Dear CarTalk
Your questions... our questionable advice
Reliability is Consideration When Buying a Car
Are Volvos actually reliable cars like Acura, Lexus, or even Genesis?
Adjust Remote Features, Peaceful Neighborhood
I live in a nice, quiet neighborhood. My neighbor has a remote starter he uses with his car.
ECON Mode is All Pros, No Cons
I have a 2019 Honda CR-V that I love. It has something called an ECON mode, and I tend to just leave it in ECON.
Some Dirty Jobs Should Be Left To The Pro
I recently checked my oil and discovered how filthy my engine compartment is. Should the engine compartment be cleaned regularly?
New Owner, No Obligation To Return Car
I bought a new Honda a couple of weeks ago. Today, the dealer called me to say they weren't supposed to sell me that car.
Try These Ideas Before a 'No Heat' Problem
I have a "no heat" problem on my '99 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.9 liter. It runs fine with no overheating (yet).
Suggestion To Replace Shocks is Shocking
I just took my 2015 Toyota RAV4 to the shop for an oil change and brake check. They sent a list of recommendations -- one of which was new rear shocks ...
Your Vehicle Can't Feel Wind Chill
I live in the North, and I want to keep my vehicle running well for years. I know that using a block heater in really cold temperatures is beneficial. ...
OEM Sensors The Best Pairing For Older Mustang
I recently purchased a 2010 Mustang Coupe with 19,000 miles. It was owned by a little old lady who drove it a few times a week and never in the winter ...
Obnoxious Fad Targets The Environment And People
Recently, 71-year-old Frank wrote you to ask why he no longer sees smoke blowing out from cars' tailpipes. He said that he commonly saw belching tailp ...
With AWD Cars, You're Usually All-in for New Tires
I have a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD with 43,000 miles on it. On day one of a four-day drive from Maine to Texas, I developed a slow leak in one ...
Newer Stick Shifts are Fun to Drive But ...
When buying my first car (a 1997 Geo Metro), the salesman gave the usual spiel about how great the car was and then added, "Because this is a stick sh ...
Repair Shop, Responsible For Installed Compressor
About eight months ago, I had Nissan put a new air conditioning compressor in my car. About two nights ago, I was driving and heard a snap, and my car ...
A Trip of A Lifetime, Start With a Reliable Truck
I have a lifelong dream of driving to the Arctic Ocean. This will involve around 10,000 miles across the U.S. and Canada.
Brake Hold is a New Use of ABS Components
I have a 2023 Subaru Ascent, which is a great car. It has a feature called AVH, "Automatic Vehicle Hold," which I unexpectedly love.
Another Option For Rarely Used Car Batteries
Recently, you gave a reader three suggestions for keeping his rarely used Toyota's battery from dying while it sat.
Good News To Warm Your Heart
I know newer cars don't need a warm-up in the winter months.
Don't Worry, Enjoy Your Scenic Views
My home is at a 1,800-foot elevation. It's an 8-mile drive straight downhill to sea level, where I do most of my driving.
CV Boots Require Prevention And Regular Checkups
I have a 2017 Subaru Forester with 50,000 miles. It runs fine. The question is: Can you recommend anything I can spray or paint on the CV boots to pro ...
Cheaper Converters Are Safe
I have a 2008 Toyota Prius with 95,000 miles on it. About 18 months ago, the catalytic converter was stolen, and I replaced it with an aftermarket con ...
