it. Other than that let the factory maintenance minder pick the intervals. Years ago, Honda/Acura would state replace coolant at 120,000 miles, timing belt at 105,000. Today maintenance recommendations are based on the electronic calculation of the Maintenance Minder and maybe a little common sense thrown in for good measure.
Q. What do you think of the Ford Mustang Mach-E? I am considering an electric car, and I like the looks of this one.
A. There is a lot to like about the Mustang Mach-E. The tech works very well, everything from the large display to the Blue Cruise is well thought out. The car handles well and rides smoothly. Depending on the battery, the range can be up to 350 miles and also has very quick acceleration. Yes, there is Mustang DNA in this car. My biggest issue with this car is the name. I hate the name, which is perhaps a generational issue. If Ford just called it the Mach-E, I would be happy.
Reader comments: After a recent column where I questioned the benefit of night driving-yellow glasses, several readers have emailed me the “night-driving” glasses have worked for them. What is interesting is the positive comments come from reader with blue, hazel, or green eyes. I have found no difference with my brown eyes. So perhaps eye color is the key. Ophthalmologists feel free to weigh in.
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