Car Doctor Q&A

Q With Covid and my concern about vacation travel we purchased a used Class-c motorhome. We really like it, but it would be handy to have a car too. Can I tow a 2006 Toyota Prius with a dolly? That is front wheels on the dolly rear wheels on the ground is the set up I’m looking at.

A There is no reason you can’t do this. The Toyota Prius is front wheel drive, so the drive wheels need to be off the ground. Flat towing a Prius even a short distance will damage the transmission. A quick look on some RV forums as well as the “knowyourtoyota” Youtube video confirms the ability to tow a Prius with a tow-dolly. Of course, you need to check local laws when is comes to towing any vehicle or trailer.

Q My 2010 Nissan Frontier pickup needs a new battery and I see many different options available, with prices ranging from $80-$250+. Since I live in a climate with mild winters and it’s not my primary vehicle (I drive it sparingly, about 5000 miles and mostly during the summer months), I was considering going with whatever was the lowest price. Should I go cheap in my situation? What are your thoughts overall on value/economy batteries? Is there that much of a difference in quality and expected lifespan between 3-month and 3-year warranty batteries?

A I’m a big believer in cost, quality relationships, although paying a premium doesn’t always guarantee a premium product. That being said one place I won’t scrimp is with a car battery. The battery in today’s cars is critical to the overall operation of the various computer systems and well as proper operation of the starter. If your vehicle needs a battery and you plan on keeping the car for a while purchase a quality battery with rating that is equal or exceeds the original battery, with a robust warranty. Typically, the longer the warranty the higher the cranking capacity as well as reserve capacity of the battery.

Q I have a Jeep Patriot latitude. The radio stopped working, the only noise is static. Any thoughts?

A Generally, if there is noise and static but no radio stations then it is an antenna problem. If the radio has a CD player or aux to hook up a phone/ ipod and if that works, it confirms an antenna issue. If it is the radio itself, you may find it is cheaper to replace the radio with an aftermarket unit from and auto electronics store than having the factory radio repaired. Today there are plenty of reasonable priced aftermarket radio choices. With a radio upgrade you can add Bluetooth compatibility, satellite radio and improved sound.

Q I have a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. I feel a slight vibration in the transmission between 35 and 45 miles per hour or whenever the transmission is about to shift with very little acceleration. The dealer has checked it out on several occasions and finds nothing wrong with it. Is this normal or is it my imagination? I’m frustrated.

A Hyundai has a issued a bulletin that could improve some shift feel. Although what you are feeling is likely a characteristic of the transmission. Your description of what you are feeling and speed at which it happens is typical when the transmission is in high gear and the torque convertor is locked-up into direct drive and the engine is lugging a bit. This condition in the past was referred to as transmission “chuggle”. The best method to determine of this is a problem or characteristic and to road test exactly the same vehicle. IF your car feels different, then it can be repaired. If they all act the same, it is more of a characteristic/condition and may be normal.