Q. I have a 2019 Acura RDX and I am thinking of buying a new set of tires. The car came with Continental Cross Contact lX sport 235/55 R19.
Continental offers a Continental True Contact Touring tire that is the same size tire and about the same cost but claims it has a longer life. My question is: Can I put these tires on my car without any problems? A. The tires are the same size but slightly different.
The Cross Contact is a V-rated tire with a speed rating of 149 mph. The True Contact has a lower speed rating of 130 mph (H-rated) with a slightly deeper tread (which adds to a bit longer life). Also, the V-rated tire can carry slightly more weight than the H-rated tire.
Unless your vehicle specifically requires a higher-performance V-rated tire, which is unlikely, both tires appear to be approved for the vehicle. Depending on your driving style and performance demands, the True Contact tires are a suitable replacement. Q.
I am getting my fuel injectors cleaned on my 2014 Toyota Camry. Does it matter how much gas I have in the tank? A. Typically, when a fuel injection service is performed the tech will clean the throttle plate and then disconnect the fuel supply and run the cleaner under pressure directly into the fuel system to clean the injectors.
The other more time-consuming method is to remove the injectors and clean them individually. In either case, the amount of fuel in the tank does not matter. Q.
I recently bought a new Dodge Challenger with a 5.7-liter hemi V8 engine. The owner’s manual for this car says there will be an oil change indicator message when an oil change is due.
It does not indicate a specific mileage interval for oil changes, which is what I have had with previous vehicles I have owned. I recently watched a YouTube video on hemi engine break- in which recommends doing the first oil change at 1,500 miles due to small metal fragments floating around from the original machining of the engine. I would appreciate your advice on whether to do the first oil change at 1,500 miles or wait for the oil change indicator message.
A. This is what Dodge states: Change engine oil as indicated by the Oil Change Indicator System. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), one year or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first.
If this were my car, I would change the oil at six months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. Today’s engines are built with a combination of precise machining and assembly. The different components are built to much higher/tighter manufacturing tolerances than just 20 years ago.
I had the opportunity to see a modern engine plant and the cleanliness was exceptional and all parts were cleaned before assembly. Also, it is good to let the piston rings set/wear in with the original oil when the engine was assembled. I would just keep an eye on the oil level until that first oil change and add if necessary.
Q. I need help with my car, it is a 2001 Toyota Brevis with an automatic transmission. The problem is as follows: on the dashboard, the following lights are illuminated- ABS, VSC, and traction Control.
These lights are all orange if that makes a difference. There is also a red warning light for brake hydraulics. Whenever in traffic, once the cars have been told to move, I always have to press the gas pedal hard for the car to begin moving.
Once it begins moving, it moves at a very low speed even if you press the gas pedal harder, you feel the engine using a lot of force at high RPMs while the car is still moving at a very low speed, then after about 500 meters, it stabilizes and begins engaging the gears normally. What is wrong? A. Since I had never heard of a Brevis, I needed to do a little research and it appears to be a luxury car remarkably similar to the Lexus IS sold here in the states.
The red brake light is the issue I would be most concerned with. This could be an electrical or a hydraulic failure that could lead to having a complete loss of brakes. If there is a failure with the main part of the brake system, typically the ABS, traction control and stability control system will shut down.
I would start a road test with a qualified technician and then a scan of the brake system to look for codes. One rather simple issue with the vehicle, or at least the Lexus equivalent, is the brake light switch fails. When this happens the brakes are constantly applied, which could be the reason for the poor acceleration.
Q. Our 2013 Nissan Pathfinder’s starter push button has pushed through the dash several times over the years, and it is difficult to reach behind the dash to put it back in place. We are always concerned when someone else drives the car that this will happen.
Are you aware of this being normal or a recall for this car? A. The problem certainly is not normal but typical of several Nissan vehicles. The usual problem is the mount on the switch breaks and that causes the switch to become loose and fall out.
You are correct. It is difficult to get your hand behind the dash and push it back in place. If you were able to get a good look at the switch, typically the ears on the back of the switch break and cause the switch to become loose.
Q. I am looking at three vehicles all different but similar — sort of. The first is a Ford Edge, the second is a Nissan Murano and the third is a Genesis GV70.
They are all a few years old with less than 35,000 miles. Which would you buy? A. If you look at satisfaction surveys, the Genesis comes out on top followed by Ford and then Nissan.
The GV 70 to me just feels more sophisticated with a more balanced ride than the Ford. The Ford Edge does offer more passenger room and a roomier cargo area. The Murano has a great V-6 engine but unfortunately is connected to a CVT transmission which hampers the overall driving experience.
Since they are all a few years old I would have each looked at by a qualified technician looking for both mechanical issues as well as prior body damage. For me, I would choose the Genesis for a combination of ride, comfort and handling. It also has much of its original factory warranty.
Got a car question? Email the Car Doctor for a personal reply at [email protected]. John Paul is an automotive consumer advocate with AAA.
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