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Q: I have a 2021 Honda HRV that is white with a light tan interior. There are a few stains on the driver’s seat. Can you recommend a stain remover to purchase and how it should be applied? What are your feelings on using vinegar or other homemade remedies?
A: I would use a dedicated vehicle interior cleaner and a soft brush and then dry with a clean white towel. Of course, always try any cleaner in an inconspicuous area first to check for color fastness.
Products that I have had good results with are Meguiar’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner and Tuff Stuff interior cleaner (foam cleaner and bargain priced). As for DIY, vinegar mixed 50/50 with water can be a good cleaner; some people will mix it with a little soap and lemon. You can also try mixing up dish detergent and only use the suds. Even shaving cream can sometimes tackle stubborn stains.
Q: I had my oil and filter change done recently. I noticed a separate charge on the bill: “remove oil filter.” I sure wish he would have just buried that remark in the bill under labor rather than spell it out.
A: That is a bit of an odd remark, since you went in for an oil change, which includes the oil filter.
Some cars (VW and others with a large belly pan that needs removal) have difficult access to the oil filter or drain plug and may require a little more time.
Call me old-fashioned, but with all the add-ons and extra profit fees some shops have, will they also start charging for air?
Q: I have a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited six-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. With 120,000 miles on the car, it is approaching the end of an extended warranty. Can I have the transmission fluid and filter changed to look for anything that would cause the transmission to break down? I was told that, unless the fluid smells burnt or looks other than red, don’t bother, because new fluid could cause too much pressure on the seals. What should I do?
A: There are times where the old fluid is the best fluid. But, I agree with your reasoning of looking for potential problems before the warranty runs out.
If this were my car, and the fluid looked good, I would do a simple drain, filter change and refill. Do not flush the transmission and only use fluid approved for your Jeep.
Q: My 2017 Cadillac CTS with 30,000 miles has developed a transmission shudder when light acceleration is applied at speeds of 45 to 50 mph. The power train warranty is still in effect. There is a pending class-action suit regarding this problem.
GM has issued technical service Bulletin No.: 18-NA-355 Date: August 2019. This calls for a transmission flush and replacement of the fluid with a newly formulated fluid. Will this be a permanent fix? Is there likely to have been irreparable damage done to the transmission? Also, will having the repair done under warranty negate any possible award from the class action suit?
A: This is a very common issue in almost every GM vehicle. The fix, as you pointed out, is to flush out all of the fluid and replace it with Mobil 1 synthetic transmission fluid. This should remedy the “chuggle” or “shudder.” It seems as if General Motors has had some of transmission torque convertor issue for decades.
As for the class-action suit, in most cases, doing repairs doesn’t change any future outcomes, and in some cases will even provide for reimbursement of costs, rental cars, etc.
Q: I have a 2016 BMW X4. I bought it new and it’s always been garaged. The car has 64,000 miles. I brought it in for normal maintenance and they told me the oil pan seal needed to be replaced. I figured I had no choice, and the cost was more than $2,000. It seems a little too early for this issue to occur. Any feedback would be appreciated.
A: I agree, it is a little early. The gasket is $60, and it is about six hours labor to replace it, so the price seems a little high. BMW is sort of funny that the factory considers some oil seepage normal and not requiring repair. Yes, if the oil drips, but if the oil is only staining the engine block, it is normal. I wonder if the dealer was a little too aggressive with recommending the repair.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
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