Car Doctor Q&A

Q

I took my 2019 Toyota RAV4 with 15,800 miles on it for 5,000-mile interval service to a local Toyota dealer. The usual fluid checks, tire rotation, topping off of fluids was $119.99, using a $10 coupon. After waiting about two hours, the rep came by, and we were told that the car warranted a brake fluid change. This eventually boosted the ‘out of the service department’ price to a grand total of $494.88, including the afore mentioned $119. As I am not a mechanic, and as it was presented as a necessity, and as it is brake fluid, so I bowed to their expertise. Was this really necessary at less than 16,000 miles?

A

Generally, we recommend brake fluid changes for safety every three to five years. Some cars require it, others never mention it. At AAA, our engineering department has seen brake fluid break down after three years which could cause costly brake problems. At five years old replacing the brake fluid is money well spent. The cost for a brake fluid flush typically falls between $150 and $250, depending on the service provider, make and model of your car and the type of brake fluid. The $375 cost seems excessive.

Q

When I start slowly in my 2020 Genesis G80 it feels like the transmission clunks four or five times on the way up to the road speed. This occurs when going from stop to 20 MPH over about 10 seconds. If more gas was given, I do not feel it. It is ‘like going over 4 or 5 small speed bumps. Any ideas?

A

There have been a couple of issues with speed sensors and transmission temperature sensors. At this point, considering the extensive warranty, it would be best to bring it back to the dealer so they can check for transmission trouble codes and perform a full scan of the vehicle.

Q

I have a battery question not related to automotives. I have a battery backup system for my sump pump that was installed six years ago. I checked the battery’s cells about a month ago and noticed a white coating over some of the cells; since the battery was five years old, I went to the auto parts store and purchased a deep cycle marine/rv battery. When I got home, I checked the cells and noticed the white coating on some of the new battery cells. Last Wednesday we had a very strong rainstorm that dumped over three inches of rain in the area, along with all the rain we have had since December. The rain poured into my sump pump activating the backup pump for over 24 hours. Once it subsided and the backup was in standby mode, I checked the cells and noticed a white substance/coating over the cells, similar to the old battery. Is this normal or is the battery defective? The battery was charging and did not return to full charge status until late Saturday or Sunday morning. The battery is under warranty for a year. Should I return it?

A

As batteries age they tend to sulfate (the white substance on the plates in the battery) To me it sounds like that battery sat around for a while (a fresh battery is no more than six months old). Look for a sticker on the battery indicating the age. I am not sure that they would take it back based on the sulfating of the plates, since testing would likely show the battery is performing normally. Sometimes charging at a very low amperage at a slightly higher voltage will de-sulfate the battery. If your charger has a de-sulfate mode it can really help. A battery with sulfating plates just will not last as it should and if you can find a bate or date code, I would consider returning the battery for a fresher one.