How To
John Paul, AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor, answers a question from a reader who is questioning services being recommended by a local dealer.
Q. I am a few miles shy of 30,000 on my 2024 Subaru Forester, which I bought this April, when it had 22,000 miles. I do a lot of highway driving. At my first oil change, the Subaru dealer I took it to (not where I bought the car) told me I needed the following: differential service for $189, front differential service, $189.95, brake fluid flush, $149.95, fuel injection service, $189. My question is, do I need this? They told me it’s because it’s a 4-wheel drive and this is for the 30,000-mile service.
A. Looking at the Subaru maintenance schedule, the only item that you are close to needing is replacing the brake fluid. This is something I think is beneficial every three to five years. The other items certainly can’t hurt but, in my opinion, unless you drive in extreme temperatures, routinely drive off-road, or use your car as an Uber or Lyft, the other items are not necessary.
Q. I read your column for years when I lived in Boston and still read it now that I live in greater Charlotte. I’m about to purchase an inboard ski boat that weighs 4,000 to 4,500 pounds with a trailer. Unfortunately, this is at or over the max weight of my 2025 Volvo XC60. I’m not planning on towing the boat any great distance. The vehicle just has to run fine and be able to pull the boat out of the water on the launch ramp. I have a small RV with a V-10 engine if I were to tow the boat any distance. What modest used vehicle might you suggest that I look at?
A. The Volvo XC60 can likely tow the boat up the ramp. It does have a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The issue if not the ability to pull up the ramp. It is the stopping and hilly terrain that could be a safety issue. The base engine in the XC60 and larger XC90 that has 5,000 pounds of towing capacity have the same horsepower. If you don’t want to take a chance with the Volvo, the next step are mid-sized vehicles like a Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4Runner, or full-sized SUV (just about anyone), or a full-sized pickup truck. If you decide to go with a used SUV or pickup truck, have it inspected before purchasing it to reduce the chances of making a poor choice.
Q. What is the best way to fix the tailgate on my 2012 Toyota Highlander? It was bumped by another car in a parking lot and the tailgate was dented in the center. I had it repaired but slowly the electric mechanism stopped working and just beeps twice, opens a little and then closes. Also, the tailgate hatch window opens only an inch. Any suggestions?
A. The first thing that needs to happen is to check the integrity of the wiring. A pinched or partially broken wire going to the door motors and glass release could be the issue. Also, if the hatch door is not aligned properly, the pinch mechanism (which is part of the lift motors) starts to open, senses the extra force and closes again. The repair needs to start with a good visual inspection and then an electrical measurement at the switches to determine the issue.
Q. I have a 2020 Genesis G80. I am retired and do not drive as often as before. I average about 5,500 miles per year. My last oil change was in August 2024, and the dealer said to have an oil change after one year or 38,000 miles. I have driven 6,200 miles since then. (A total of 32,400 miles on the odometer). Should I go with an annual oil change after one year or wait until I hit 7,500 miles of new driving? Also, my tires are the original ones (Michelin) and still have good tread and no cracking, but are now over five years old. Should I consider replacing the tires because of age?
A. The tires will probably be fine for at least another year, maybe two. Sidewall and cracking in the tread will be the clue more than tread wear. Typically tires can last 40-80,000 miles or six to 10 years. Your Genesis has a 10-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. As for the oil change, in my opinion a yearly or 7,500-mile interval, whichever comes first, is necessary. Not just to reduce engine wear but also to maintain the warranty.
Q. I recently just purchased a 2015 Volkswagen Golf and it has a message about the throttle. I had the codes read and it shows an issue with engine misfires on cylinders two and four. I am a DIY’er but this is my first Volkswagen. Where should I start?
A. At ten years old spark plugs and ignition coils could certainly be the problem. You could certainly inspect the spark plugs and test the ignition coils. Although as a new-to-you vehicle and to establish a baseline of repairs, it may be easier and more cost effective to just replace the spark plugs and ignition coils.
John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE-certified master technician. E-mail your Car Doctor question to [email protected]. Listen to the Car Doctor podcast at johnfpaul.podbean.com.
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