What do you recommend as an interior windshield cleaner that won't fog? | Car Doctor
Q: What do you recommend as an interior windshield cleaner that won't fog or leave streaks, please?
A: I like SprayWay aerosol. Wipe with paper towels. When the window looks clean, go over it with a new microfiber cloth.
SprayWay has alcohol in it, which helps prevent fogging.
Trouble diagnosing Tiguan's intermittent hesitation
Q: My 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan has hesitations at different times, for instance, right after a turn or when I'm backing out of my driveway and then going forward. I did bring it to the dealer, but the only question they asked was if the check engine light came on, which it has not. I do not think it is normal.
One suggestion by the tech was to put it in sport mode. I’m not sure why a car would be designed that way. It does not happen all the time, but it has been like that since I bought the car new. I would not be surprised if a recall happens in the future due to this issue. Any suggestions on how to get the dealer to look deeper? Or is this the way the car runs?
A: This is not the way any vehicle should perform. The problem is that, unless hesitation can be reproduced, it is extremely hard to fix while the vehicle is working normally. One question I would ask the service folks is if they actually tested it for codes. Just because the check engine light did not come on does not mean there is not a pending code.
One other issue – and it is sort of a user problem that I have seen several times – is if you are a two-footed driver. If your foot is touching the brake pedal, it will shut the fuel down and limit acceleration. This happened to me recently in a car I do not usually drive. My foot was just lightly pressing the brake pedal while I was trying to accelerate. The result felt like the car was running out of gas.
Can cruise control settings on Ford Edge be customized?
Q: I own a 2020 Ford Edge. On all the cars that had cruise control in my 60 years of driving, the car would speed up by 1 to 4 miles per hour when going down a long hill. It would then resume the normal set speed. My Ford Edge seems to engage the brakes to maintain the set speed when going down a hill. So, the brakes are being worn and the gravitational advantage of better mileage is lost. Is there any way I can disable the braking process when going downhill?
A: Unless your car has adaptive cruise control – an option for that year that maintains speed and distance – the car is not using the brakes to maintain speed. If it does have adaptive cruise control, on hill descent, you can shut those features off in the menu setting.
If your Edge does not have adaptive cruise control, the car uses a combination of engine braking/fuel shut-off and transmission control to control speed, and that cannot be controlled by the driver.
What to consider when buying a lift for a home garage
Q: I have reached retirement age and my only hobby is taking care of my 1955 Chevy and 1978 Chevy pickup. I have a small barn where I tinker, and I am considering a lift. What are your thoughts, as it is a bit of an extravagant purchase?
A: When I was young, a good jack, jack stands and ramps seemed like all I would ever need. Now, having a lift would be wonderful. I have never talked with anyone who regretted putting a lift in their garage. In fact, depending on the buyer, a lift can increase the resale value of a house.
Your first decision will be whether to choose a drive-on style or a swing-arm lift. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. A drive-on lift is great for stacking your vehicles, and jacking beams can allow for more functionality.
A swing-arm lift takes longer to set up, but for tire, suspension, brake and exhaust work it is generally easier. Look for good build quality with safety features. I have seen people buy strictly on price, and some inexpensive lifts are slow, clunky and prone to early failure.
Which compact SUVs have the most comfortable driver's seats?
Q: Are there any (used) compact SUVs that have particularly comfortable driver's seats? I have a hip problem and use a wedge cushion to sort of level off the seat. Over the years, I have also become pretty short, which adds to the comfort issue. Any suggestions?
A: The smaller Volvo XC40 probably has the most comfortable seats, but used vehicles are not at the top of the reliability list. Most reliable – and good for shorter drivers in the SUV category – are still Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester and Mazda CX3 or CX5. All are good vehicles. Everyone is different, so you would need to try them all to see which is most comfortable for you.
The Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V are very popular with short drivers. Readers, any suggestions?
Does John Paul still do speaking engagements?
Q: You once came out to our Rotary Club here in Rhode Island. I was wondering if you could come out and talk about electric vehicles. I listen to your podcast and realize you have semiretired, so I'm not sure if you still do public appearances.
A: In my part-time capacity with AAA, I do not do public speaking any longer, something I enjoyed mostly for the people I have met along the way.
I have some truly knowledgeable co-workers who can talk with your Rotary group about electrification and the future.
Readers, if you would like someone to visit your civic, social or service organizations, send me an email at [email protected].
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 [email protected] and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Any recommendations for a streak-free windshield cleaner? | Car Doctor
