Batteries in idle vehicles can become discharged
Q . We had to call AAA recently as my wife’s car wouldn’t start. AAA replaced her battery last March when the same thing happened. This time they put their charger/jumper on the battery and told us to leave it running for a while. My wife parks her car in our garage while mine stays outside in the driveway. Prior to this recent AAA call my wife’s car was not driven for close to three weeks. I thought driving it once a week for 20 to 30 minutes should be enough to keep the battery charged. The AAA guys said it should be driven every couple days to keep the battery charged. My car sat for two weeks last winter while we were away and it started right up when we got back. What’s your opinion on keeping the car battery from dying?
A . Some vehicles can go months and still start right up. With others, the battery can become discharged after only two weeks. It is always best to drive any vehicle once a week for 30 minutes, providing you start with a fully charged battery. At this point, the battery should be fully charged using a battery charger and then the car should be checked for a parasitic drain (some electrical component that doesn’t shut down when the key is off). Also, if the car is a push-button start car don’t leave the keys near the car. The proximity key starts to wake electronics up when it gets close to the car, which can cause the battery to discharge.
Q . Why are my power windows on my 2011 Chevrolet Equinox so slow in winter? In warm weather the windows open and close quickly, in the winter the windows seem to struggle.
A . The window is likely binding in the track. Start with checking for a defective seal and/or proper seal installation. It also could be debris in the glass run channel. Finally, check for any loose fasteners and retorque to specification as required. Once this is completed, lubricate the window regulator. If this doesn’t fix the issue, check the battery voltage to the motor. If the voltage is correct, the window lift motor may need replacement.
Q . The engine temperature in my Honda CR-V seems low and I have trouble getting the cabin warm enough to be comfortable. What should I do?
A . The problem is most likely a lazy thermostat. The engine thermostat in most cars starts to circulate coolant between 180-205 degrees. If the thermostat is stuck open or opening early the coolant will not get hot enough to warm the cabin.
Q . My wife and I have a 2021 Hyundai Palisade and a 2019 Genesis G 90. Two fine cars and we are pleased with both. But each time we go for service I often pay hundreds of dollars even without the customary oil change. The dealer recommended I change the air and cabin filters but rejected the associate’s cleaning the fuel injectors for $250. They also recommended a brake fluid flush at 15,000 and I demurred. Online research later indicated it certainly could have waited. The question I have is this: Are the associates compensated in part on what “services” the customers agree to? If that is the case, I think your readers would be more cautious when having their vehicle serviced.
A . In many cases service advisors or service writers are paid a commission plus a base salary, just like many sales positions. My suggestion is to follow the recommendations in the vehicle owner’s manual. As an example, the manual may state to replace the air filters every three years, the dealer may suggest every year. The fuel injection cleaning (which can be useful) isn’t even a recommended Hyundai service. The brake fluid service
for the Hyundai is performed at 30,000 miles according to the owner’s manual, not 15,000 miles. Q . I finally feel that I have made it and can buy just about any vehicle I want (well up to $125,000). I’m thinking of an SUV of some sort. Ehat would you buy? We have three children, and we are all active (skiing, kayaking and sports) I have an Audi now and it is a lease, but it has been a little problematic, I was thinking about the Maserati Levante as one possible choice. What would you do?
A . The Maserati is an interesting choice, it is fast, loud, and not something you see on the road often. It also lacks storage space and is at the top of your budget. At $125,000, the interior to me seems a little plain. Two others to look at are the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which won the New England Motor Press winter vehicle award, and something I evaluated recently, the 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 First Edition. This is a three-row, very capable SUV powered by in the case of my tester a 395-horsepower V-6 engine. The performance was very good, the ride comfortable and it certainly turned heads wherever I drove it. Like many Land Rover products, I wasn’t a fan of the infotainment system (although the voice command worked well) and the full-size spare tire mounted on the back of the vehicle, although it makes the Defender look even bigger than it is, it has me concerned if it gets bumped in traffic. Our Land Rover Defender’s long-wheel base version is well under your budget at $93,000.
Q . I am considering an electric car and I realize range is less when the weather gets cold. What, if anything, can I do to maximize range and minimize recharging in cold weather?
A . If charging at home you can set your charger/vehicle to warm the cabin in cold weather while still plugged in. You may also find out that the seat heater uses far less electricity than most cabin heaters. Also, when traveling many electric cars can precondition the batteries for faster charging. Allowing the GPS system to find a charger will allow the battery management system to warm the batteries for a quicker recharge. Also, charging more frequently up to 80 percent battery capacity can also help extend the range and battery life. Just like any vehicle, going easy on the accelerator and brakes will maximize range.
Got a car question? Email the Car Doctor for a personal reply at jpaul@aaanortheast. com. Got a car question? Email the Car Doctor for a personal reply at jpaul@aaanortheast. com. John Paul is an automotive consumer advocate with AAA.