What auto museums can I visit in New England? | Car Doctor
Q: I’m visiting New England in late summer. When I’m in a new place, I like to check out the car culture. I have found some fun finds along the way, such as Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Florida and the National Corvette Museum in Kentucky, among others.
What can I see in New England?
A: There are some great choices.
The Larz Anderson Auto Museum, just outside of Boston in Brookline, has great lawn events.
The Heritage Museum & Gardens, in Sandwich, Massachusetts, has a great car museum in a Shaker-style barn.
The Toad Hall Classic Car Museum, in Hyannis, Massachusetts, has British and, oddly, mostly red vehicles.
Heading to Rhode Island, there is the Audrain Auto Museum, in Newport, and the Newport Car Museum (90 stunning cars), in Portsmouth.
In Maine, there is the Owls Head Transportation Museum, in Owls Head; the Maine Classic Car Museum, in Arundel; and specializing in steam cars, the Stanley Museum in Kingfield.
Q: I have a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee with about 100,000 miles on it. Last time I was in for service, it was suggested that I have the power steering and transmission flushed out. I have heard of flushing out a radiator but not these other items. I said no. Was that the right answer?
A: In my opinion, yes. I believe you should only flush components when you have a failure of that part, not as part of routine maintenance.
There was a time a few years back when Chrysler issued a technical service bulletin to its dealers advising against flushing engines, transmission differentials and power steering systems unless a major part was being replaced.
Q: In a recent column, you said that an alternator doesn't charge the battery but maintains the charge it already has. Can you elaborate?
If that were the case, wouldn't the battery usage after the car is shut off — such as the seat backing up automatically for easy exit, or any outside lights staying on for a short time for convenience — eventually drain the battery?
A: Those types of electrical demands are within a normal range of maintenance, but many people (some mechanics included) think that — when a battery is completely discharged — letting the engine run for 20 to 30 minutes is plenty to recharge the battery.
Although it may recharge the battery, the car starting may not bring it up to a full charge. This is where a battery charger — charging at a slow rate — is the best tool to fully recharge a completely discharged battery. Once the battery is recharged, it should be retested.
Q: I recently purchased a Lexus RX450h. I have never owned a hybrid before.
Every year, when I go to Florida, I have always disconnected the battery in my car (I don’t have a garage).
When I get home, I usually just hook the battery back up and the car starts.
What do I do with a hybrid?
A: Your hybrid has a 12-volt battery for starting and operating some accessories. Similar to the conventional car, you will want to disconnect the battery, but there are some precautions.
Before disconnecting the battery, disable the electronic automatic parking brake and ensure that the car is in park. Now it is safe to disconnect the battery to prevent any gradual electrical discharge.
In addition, many vehicle manufacturers recommend against leaving the hybrid battery at full charge, but rather leaving it at 25% to 50% charge. You should check the owner’s manual for additional information.
Q: I have a 1995 Toyota Corolla that is leaking oil. The last time it was in to change the oil, they thought it was the cylinder-head gasket leaking. I love this old car. It is dependable and runs great, but this repair sounds very expensive. Any thoughts?
A: I would start with a second opinion. It is very unusual to see a head gasket leaking oil on an older Toyota 1.8-liter engine.
The more common leaks are a valve cover gasket or distributer seal. These leaks are often confused with a leaking head gasket and are much cheaper to repair.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile 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 jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Car Doctor: What auto museums can I visit in in New England?
