Cars

Will my car's new battery crave calculation water?

John Paul, AAA Northeast'southward Car Doctor, answers a question from a reader dislocated about a contempo battery buy.

Duralast

Q. I recently purchased ii Duralast Golden car batteries. They both have removable caps to check the water level. I thought I would exist replacing the old batteries with sealed maintenance free batteries, yet the caps come up off. I had a difficult time finding replacement batteries, then I purchased these two. The auto parts store told me that these batteries should never require adding h2o. Can you tell me if that's true, and if non, what type of maintenance do I demand to perform with these?

A. One time upon a time all batteries required water to exist added. In fact, checking the water level was standard procedure during oil change service. Today, most batteries are maintenance free. Some batteries are sealed and some, similar the batteries you purchased, have removable caps. During the life of the battery, most people with never added water to their car's batteries. Since your batteries accept removable caps, there's certainly no damage in removing them and adding h2o (distilled only) if the fluid level is depression. If you are adding water periodically, doubtable that the charging organisation is overcharging the battery and "boiling" off the water. If this is the example take the charging system evaluated.

Q. My married woman just purchased a 2021 Volvo XC40 T5 R Blueprint. We take been told that we can use regular gas in this vehicle. Exactly what grade of gasoline should we be using for this vehicle?

A. Fuel requirements are typically listed in two ways. The fuel that is required and the fuel that is recommended. In your item model, the Ninety 40 T5 Volvo requires premium fuel (91 octane or higher). This applies to all T5, T6, and T8 engines, and recommends 93 octane fuel for optimal performance and fuel economy. Volvo recommends (not requires) premium fuel (91 octane and college) for T4 engines. Volvo goes on to say that engine reliability should not exist affected every bit long as 87 octane fuel or higher is used. In the instance of your 2021 Volvo XC 40 T5, you should exist using fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher to forestall engine damage.

Q. How do I know if a used car I'one thousand because buying was involved in a recent flood?

A. Here are a few thing to expect for. Inspect the car thoroughly — expect for rust stains within the machine, particularly effectually seat brackets. Does the car odour similar mold/mildew or does it smell like someone is trying to cover something upward? Expect in the trunk under the spare tire. On an SUV, lower the spare tire and await for mud and debris. If the spare tire looks like it was only steamed cleaned, be suspicious. A spare tire that has been under a vehicle for a few years should exist dusty — non caked with mud nor spotlessly clean. Look for water in the headlights and taillights. Open up the hood and look for water stains, mud, and clay in the nooks and crannies, similar the alternator, cooling fan, and other surfaces. Check fuse boxes for signs of corrosion. Recent rust on unpainted screws betoken moisture. Check all the fluids — if they are milky colored, this could indicate water contamination. On a warm day, if all of the windows have condensation, this could indicate the interior has been flooded. Finally, when in doubt, have a good repair shop audit the vehicle before you purchase it. And remember what mom said, if the toll looks to good to be truthful, it probably is.

Q. The headlights are clouded up on my 17-year-old Infinity. What should I practice?

A. Yous have a couple of options. The cheapest and sometimes the most effective method is to have the headlights cleaned. You tin DIY information technology with some kits. Some employ a buffing wheel that attaches to a power drill, others employ a serial of very fine sandpapers and so a polishing chemical compound. Y'all can also take the lenses professionally cleaned (about $100-$125). Finally, you lot tin can supervene upon the headlight assemblies with a quality aftermarket role.

John Paul is AAA Northeast'southward Automobile Doctor. He has over 40 years of feel in the automotive business organisation and is an ASE-certified master technician. E-mail your motorcar question to [e-mail protected] Listen to Car Doctor on the radio at 10 a.thou. every Saturday on 104.9 FM or online at northshore1049.com .

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