‘Car Doctor’ most-read Q&As of 2024 in The Providence Journal
John Paul, an ASE-Certified Master technician, has been answering readers’ questions on their car troubles for The Providence Journal for several years.
We’ve put together this compilation of the most popular Q&As on our website in hopes of helping others with their auto issues.
Q: My 2019 Toyota Camry XLE − with an automatic transmission and a 4-cylinder engine − has 30,000 miles on it. Should I change the transmission fluid now or at 60,000 miles?
A: Toyota considers the transmission fluid a lifetime fill. This is unless you tow a trailer, use a car-top carrier or carry heavy loads.
Otherwise, the recommendation is every five years or 60,000 miles − whichever comes first. So, unless there is a leak of some sort and you drive reasonably, it is not required. Could you do it now because the fluid is five years old? Absolutely. It could help extend the life of the transmission.
More:When should I change the transmission fluid in my vehicle? | Car Doctor
Q: What should I expect to pay to replace the transmission in my 2014 Ford Escape?
A: The answer really depends on how the replacement is handled. On average, a new transmission costs $3,500 to $4,500. Then add in about 12 hours of labor. A remanufactured transmission could range from $2,500 to $3,500. The cheapest option is a used transmission from $1,500 to $2,500.
More:What should I expect to pay to replace the transmission in my 2014 Ford? | Car Doctor
Q: Do you know of any reliable Volkswagen mechanics? I have a 2010 VW New Beetle convertible (Final Edition). Whenever I need to take it in for repairs or maintenance, I take it to the local VW dealer, but it is so expensive. I just do not know anyone else to trust. I’d really appreciate your advice.
A: Finding a good repair shop can be as difficult as finding a good doctor. I would start by asking friends and neighbors who they use. Check with neighborhood Facebook pages for local recommendations.
AAA has approved repair shops that offer two-year, 24,000-mile warranties and labor discounts, as well as other benefits, including arbitration. Go to aaa.com/repair to find a shop near you.
More:Do you know of any reliable Volkswagen mechanics? | Car Doctor
Q: I have a 2018 Toyota Camry with 89,000 miles on it. I recently had an oil change done, and they said the pads on the front and rear brakes were down to 3 millimeters. Should I have them replaced right away? Could I do the front first and then do the rear at a later time? This is the first time either set would be replaced. Would it make sense to change the brake fluid at the same time?
A: New brakes pads are generally about 10 to 12 millimeters thick. At 3 millimeters, the brakes are just about worn out and should be replaced. Replacing the front and rear brakes at the same time may save a little money and, certainly, your time without a car.
Replacing the brake fluid is a great idea when servicing the brake system. Additionally, if you are keeping this car, replacing the brake rotors is money well spent.
More:At 3mm, should I have the brake pads replaced right away? | Car Doctor
Q: I am shopping for a used car. What do you think about bringing along a computer scan tool to test the car before buying it? Do you think the dealer or private seller would mind?
A: I think scanning the computer for problems helps both you as the buyer and also helps the seller. In addition to fault codes, knowing when the last time the check engine light was on is helpful.
Some unscrupulous sellers will disconnect the battery to clear any warning lights, without fixing a problem. If the codes were just cleared, I would be suspicious that something was going on.
Also, depending on the scan tool, you can see the actual miles versus the displayed miles on the odometer. While I was recently playing around with my Innova 7111 scan tool, a neighbor asked me to look at a car she was considering buying. The car looked good, fairly low miles, and no check engine light. When I scanned all the modules in the car, I came up with 72 faults. Just based on this revelation, my suggestion was to keep looking.
More:Should I bring a scan tool when looking for a used car? | Car Doctor
Q: How would I go about getting brighter headlights on my 2017 Honda CRV?
A: I would first start with new headlight bulbs. Typically, headlight bulbs dim after three years or so. Also, make sure the lenses are perfectly clear. Cloudy lenses can block up to 90% of the light.
Another option is brighter bulbs. As an example, Sylvania makes the Silver Star-Plus. These bulbs are whiter and brighter, but they do have a shorter life.
You might find LED replacement headlight bulbs, but I don’t recommend them. Some of these vary in quality and none are legal for on-road use. I recently read of a story of an owner of a 2022 Toyota that added LED bulbs and it burned a circuit in the computer system, necessitating an expensive repair.
More:How would I go about getting brighter headlights on my 2017 Honda CRV? | Car Doctor
Q: I can’t wax my car in winter, since I don’t have a heated garage. Is car wash wax a good alternative, or is it simply better than nothing?
A: There is nothing like a good hand-applied wax; it could be pasting wax, liquid or even a spray wax.
Spray wax at a car wash does provide a little protection for the paint and adds a bit of a shine. It also tends to rejuvenate any remaining wax. The downside of spray wax is that you are also applying wax to the windows.
If you opt for spray wax at the car wash, in my opinion, it is always a good idea to clean the windows with a quality window cleaner to prevent haze and glare.
More:Is car wash wax a good alternative in the winter for my vehicle? | Car Doctor
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email [email protected] and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on X @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
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