Why Are Potholes So Hard on My Car?
A reader with a 2008 Chrysler Pacifica says the car gets hit hard when traveling over a pothole, even with shocks in good condition. Car Doc John Paul weighs in.
Q. When I drive my 2008 Chrysler Pacifica over a pothole, it hits pretty hard. I have had the shocks checked and they are fine. What is wrong?
A. More than likely your car’s suspension has stated to sag with age. The shock absorbers control how the car will react to bumps and dips in the road. If the springs have started to sag, then the car will tend to “bottom-out’’ over bumps.
Q. Have you driven the new aluminum Ford F-150 pick-up truck yet and if yes what did you think? Does the V-6 engine even with the turbocharger have enough power for this big truck?
A. I recently did drive an extended cab four wheel drive model with a short cargo bed. The performance was surprising with more torque and horsepower than a V-8 engine. In addition to the power of the engine the combination of the lighter weight and fuel efficient engine design consistently delivered 22 miles per gallon in a mix of mostly highway driving. This was 5-7 miles per gallon more than the last Ford F-150 that I drove. The ride was quite good and the cabin was quiet, the newest Ford F150 is a truck that any truck buyer should look at.
Q. You once mentioned that you were testing one of those small battery jumpstart devices. I looked into them, and although they may work, I drive a Jeep with a V-8 engine, and the model I looked at was only designed for smaller engines. I like the concept of a jump pack that you can keep in the glove compartment, but is there one for a V-8 engine?
A. Recently I have been testing a jump start pack from a company called Cyntur (www.cyntur.com). This latest device the JumperPack mini has a 12,000mAh lithium-ion battery and has the power to jumpstart a larger V-8 engine can hold a charge up to a year and can jump start several cars before recharging. In addition to its small size it has a very bright flashlight and a USB port to recharge phones and tablets.
Q. I have been looking for a used SUV and have read many reviews. I’ve considered the Toyota Highlander (too expensive), and the Ford Explorer, (doesn’t get great reviews), It appears that my $23,000 budget, is steering me to a Chevy traverse. It is the size I’m looking for. It has good reviews and I like the styling. I am able to find used ones on line locally. My main question is that when I look through the local newspaper looking for a new Traverse I never see them advertised. Only occasionally do I see a used one in the paper for sale but never a new model. Is there something about this vehicle that I am missing that takes them off the used car market?
A. The Traverse is a nice combination of comfort, utility and price but unfortunately was never a big seller. Some buyers may have thought they look too much like a minivan and wanted something with a more rugged look. As good as the newspaper is, this is where you might want to let the power of the internet help you out. A quick search on the www.cargurus.com found many Traverse models in your price range.
Q. I was looking into a car with its own internet access so I can use my car just as I would my home office. I would need internet access and a power outlet. I have seen several cars that offer this, have you tested any?
A. Prior to winter I did drive the Buick Lacrosse and it did have Wi-Fi and a 117 volt outlet. During that time I was looking to test some of my radio broadcast equipment. This Buick provided the power to run my equipment as well as the internet connection to broadcast back to the radio station. Recently I have driven a Jeep and Audi models that had built in Wi-Fi.
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