Q: I have a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. When I brake, it accelerates. I took it back to the dealership three times and they can’t repeat the problem. They even kept it a few times. It happens in every gear plus neutral and park. If I pump the brakes fast enough, it stops. Any ideas to help me?
—J.K., Springtown, Pa.
A: Beginning with May 2012 production, all U.S. Hyundai models got a brake pedal-throttle override capability. If your car does not have the override system, check your feet. The pedals may be close enough that you are depressing both simultaneously. That could be why nobody can duplicate the problem. When you pump the brake, the pedal usually comes up (gets higher) and may prevent your foot from contacting the gas pedal.
More Top Picks Best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Fire Tv Deals 2026 Sale
Q: Manual transmissions are an unnecessary anachronism. Only a masochist or an Englishman would want a contemporary vehicle with a manual transmission. I speak as an old double-clutching gear jammer who soured on stick shift after years of commuting on freeway, rush-hour parking lots. I can’t wait to get a robot flying car.
—B.E., Winthrop Harbor, Ill.
A: On a regular basis readers ask us where they can learn to drive a stick. In the past, we have suggested borrowing a car from a friend, finding a rental agency that has them in its fleet, or buying an old beater then reselling it. Here is another idea. We recently participated in the Ford EcoBoost Challenge. Held in large parking lots (think sports stadiums), it is open to the public to test some of the company’s wares. Among the events for 2015 is “ShiftPhobia,” a clinic on sticks. Consumers get hands-on help on the basics — complete with on-course driving instruction from a professional driver. The timid may even practice first on a simulator. To find the nearest event and sign up for free admission, go to http://www.ecoboostdrive.com.
Q: In my 2010 and 2013 leased Toyotas, they recommend changing the synthetic motor oil at 10,000 miles. Since I turn the autos in at 36,000 miles I switch to non-synthetic oil after the two-year free maintenance period expires. Also, in any of the prior Toyotas I have owned I was able to turn off the maintenance required light which comes on at 5,000 miles. Driving back from Florida to Connecticut in my 2013 Camry, it was annoying having it on. What is the correct procedure to turn it off?
—V.B., Portland, Conn.
A: Although it is fine to run synthetic oil for 10,000 miles, the same cannot be said for traditional oil. We would not be comfortable buying your car off lease. Resetting the maintenance required light on Camrys is similar, but not identical, for all years. For the 2013 model, turn the key on and press the trip reset button to Trip A. Turn the key off while holding the trip reset button down. Turn the key back on and when zeros are displayed, the reminder has been reset.
Send questions along with name and town to Motormouth, Rides, baiduhai, 435 N. Michigan Ave, Fifth Floor, Chicago IL 60611 or [email protected].