Can I improve my car’s radio to Bluetooth Know-how?
Q: I exploit my cellphone loads in my supply enterprise, however my van doesn’t have Bluetooth know-how. Can I improve the radio, or ought to I simply hold utilizing my rechargeable (which I overlook to recharge) AirPods?
A: First off, hands-free just isn’t risk-free. Though it’s possible you’ll be protecting your palms on the wheel, your mind could also be specializing in the decision relatively than on driving.
Sure, you may exchange the radio with a unit that has full Bluetooth functionality. Most any auto electronics store can do that work.
Lately, I’ve been attempting a headset by BlueTiger (bluetigerusa.com) referred to as the Solare. It has a single earpiece (in lots of states it’s unlawful to put on full headphones). The headscarf portion of the headset comprises a photo voltaic panel that retains the headset charged. It expenses very nicely in daylight but additionally expenses fairly nicely with indoor lighting. The headset is snug, and the microphone cancels most background noise. This can be a very good moveable resolution.
Q: My automotive has solely 32,000 miles on it. When it was in for an oil change, I used to be advised I would want two entrance tires and entrance brakes. The fee was going to be $770. They stated I ought to have the work accomplished earlier than fall. Isn’t the mileage just a little low for this sort of work?
A: Sometimes, tires and brakes will final 40,000 miles or extra, however that’s decided by how the automotive is pushed. It’s actually doable that the automotive may wish brakes and tires at 32,000 miles. If the automotive was pushed primarily within the metropolis, the tires and brakes would put on extra shortly.
At any time when unsure, at all times get a second opinion to confirm the necessity for repairs.
Q: My automotive wants a brand new catalytic converter, because it didn’t go inspection. My son was capable of get the codes to clear and used some kind of adaptor on the exhaust sensor. He stated he noticed this restore in a YouTube video. You may wish to embrace this in your column to avoid wasting folks 1000’s of {dollars} in repairs.
A: Greater than possible what your son did was use an old-time spark plug non-fouler and mount it within the exhaust to lift the oxygen sensor out of the exhaust stream. This technique methods the pc however doesn’t remedy the issue, and it’s really thought-about tampering with the car emissions system.
Q: I noticed an article on-line that confirmed a brand new BMW the place the hood can solely be opened by a dealership technician. Within the story it confirmed windshield washer fluid added via the BMW hood badge. Is that this true?
A: That is unlikely, particularly with Proper to Restore Memorandum of Understanding agreed to by automakers.
I couldn’t discover something about BMW, however I did see an article about Mercedes-Benz and its electrical automotive, which states one thing like, “The hood ought to be solely opened by certified restore technicians.” That is almost certainly because of the excessive excessive voltages in some electrical vehicles. The phrase “ought to” is the important thing; it doesn’t state that it should be opened by supplier personnel.
Q: I learn your column about automotive museums in New England, and also you missed a pair. The Seal Cove Auto Museum in Maine; a little out of the way in which is the Northeast Basic Automobile Museum in Norwich, New York. There are additionally some nice cruise nights that run into the autumn.
A: You might be appropriate. There are nice vehicles in every single place. I’ve by no means been to the 2 you talked about.
One other reader talked about a small museum, ProNyne Motorsports, in Pawtucket that options some race vehicles.
Additionally definitely worth the journey is the Cycles Basic Cafe Museum in Beverly, Massachusetts. It is upstairs over a motorbike dealership.
As well as, I simply discovered concerning the Saratoga Vehicle Museum.
Q: Lately, whereas I used to be driving at 35 mph in my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, the windshield simply cracked. I didn’t see something hit the window, however the crack ran throughout your entire windshield.
I’ve solely owned this automotive for a few years, so I don’t know if the windshield was unique or not. After I had the windshield changed, the glass man stated that is pretty widespread with these vehicles. Whether it is, why?
A: Glass can shatter from stress (the physique flexes), poor set up, faulty product and — after all — influence.
A fast search on-line exhibits the incidence of cracked windshields in Jettas to be fairly widespread, at the least in older fashions. Actually, many had been cracked earlier than the vehicles had been even put in service. If the windshield is put in correctly and the automotive is pushed fairly, there isn’t any cause to assume the substitute windshield shouldn’t final a very long time.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Automobile Physician. He has greater than 40 years of expertise within the car trade and is an ASE-Licensed Grasp Technician. Write to John Paul, The Automobile Physician, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Windfall, RI 02904. Or e mail [email protected] and put “Automobile Physician” within the topic area. Comply with him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Fb.
