Motormouth: Are valve seals to blame?
R.L., DeKalb, Illinois
A: I used to replace valve stem seals so regularly and quickly that my boss bragged that I could probably do the job with the engine running. (It's impossible.) But that was some time ago and as for Volkswagen, they stopped producing the Scirocco in 2018. VW is using improved rubber now.
Seal technology has come a long way, but you point out a possibly overlooked source of oil loss.
Q: I am looking to get a new SUV soon. I was told by my mechanic that he would not work on hybrids since they could shock people. I am wondering if this is true.
N.S., Colorado Springs, Colorado
A: Yes, they could shock people. But the high voltage flows through fat cables with bright orange cover insulation. Aside from the electric propulsion system, electric vehicles have traditional 12-volt stuff like lights, radio and so on.
Q: I noticed that the past two cars I bought do not have automatic transmission dipsticks. One vehicle was a 2013 Durango. It had a tube that appeared to lead to the transmission. That tube was sealed with a cap. My current car is a 2024 Grand Cherokee. That vehicle doesn't even have a tube. The dipstick was a great way to check the health of the transmission. In addition to checking the fluid level, you can check for discoloration or burn odors. Have all manufacturers eliminated transmission dipsticks and why?
C.R., Morton Grove, Illinois
A: Most carmakers have switched to long life synthetic transmission fluid that is expected to go the life of the vehicle. Of course, mechanics still need a way to check the fluid level and condition. There is a removable plug on the side of the transmission case. To check the fluid level, they simply remove the plug, and some fluid usually drips out when full. If there is a dipstick tube, aftermarket dipsticks are available to replace the cap.
D.H., Colorado Springs, Colorado
Q: I have a 2023 Honda Ridgeline that I bought new two years ago. I drive about 5,000 miles a year, normally about three times a week. Last year, the battery died, and the dealership replaced it. Then last week the truck wouldn't start; dead battery. I got it started, but the next day it was dead again. The dealership told me that the battery checked out fine, nothing wrong with the truck. I was told that new cars have to be driven at least every 3-4 days. If not, all the systems on the car drain the battery. So, it turns out it was my fault for not driving the car enough. It was suggested to me that I should buy a trickle charger if I wasn't planning on driving the truck for 3-4 days. Can this really be the case or was the dealer just blowing smoke up my tailpipe?
A: Short trips don't allow the battery to charge enough while driving. You may need 20 minutes or so on the road. So, even if you drive the truck every few days, it's not enough. A battery maintainer (nee trickle charger) is in your future.
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San Francisco Chronicle
4 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
S.F. residents had parked in their driveways for years. Then someone started snitching
For decades, Larry Reed and his neighbors had squeezed their cars into tight, sloping driveways in San Francisco's Dolores Heights neighborhood. Often the tail ends of the vehicles would extend to the sidewalk. Nobody ever protested, Reed said. Until about six months ago, when the first complaint rolled in. 'This has never happened in years past,' Reed said, recalling how a somewhat apologetic parking control officer rolled up one day, to assess a report that someone on the unit block of Chattanooga Street had parked a car over the property line. After leaving a warning notice for the culprit, the officer swept the block for other violators, including Reed's gray electric BMW. 'I really try to keep my car so that the space is pretty accessible,' Reed said, noting that he always has parked the same way, flush with the garage door. Inevitably, the back wheels and bumper stick out. California law forbids parked vehicles from blocking even small portions of public sidewalks, ensuring safe passage for wheelchairs, strollers, seniors with canes and people on crutches, among others. On Chattanooga Street, anyone who flouted the rule got a warning, at minimum. But as driveway parking enforcement ramped up throughout the city, frustrated residents pushed back. Some believed the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency was unfairly cracking down on infractions that didn't really create a safety hazard. Others suspected that a persnickety neighbor might be snitching on them — and in some cases, manipulating the photos attached to the reports. Sharon Gillenwater has avoided war metaphors when discussing the three citations her family has received for parking in the driveway of their Noe Valley home, worth a total of $324. Technically, the tickets were just, Gillenwater said, conceding that her Volkswagen SUV and her son's Subaru wagon exceed the length of her front stairwell. Still, Gillenwater can't hide her exasperation over what she describes as overzealous punishment. 'We're not fighting the law, we all agree that strollers and disabled people need to pass,' she said. 'But can we just be in the spirit of the law? In our case, there is plenty of room for two wheelchairs to go in tandem down the street.' At the same time, she and other Noe Valley residents wonder whether someone is trolling them, filing complaint after complaint about driveway parking to demand a response from the SFMTA. Gillenwater has observed that many complaints have text captions with identical font, and some use old photos as evidence. In one case, a resident drew two reports when she and her car were hundreds of miles away in the Sierra. In another example, someone filed a complaint against Gillenwater's son when his Subaru hadn't been in the driveway for two days. 