- Why more expensive ceramic brake pads are better
- Is fixing the Lexus ES 350 steering wheel a DIY job?
- Why did the Toyota pickup key fobs stop working?
- Will the 2023 Highlander’s redesigned engine make it more or less durable?
Q: My 2019 Lexus ES 350 does 5,000-6,000 miles a year. I currently have 15,000 miles.
i took the vehicle to my dealer for an inspection and an oil change. I get an annual oil and filter change with standard oil. My dealer used synthetic oil and they charged me $140 plus tax! The price difference surprised me. Is the price difference worth it? They indicated they wanted me back in six months or 5,000 miles! From what I read on the web, synthetic oil should be good for 7,500 to 15,000 miles (some sites gave much higher numbers).
To: Synthetic oil provides greater protection against engine wear than standard oil. It’s the oil I use in my family’s vehicles.
According to my records, Lexus recommends oil changes at 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. The dealer may have their own suggestions.
What is the advantage of ceramic brake pads?
Q: My car needs brakes soon. The repair shop suggests more expensive ceramic brake pads. What is your opinion on this type of bearings?
To: Ceramic brake pads tend to be quieter and produce less dust as they wear. They are also less prone to problems with road salt. They also tend to be more expensive.
There is no “best” brake pad for every vehicle and driver. For me, ceramic bearings are a good choice for most applications.
Lexus ES 350 steering wheel problem
Q: My 2011 Lexus ES 350 just started making noises when the car starts and the steering wheel moves (telescoping). Is this a simple DIY solution (using silicone spray)? Should I take it to a mechanic? How much working time should I expect?
To: This is quite a complicated system. Unlike mechanical tilt/telescope systems, your Lexus uses an electric motor. A motor telescoping position sensor detects telescoping position by counting the number of pulses as the motor rotates. Just spraying silicone could damage the components.
If you take it to a repair shop, I would estimate an hour of labor to determine the cause of the noise, which is most likely the telescope motor.
The key fob will not unlock the Toyota pickup doors
Q: I have a four-door Toyota pickup truck. The back doors open with the key fob, but the front doors don’t open most of the time. I even tried the spare key fob and the same thing happens. This also happens when I don’t set the alarm, meaning I can’t unlock the front doors and the key doesn’t unlock them either. It sure is frustrating at my age to have to climb into the back seat and then climb into the front seat to open the doors! I hope you can give me some advice that won’t be expensive.
To: The most common problem is the failure of the door lock actuators. When this happens, the key fob will not work and the power lock button will not work. In some cases, even the key lock will not open the doors.
Inside the actuator is a small electric motor that just wears out over time. Unfortunately, the repair is not cheap. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to remove and replace an actuator, and the factory part is $260.
Will the 2023 Highlander’s 4 cylinder engine and timing belt last?
Q: I drive my cars over 200,000 miles before I trade them in or give them away. I have owned several Hondas in the past, each with over 200,000 miles with no major mechanical issues.
I was looking for a new 2023 Toyota Highlander, but I just found out that it now has a turbo inline 4 engine with a timing belt instead of a timing chain. Not sure if the 4 cylinder makes sense for a large 4155 lb SUV. I’m not crazy about the timing belt either. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
To: Turbocharged four-cylinder engines can be very reliable if designed correctly. Many of these engines are capable of generating very high power.
In the Highlander, the 4 cylinder turbo engine should be fine. Note that you only use the full power of the motor for a fairly limited period of time, which increases the longevity of the motor.
The timing belt actually allows for more precise valve control than a timing chain. Today, timing belts last much longer. With your driving style, you can only replace the timing belt twice in 250,000 miles.
John Paul is AAA’s Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automotive industry and is a Master Technician certified by ASE. 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 onFacebook.
