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Deals on Wheels

COVID-19 and dead batteries

DEAR READERS: With the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us are staying home and not driving. When you go to start the car you may experience instances where it won’t start. This is a dead battery, likely. For a proper and safe jump-start, call your AAA-approved technician. I do not advise car ...

Foam in tires cuts road noise

Dear Doctor: I have a 2019 Volvo with Pirelli tires. I recently got a flat tire and the mechanic took the tire off the wheel to patch the tire and he discovered the inside of the tire lined with foam, to his surprise. He removed the foam in the area of the punctured tire to patch it. Why is ...

Mysterious start is in atmosphere

DEAR DOCTOR: I have a 2009 Chevy Traverse. Twice during the past week we heard our car "turn over" as if attempting to start. No one was in the vehicle, nor was anyone pushing a remote start button. The car did not actually start up. Is there a danger of fire? Could it be a bad starter? The ...

Battery life relies on list of factors

DEAR DOCTOR: I have a 2013 Lincoln MKZ with the four-cylinder engine. I’ve had to replace the battery two times in five years — that’s three batteries in five years! Why would this be necessary? The car gives no warning; it just won’t start, even with a jump. — ...

Engine on 2017 Toyota Highlander keeps on ticking

DEAR DOCTOR: My wife has a 2017 Toyota Highlander that she loves, except for a loud ticking noise from the engine compartment when in gear. The car has 12,000 miles. The noise has been there since day one. On one visit to the dealer, two tech reps from Toyota listened and said “it is a ...

Student wants Nissan for winter driving

DEAR DOCTOR: My daughter is attending college in an area away from home where it gets more snow. She wants to take her 2012 Nissan Maxima, which is equipped with all-weather 245/40R19 low-profile tires. Here are options I'm considering: buy four rims and snow tires; have the existing rims ...