'It's kind of our neighborhood murder mystery,' said Gillenwater's husband, Andrew Keeler, relaying what has become a tense joke. Searching for clues, some neighbors discovered an app called Solve SF, which uses artificial intelligence to ease the process of filing reports through the city's 311 complaint system. This concept incited suspicion in Noe Valley, where residents typed up five pages of oppositional research on Solve SF, mainly to uncover why the volume of illegal parking complaints in Noe Valley suddenly spiked in June. They blamed the app for wasting 'valuable city resources' (because some complaints don't result in tickets) and said it promotes 'questionable use of gamification of reporting.' 'So someone wrote this whole thing about my app, huh?' said Patrick McCabe, developer of Solve SF, who is proud of his innovation and its impact. However, he shot down a popular theory in Noe Valley that his app is, in effect, a troll enabler. According to McCabe's own analysis, a small portion of 311 complaints in Noe Valley last month used Solve SF, and the app wasn't responsible for the 'doctored' 311 reports that keep recycling old photos. McCabe is familiar with those reports, and has his own idea of who generates them: someone who snaps photos of illegally parked cars in driveways, stores them in a cellphone and keeps a text overlay for each one with the violator's address and license plate number. In all likelihood, McCabe said, the mystery snitch uses these stored photos to refile the same complaints, predicting that people will continue parking in driveways in which their cars don't fit. 'I see this (type of report) daily,' McCabe said. 'And they should use my app. It would be easier.' Meanwhile officials at the SFMTA said they will continue responding to complaints about illegal parking, and issue tickets when warranted. Last April, the SFMTA began a ' focused parking enforcement plan ' to enhance safety on sidewalks, targeting each of the city's 11 supervisor districts on a rotating basis. Officials said they would prioritize specific violations, including parking on the sidewalk. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has fielded several emails from constituents in Noe Valley and the Castro who feel they've been unfairly cited 'for something they've been doing forever.' He can sense their agony, while also viewing the citations as artifacts of good governance. 'To the defense of the SFMTA, it's not like this law doesn't make any sense,' Mandelman said, explaining that public sidewalks should not be overtaken by private parking. Furthermore, he said, it's only fair that parking control officers treat everyone equally. They can't make exceptions for people who feel they're only obstructing a small portion of the sidewalk. And if they respond to one complaint, it behooves them to ticket everyone on the block who is committing the same infraction. 'It's really hard to ask these officers to be platonic guardians, and decide whether they should enforce in each individual case,' Mandelman said. 'They're not really supposed to be exercising discretion.' Cristina Rubke, a former SFMTA board director who uses a wheelchair, adopted a similarly diplomatic perspective. She expressed empathy for drivers struggling to cram their vehicles in snug spaces of San Francisco, including their own driveways. But, on balance, she's happy that the agency is enforcing the law. 'Honestly, most people are good actors,' Rubke said, 'they're not trying to force a person in a wheelchair out into the street. And yet as a general matter, these citations exist as a reminder that (other) people need to use that space.' Rubke remembers many instances when she has had to cross a street to avoid a car jutting onto the sidewalk. A couple of times she has tried to maneuver around the overhang, only to hit a crack in the pavement, and then backtrack. Reed said he's happy to rush out and move his car for any passerby, though he would prefer they call or ring his doorbell, rather than filing a complaint. To encourage civility, he posted a sign at his front steps. 'If you ever have a concern about our vehicle, please reach out,' the sign says, providing his phone number. 'We're happy to move it.' Since posting the sign, Reed said he hasn't received any more warnings. Which hasn't exactly solved the problem: His BMW still doesn't quite fit in the driveway.
New York Times
a day ago
- New York Times
Carmakers brace for new tariffs in major manufacturing hubs.
While it is unlikely that any carmakers welcome President Trump's latest tariffs on Mexico and the European Union, the levies will be somewhat less disruptive on companies like Tesla, Ford Motor and Honda, which already make a large share of the vehicles they sell in the United States domestically. Almost all major carmakers manufacture vehicles in Mexico, including popular models like the Toyota Tacoma pickup, Chevrolet Silverado pickup and BMW 3 Series sedan, but some are more vulnerable that others to pronounced price hikes should the tariffs go into effect on Aug. 1. European carmakers like Volkswagen will be among the hardest hit. The company manufactures ID.4 electric vehicles and Atlas sport utility vehicles in Chattanooga, Tenn., but all the other models it sells in the United States are manufactured in Mexico or Europe. It remains unclear if Mr. Trump's new tariffs will apply to parts that are manufactured in the United States and installed in vehicles in Mexico, which is also a major supplier of motors and other car components. The administration had previously said that companies could subtract the value of those parts when calculating tariffs. If that remains the case, the impact on prices may be less severe. European automakers have also lobbied to receive credit for cars they make in the United States and sell abroad. BMW, for instance, exports much of the output from its factory in South Carolina. Mercedes-Benz exports sport utility vehicles made in Alabama.
