Do Volvo headlights fail more often?
Q. Over the past few years, as I drive around the New England area, I notice that probably two thirds of all models of Volvos that I see on the roads have one headlight out. I do quite a bit of driving both for work and pleasure, so I come up with some odd way of keeping myself amused, and this is something that has had me puzzled for some time now. Do you have any idea what this problem might be? I had a 2003 Tundra for six years, and then a 2009 Ridgeline for five years and never had to replace a single bulb on either vehicle, so I am just curious as the why I see so many Volvos with headlights out. Any thoughts would be great.
A. Volvo has their share of headlight failures. In fact Volvo has at least two recommendations regarding headlight bulbs. The first and a recommendation that applies to all cars is that if you replace one low beam bulb replace both sides. The second has to do with a wiring harness and connector issue. In many Volvo models, they have developed a new headlight connector to reduce the chance of headlight failure. Volvo specifically states in a technical bulletin that if the headlight connectors are replaced the bulbs should be replaced at the same time.
Q. I can’t decide between a new Honda Accord or a VW Passat, both the cars are fully loaded with all the options, so they all seem very nice. I have had a VW Passat for 9 years and still love it but I’m ready for new car. Help!
A. Years ago I would have suggested the Accord based on its high quality engineering and overall dependability and put the VW Passat near the bottom of the list, but that changed after spending a week in a Passat. The latest Passat rides smoothly, handles well and has a very nice interior. The model I drove was powered by the 1.8 liter turbo-charged engine and during my road test I exceeded the EPA mileage and on the highway I was seeing nearly 43 miles per gallon according to the computer display. The Honda Accord is still a great car but if you want a car with a little more personality the newest Passat is a great choice.
Q. I had an oil change the other day. While in the shop the service manager said the car manual also calls for new rear differential service where they apparently put in some kind of upgraded fluid. He said the rear differential controls the two rear wheels in a 2015 Mazda CX-5 SUV. I am at 30,000 miles, I told him OK and to perform the service and it cost me $80.00 for just that service alone. That is not counting the oil change which I also had done. I don’t know much about cars. Do you think the rear differential service was necessary?
A. If you use the severe service schedule for maintenance, there is a recommendation to change the differential fluid at 30,000 miles. Mazda states that an owner should use the normal maintenance schedule if in general none of the follow conditions apply: repeated short-distance driving, driving in dusty conditions, driving with extended use of brakes, driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are used, driving on rough or muddy roads, extended periods of idling or low-speed operation and driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates. For most of us living in New England some of the conditions do apply and changing the differential fluid will only help extend the life of the vehicle drivetrain.
Q. I am a senior in my late seventies and I want and need to buy a car. I want a car with many safety features; I think this will help keep me independent as long as possible. There are so many new safety features in various cars and I am wondering if there is a car with all or most of the features that I am looking for such as: lane departure and forward collision warning system, heated steering wheel, back up camera with alerts, blind spot detection monitoring, all-wheel-drive, blue tooth, good visibility and easy access and ABS brakes.
A. There are many cars that may work for you. Two that I have been impressed with recently are the Hyundai Genesis and the Buick Regal GS. Both models have all the features you want with slightly different personalities. Contrary to what you may have believed the Buick has a slightly sportier, nimble feel and gets better mileage than the Hyundai. The Hyundai rides softer and has more interior room.
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