- My wife was coming home when the car just completely died; no crank no starter.
- How long before I have to worry about my hybrid’s battery?
- What do you recommend changing now that we are approaching 70,000 miles?
Q: What is the difference between motorcycle oil and regular motor oil? We have three motorcycles and the oil change kits are over $100. Can’t I just use oil? Isn’t it oil?
To: Like car engines, motorcycles have many moving metal parts that need to be cooled and protected while the engine is running.
There are a few key differences to keep in mind when buying and adding motorcycle oil to your bike. The first factor is the oil capacity, which is usually less on a motorcycle. Most people don’t realize that oil contributes about 25% of engine cooling.
In a high-speed motorcycle, oil is critical to long life. Also, on most motorcycles, the oil also lubricates the transmission and clutch, and motorcycle oil may have additives that aid in smooth clutch engagement.
The car died suddenly, but the battery is good. What’s going on?
Q: My wife was coming home when the car just completely died; no crank no starter. The battery is good. Could it be the positive battery fuse holder or something else?
To: A little basic test should give you an indication of the integrity of the battery connections. The battery itself should also be checked. It is possible that the alternator failed and the car basically lost power.
How long will the RAV4 hybrid battery last?
Q: My 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a pleasure! It’s my first Toyota and it’s a great car all round.
How long before I have to worry about the battery (which powers the drive train) dying? They can’t last forever. I’m sure replacing it must be a major undertaking. It will help me decide how long to keep a great car.
To: In my unscientific study of hybrid battery life (I ask every hybrid car driver) the typical life is 325,000 miles. This translates into at least 10 years or more of trouble-free ownership.
Tips for keeping your GMC Sierra in top condition
Q: My 2011 GMC Sierra 4×4 Crew Cab SLT is my baby. It’s in mint condition, never given me a problem and works great. At approximately 66,000 miles, it is well below average mileage, even with the COVID-19 shutdowns.
I’ve only used full synthetic motor oil in it, which I change about every 6,000, or no more than 7,000 miles, and it goes smoothly with acceleration and braking. I have only replaced the rear brakes, tires and a battery.
What do you recommend I change next as we approach 70,000 miles? My school of thought has always been to leave well enough alone, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Engine coolant, brake fluid, belts, steering fluid, etc. What is your advice?
To: My advice is to follow the owner’s manual and keep doing what you’re doing. When the truck gets up to around 100,000 miles, change the transmission fluid and spark plugs.
Should I switch to synthetic oil in my 2016 Sonata?
Q: I have a 2016 Hyundai Sonata in very good to excellent condition. I have followed the recommended maintenance schedule, severe driving conditions, no major repair required. It has about 40,000 miles.
After retiring a year ago, I now drive a couple thousand miles a year. How cost-effective would it be to switch to synthetic oil to extend the life of my car, considering all the aspects of a vehicle that affect its longevity in New England? I am satisfied to go from A to B with my car at least in good condition.
If it’s worth it, what would be a reasonable time and mileage schedule for the synthetic oil change if driving mostly in Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts?
When I bought the Sonata, the service manager said I could only schedule by mileage. I think one of the Car Talk guys said the same thing a few years ago.
To: Synthetic oil has been scientifically proven to reduce engine wear and improve performance in both hot and cold weather.
The type of driving you are doing now, short trips, can be hard on an engine. If this were my car, I would change the oil every six months.
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 on Facebook.
