It makes sense to check for recalls on your vehicle

Q . I have a 2015 Kia Optima that at the time of purchase, the car had 52,373 miles and it was purchased at a used car dealer. The car now has 116,824 miles. This car has been recalled due to an engine problem and the dealer did not complete the recall and I never received a recall notice. As a result of the recall not being completed, the engine seized and needs to be replaced. Is the dealer responsible for the cost of the engine replacement, or am I? A . The recall was for a knock sensor which when updated would alert the driver that the engine was failing and would reduce engine power to minimize engine damage and prevent potential fires.

The recall really did not address the problem of a defective engine. At this point, you are well beyond the used car warranty and unless you can prove that all of the maintenance was performed for the 116,824 miles, I don’t see even the latest warranty extension helping out. At this point call Kia customer assistance and explain your situation, but I believe you will be responsible for the repairs. Readers, it always makes sense to actively check for recalls.

The NHTSA website and app are easy to navigate and always worth checking https://www.nhtsa. gov/recalls. Q . I own a 2021 Acura RDX and use regular gas at half a tank. Sometimes I fill up with premium, mixing the two octane fuels together. Are there any advantages to spending more money on more expensive gas? A . According to the Acura owner’s manual the preferred/recommended fuel is 91 octane, which will deliver the best performance and fuel economy. The engine technology will let you use 87 octane fuel without any possibility of engine damage. At this point do a little comparison testing, use 91 or higher-octane gas and using the onboard computer system, check the miles per gallon. Then use 87 octane fuel and try to drive about the same, if the fuel economy is this close and in your estimation, the performance has not changed, save money with 87 octane fuel. Q . My 2002 Honda Accord has a reading of 12.5 volts at the battery and 14.4 volts from the alternator. Is something failing? Do the newest vehicles notify the manufacturer or the driver if the alternator is still working but failing?

A

. Honda wants to see at least 13.7 volts at the alternator (there is no high range) but I would be happy with 14.4 volts. The reading of 12.5 volts at the battery shows the battery is about at a 90 percent state of charge. At this point, I would not be concerned. Some of the systems such as OnStar can do some predictive diagnostics. Several years ago, a company from Singapore (https://carmen. sg/) sent me a device that could provide predictive diagnostics on just about any car that used OBD2 diagnostic port. It could notify the driver, repair shop or even the auto club. The company (I follow them on Facebook) seems to be expanding, perhaps will make it here at some point.

Q

. Your newspaper articles say you give personal advice, but I have emailed you several times and never received a response. My question is, now I have retired and have a 2018 KIA Forte 5 SX and want a softer ride than the P225/40R18 ratio tires deliver. Also, I would like a quieter sound. What do you think I can do to get a softer and quieter ride?

A

. I checked and I guess there is an issue with the “interweb” since it looks like I have emailed you on several occasions. Here was my response and hopefully you get to see it. “You are sort of stuck. The 40 series tire on an 18-inch wheel doesn’t give you much choice. The optional tire on the not-assporty version of the Kia Forte is a 17-inch 45 series tire and I am not sure the money spent on new wheels would be worth it.” The ride is more determined by the height of the sidewall and even going to a 235/45R18 is only

going to gain .3 or .4 of an inch of sidewall while still keeping about the same overall height. I am not sure it would make much of a difference. Q . As I am writing this email, I’m

watching my neighbor drying off his truck with a leaf blower, is that a good idea?

A

. Using an electric leaf blower is a decent way to dry off a vehicle and also will blow out any accumulated debris, hidden in nooks and crannies you may have missed washing it. My advice is thoughtful of your neighbors, not everyone likes the sound of a leaf blower. Q

. I have a 2007 Honda Accord (sixcylinder) with power steering and about 110,000 miles on it. When I go through a large puddle, the power steering frequently cuts out and sometimes the battery light comes on.

After anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, everything goes back to normal. Any idea what could be causing this and if there is an economical way to fix it?

A

. The most common cause is a worn harmonic balancer. This is a type of pulley connected to the engine that the

belts travel around. The balancer has a rubber insert that when it gets wet slips and causes the belts to slip, which in turn causes the power steering and alternator to cut out. The other possibilities are the belts are worn or the drive belt tensioner is worn. Economical? Not really. The factory balancer is nearly $400, and it will take about an hour to install it.

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.