Q. I have a 2017 Jeep Compass that is in great condition, even though it is now eight years old. Recently the navigation system began showing my current location as 100 miles north of where I am actually located and continues being “off” as I travel. In addition, the time that is displayed is about an hour slow. My local Chrysler dealer tried to fix it and could not. They said that the “fix” would be to install a new navigation unit at a cost of $900! Is there a possible fix that doesn’t require replacement?
A. This seems to be a pretty common issue with some Jeep products. Unfortunately, if the latest software fix didn’t correct the problem and the antenna has been checked out, then it may in fact need a new navigation module. Considering your smart phone can do everything your navigation system can do, I would need to think about spending $900 for the repair on a eight year old Jeep.
Q. What are the most common issues you see on newer cars? I know you don’t repair cars, but you must have a good sense of what is going wrong with today’s cars just from your readers.
A. For the most part, engines and transmissions last a long time with minimal maintenance. Brakes can sometime suffer from out of round brake rotors and cause a vibration. Cars do not rust like they did years ago but can still become structurally unsafe especially in the Northeast where we use large amounts of ice melting products. Where the problem seems to be is with the electronics in cars today. Today we have in some cases dozens of computer modules that need to communicate with each other and that is where I see the most common failures. This can be infotainment systems that are glitchy, to semi-autonomous safety systems that act up. I recently looked at a Mercedes and a Volvo, both cars ran well and had no warning lights on the dash. The Volvo had 72 codes in several modules and the Mercedes had 30 codes. Considering vehicles today are rolling computer system, this is where the challenge to repairs will be.
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Q. I heard you mention a portable air compressor on your radio program but didn’t get the name of it. Is this something you purchased or was it sent to you to try out? When a company sends you something are you obligated to give it a good review? I watch a lot of social media and there are many people glowing over some products.
A. I do get products to review from time to time but I am hardly a TikTok influencer. I will use these products and if they work as advertised and seem like a good value (remember I am cheap) for the money I will let readers/listeners know about them. Some products I mention are things I use in my daily life. As an example, SprayWay window and all-purpose cleaner or Awesome All-Purpose cleaner. These products work and will always have a place in our home. Some products are just a scam, magic car ice melters, or devices that increase fuel milage, hydrogen generators and some plug-in car performance upgrades. The air compressor was from WORX, and I have purchased several of their lawn care tools. The compressor is small and works well and uses the same battery as my leaf blower and trimmer. What I like about this compressor is the removable battery. Typically, I always have a fully charged battery. Recently I used it to up air up two low tires on cars, one tire on a truck, a golf cart and two bike tires. A handy tool to keep in your car either for a low tire or just for monthly tire maintenance.
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 a drive-on style or swing arm lift. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. A drive on lift is great for stacking your vehicles and with jacking beams can allow for more functionality. A swing arm lift takes longer to set up, but for tire, suspension, brake and exhaust work 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. If you have the height in your barn, get a lift that you can stand under rather than a low- or mid-rise lift, you will be much happier.
Q. I was having the brakes replaced on my car and one of the caliper bolts broke off. The shop instead if drilling it out replaced the caliper mount. This seemed like a waste of my money. What do you think?
A. The broken bolt would certainly take time to drill out and then clean up the damaged treads or repair it with a thread insert kit. Considering time is money, it may have been less expensive to replace the caliper mount rather than reworking it.
Q. Recently I had a flat tire on my 2020 Lexus. The local gas station installed a plug but recommended that the tire should be patched. The gas station said that they did not install patches anymore. I went to another gas station and a national tire chain store, and they also said they do not do patches anymore. No one was able to tell me why they stopped doing patches. Have patches been outlawed?
A. Not at all, the typical method to fix a tire is a combination plug to fill the hole and a patch on the inside of the tire. Typically, this is performed with a plug/patch combination. The puncture needs to be inside the tread area, not on the edge and not too large. Perhaps, these shops are saying that since they didn’t do the original plug, they don’t want to do the patch? If you came to my fictitious repair shop I would dismount the tire, inspect the condition of the tire and the temporary repair (plug). I would then cut it even with the inside of the tire and then patch the inner liner to complete the repair.
Do you have a car question? Email the Car Doctor for a personal reply. jpaul@aaanortheast.com
https://www.courant.com/2025/09/12/car-doctor-what-are-the-most-common-issues-you-see-on-newer-cars/
