Remind drivers: Daytime running lights aren't enough after the sun sets | Car Doctor
Q: Can you publicly remind owners of cars with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) to put on their vehicle lights after sunset?
So many times I see cars on roads and highways without headlights on and the drivers don't realize that the back of their vehicle is pitch black. This could be a real hazard. I would appreciate hearing an announcement on the news mentioning this to everyone.
A: I think you just did, but this is also a good reminder to adhere to the “lights on with wipers” law.
Both front and rear lights need to be on, not just daytime running lights. Drivers, if your vehicle has DRL, you still need to turn on your vehicle headlights. Headlight should be on 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, or when visibility is diminished due to weather conditions.
A basic lesson in how hybrids work
Q: I own a Lexus ES hybrid car, but I cannot get a clear explanation of how to "use" it. I have spoken to two different representatives and received exact opposite answers about my hybrid. Is the hybrid system automatic, or must I engage it by pressing the hybrid button on the console?
There are two different hybrid "lights" on the dashboard. One is to the left, and one on the right. The light on the left goes on automatically, but I don’t know what that means, because if I press the hybrid button on the console at higher speeds when the left light is on, I get a message that the speed is too high for the hybrid system to engage.
A: When driving your car in “normal” mode you don’t do anything other than start it, put it in gear and drive. The battery electric hybrid operation all happens without the driver’s intervention.
In a hybrid vehicle — such as yours — it can operate in battery mode at low speeds and may also go into electric mode at higher speeds when full gasoline power is not needed. Additionally, the battery portion of the hybrid drive will provide a little extra power to the gasoline engine when needed.
The button that you push to put the car in full electric mode is for short distances at lower speeds. This will work until the hybrid battery needs charging — which happens automatically. You might select this option in a parking garage or in a residential neighborhood when you want to be quiet and not disturb anyone.
Common EV questions answered on AAA website
Q: I read your column each week and learn a lot. I have seen you comment on electric vehicles, but I want to learn more about them. Any suggestions?
A: Electric vehicles are essentially new to most drivers, although they have been around since the turn of the last century. For most of us, this technology is new and, to some extent, confusing.
AAA recently introduced a new website that addresses many of these EV questions and concerns at ev.northeast.aaa.com. Of course, you can always email me with just about any automotive question, too.
Wanted: Small SUV with manual transmission and collision avoidance
Q: Are there any small SUVs or small sedans with manual shift and forward collision avoidance systems that you recommend?
A: Finding a manual transmission vehicle is becoming more and more difficult these days. Adding in advanced driver assistance systems narrows the field even more.
I would certainly look at the Subaru Impreza. According to their website, the Impreza is one model that can be ordered with a manual transmission and the Subaru Eyesight system. Additionally, the all-wheel-drive system has the extra traction that is nice in winter.
The Mazda 3 and Ford Bronco can also be ordered with a manual transmission.
Vehicle manufacturers have voluntarily committed to equip FCW (forward collision warning) and AEB (automatic emergency braking) as standard equipment on nearly all new passenger vehicles.
Must the oil be changed on schedule even if I don't drive many miles?
Q: I have a question that you might have answered previously, but I'm still confused. I know it is recommended to change synthetic oil every six months or 5,000 to 6,000 miles, but I drive my cars anywhere between 2,000 to 4,000 miles every six months and still wonder if the oil is good, especially since it is synthetic and can last longer.
Is it really necessary to change this type of oil every six months even though my car has not been driven longer miles? Does the oil really go bad or break down if I have driven more mileage? Please let me know your thoughts.
A: My recommendation is to always follow the maintenance schedule listed in the vehicle owner’s manual. As an example, in one of my family cars, the oil (synthetic oil or not) is changed every 7,500 miles or six months, whichever comes first. In the other car, the oil is changed every 10,000 miles, or once per year. The only time I would try to stretch oil changes is if I had the oil analyzed.
Having the car in a shop every six months to me is money well spent, since it gives the technician a good chance to look over the car and check for possible issues “coming down the road.”
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: Daytime running lights aren't enough after sunset | Car Doctor
