Need auto repair advice? Here are the most read “Car Doctor” questions and answers of 2024

John Paul, an ASE-certified master technician, has been answering readers’ questions about their car problems for several years for the Providence Journal.

We’ve put together this compilation of the most popular questions and answers on our website in hopes of helping others with their automotive problems.

Question : My 2019 Toyota Camry XLE – with an automatic transmission and 4-cylinder engine – has 30,000 miles on it. Should I change the transmission fluid now or after 60,000 miles?

A: Toyota considers transmission fluid a lifetime fill. Unless you are towing a trailer, using a cargo rack, or carrying heavy loads.

Otherwise, the recommendation is every five years or every 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. So unless there is a leak and you are driving sensibly, it is not required. Could you do it now because the liquid is five years old? Absolutely. This could help extend the life of the transmission.

More: When should I change my vehicle’s transmission fluid? | Automotive doctor

Question : What should I expect to pay to replace the transmission in my 2014 Ford Escape?

A: The answer really depends on how the replacement is handled. On average, a new transmission costs between $3,500 and $4,500. Then add about 12 hours of work. A remanufactured transmission could cost between $2,500 and $3,500. The cheapest option is a used transmission ranging from $1,500 to $2,500.

More: What should I expect to pay to replace the transmission in my 2014 Ford? | Automotive doctor

Question : Do you know any reliable Volkswagen mechanics? I have a 2010 VW New Beetle convertible (final edition). Every time I need to take it for repairs or maintenance I take it to the local VW dealership, but it’s very expensive. I just don’t know anyone else to trust. I would really appreciate your advice.

A: Finding a good repair shop can be as difficult as finding a good doctor. I would start by asking my friends and neighbors which ones they use. Check neighborhood Facebook pages for local recommendations.

AAA has approved repair shops that offer two-year, 24,000-mile warranties and labor discounts, along with other benefits, including arbitration. Go to aaa.com/repair to find a store near you.

More: Do you know any reliable Volkswagen mechanics? | Automotive doctor

Question : I have a 2018 Toyota Camry with 89,000 miles. I recently had an oil change done and they said the front and rear brake pads were up to 3 millimeters. Should I have them replaced immediately? Can I do the front first and then the back later? This is the first time either set has been replaced. Does it make sense to change the brake fluid at the same time?

A: New brake pads are usually around 10 to 12 millimeters thick. At 3 millimeters the brakes are almost worn out and should be replaced. Replacing the front and rear brakes at the same time can save you a little money and, certainly, some car-free time.

Replacing the brake fluid is a great idea when servicing the brake system. Plus, if you keep this car, replacing the brake rotors is money well spent.

More: At 3mm, should I have the brake pads replaced immediately? | Automotive doctor

Question : I’m buying a used car. What do you think about the idea of ​​bringing a computer analysis tool to test the car before buying it? Do you think this would bother the dealer or private seller?

A: I think scanning the computer for problems both helps you as the buyer and also helps the seller. In addition to error codes, it’s helpful to know when the check engine light last came on.

Some unscrupulous sellers will disconnect the battery to turn off the warning lights, without solving the problem. If the codes were just cleared I would suspect something is going on.

Additionally, depending on the scan tool, you can see the actual miles versus the miles shown on the odometer. While playing with my Innova 7111 scan tool recently, a neighbor asked me to look at a car she was considering purchasing. The car appeared to be in good condition, with fairly low mileage and no check engine lights. When I scanned all the modules in the car, I found 72 faults. Based on this revelation, my suggestion was to keep looking.

More: Should I bring a scan tool when looking for a used car? | Automotive doctor

Question : How could I get brighter headlights on my 2017 Honda CRV?

A: I would start with new headlight bulbs first. Typically, headlight bulbs burn out after about three years. Also make sure the lenses are perfectly clear. Cloudy lenses can block up to 90% of light.

Another option is to use brighter bulbs. As an example, Sylvania makes the Silver Star-Plus. These bulbs are whiter and brighter, but they have a shorter lifespan.

You may find replacement LED headlight bulbs, but I don’t recommend them. Some of these vary in quality and none are legal for road use. I recently read a story about a 2022 Toyota owner who added LED bulbs and burned a circuit in the computer system, requiring an expensive repair.

More: How could I get brighter headlights on my 2017 Honda CRV? | Automotive doctor

Question : I can’t wax my car in winter because I don’t have a heated garage. Is car wash wax a good alternative, or is it just better than nothing?

A: There’s nothing like a good hand-applied wax; it can be stick-on wax, liquid or even spray wax.

Wax sprayed in a car wash provides a little protection to the paint and adds a bit of shine. It also tends to rejuvenate any remaining wax. The downside to spray wax is that you also apply wax to the windows.

If you opt for spray wax at the car wash, in my opinion it’s always a good idea to clean the windows with a quality window cleaner to prevent fogging and glare.

More: Is car wash wax a good winter alternative for my vehicle? | Automotive doctor

John Paul is the Northeast’s AAA automotive doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry and is an ASE Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email [email protected] and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on @johnfpaul or on Facebook.

This article was originally published in The Providence Journal: Most Read Q&A About ‘Car Doctor’ in 2024 in The Providence Journal