Get Your Car Fixed — Ask the Auto Doctor
Some Transmissions are Designed for Spirited Driving
Dear Doctor: I’m the original owner of a 2016 Volkswagen Passat SEL with a V-6 engine and the DSG transmission. From day one, the car has shuddered when slowing down for a stop. The service manager test-drove the sedan with … Continue reading
Methods for Clearing Out Engine Carbon Buildup
Dear Doctor: I have a 2009 Mini Cooper S with 72,000 miles. The check engine light says “engine malfunction.” Under a high load, a high engine load will result in damage to the catalytic converter. It sounds like I may … Continue reading
Auto-Stop Feature Confusing to Motorists
Dear Doctor: I just bought a 2018 Chevy Equinox and was surprised it shut off automatically when I had my foot on the brake in traffic. It restarts when I take my foot off the brake. When I asked the … Continue reading
Squealing Noise Getting the Neighbors Attention
Dear Doctor: The right rear wheel of my 2005 Toyota Camry is making a scraping sound when driving forward, but not in reverse. My mechanic replaced the rotor with a high-grade ceramic pad, and replaced the rear calipers as … Continue reading
Owner’s Transmission Needs Factory Overhaul
Dear Doctor: My daughter has a 2013 Ford Focus with 33,000 miles. She was driving in traffic when an indicator message said the transmission was overheating and to pull over immediately, so she did and had it towed to the … Continue reading
2003 Jetta oil drain plugs stripped
Dear Doctor: I have a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta wagon and was told the oil drain plug threads on the pan are stripped. Should I have an oversize plug inserted, or do I need to replace the pan? I think the … Continue reading
1998 BMW emits black smoke
Dear Doctor: I own a used 1998 BMW 323ic with 130,000 miles. When I start it in the morning black smoke emits and the car runs rough. If I open the oil cap the rpms go up and the smoke … Continue reading