Questions and answers from the ‘Car Doctor’

Q. As I understand it, back in the ’80s, turbochargers became a popular solution to low performance expectations of the cars at the time due to emission requirements. The auto manufacturers took 6-cylinder engines and added turbochargers often too expensive results when they would crack due to high pressure operating requirements. I heard also the turbos were pretty finicky, requiring more (and sometimes expensive) regular maintenance than their non-turbo editions. Now I see many new 4-cylinder SUV’s are using them to improve performance and mileage. Is there regular maintenance specific to these new era turbos? How expensive is maintenance compared to their counterpoint versions? Are they more subject to failure?A. You are correct that a big V-8 engine doesn’t work very hard, requires minimal maintenance and will generally last a very long time. There was an old expression that there is no replacement for displacement, although somewhat true, today’s turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines have been specifically designed to handle the extra stress of that comes with turbo or supercharging. The reality is that most of the time we don’t need 400 horsepower, in fact at highway speeds you only need about 20 horsepower to cruise at 65 miles per hour. Regarding maintenance, my wife’s Volkswagen has a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine and only requires annual oil changes (or 10,000 miles whichever comes first). If you compare a turbocharged engine versus a non-turbocharged engine the maintenance is generally about the same. What is important with today’s smaller displacement higher horsepower engines is to maintain the vital fluids and follow the maintenance schedules.Q. I listen to your podcast quite regularly and learn quite a bit, but I’m a little confused do you like electric cars or not. Why I ask is one program you will be talking about drag racing with Brian from Fox sports and the next week you may be talking about the benefits of electric cars a spokesperson form a Green Energy group.A. Well you found me out, I like everything with wheels/tires. Giant nitro-methane powered 10,000 horsepower drag cars are amazing. The drivers are equally amazing, traveling 1000 feet in a little over three seconds at speeds of 300 miles per hour. Then I also enjoy the latest technology with battery electrics and hybrids. We truly live in the golden age of the automobile where a buyer can order a vehicle with a gasoline engine, hybrid, plugin hybrid, fully electric or diesel and I like them all.Q. I have a 2013 Audi 2013 and now that it is more than 10 years old it is using more oil. My repair shop replaced the breather thinking that was the problem, but there was little or no change. Now I am adding oil every 500 miles. Is it normal?A. The 2.0-liter engine has always been hard on oil, and it was not unusual even when fairly new to use one quart of oil every 1000 miles. As the engine ages the oil consumption typically gets worse. So, your question is it normal, in this car yes. To correct the problem is expensive (rebuilding the engine) and at this point the most economical solution is to check the oil often and add as necessary.Q. I bought a new 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid a few months ago. The manual states that I do not need to change the oil and filter until about 28,000 miles. That seems to be a long time between oil and filter changes. I do not do a lot of long-distance driving. I would believe the oil should be changed around 10,000 miles. Please tell me if the manual is correct. My last car I owned for 12 years, and I want to keep this vehicle for a long time.A. In the database that I use, the recommendation for the hybrid is 8000 miles for a oil change. The 2023 owner’s manual has a recommendation of an annual oil change at 10,000 miles. Also, Hyundai is a bit cheeky when it comes to maintenance. They recommend using the severe maintenance schedule with more frequent oil changes if you do any one of the following ; repeatedly driving short distance of less than five miles, extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long distances, driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or salt-spread roads, driving in heavy dust conditions, driving in heavy traffic area, driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain roads, using for towing or camping and driving with rooftop storage, driving as a patrol car, taxi, other commercial use, frequently driving under high speed or rapid acceleration/deceleration, frequently driving in stop-and-go conditions. From what I read into this, unless you drive indoors, it is important to follow the more stringent maintenance schedule, which recommends an oil change every six months or 3750 miles.Q. I want to change the transmission fluid on my Kia with a dual clutch automatic transmission. Kia wants almost $50 per quart for the fluid and my brother in-law works at a GM dealer and can buy what looks like the same fluid for $20. It looks like the same specification, does Kia add some special. more expensive additives that more than double the price?A. If this was my car and I am known for my “Yankee frugality” I would use the Kia fluid. Kia even cautions their dealers that use of the incorrect fluid can result in damage to the transmission. In a bulletin to the Kia dealers, it states “Damage of this nature is not covered under warranty and will result in a chargeback”.Q. My cars has been recalled again, what is going on, I have been driving for years and never had more than one or two recalls. Are cars that bad these days?A. In my opinion cars are better than they have ever been and part of it has to do with recalls. The recall could be minor, such as missing label and a failed component. Recalls are always free and typically have no expiration date. One of the best things you can do is download the NHTSA app. This app will keep track of your vehicles and you can check on recalls, get your car repaired at no charge and be safe on the road. Also, the latest version of the NHTSA app all you need to do is enter your license plate number rather than the 17-digit VIN.Got a car question, email the Car Doctor for a personal reply. jpaul@aaanortheast.com