Are all-season tires worth the investment? | Car Doctor
Q: Are all-season tires the best investment in tires?
A: All-season tires are what works best for most areas in the Northeast. If you live where there is heavy snow or routine ice storms, then a dedicated winter tire is best.
Keep in mind that an all-season tire is a bit of a compromise, since it needs to perform well in winter and summer. Also, the all-season tire you buy in the Northeast is the same tire you buy in the Southwest.
But all-season tires are the best investment, since they work best for most people.
Choosing between the Accord and Camry hybrids
Q: I drive a 2011 Honda Accord V-6, which is the best car I’ve ever owned. However, it has more than 121,000 miles on it.
I’d like to buy either a Honda Accord hybrid or a Toyota hybrid with the highest horsepower. Which would you recommend, based on reliability, good looks, price, etc.? I’m in my late 70s and I don’t want a car that’s too high-tech, but it should have an AM/FM radio.
A: The Toyota Camry or Honda Accord hybrids are both very good cars. The technology may be a bit overwhelming, as is the case in many new cars. Both cars develop a little more than 200 horsepower and get fantastic fuel economy.
Personally, I would lean toward the Camry, since it seems to come with more standard advanced safety features than the Accord. As important as it is to road-test the cars (both during the day and at night), it is equally important to road-test the technology. I prefer the layout of the Camry, but the Accord may feel more familiar and comfortable to you.
What's the best choice for a used SUV?
Q: I’m looking for a used SUV between 2019 and 2021. I’m looking at either the Subaru Forester or a Hyundai Santa Fe. Do you have a preference on which is the best value? Do you have another suggestion besides these two?
A: Both are good cars. The Hyundai Santa Fe has an advantage as a used car, since the used car warranty is five years or 60,000 miles. The Subaru, which is a very good car, will likely have little to no warranty left.
I would also look at the Kia Sorento for the same reason, or the slightly smaller Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage, which are also quite good and competitive with other smaller SUVs.
Why did the BMWiX get AAA's top new vehicle award?
Q: I recently read about the AAA Car Guide new vehicle awards. I was curious about the overall winner, the BMW iX. Is it really that good of a car? It is quite expensive.
A: The BMW iX (I recently drove the higher-performance iX M60) was very impressive. The published range is 280 miles, but I saw at least 320 miles of range on a fully charged battery.
The ride and handling are quite good, and the performance from the all-electric drivetrain is astonishing in how fast it is.
The technology can be a bit overwhelming, with what looks like a large tablet chock-full of apps.
If you want to go all electric, and you can charge at home and want an SUV, the BMW iX is a very good choice.
How can I prevent another catalytic converter theft?
Q: What are some of the best ways to prevent catalytic converter theft on a 2004 Honda CR-V? I recently had my converter stolen, and now that I am getting it replaced, I wanted to know the best ways to prevent another theft.
A: I have seen catalytic converter shields or guards installed, but I do have some concerns about adding a structure to the car and how it can change what could happen in a crash as well as whether it would allow for proper ventilation.
I have seen people painting and even engraving the VIN on the converter, but until scrap yards stop buying catalytic converters without documentation and start paying with a check instead of cash, the problem will continue.
What is the normal range for alternator voltage?
Q: My 2018 Hyundai Sonata puts out 14.8 volts when measured with a volt meter, and my 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 puts out 13.8 volts. Is this low?
A: Both cars are showing normal alternator voltage output. The normal voltage output according to the Mercedes-Benz workshop manual is 13.45 to 14.2 volts. Now, of course, voltage is only part of the equation. Amperage output should also be checked if you suspect a problem.
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: Are all-season tires the best investment in tires?
