CAR DOCTOR Q&A
Q. I have had two recalls for my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It has something to do with the ABS system and brake fluid possibly leaking and causing a fire. The first time I brought it in they told me they don’t have the parts to fix the problem. Now I received a second recall for this problem. In this notice Hyundai claims to have an improved remedy. My VIN is 5XYZUDLB8EG217863 but my local paper listed models effected but mine is not listed. I have not had great experience with the dealer (but they are the closest). What should I do?
A. Many Hyundai models (mine included) have this issue with moisture getting into the brake ABS module and possible causing a fire. Using the number, you provided I checked the NHTSA website and your vehicle is subject to the recall. I would return to the dealer once you receive a recall notice in the mail and have them inspect and repair the vehicle as necessary.
Q. I’m reaching out to you because of your reputation as being an expert in tire related problems. I own a 2018 Kia Stinger GT AWD. It usually comes equipped with size 19 Seasonal tires, but when I was ready to lease this car, I insisted that it only come equipped with all season tires. I didn’t want the hassle of changing tires every winter/summer. The dealer obliged and swapped out the originals for new Bridgestone Potenza all-season-tires and changed the rims to fit. Additionally, they had the rims powder-coated black which in my opinion really gave the car a more powerful appearance. After about four months I started having trouble with the tires losing air. I took the car over to the Kia Dealer and was told that it was nothing. This went on for another 15 months and the last time one tire went flat. What can I do?
A. The last time could be just a puncture in the tire.
Up to that point it seems as if the dealer never pinpointed the source of the air leak. The powder coating of the wheels could have affected the seal of both the tire and the valve. As good as the dealer may be at taking care of your car, a tire store may be a better choice to find the root of the problem. Many times, technicians will just spray the tire with soap and water and look for a leak. If this were my car, I would find a tire store where they could dip the entire tire/wheel in a tank of clean water and be patient and look for bubbles.
Q. My question involves dealer services and fees for a 2016 Mazda CX-5 with 72,000 miles on it. I just paid $330 to replace two fan belts which wouldn’t pass state inspection (one had cracked edges). Other services they recommend are spark plug replacement at $290 and differential fluid replacement for $370. I’m not sure these services are warranted before 100,000 miles but even if they are, the costs seem ridiculous to me for simple ‘ repairs ‘. The car runs absolutely fine. Your thoughts?
A. I have never seen a state inspection where drive belts were checked, although good you had them replaced if they are fraying. The additional repairs the dealer recommended are maintenance services and ideally it is best to have these services performed when the vehicle is running well to prevent problems and possible breakdowns in the future. Both the differential fluid and the spark plugs are due to be replaced at 60,000 and 75,000 miles respectfully. Regarding prices, both jobs will take a couple of hours, unfortunately gone are the days of $2 spark plugs. The typical cost of a long-life original equipment Iridium spark plugs is $20 or more.
Q. I come to you for advice, if you have to choose between a Kia Sorrento and a Hyundai Santa Fe, which one would you prefer? Any other SUV in that category, worth considering? I am looking for an extremely reliable SUV.
A. The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento share many components including the engine, transmission and much of the suspension. If you are looking for a three row SUV the Sorento is the only choice, but if seating for 6/7 is not required, but are good choices, although personally I prefer the Hyundai. I would shop both vehicles and my choice would be more based on the dealer experience, price and possible options. Another vehicle that has had very good reviews is the Mazda CX-5. Mazda has slowly refined the CX-5 into a very capable and dependable vehicle.
Q. My local Toyota dealer has a new Hunter alignment machine, that when you drive a car pass the sensor box, it can read the alignment of the wheels. A few months ago, I drove our 2016 RAV4 past the senor box, and the read out was the rear toe setting was out of specs. The printout was color coded only, no numbers. I went to a shop for an alignment and the printed out showed everything was within normal specifications. My question is, can the Toyota dealers drive through system be more or less accurate than a typical alignment machine or is this just a profit center?
A. I think when used properly these “drivethrough”systems can be quite accurate. But just like every alignment check, tire pressure, tire wear and even the weight in the vehicle and the size of the driver can vary alignment results. Hunter’s website states that this machine can scan every vehicle and give the shop five times the alignment opportunities and an additional $1148 in daily profit, you decide.