Car and Driver
2 days ago
- Car and Driver
2026 Honda Civic Si Review, Pricing, and Specs
Specs See all specs Seating 5 Seats Cargo Capacity 14 Cubic Feet Powertrain Gas Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive Limited Warranty 3 Years/36,000 Miles Overview If the Honda Civic Si was on the menu at your local Thai restaurant, it would be labeled as a medium-hot option. It lacks the all-out intensity that makes you sweat, but it certainly adds some heat to the standard Civic's otherwise mild recipe. The kick comes from the Si's 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated exclusively to one of the best six-speed manual transmissions in the business. While other sport compacts like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Hyundai Elantra N have more oomph, the Si undercuts them in price while offering just as much driver engagement. Think of the Civic Si as a fun car instead of a fast one, and it won't disappoint. Expert Tip: If you're looking for something with an even higher Scoville rating, take a look at the Honda Civic Type R. With 315 horsepower and a host of serious performance upgrades, the Type R is the ultimate everyday track toy. What's New for 2026? The Civic Si received a significant overhaul last year, introducing light chassis upgrades, refreshed styling, standard heated front seats, and an updated infotainment suite. With that facelift still fresh, the Civic Si continues into 2026 unchanged. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Honda Civic Si starts at $32,145. Civic Si $32,145 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k This one's easy. Since the Si is only offered as a fully equipped model, the only choice you'll have to make is between a set of all-season or summer tires. We'd choose the latter for the extra grip. Want to compare the 2026 Honda Civic Si to other vehicles you're interested in? Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice. Compare Cars Engine, Transmission, and Performance Engine: 200-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder 200-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder Transmission: six-speed manual six-speed manual Drivetrain: front-wheel-drive Under the hood of the Civic Si is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and a standard limited-slip differential; an automatic option isn't currently offered. Our hands-on experience revealed that the Civic Si is one of the best driving compact sedans on the market. There's some engine coarseness when pushed, but there was little turbo lag, and we loved the shifter's short throws and light action. The manual gearbox also now has a rev-match feature for drivers who haven't perfected the heel-and-toe technique, and it's easy to turn on or off. Compared with the regular Civic, the Si has larger brake rotors. Plus, the Si's firmer suspension gives it an edge in the handling department. 0–60-MPH Times C/D Test: 60 mph in 6.6 seconds In Comparison: The Civic Si was 0.7 second quicker to 60 mph than the standard Civic hatchback with a six-speed manual transmission. However, it trailed a 2025 Civic Hybrid that we tested, which managed a 60-mph sprint in just 6.2 seconds. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel Economy Test(s): 37 mpg 37 mpg EPA city rating(s): 27 mpg 27 mpg EPA highway rating(s): 37 mpg The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Civic Si yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. As part of our extensive testing regimen, we ran a 2022 Civic Si, which is mechanically similar to the 2026 model, on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route. It returned 37 mpg there, matching its EPA-estimated highway number. For more information about the Civic's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: An exclusive set of sport seats with added bolstering and heating, distinctive Si logos in the headrests, and red contrast stitching is one of the primary ways Honda differentiates the Si's interior from the standard-issue Civic. The red stitching extends to the doors, steering wheel, and other surfaces to denote the car's sportiness. Second Row: With the same dimensions as the less sporty Civic sedan, it provides an equally comfortable back seat. Cargo Capacity: The Si's trunk is spacious enough to accommodate six carry-on suitcases. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 9-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Sound: 12-speaker Bose audio system As with the best-equipped Civic models, the Si's standard infotainment system features a 9.0-inch touchscreen that sprouts from the middle of the dashboard. The unit includes a handy volume knob and a couple of other physical buttons. Honda packages every Si with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also a standard 12-speaker Bose audio system for jammin' out on the way to the grocery store or racetrack. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The 2026 Honda Civic Si features a comprehensive safety and driver-aid suite, complete with forward collision warning and emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and standard adaptive cruise control. For more information about the Civic Si's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The Civic Si comes with a competitive, albeit wholly unremarkable, warranty. For those interested in complimentary maintenance, all 2025 Hondas come with a plan that covers oil changes and basic services for the first year or 12,000 miles. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary scheduled maintenance for one year or 12,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2025 Honda Civic Si Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE Base: $31,045 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 91 in3, 1498 cm3 Power: 200 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 192 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.7 in Length: 184.0 in Width: 70.9 in Height: 55.5 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/44 ft3 Trunk Volume: 14 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 3000 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 6.6 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.9 sec Top Speed: 135 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 31/27/37 mpg More Features and Specs
