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Why has it become so difficult to fill my car’s gas tank?
John Paul, AAA Northeast's Car Doctor, answers a question from a reader experiencing a pesky problem at the pumps.
Q. I seem to remember you answering this question before, but at the time it did not apply to me. Now it does. Why does it take a long time to put gas in my car? The pump keeps clicking off. I have to pump it really slowly.
A. This is typical of a car experiencing an issue with the evaporative emissions system. There is a vent that can malfunction, or the vent can be clogged with mud or other debris. I have even seen spider webs cause a problem. Your shop will need to start with a visual inspection and then go from there.
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Q. I recently purchased a new Subaru Outback. I was advised not to use Rain-X on the windows. I have always used RAIN-X in the yellow bottle and Rain-X wiper fluid. The dealer said don’t use it, but did not give me any reasoning why. Any thoughts?
A. I looked for technical service bulletins regarding the use of water-shedding products and did not find anything. I suspect the reason the dealer is suggesting this is that the thin film deposited by the Rain-X may interfere with the dual camera EyeSight driver assistance system. This system is very good but can be disabled by heavy rain, bright sun, and even fingerprints on the lenses. Personally, I don’t see how any residual water shedding film can cause a problem. If you like these products, use them. If for some reason the EyeSight system displays unavailable, clean the window. I have found Bon-Ami and Bar-Keepers Friend are good products for stripping off any film on windshields.
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Q. An 80-year-old woman asked for advice on an SUV and you mentioned the Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan Rogue. You favored the RAV4, but I’m surprised you didn’t mention the Honda CR-V which I found to be superior to Toyota, Nissan, or Hyundai/Kia. No, I don’t and have never worked for Honda. I found your reply odd, and I might add I have always respected your opinions.
A. The person who asked the question wanted to know my opinion between the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4. Of those two vehicles I believe the Toyota RAV4 is superior. As for the Honda CR-V, an excellent vehicle, with slightly more room than the RAV4 and perhaps a little better handling. I found the Toyota RAV4 to ride a little quieter than the CR-V with simpler-to-use controls. Cars are a personal choice, and it really comes down to what fits you the driver, the best.
Q. I am car shopping for the first time in 25 years and wanted to know, where do I start? The last car I purchased was a Pontiac and I purchased it from the local dealer.
A. Start with narrowing down what you think your needs and desires are for a new car. Then look at the local dealers. No matter how good the car is, it may need warranty service, and traveling to a distant dealer for service is certainly inconvenient. In fact, I would put the dealer and their reputation ahead of price. Once you have settled on at least one type and size vehicle, it is time for the road test. The road test should include a mix of city and highway driving, and if possible, night driving. What has become as important as a traditional road test is a road test of the technology. How easy is it to connect your phone, tune the radio, and use all the controls, including any Advance Driver Assistance (ADAS) features.
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Q. I have a 2019 Mazda CX-5 which has been a great car, with one exception. There is a rattle/light banging coming from the front of the car. I took it to the dealer, and they said they did not find anything wrong. On smooth roads, I don’t hear anything but over bumpy roads the noise is annoying.
A. The problem is likely related to the steering column shaft. On some Mazda vehicles, the nut at the steering wheel loosens ever so slightly and makes a knocking noise. The repair actually involves replacing the steering shaft and nut, and tightening to a revised higher torque.
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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