Q: I have heard a lot lately about Top Tier gasoline brands and read some positive comments from you about using Top Tier gas based on AAA testing. Would the brands BP and Sam's Club be considered Top Tier?
Where I live, the gas all looks like it comes from the same terminal. How do I know I’m getting the gas I’m paying for?
A: For gasoline that is considered "TopTier" go to www.toptiergas.com.
BP was once listed as Top Tier gasoline, but it looks as if it is no longer on the list.
All gasoline base stock is the same. The formula and quantity of the additives are proprietary and this is what makes gasoline brands unique. These additives are installed when the tankers are filled with products.
Q: I have owned a variety of cars, from a Bullet Mustang to Volkswagen GTI, and now an S-line Audi.
I have been reading about the all-new Nissan Z. I owned a 240Z when it was actually a Datsun and have loved most (not all) versions since then. What is your opinion of the latest iteration of the Z car?
A: I recently spent a few days evaluating one and found it to be fantastic. I also took it to a local car show to judge the reaction from attendees and all comments were very favorable.
I think Nissan did a very good job with both interior and exterior design paying homage to the original 240Z and 260Z cars. The ride, handling and braking were superb and the 400-horsepower turbocharged V-6 engine — especially when coupled with the six-speed manual transmission — was superb. The cabin was a little cozy and I would have liked to hear a bit more exhaust note, but overall this latest Z-car is a winner.
Q: I own a 2018 Acura MDX. I see just about all the exit numbers in Rhode Island and, I guess, the rest of the country have been changed to reflect the mile markers. Would the update to the factory GPS be covered under my warranty?
A: Yes, exit numbers will be changing to comply with a 2009 mandate from the Federal Highway Administration for all states to have exit numbers to match mile markers.
This new numbering will take a littletime to get used to, but will allow motorists to know the distance between exits and will also make it easier to locate motorists if they break down.
Since the navigation system is operating as it was designed, it would not be covered under the warranty. That being said, I have a portable Garmin navigation unit and they did provide an update at no charge. So perhaps Acura, in the spirit of customer satisfaction, may do something similar.
Q: I have a 2010 Mazda Miata and the rear shock mount looks rusted. I plan to replace both strut cartridges. Should I replace both rear mounts? The car has low mileage and is only driven in the summer. I do plan on keeping it for a while.
A: If this were my car, I would replace the struts with entire assemblies.
There are several brands: one is Monroe, which offer a quick-strut that includes a completely assembled strut with the spring, bushings and mount. This is an easier-to-install option and will also restore the ride height and handling.
Q: I recently had the left headlight burn out on my 10-year-old Chevy Malibu. A kindly police officer stopped me — no ticket. For my last Malibu — which was older — the entire bumper needed to come off. Is this true on this car, too?
A: There have been improvements in this design and on the 2013 Malibu. The windshield washer tank needs to be removed. Once removed you will have access to the bulbs. My advice is to replace both low beams bulbs, the light will be evenly bright — and no tickets.
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 Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.