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

Is a brake fluid flush necessary in my 6-year-old vehicle?

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

Q. We have a 2019 Toyota Sienna with less than 50,000 miles, and have been advised to have the brake fluid flushed. Over the last 15 years we have owned six Toyotas and have never had the brake fluid flushed, even though some were driven over 180,000 miles. Is the brake fluid used in German engineered cars that different from that used in Japanese cars? My former Volkswagen never had the brake fluid changed. We take service very seriously and want to make sure the fluid flush is necessary. A.
In search of a new 2-door pickup truck

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

Q. I asked you once about 2-door pickups. As a Toyota owner for many years, I wanted to purchase a 2025 2-door Tacoma as I have been happy with my previous Toyotas. For a month I have been corresponding with Toyota dealers as well as Toyota Corporate with no success finding one. So, I am considering purchasing the 2025 Nissan Frontier SV King Cab. It is exactly what I am looking for. The Nissan dealers have many on their lots and they cost about the same as the Tacoma.
Is $700 too much for a dealer to charge for a 12,000 mile service?

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

Q. I am currently leasing a Honda HR-V. Recently, I received an email from the service department stating that I was due for a 12,000-mile service. I went down to Honda and asked what was in the service. I was given a written estimate for the following: oil change $69.99, tire rotation $39.99, wiper inserts $54.99, air/cabin filter $169.99, alignment $179.99, and rear differential flush $229.99. Over $700 for a car that is a little over a year old.
What’s causing random misfires in my SUV?

3 weeks 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 month 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?

1 month 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?

1 month 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?

1 month 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?

2 months 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.