Car Doctor Q&A

Q I have a 2017Jeep Patriot with 55,120miles. I have no issues with it. Any advice on how I can keep my Jeep running at peak performance? Also do you know of any mechanical or electrical problems that are common with this make and model.

A The best thing to do is to follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual and follow the maintenance reminder system. The one place I would vary the maintenance is the 10,000-mile oil change. Considering the weather and roads in the Northeast I would change the oil every 5000miles. This is also a good excuse to give the vehicle a regular checkup. Some of these vehicles have had issues with oil consumption and other have had issues with transmission electronics.

Q I have a 2008 Honda Accord with 130,000 miles. Recently, it has been in the shop numerous times. The VSA and engine light come on when starting the engine. The computer shows sensors as a problem and have been changed but the problem is still there. Even the mechanic is stumped, what do you think might be going on?

A Depending on trouble codes, in may be the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control unit has failed internally. Prior to replacing the module, I would check the power and ground circuits to the module. Unfortunately, this is another case that the manufacturer suggests substituting a known good part to verify the old module has failed.

Q I recently took my Toyota in for an oil change and wanted synthetic oil. When I got the car back the dealer used 10W-30 conventional oil. The owner’s manual states to use 5W-30 oil, should I have the oil changed again?

A Toyota states that the oil should be. ILSAC multigrade engine oil. SAE 5W-30 is the best choice for good fuel economy, and good starting in cold weather. If SAE 5W-30 oil is not available, SAE 10W-30 oil may be used. However, it should be replaced with SAE 5W-30 at the next oil change. Based on this and warmer weather coming, I would just wait until the next oil change and get the correct grade of oil and if it were my car switch to synthetic oil.

Q I have a 2014 RAV4 XLE and only have 38,000 miles and I do not drive very much. I went to the Toyota dealer to get a brake job done and recently purchased four new tires. What I need to know, do I need a wheel alignment performed?

A Although the wheel alignment could be within specification, you will not know until it is checked using an alignment machine. A wheel alignment can help improve handling, reduce tire wear and in some cases improve fuel economy. Considering the cost of tires, I would have the wheel alignment performed.

Q In 2021 I purchased a 2022 Kia Soul. The only issue I have with it is that the low beam lights are not very bright. The high beams throw great light. Being so new, I cannot find LED lights that easily work without adaptation. Is there a regular bulb I can replace the old one with that will be much brighter and lasts longer?

A Adding a higher performance bulb will add more light but will not last as long as the stock bulbs. The LED bulbs you see online are not legal for on road use since they were never designed for the reflector system that uses a halogen bulb. My suggestion is to use high beams when necessary and dim them when approaching other traffic.