Q: Are winter tires worth the money? I have a new Audi A4 and it is all wheel drive.
A: A few years ago, I was road testing an all-wheel-drive Audi A6 and it had just got four inches of snow. I drove to the edge of the neighborhood, drove home, and drove my car. This car with summer tires was terrible.
Your Audi will most likely have all-season tires that can compromise in any weather.The same all-season tires you buy in New England are the same tires you buy in southern states that don’t snow Please remember that
Dedicated winter tires significantly improve not just traction, but handling and traction on all-important stops.
Later that winter I drove the same Audi with only winter tires and it performed amazingly in the snow.
Q: I have a 2013 Buick Verano with 113,000 miles. I love this car (very disappointed that Buick has decided to stop making sedans for the US). Recently, I noticed that the check engine light was on while driving. I had just filled up so I tried resetting the gas cap to no avail.
Later in the day I started the car using the built in remote start and the car would not start. Then I tried 1-2 times and it still doesn’t work. Is it possible that it caused the check engine light to come on? I’m taking it to a mechanic but wondering if it could be as simple as a weak fob battery or something in the starter group under the hood. .
A: Yes, every time you press a button on the remote key to activate or lock/unlock, a signal is sent to the vehicle’s computer. It also monitors your key fob battery. If the battery becomes weak in three attempts, a fault code will be set. At this point, your best bet is to read the fault code and see what’s going on. It could be as simple as a weak remote control battery.
Q: My 2010 Nissan Cube starts fine until I stop for coffee, turn off the engine, and try to start the car. A red car icon and a yellow key icon will flash inside the vehicle. Towed by a mechanic, it started! Any ideas? A mechanic who can fix anything couldn’t find the problem.
A: According to your description, NATS (Nissan Anti-Theft System) does not seem to detect the key. If you have a physical key instead of a push button fob, your ignition switch may be worn out. If you have an intelligent key fob, the problem could be in your car’s computer system. A dealer or auto locksmith is the best place to find and fix the problem.
Q: I have a 2013 Subaru Impreza and it suddenly stops and won’t flip over. What is the reason for this? I had the ignition switch repaired. Could this be the problem?
A: Sure, a previous repair might have something to do with it. But first, you should run basic diagnostics to check the battery and all connections. This will rule out any underlying issues before looking further into the ignition system.
Q: I followed you on Facebook to read how you plugged your tires. I thought you said the only way to fix a tire is to patch it from the inside.
A: I carry a portable jump start pack, a portable air compressor and a plug kit in my car. If the tire is known to have no sidewall damage, use tire plugs only as a temporary tire repair.
Once the tire is plugged in and holds air, take it to a tire shop for the proper (plug patch combination) permanent repair.
John Paul is an AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He is an ASE certified Master Technician with over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry. Write to John Paul, Car Doctor, 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. follow him on twitter @John f Paul or on facebook.