Those rolled-down windows aren’t a glitch … they’re a feature
Q:I own a 2018 Honda CRV. Imagine my surprise when I went to the garage and found all the windows and the moon roof totally open. My research showed that when you press the fob a certain way, either accidentally or on purpose, this happens. Imagine finding your car filled with water or snow.
The dealer claims not to know anything about this or saying this can’t be fixed. I have been unable to find anything in the Honda literature that even mentioned this. Tried to duplicate this, locked the car, then hit unlock once then a second time for about 10 seconds. Yep, that’s what happens. — J.W., Aurora, Ill.
A: As computer programmers like to say, “It is not a bug but a feature.” If your car was parked in the sun all afternoon, you may want to let it cool off before you get in. Many people open the doors for a few minutes to achieve this. Pressing the unlock button on the key fob and pressing and holding a second time until the windows begin to lower is a design feature.
Q: My wife and I use Fresh Cab to prevent mice in our travel trailer (camper) along with our lawn equipment and even the Weber grill when it goes in the shed for winter. The stuff smells great and it works! I would find mice nests in the grill and air intake of my zero-turn mower. I don’t want to jinx anything but it’s good. We buy it at Tractor Supply Co. I’m sure it’s available online. What isn’t? — C.D. Groton, Ill.
A: I am not familiar with this product but will pass along your information. I did, however, research the active ingredients: balsam fir oil, lavender oil, Spanish rosemary oil, cedar oil, orange oil, lemon oil and plant fibers. I would avoid putting it on a salad.
Q: My lovely wife and I have one car, a 2014 Mini Countryman with 48,500 miles. It drives like a dream and I am happy with it. She, on the other hand, thinks it is too small. OK, I can agree with that. So, I offered to buy her a Porsche Cayenne, but she doesn’t like its looks. So, I offered her a new Cadillac Hummer EV. She says it’s too big.
Aren’t we men supposed to be in charge of cars? If so, can’t I demand she makes up her mind and accepts one or the other? I would be happy with either one. Price is no object. She will listen to you. — R.J., Aventura, Fla.
A: I will gladly answer your question as soon as I find my 10-foot pole.
Q: I own a 2010 Subaru Forester with 80,000 miles and I plan to keep it for at least three more years. In 2017 I purchased a set of Continental tires rated for 70,000 miles. There are about 15,000 miles on those tires. A nail punctured the sidewall on one tire, which could not be repaired.
The place where I have my auto serviced stated I could not buy just one tire. I would have to purchase a full set or have the one I purchased shaved down to even out the wear, which would cost almost the same as a new set of four. Does that sound right? — M.M., Prospect Heights, Ill.
A: Yes, it does sound right. It is important that all four wheels are rotating at the same speed to prevent damage to the four-wheel-drive system. Tire Rack is the only company I know of that shaves tires.