Could a rumbling sound be from my tires?
Q: I have a 2015 Hyundai that is still like new. However I get a rumbling noise, I think from my tires. It is most noticeable if the road is not perfectly smooth. Do you agree, or could the sound be from something else? I am ready to replace the tires. Any suggestions?
A: The tires could certainly give you a rumbling noise. If you run your hand over the tires and the tread feels slightly scalloped, it is likely the source of the noise.
Also, if the tires are the original, at 10 years old it is time for replacement.
The other possibility is that the suspension could be starting to age. It is possible the struts or strut mounts are wearing and making a rumbling over uneven roads.
Q: I just purchased a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. It is my first non-American vehicle. I was wondering about your opinion of the car. I probably should have asked before I purchased it.
Also, what are your suggestions for maintenance? The manual indicates there is no maintenance required for the transmission, which I find a little strange. In the past, I always changed the transmission fluid at 30,000-mile intervals and the AWD transfer case at 35,000 miles. Is there anything on which I should focus?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe is a very good vehicle, with styling that is somewhat polarizing. Some people love the Land Rover Defender look, while some think it is too boxy. But overall, it's a very good vehicle with a great warranty. The vehicle is well designed with a full complement of advanced driver assistance technology.
Regarding maintenance, follow the suggestions in the owner's manual, which says servicing is required every 8,000 miles.
Q: What do you think of this latest GM V-8 engine recall that is affecting nearly 1 million vehicles? Do you think it is because GM is focusing too much on electric cars and not gasoline cars?
A: I do not think it has anything to do with GM's EV program, but when I read about this recall, it does make me wonder what is happening. GM has been building the L87 V-8 engine (6.2 liter) for nearly 20 years. You would think at this point this engine would be flawless.
Q: I had an oil change done today, and now my speedometer is reading too high. Side note: before I even went there, my mileage does not come up (or it sporadically comes up now and then), so the guy had to ask me my best guess on the mileage, so maybe he was trying to fix something? I have a 2007 Buick Lacrosse. I hope this is not a cause for concern. Any advice would be appreciated.
A: I suspect as the technician was trying to read the odometer, they may have inadvertently switched the speedometer from miles per hour to kilometers. If it is not too out of the way, I would return to the shop and have them check it out.
Q: Can I or should I add water to a battery before charging? My truck's battery is dead, and I have a battery charger. On YouTube, I saw one mechanic who said the best method to charge a battery is on the highest battery charger setting. He said, 'You should smell the battery charging.' This is a vehicle that is only driven periodically.
A: Most batteries are low- or no-maintenance batteries, meaning that you do not add water. In fact, many batteries are sealed and don't have removable caps like the 'old days.' Charging a battery slowly is always better.
If you have a small charger with − as an example, a 2 and 10 ampere setting − use the 2-amp setting. This is better for the battery and helps extend its useful life.
Once the battery is recharged, it should be tested. If the battery tests out OK and the truck is not going to be used for a while, disconnect the negative cable or, better yet, purchase a battery maintainer or even a small solar charger.
Q: I own a 2017 Toyota Corolla SE. I have been looking to possibly buy a Toyota Corolla Cross. I am very pleased with Toyota's cars. Can you tell me anything about the Corolla Cross? I know they are AWD and even come as a hybrid.
A: I have always felt Toyota makes great products. The Corolla Cross has a decent interior, rides well and gets 35-plus miles per gallon. It is a little slow by today's standards but fine for all driving. The all-wheel drive is nice for slippery weather. My only critique is that maybe Toyota was trying too hard to appeal to everyone. Using an old expression, "jack of all trades, master of none."
Is it a great car? No, but it is a good car.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put 'Car Doctor' in the subject field. Follow him on X @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Could a rumbling sound be from my tires? | Car Doctor
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