GRAND DESIGNS
I disagree with your response to Sidney Hoffman where you recommend the Isuzu MU-X instead of the Jeep Grand Cherokee for towing. Yes, they both tow 3500kg, but the Isuzu’s four-cylinder has 140kW and 450Nm through a six-speed gearbox, the Jeep’s sixcylinder diesel has 184kW and 570Nm with an eight-speed. If I was regularly towing a heavy horse float, I know which I’d choose, but I may be biased as I own a Jeep. The Grand Cherokee also has a 93L fuel tank compared to the Isuzu’s 80L.
Michael Queale, email
The Jeep V6’s wall of torque and relatively smooth gearbox have helped the Grand Cherokee develop a strong towing fanbase. Tow tests show that V6 can be very thirsty however and it’s hard to overlook it’s now a ten-year-old model, soon to be replaced. I’d wait for the new generation due shortly, although it looks there won’t be a diesel.
MORE LIGHT SHED
Re: Toyota Aurion dull lights, you suggested manually adjusting the lights. Before doing so, check if they have internal electric headlight alignment and that it is up to its maximum height. Many owners have them set too low, hence poor forward light projection. Mike Fayle, email
Good advice. Owner’s manuals should provide instructions if it’s possible.
LOOK AHEAD
Re: dull Toyota Aurion lights, I have the same 2011 model and find the headlights to be effective both in low and high beam. From experience – I’ve held a licence since 1961
– I drive at night looking into the extended range of the headlights, not into the centre of the beam just over the bonnet line. It works for me and family members once demonstrated to them.
Graeme Wilson, email
Excellent advice. Looking further down the road is a great habit, be it night driving, on the motorway or through a corner.
RULES ARE RULES
What are the legal guidelines for installing LED headlight globes to vehicles that came standard with halogens? I’d like to install some. I’m led to believe it’s illegal, but what are the latest regulations?
Andrew Klotz, email
If a car didn’t come with LEDs as standard, fitting aftermarket LED globes isn’t legal. Globe supplier Narva says “the area actually remains unregulated,” but states LED globs aren’t Australian Design Ruleapproved simply because there isn’t an ADR to approve them against. The company’s blog on the subject is worth a read. More powerful halogen globes are an option to ensure you stay legal.
CHINESE DELIGHT
Re Dom Tripolone’s Haval H6 review and you saying you’d not buy one, we bought an H6 Lux last year. For $31,000 with a seven-year warranty it takes some beating. Engine’s powerful, road handling’s good and brakes are great. But Apple CarPlay’s hopeless and cuts out after 90 minutes.
Russell Moon, email
Great to have an owner’s review as you’re the ones living with these cars every day. Good to see you’re happy with your car, too. As for our review, we drive every new model on the market, so perhaps have a different perspective.
CRACKS FORMING
I’ve owned my 2014 Mercedes GLA 250 from new. I’ve discovered a crack in the glass panel between the windscreen and sunroof. The
Mercedes dealer says it’s $2700 to replace. My online research has shown this panel’s cracking or crazing has happened to many owners. Shouldn’t Mercedes replace this at no cost?
Robyn Doyle, email
I contacted Mercedes Benz and they ask for you to contact them directly to discuss your case. They told me: “Speaking in general, glass panels can be susceptible to impact damage in a similar way to a windscreen.” That likely sounds what’s happened to yours. Globally, other GLA owners have reported similar damage, many questioning why there’s a glass panel there in the first place. It’s an expensive fix, so I’d speak to an auto glazier and see if it can be repaired.
ON THE SURFACE
My son’s 2016 Honda City has rusty wheels. It was still in warranty when reported, but Honda has refused a free repair saying it’s just surface rust caused by environmental conditions. I believe it’s been caused by faulty materials as the rest of the car has no paint damage, our roads are never salted and it’s almost always garaged. The wheel paint has failed in its purpose.
Bruce Bowering, email
Your photos show the black paint on the steel wheels looks thin, but this is typical on wheels hidden under wheel covers. Honda has responded to me saying “the paint concern with the steel wheels is the result of an external influence, not a manufacturing defect.” It’s such a quick and easy fix, perhaps the Honda dealer could have gone above and beyond to just sort it, but no luck this time I’m afraid. Get a steel brush or steel wool to remove the surface rust, then respray with a rustinhibiting paint.
I take issue with you saying a car’s battery life “is about three to five years”. It’s heavily dependent on climate. In nearly 60 years of motoring in Australia’s north, I’ve found average battery life is rarely over two years. Here in Darwin, anything more is a bonus. Robert Fox, email
Fair call, it’s a tough climate up there. I note battery brand SuperCharge sells Gladiator batteries – suited to extreme hot climates – with a 48-month warranty for non-commercial use. They have dealers in Darwin and may be worth a try.