Car Questions (Page 24)

For anyone that has recently purchased or is considering their first plug-in electric vehicle, whether it is a fully electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), they may have questions. Surveying social media and being an early adopter of modern plug-in vehicles has given me lots of exposure to such questions. Here are a few common questions I’ve encountered and answers based on years of experience and research. Consider this an invitation to ask others and to challenge me with ones I’ve never seen.

Arson attacks, crashes, near-misses, misses, playing chicken with a Tesla, and even some Tesla owner faults are just a few of the everyday things that can happen that is part of being a Tesla owner.

Does your Toyota have a VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) engine that has developed a noticeable rattle whenever you start the engine? If so, then you will want to know what is going on and why in some cases you can wait a while before repairs whereas in other cases repairs have to be done right away for this common Toyota problem.

Need to know just how much cargo room that compact SUV you are considering buying actually holds? Here’s the latest from Consumer Reports on 10 compact SUVs they measured that they say hold the most cargo.

Thinking about going full electric with your next vehicle and are basing your buying decision on a well-known make due to their gas-only cars are among the best? Think again as this Toyota mechanic reviews Lexus’s first electric car and explains why it is such a disappointment.

See how a used Prius shopper got scammed by the original owner of a Prius that has hidden problems.

Ever wonder whether choosing the right oil filter is really all that important? Here’s a good answer to that question that shows what happens when your car’s oil filter gets clogged and why you should be wary of any oil treatment product sold at your local auto parts store. Plus, an easy way to dissect your own oil filter for some filter analysis.

Thinking about buying a new vehicle but cannot make up your mind which make or model you want…or really need? Here’s some facts about road safety that highlights vehicles that have literally killed thousands, which might help you decide what vehicle is the right one to buy today.

Here’s an informative piece that can save a current Highlander owner from total engine failure or alert a used car shopper looking at buying an older Highlander about a common fault that leads to a blown engine in these models.

Here’s a very informative demonstration on how to replace the hybrid battery in a Prius with an upgrade that you will definitely want to see whether you DIY or hire someone to do it for you.

Need to know just how much cargo room that large SUV you are considering buying actually holds? Here’s the latest from Consumer Reports on which 8 large SUVs they found that hold the most cargo.

Here’s an important warning about one mechanic-in-a-bottle product used on a Toyota Tacoma that this mechanic recommends avoiding the temptation of trying on your car, and know that some used car scammers rely on this product to unload a problem car.

Is your vehicle truly prepared for a roadside emergency? Find out now how these non-electric and electric roadside jacks combo kits compare that includes everything you need to handle a flat tire emergency.

Should you buy a used Toyota primarily because you found a used one that was made in Japan? Find out what “Made in Japan” model of Toyota (which looks like a Lexus, but isn’t) that if you find one used in the U.S. you might not want to buy it for a very good reason despite its manufacturer origins.

Should you buy a certified preowned car? Find out now with the latest advice from Consumer Reports on what you need to know before considering signing that used car deal.

Some Toyota and Lexus models had a known problem with external head gasket leaks. Find out now why this problem is there, what you can do to prevent it, and the one thing you should never allow a garage to do when fixing a head gasket leak problem in Toyota and Lexus models with this engine.

Here’s the latest on a used car purchase quick inspection tip recommendation from a well-respected Toyota mechanic who states that this is a test you can do to have “…a perfect idea in what condition is the engine, despite the fact it has super high miles.”

Here’s your chance to learn more than you probably ever wanted to know about Honda and Toyota models over the years unless you are serious about buying an older model Honda or Toyota and want to know those to avoid and those worth investing in when shopping for a good used car that has potential.

Project car recommendation from a mechanic that makes good economic sense today.

Advice from a Toyota mechanic on why buying a used car---even a Toyota 4Runner---in 2023 might be a bad idea for car shoppers torn between keeping their old declining Toyota or buying a used one while waiting for the new car market to improve.

Looking for ease of use in a car or SUV that does not have a console like a space shuttle? Here are the latest picks from Consumer Reports on cars and SUVs with the easiest controls for drivers.

Here’s the latest from Consumer Reports for car shoppers looking to find out which car brands and models actually save you money and their recommendation of those that cost the least to maintain.

Have you had a check engine light warning on your dash and been told that you need a new EVAP (evaporative emission control) installed in your vehicle? Find out more about what your EVAP system is and 3 causes common to this check engine light warning. Plus, one warning about the worst thing many car owners do that can damage their car’s EVAP system and why we do this to rental cars.

Here’s why something as simple as a fake Toyota gas cap can cause problems for your vehicle. Plus, find out where the common rust areas of a Toyota 4Runner are that you should keep an eye on.

The other day, a Torque News reader asked me a series of questions about Kia’s plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) vs hybrids (HEVs). I own a Kia Sorento PHEV and have written several articles about my experience with it, comparing it to other similar vehicles, and what kind of fuel efficiency results I get from it. This piece will address the reader’s questions by linking to other articles I have written and also includes new information I haven’t previously written about or that weaves the articles together.

Find out now which brand of locking lug nuts is the best in a review that says there’s only one real winner among some brands tested. Plus, discover some creative ways to fail a locking lug nut (in an emergency of course) and find out what wheel rim style type makes theft easier than other rim types.

Here’s a good opportunity to learn what the different exhaust colors mean and how you can diagnose the cause of the problem your engine might be having.

Are you a car enthusiast who is tempted from time to time to “open her up and see what she can do” on the highway? Here’s some good advice for Cannonball Run wannabes and an example of one of the dumbest things you can do while doing it.

Here’s the latest news from Consumer Reports listing their recommended cars, SUVs, trucks and minivans that produce the least amount of harmful emissions.

Is your Ford---or one you are considering buying---running a little rough? Here’s a quick and simple check you can do to find out if this common problem is the cause. Plus, a warning about potentially setting your truck on fire while working on it.