Q: I’ve noticed on a number of cars that when the front turn signal is on, the headlight on that side is off. Is that a new feature and why have the light turn off?
R.S., Buffalo Grove, Illinois
A: What you’re seeing is sort of an optical illusion. When the turn signals are on, the daytime running lights (DRLs) are turned off making the turn signals more obvious. On older models of vehicles, the headlights themselves were illuminated at a lower power to provide the DRLs.
Q: I’ve been told by a local auto repair chain that the rear shocks on my 2011 Volvo XC70 with 70,000 miles need replacing because “they leak.” Photo of “leakage” shows a greasy smudge — no sign of oil or fluid leaking on shocks or ground/garage floor where car is parked. Further, the car handles fine starting, stopping or hard braking — there is no sway, bouncing or rocking and no unusual tire wear as I was taught years ago were signs of suspension problems — namely shocks. I am not convinced — what is your opinion?
T.W., Aurora, Illinois
A: Shocks (and struts) leak from the seal where the piston rod enters the shock body. The rod is the slender shiny part. Leaks usually trickle down the outside of the shock body from that point. The leaks will not drip onto the floor. Grease and dirt on the body (larger section) means nothing. Based on your description of handling and braking, your shocks seem sound. But it doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion because I’m not convinced, either.
Q: A tree fell on my car and broke the windshield. The insurance company suggested I take it to a body and glass shop that they recommended. They replaced the windshield but were not able to repair the rain sensor. They installed an aftermarket, not GM, windshield. The shop further advised that the problem was a device in the rearview mirror that was malfunctioning. They refused to replace it. The insurance company directed me to the dealer. The Cadillac dealer said the windshield must be GM as there is something pressed into the glass to sense the rain and turn on the wipers and that GM can no longer furnish the original windshield, but I can get an aftermarket windshield that has been modified to operate the wipers. I am sorry that I allowed this small problem go this far, yet turning on the wipers is no big deal.
E.G., Boca Raton, Florida
A: Your car does, indeed, require a special windshield. Take this up with your insurance company and explain that you want the proper component, one that is equivalent to the original. Since the damage was not due to a collision, you probably paid the deductible under the comprehensive insurance coverage and should not be required to pay it again.
Q: I have a 2004 Honda Odyssey with 245,000 miles on it. Do you think it is worth replacing the water pump and timing belt?
R.M., Chicago
A: If the timing belt breaks, the car will be worthless. Not only to you but to a potential buyer or as a trade-in. If you replace the belt, you may get many more mile from your machine and when you do sell it, you might even recover the cost of the job. In case you are wondering, the timing belt drives the water pump so replacing it now avoids another labor charge later.
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