Car Doctor Q&A

Q We own two cars, a 2014 Toyota Avalon and a 2019 Hyundai Santa-fe. Since I don’t use both cars enough to change the oil at mileage intervals, I just change the oil every six months. Being that the Avalon is used the least and there is only about 3,500 miles on the oil change. Is it wise to only do an oil change without doing a filter change as well? I usually do both but thought the filter may still be effective since there are only 3,500 miles on the oil filter when the oil is changed. I only use synthetic oil and original equipment parts.

A Hyundai requires an oil and filter change every six months or 7500 miles whichever comes first. Also Hyundai engines are fussy about oil filters and in this case it makes sense to use a Hyundai filter. The Toyota Avalon has a much longer oil change interval, and only requires an oil and filter change every 12months or 10,000miles whichever comes first. Years back, when oil was changed every few months, we would only change oil filters every other oil change. Today with engines running at hotter temperatures and longer oil change intervals it makes sense to change the oil and filter together.

Q Do you have an opinion on the use of oil additives to stop leaking engine gaskets. If you think they may help stop leaks, do you have any recommendations? I have a 2002 Honda Civic LX with over 110,000 miles that has oil leaks. I had the valve cover gasket replaced because oil was leaking on the manifold and the alternator. I put cardboard under the car and there are still other leaks. Would it be safe and helpful to use an additive to stop the leaks or could they cause harm to the engine? If an additive might be worthwhile, do you have any product recommendations?

A The first thing you need to do is determine where the oil is leaking from. Engine oil leaks can be from the oil pressure switch, distributor seal, head gaskets or oil pan gaskets, just to name a few. In addition, the oil could be power steering fluid or transmission fluid. If the repair looks costs, you certainly could try a “stopleak” product. Readers have told me they have had good luck with Lucas Engine Oil Stop Leak.

Q I am 75 years old, plus due to a slight medical issue I have to turn in my 2015 Chevrolet Traverse as it has become to difficult to lift my leg in/out now. I discovered the Chevrolet TRAX, which I actually can enter with lots of ease. This “height” to get into the vehicle is much lower than my Traverse. I want a 4-cylinder vehicle because of the cost of gasoline. I do not travel, except around my town. I was told I should look at the Toyota Rav4but have not had a chanceto “enter” it. I need to decideand would just like an opinion for each vehicle. Also, I am not sure, should I go new or used?

A The Chevrolet Trax has grown a bit over the years and now rides better than previous models. It is powered by a fairly economical threecylinder engine. The Toyota RAV4 is certainly one of the better vehicles in its class and slightly bigger than the Trax but should be easier to get in and out of than your Traverse. Other cars to look at are the Kia Seltos, Buick Encore, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Hyundai Kona. Buying a car is a very personal choice and realistically you are the only one who can find the car that fits you best. Regarding used versus new, although used car prices are coming down, late model, low mileage used cars are selling at a premium and for that reason I would start shopping for a new model.