Q. I have a 2016 Volvo S60 with a four-cylinder engine. It has about 90,000 miles on it. I am going to change the timing belt, is it advisable to replace the water pump? The Volvo water pump is $500 and bad enough the timing belt is going to cost $1350. I love my car, but it is very pricey to keep it running. Why didn’t Volvo use a chain instead of a belt that needs to be replaced?
A. In many engines with timing belts it is a good idea to replace the water pump. This is usually if the timing belt needs to be removed to service the water pump. In the case of your Volvo the electric water pump in not located near the timing belt, so there is no need to replace it unless there is an issue with it. So why a timing belt and not a chain? Timing belts are quieter and lighter, belts are simpler to build into engine design and do not require oil lubrication like a chain. Personally, I also prefer engines with lower maintenance timing chains.
Q. You recently answered a question about the person who wanted to buy a certified used Lexus with a V6 engine rather than the latest model with the new four-cylinder engine. Your answer left me puzzled. I am wondering, was your answer a backhanded way of warning the public that “Certified” cars are not always well inspected by the dealers selling them?
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A. There are manufacturer certified, and dealer certified, and both are referred to as CPO (certified pre-owned) and both can be good. A few years back I was car shopping looking at a one-year-old SUV that was labeled as CPO. The left front tire was replaced, and the other tires had about 20,000 miles on them. At a minimum, the car should have had two matching tires, preferably four, since it was all-wheel drive. If the inspection process missed something this simple, what else did they miss? I was at a Porsche dealer (not buying just looking), and the dealer certified cars would automatically get four new tires, new brakes, and a new battery. The owner of the dealership felt that doing those repairs can make a used car feel new and command a premium price. So yes, a bit of buyer beware, ask is the car is dealer certified, or manufacturer certified and what is included in the warranty. Also if repairs are needed can the car go to any dealer or just where you purchased the car?
Q. You may have answered this before, but what can I do with five gallons of gas that I use for my lawnmower? Should I just save it for the snowblower?
A. The best thing to do is just add about a gallon of the lawnmower gas to your car at each fill up. Even if it is a little stale, it will mix with the fresh fuel and burn normally. There is a difference between summer and winter gas. Winter gas allows easier starting in wintry weather. So as we approach winter, so get fresh gas for the snowblower.
Q. I own a 2016 BMW 3 series. On October 2024 I was notified of the recall No. 24V-608:474. Since then, I have been trying to get BMW to remedy this recall. I have asked my local dealership as well as contacting BMW North America directly and I am told the parts to remedy this recall are not available yet, and I will be notified when they are in stock. How long must an owner wait for the remedy?
A. This was a voluntary recall and apparently the remedy has not been determined yet. I have seen, similar to your car, parts and procedures take a year or more after the notification. When the government orders a recall, it usually is faster, when it is the manufacturer, it can take much more time, since they need to design an upgraded part and test the new part in a variety of conditions.
Q. My 2014 Cadillac XTS with the six-cylinder engine has about 20,000 miles on it. My problem is that when I first try to start it up in the morning it turns over strong, but it takes 5 to 10 seconds to start, it always eventually starts, and for the rest of the day, it starts up normally. The battery is new and strong, I took it to my mechanic, and they could not figure it out. They suggested I take it to the dealer which I am trying to avoid. Any suggestions will help,
A. If there are no codes (hard or pending) and the fuel system is not losing pressure; the next step is to look at excessive carbon build up in the combustion chamber. If there is a lot of carbon, then carbon acts like a sponge and absorbs fuel and makes it hard to start. I would start with a good fuel system cleaning and see if that makes a difference. You could also take a borescope and look in the cylinders and look for carbon.
Q. My neighbor just purchased a Genesis G80, he asked me what I thought compared to my Mercedes. I said it was the nicest Hyundai that I have seen, but it is no Mercedes Benz. Now we are not talking, was I right or wrong?
A. Although Genesis is the luxury line of Hyundai, it is a true luxury car. I recently evaluated a G80 and found it to be quick, handling was quite good, and the ride was very smooth. The interior design and materials used are some of the best and it is hard to beat the Genesis warranty. You can both have your own opinions and that is fine, I would suggest taking him to lunch and make-up. You do not want to ruin a relationship over a car.
Do you have a car question? Email the Car Doctor for a personal reply. jpaul@aaanortheast.com
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