Should I trade in my 2018 SUV to get one with newer safety features? | Car Doctor
Q: I have a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek that I purchased new from a dealer. It now has about 35,000 miles on it. It doesn’t have the many safety features that newer cars have, which I want. Would it be wise to trade it in now for a new vehicle with newer safety features, or should I wait? It runs well, and I replaced the brakes and brake pads in the last year.
Also, are there other cars in a similar size — or slightly larger — that you would recommend more than the Crosstrek?
A: Used car prices have cooled down a bit, but your car is worth more today than at almost any other time. The issue is that new car prices are also at an all-time high (maybe cooled a bit also, but not much).
If you wanted the latest and greatest features, and you are willing to pay up for a new model, this would be the time to trade. I would also check with online car buying services such as Vroom, Carvana and CarMax to at least see what they are quoting.
The Subaru Forester is easy to recommend: good room with plenty of safety features. You may find you will get a better trade at a Subaru dealer.
I would also look at the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V, which all offer a hybrid option.
Windows on Accord fog up constantly in humid weather
Q: The windows of my 2017 Honda Accord fog on the outside when the weather gets very humid and rainy. I have tried putting on the defrosters, turning the air circulation button on and off, and changing the temperature of the air conditioner, but nothing seems to work. The only way I am able to see the road is by keeping my wipers on constantly, even if the rain has slowed or stopped, and even rolling down my window to see out my side-view mirrors. I have a friend with a slightly newer Honda CR-V, and she encounters similar issues. Is there a way to fix this? I’d like to be able to see when I’m driving.
A: It has been my experience that it is not a car problem but a weather problem. When the temperature and moisture level outside are greater than inside the car, moisture will condense on the exterior of the car glass.
Try adding warmer air by turning up the heat a bit inside the car. Or try opening all the windows for a few seconds to equalize the interior and exterior temperatures. You can also check that the air flow is on the fresh air and not “recirc” setting.
Which tire plug kit do you recommend?
Q: I just read your column about what you carry in your vehicles, and you mentioned a tire plug kit. Which tire plug kit do you carry? I have followed your lead on both a portable WORX tire inflator and NOCO portable battery charger. These items have been life-changers.
A: Although carrying a portable battery jump-pack, air compressor, basic tools and tire plug kit may seem like overkill, I visualize what could happen if I had a problem while in a deserted area with no cell service.
The latest kit (tire plugs are a temporary fix until the tire can be repaired properly) was from Slime. The set comes with the insertion tool, reamer and some glue which acts more as a lubricant. It is also a good idea to keep a very basic tool set with you so you can remove the nail or other object that caused the flat.
Car slides on turns in wet weather since front tires were replaced
Q: I recently purchased two new front tires for my 2014 Honda Accord. The right-front tire had a flat and seemed to be bald, so we decided to get two new front tires.
My husband had the left front tire moved to the back to replace a back tire. While driving in the rain recently, I felt the car sliding when making a turn on exit ramps. I checked the tire pressure on all the tires and it was fine.
Any ideas why my car is sliding? I hope my new tires are not of a poor quality and causing bad traction. Or maybe my husband shouldn't have moved the front left tire to replace a back tire?
A: We have certainly had record amounts of rain that can easily lead to hydroplaning.
When purchasing two tires, contrary to what some people think, the tires should always be mounted on the back. Having less tread on the rear tires can cause loss of traction, especially on turns. At this point, try rotating the tires or even consider buying two more tires for the rear. There is nothing that makes an older car feel newer than four new tires.
Is dealer-recommended maintenance on fuel injector and throttle body necessary?
Q: I just came back from my Toyota dealer. I had my oil changed (which I do every 5,000 miles) as well as the brake fluid. The car now has 32,000 miles, and the dealer recommended a fuel injector service and throttle body service for a total of $350, which I didn’t have done. Should these services be done, and, if so, when? I also use Chevron fuel injector cleaner every 5,000 miles.
A: Depending on fuel quality, fuel injectors and throttle plates can certainly get dirty. I have yet to find a factory recommendation from Toyota for a fuel injector or throttle body cleaning, unless there is a drivability issue. Can it hurt? No. Is it necessary? Not as long as you are using a decent-quality fuel.
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: Should I trade my SUV for one with newer safety features? | Car Doctor
