Q: I have a Honda Accord Crosstour, and the manufacturer tires aren’t that fantastic in the rain and snow. If I were to buy tires that aren’t specifically recommended for my car, would I void my warranty? The tires I would like to get were recommended for the Accord sedan but not the Crosstour. My Crosstour is not AWD so I don’t really see why the tires would be OK on one model but not the other.
— M.F., Itasca, Ill.
A: If we are not mistaken, your vehicle is shod with 255/65R-17 tires. This is a rather common size and is available from Goodyear, Bridgestone, General and many others. Using a different brand of tire will not affect your warranty. Just be sure to get the correct size. The Accord requires 215/55-17 tires that are not a proper fit for the Crosstour.
Q: How long will a tire pressure monitor last before replacement? I had trouble on a 2010 Cobalt with one of the sensors showing the tire was low. I replaced all four tires as they were due and the TPMS in the rim in the same position showed the new tire was low after replacement, but went off after a bit. The light came back on a couple of weeks later showing a 10-psi difference. Do I need a new one or should all four be replaced at the same time?
— F.W., Westchester, Ill.
A: The TPMS is designed to last at least 10 years, including its battery. The sensors go to sleep after the car is parked for a while and wake up when it starts rolling again. Of course, like any component, a sensor can fail. The good news is that you need only replace the faulty one. You can probably pick one up for under $50.
Q: I have a 2001 Acura TL. The last time I was at the dealer they recommended EFI service (fuel injection cleaning service) at a charge of $210, saying it should be done every 3 years or 30,000 miles.Neither the owner’s manual nor the maintenance schedule lists fuel injector cleaning. If the manufacturer does not think this requires regular (any?) maintenance, should the dealership be telling me I should have it done? The car runs fine.
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— A.P., Kensington, Conn.
A: It is your call, but you are not required to have this service to maintain your warranty. Only those items listed in your maintenance schedule are necessary. Having said that, fuel injection service may restore some lost performance, or it may not. It is akin to taking a nutrition supplement that is supposed to improve your health.
Q: Is there any device available to locate any tracking devices on my car?
— N.P., Streamwood, Ill.
A: Yes, there are several, but we have no experience with them. We found tracking device detectors offered on Amazon ranging in price from about $15 to $400.
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