Volvo V60 Cross Country stylish, but lacks space
Volvo's 2016 V60 Cross Country is a sleekly styled, compact wagon with strong turbocharged power and an interior that embodies the understated modernism of Scandinavian design.There are a generous amount of standard features, including leather-covered seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, a navigation system, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control and a moonroof.It has one engine - a 250-horsepower, turbocharged five cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic - that does a good job with the stout wagon's hefty 3,925 pounds. Torque peaks at 266 foot-pounds starting at a low ...
Vehicle is due for expensive service
Dear Doctor: I own a 2006 Honda Pilot with 90,000 miles and the dealer said I need to have the timing belt replaced along with having the valves adjusted. The cost of this service is over $1,000. The engine runs fine and there is no engine valve noise. What are your thoughts on this service? GeorgeDear George: I do agree with the dealer on both the timing belt and valve adjustment. With 90,000 miles on the Pilot, the timing belt is actually past due for service. As for the valve adjustment, you will not hear any valve noise, because based on my experience servicing Honda V-6 engines, I ...
Try all care-giving resources with Mom
DEAR?ANNIE: I have been taking care of my mother since I was 17 and she was disabled from a car accident and unable to work. I am now 47, and Mom is 72. Her health is getting worse, so my husband and I recently moved her in with us. My husband and I both work full time. I have caregivers who come in during the day when we are at work, and we take care of her at night.Annie, I'm so tired. My husband and I can't go anywhere overnight. Our sex life has gone downhill, because we are both so exhausted. Mom has become mean and combative, which makes our lives miserable. She doesn't sleep much ...
Take care with silent killer
DEAR?READERS: With winter on the way, cold weather means it's time to check the furnace and fireplace, and review the dangers of carbon monoxide. Known as the "silent killer," carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, and you can't see it, either. It can come from the exhaust of heaters and furnaces. It can creep up on you, sort of like you have the flu. These are some of symptoms: dizziness, nausea and an extreme tired feeling.How to prevent carbon-monoxide buildup? Good ventilation around appliances. NEVER use the oven or dryer to heat a room! Carbon monoxide detectors installed close ...
Low BP when standing up
DEAR DR. ROACH: Will you write about orthostatic hypotension? I've been told I have this disorder. I'm a retired 86-year-old man in fairly good medical shape. I want to regain my regular activities.My regular doctor put me on labetalol. I think he is researching this a bit himself. This apparently is not a frequent problem. I have found articles about it on the Internet, but the medical language is not easy to understand.- R.T.F.ANSWER: "Orthostatic hypotension" literally means "low blood pressure on standing upright." It is a symptom, not a diagnosis. There are many medical conditions ...