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Jul 06, 2023

Questions and answers from the ‘Car Doctor’

Q. I have seen you answer questions about car engines and boat motors, how about

Q. I have seen you answer questions about car engines and boat motors, how about a lawn mower engine? I have an older Honda lawn mower (twin blade 160) and it starts, then runs for a bit and then dies. The mower was given to me, and the gas was really old, which I drained out, but it still doesn't run, any ideas?

A. The gas was likely badly contaminated and clogged up the carburetor. You have two choices, replace the carburetor, or try to clean it. The carburetor has several passageways/bleeds that can clog as well as the jets and the float and needle and seat. If you decide to clean the carburetor, take a couple of pictures so you get the gaskets and linkage back together correctly. For the cost of a can of fuel system spray, I would try cleaning it first.

Q. I have noticed that you frequently recommend the Honda HR-V. My wife and I test drove it when it was first marketed and decided not to buy it for a number of reasons, primarily because of severe cowl shake at 5-50 miles per hour. This is a problem that was also noted in several automotive publications. I am wondering if this problem has now been addressed.

A. I have not driven the 2023 model and honestly did not notice cowl shake in the earlier models that I road tested. The previous HR-V was based on the Honda FIT which has been discontinued. Now of course I only road test vehicles for about a week, and I do not remember cowl shake in any Hondas that I have driven. Like the larger Honda CR-V the cabin can get a bit buzzy and the ride a bit harsh on the highway. Overall, the ride and handling were secure, like many small SUVs I would like to have seen a bit more power from the engine. But overall, makes a flexible interior, typically good resale value and overall reliability make it an easy vehicle to recommend.

Q. I am considering winter tires for my car- I think we were just lucky with this past winter. Are all winter tires created equal or should I stick with the name brand? Also, what are the benefits of having them mounted on my OEM wheels as opposed to buying a separate set of steel wheels? I live in an apartment and have limited storage.

A. Winter tires can help improve overall traction for both getting the vehicle moving in the snow as well as stopping. Winter tires are also designed to be more flexible/sticky in wintry weather. Having winter tires mounted on extra wheels saves wear and tear of both the winter tires and the standard tires. Depending on the vehicle, the winter tires will need tire pressure monitors installed as well. The biggest advantage of winter tires installed on dedicated wheels is the lower/no cost of installation. The disadvantage of having winter tires is having a place to store the tires and transporting four wheels/tires to a garage for installation. Depending on your personal situation, it may make more sense to wait until the roads are clear and use the all-season tires that came with your vehicle.

Q. Is there a premium SUV you can recommend that has a comfortable driver's seat for someone that has neck and back pain? I am going to start looking some time next year and want a small SUV with all the bells and whistles.

A. As someone with a lower back issue, I can appreciate your search for a vehicle with supportive seating. The newest mid-sized Lincoln Aviator has a 24-way adjustable driver's seat with message function. I have also found most Volvo SUVs have very supportive seats and most recently I drove the Mercedes Benz GLC 300 and found the driver's seat firm, but supportive. Lincoln is really stepping up the overall ride quality and interior comfort. If you can wait a bit, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus has the same 30-way adjustable seats, advanced driver assistance features and even a 28-speaker sound system.

Q. I had the catalytic converter replaced on my 2012 Chevy Cruze to be rid of the "check engine light" which has been on for a few years. After driving it back and forth to my two jobs for the last two weeks the light is still on. Do you think I need to drive it continuously without stopping for at least a couple of hours to get the light to go out? Do you think the better-quality catalytic converter would make the light go off?

A. Aftermarket catalytic converters can be a challenge. I have seen some that work perfectly, and others are just not up to the task. The catalytic converter monitor does require specific conditions before it will set. This could include highway driving for 15-20 minutes. In addition, if there are other codes those issues may need to be repaired before the catalytic converter monitor will set.

Q. I am almost eighty and cannot clean the inside of my rear window because of my age and the slant of the glass. It is a Toyota Avalon. I thought I saw something on TV with a handle. that looked like a flyswatter with a sponge on the end. Are you familiar with anything like this? Also, any window cleaning tips, we used to use newspaper but that does not seem to work the way I remember. I want to get rid of that film buildup.

A. I have also seen that window cleaning product "as seen on TV." I have never used one, but the idea is good. A long-handled tool that is flexible/springy enough to keep even pressure on the window, which allows for easier cleaning. I have found that the key to clean windows is a good quality window cleaner (Spayway and Invisible Glass are both good) although my wife prefers Spayway. When you are satisfied the windows are clean then go over them with a good microfiber cloth. By the way I think you are right, I believe many newspapers are made from post-consumer recycled fiber in their newsprint which is good for the environment but not to clean windows.

Got a car question, email the Car Doctor for a personal reply. [email protected]

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