John Paul

Boston, Florida, Providence

Host, The Car Doctor at WBOQ-FM

Columnist, The Car Doctor at Boston.com

Host at John Paul - Car Doctor Radio Podcast

Read The Car Doctor, https://t.co/gTltu1R97D, https://t.co/oEu2DOxHa6, https://t.co/6VUVKPzU7M. Listen to podcasts on https://t.co/RXzPGQzPvY

Articles

What’s causing random misfires in my SUV?

1 day ago | boston.com | John Paul |Jack Pickell

Q. My GMC Terrain has been diagnosed with a random misfire. The dealer told me it is the gas I am using, and that they will need to do some major disassembly to solve the problem. The engine runs fine but has this occasional check-engine light. What can be done, without taking the engine apart? A. Gas quality can be part of the issue, and it makes sense, when you can, to use Top Tier gasoline.
Seeking advice on a possible used car purchase

1 week ago | boston.com | John Paul |Jack Pickell

Q. We’re looking at a 2022 Subaru Outback. It has 13,500 miles on it. Consumer Reports has 2023 and 2024 rated as the best, but I’m wondering if anything stands out for the 2022 model year. I cannot find anything online but you are my go-to, so I wanted to check with you. A. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Outback is a good car with a few minor issues. Check the windshield, many have developed cracks. Move all the windows up and down. Some act sticky and need new window components.
Should I be worried about rust on my car’s calipers?

2 weeks ago | boston.com | John Paul |Jack Pickell

Q. I changed the calipers, rotors, brake pads, and both back tires of my 2012 Acura TL last December. The work was performed at a AAA repair shop. Now the calipers look completely rusty. What should I do now? A. Surface rust is not too serious, it is more the caliper slides that you need to make sure are properly lubricated. Certainly, you could take off the calipers and paint them to prevent more rust. Rust-Oleum makes a high temperature caliper paint.
What is causing my minivan to vibrate?

3 weeks ago | boston.com | John Paul |Jack Pickell

Q. I have a brake problem that no one can fix on my 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan GT. I took it to two independent mechanics as well as the dealership, and they all said the car checks out, safety-wise. The problem is when you step on the brakes you get vibration on the front passenger side that affects the steering wheel and the whole front end. New pads and rotors have been replaced all around. What’s wrong with my car? A. You need to start with measuring for out-of-round/runout.
Did a lack of driving cause my car’s battery to fail?

4 weeks ago | boston.com | John Paul |Jack Pickell

How To Q. My wife purchased a 2024 Audi Q5 Sportback in May of 2024. It now has 2,200 miles on it. We went away for six days and upon returning the battery was dead. Nothing was left on.
Why has it become so difficult to fill my car's gas tank?

1 month ago | boston.com | John Paul |Jack Pickell

Q. I seem to remember you answering this question before, but at the time it did not apply to me. Now it does. Why does it take a long time to put gas in my car? The pump keeps clicking off. I have to pump it really slowly. A. This is typical of a car experiencing an issue with the evaporative emissions system. There is a vent that can malfunction, or the vent can be clogged with mud or other debris. I have even seen spider webs cause a problem.
Is it mandatory to repair a broken windshield?

1 month ago | boston.com | John Paul |Jack Pickell

Q. My windshield broke in the last snowstorm. It seems to be an internal break and does not meet the surface outside or inside. If I do not get a new windshield, is it dangerous to drive? Also, is it illegal to drive it this way in Massachusetts? A. Is it dangerous? The windshield is laminated glass, so it is really only an issue if something else hits the windshield because it is now weaker. Is it illegal? Yes. Cracks or chips larger than a quarter will fail inspection.
What wiped out all the data in my SUV’s infotainment system?

1 month ago | boston.com | John Paul |Jack Pickell

Q. My Kia Sorrento, not yet two years old, exhibited an odd symptom. Upon starting the engine the other morning, all of my computer presets were wiped clean. The home screen invited me to create my own presets which I long ago did and all was working fine. All radio presets, GPS favorite destinations, safety alerts, preferences, and Bluetooth connections were gone. I even had to reset the time. It took me about an hour to reset all my preferences. The car runs fine. What happened?
Is the Car Doctor a petrolhead or an electric enthusiast (or both)?

1 month ago | boston.com | John Paul |Jack Pickell

How To Q. I read your advice columns each week and listen to your podcasts fairly often. You confuse me a bit. One time I am convinced you are a dedicated petrolhead, then you are talking about electric cars and even electric bikes.
Should I press my luck with an 8-year-old car battery?

2 months ago | boston.com | John Paul |Jack Pickell

Q. I purchased the TOPDON battery tester you recently recommended, and it is great. My 2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport came with a battery that barely lasted five years. However, my 2016 Hyundai Sonata ECO came with an AGM battery. According to the tester, the battery is still at 91 percent of capacity after more than eight years. Should I trust the battery or get rid of it due to its age? A. The average battery life in the northeast is about five years, but that is just an average.