Should I leave the car on accessory or idling to listen to the radio? | Car Doctor
Q: I am constantly waiting for my passengers to return to my waiting 2020 Jeep Cherokee. I like to listen to sports on my car radio. Should I leave my car on the accessory setting or idling to keep the power on?
A: The accessory position will allow power to some devices, such as the radio. The "run" position powers up the entire car. On newer cars — especially those with infotainment screens — if you are waiting a very long time, you’ll get a message on the dash indicating that the battery voltage is low and the radio will typically shut down.
Listen to your radio in the accessory position. When you get the warning, start the car to allow the battery to charge up while you are still listening to the radio. There is no sense in running the engine, getting zero miles per gallon, and adding to air pollution.
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What's the best pattern for tire rotation?
Q: My 2016 Jeep Compass tire rotation is right front to right rear, left front to left rear, right rear to left front, left rear to right front.
My 2022 Nissan Sport tire rotation is right front to right rear, right rear to right front, the same with the left side, no X.
With the Jeep rotation, eventually tires go to the left and right sides, whereas with the Nissan rotation they do not, but it is much easier to do in the driveway. With both cars aligned and having no worn suspension parts — and I do the tire rotations around 6,000 to 7,000 miles — does it matter which procedure I use?
A: Years back, when cars had non-radial, biased ply tires, the rotation was crisscross, or X pattern. When radial tires came out, the recommendation was against using the X pattern and going only front to back.
Over time, most tire manufacturers have recommended the modified X pattern, just as your Jeep recommends.
I remember asking a tire engineer from Michelin about tire rotation. He said he never rotates the tires on his car, but he does check them often for proper inflation and wear.
My advice is that any tire rotation is better than no tire rotation.
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First a 'check engine' light, now my Maxima refuels very slowly. What's wrong?
Q: A few weeks ago, I had a "check engine" light on my 1999 Nissan Maxima. I attached the code reader and found a P0450 code — EVAP system. I cleared the code and purchased a new gas cap. This did not solve the issue.
Recently, I went to fuel the car. The gas pump kept clicking off every dollar or so and I had to fill the tank a little at a time.
Do you know what the issue could be? I know the EVAP system has many parts. Because of the check engine light, the car will not pass my next inspection. Also, my car is close to 25 years old. Will it need an emission test after 25 years?
A: You are correct, the evaporative emissions systems has quite a few parts. From your description, it's likely that the purge valve or vent solenoid is malfunctioning. The code PO450 indicates the evaporative emission control system pressure sensor malfunction. This will not allow the system to vent properly and will cause slow refueling.
In most states that have computerized vehicle emissions tests, vehicles over 25 years old are exempt.
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For second time, passenger seat airbag sensor is broken. Is it covered by warranty?
Q: I have a 2006 Hyundai Sonata that was recalled for a B1448 code related to the passenger occupancy sensor that controls whether the passenger air bag deploys or not. The recall work was done in 2007. I now have the same issue in 2023. Should the manufacturer cover the work to be done again, or am I financially liable this time, given that it is the second time and/or given that the car is 16 years old?
A: Unfortunately, you will be responsible for the cost of this repair. The particular part had a 15-year unlimited mileage warranty, and that warranty was on the original part, not the replacement.
Typically, replacement parts have a one-year warranty. At this point, to get your car working properly, you will need to replace the component that caused that fault code.
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: Leave the car idling or on accessory for the radio? | Car Doctor
