Q: I have a 2011 Honda Odyssey. When we pull into a space with a concrete parking curb, the front at times gets hung up on it. The front clearance is maybe 6 or 7 inches, the same as these parking curbs. I have looked at other cars, such as the Honda Civic and Ford Focus, and the road clearance is less than 5 inches, all by design. These are not customized lowriders, and I understand aerodynamics for better gas mileage, but to me, this was a poor excuse for engineering. Your thoughts?
— P.T., Orland Park, Ill.
A: It is good engineering for the reason you stated, and it is not going to change any time soon. There is no need to snuggle up to the parking curbs. Get used to the size of your vehicle, and keep your distance.
Q: I have a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. The car’s manual says to add fuel additive at the 15,000-mile servicing only if “Top Tier Detergent Gasoline” is not available. What is “top tier detergent gasoline”? Secondly, the dealer service rep said I must add the fuel additive at each oil change before 15,000 miles. The rep suggests a “fuel induction service” at a significant up-charge over the price of the additive. Is this service worthwhile?
— G.F., Chicago
A: There was quite a hoopla about top-tier gas several years ago. Several automakers banded together and set standards for gasoline detergent additives well above the mandatory Environmental Protection Agency level. The detergents help prevent intake valve deposits.
More Top Picks Best Dog Clippers
Numerous gasoline brands have met the goal and still do. Almost all the major brands are top tier, and many smaller marketers are too. To find the whole list, go to toptiergas.com. Although induction service can improve drivability on older cars, yours is probably not a candidate yet.
Q: We have a 2008 Toyota Sienna XLE with a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine. When the engine is cold, idle rpm in park starts at 1,500-1,400, then gradually slows to 900 and drops to 800 rpm when placed in drive.
We recently bought a used 2008 Camry XLE, also with a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine. When the engine is cold, idle rpm in park starts at 1,900-1,600, then gradually slows to 900. When the engine is warmed up, the idle drops to 650 rpm in drive.
I have spoken to service people at two dealerships, and they both told me that the connection between the gas pedal and the engine is electronic, no longer mechanical, and that the idle rpm settings are not adjustable. I would prefer to adjust the Camry to accelerate more gently when the engine is cold, like the Sienna does. Can this be adjusted?
— D.J., Bethlehem, Pa.
A: Nope. The folks at the dealership are correct. The throttle is “drive by wire,” and the computer establishes both cold, high idle and warm, low idle. There are absolutely no possible adjustments without changing the algorithms in the computer.