Q: I’ve a 2008 Toyota Prius with a bit over 100,000 miles and a 2016 Toyota Prius with a bit greater than 13,000 miles. I’m involved about them sitting unused now that we’re to be at house. Will having them sit for an prolonged size of time have an effect on their mechanical well-being?

A: Letting the automobiles sit for a number of weeks shouldn’t hurt something. If the automobiles are sitting for longer intervals of time fill the gas tanks, and if potential, drive every automotive for about 20 minutes each few weeks. If you’re doing errands, swap off which automotive you’re utilizing to train every.

Don’t be shocked to listen to a little bit of brake grinding once you first cease. That is nothing greater than floor rust sporting off the brake rotors.

If the automobiles are due for service quickly, you could even wish to have it carried out now whereas restore retailers could also be quiet. Many retailers are providing decide up and supply and are taking additional care to sanitize the automotive, which protects each you and them.

Q: I’ve a 2015 Buick Encore with 45,000 miles on it. The vendor is recommending a 45,000-mile service which features a fluid flush of the switch case and rear differential. They mentioned the fee is nearly $300. Is that this service actually wanted or is it simply one other means for them to make some extra cash?

A: I take advantage of AllData as a technical database and the 45,000-mile service recommends changing the air filter, brake fluid, cabin air filter and a sequence of total checks. There isn’t any indication that the driveline fluids want substitute.

Q: I’ve a 2013 Ford F-150 with the three.5 Eco-Enhance engine. I’m involved in regards to the longevity of the turbos and their impact on the engine oil. I do know the engine oil is used to chill the bearings on the turbos. Can I count on to get 200,000 miles from this engine contemplating the additional stress from being turbo-charged? I at all times change the oil forward of the advisable miles.

A: There isn’t any motive to assume you gained’t get 200,000 miles or extra out of your truck with correct care. Take note the engine was designed from the bottom up as a turbocharged engine, which is way completely different than years in the past. Moreover, the turbocharger applies enhance below laborious acceleration — one thing you in all probability don’t do on a regular basis. In reality, out on the freeway — when cruising on the velocity restrict — you’re utilizing solely 25 of the obtainable 365 horsepower.

Q: The place can I discover a good Chrysler Crossfire mechanic that may diagnose and restore electrical issues? The automotive will not begin however ran nice previous to this drawback.

A: Your Chrysler Crossfire is a frivolously disguised Mercedes SLK so any store specializing in European automobiles ought to have the ability to type out the issue. For an inventory of AAA Permitted Restore retailers nationwide go to www.aaa.com/restore.

Q: I’ve a 2010 Volvo S40 that seems to have intermittent parasitic discharge inflicting the battery to go lifeless. Do you’ve got any options on the best way to right this drawback?

A: To correctly test for parasitic draw, you want a high quality digital multimeter and a good quantity of persistence. The normal methodology to test for parasitic electrical drain is to begin with a completely charged battery and take away the destructive cable and set up the meter in sequence with the battery and cable. Sometimes, you don’t wish to see greater than a 50-milliamp draw, though Volvo is a little more lenient permitting as much as a 100-milliamp draw. If the numbers are excessive take away fuses one by one till the draw falls below 100 milliamps.

Now it’s time to test the person parts on that fuse. Take into account that many automobiles at this time have electrical methods that have to sleep earlier than testing. Even having the important thing fob close to the automotive can get up {the electrical} system and idiot you into pondering there’s a drawback.

Until you’re a very expert DIY’er I would go away this restore to an expert.

John Paul is the AAA Northeast Automobile Physician. He has greater than 40 years of expertise within the car trade and is an ASE-Licensed Grasp Technician. Write to John Paul, The Automobile Physician, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Windfall, RI 02904. Or electronic mail jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Automobile Physician” within the topic subject. Observe him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Fb.