Q: As a woman, I very much enjoy and learn from your column. Are there any studies that show a correlation between moonroofs and facial skin cancer? I drove my two prior SUVs for total of 22 years and last year had to have a basal cell carcinoma removed from my face, on the upper right side near the side of my nose. Exactly where the sun would most shine thru the open moon roof!
—T.A., Chicago
A: The Skin Cancer Foundation’s website states: “A recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that nearly 53 percent of skin cancers in the US occur on the left, or drivers’ side of the body. ‘The increase in left-sided skin cancers may be from the UV (ultraviolet) exposure we get when driving a car,’ said Susan T. Butler, MD, coauthor of the study.” When it comes to sunroofs or convertibles, “Drivers’ heads and necks receive the most UV exposure, so it’s no surprise that Butler’s team found over 82 percent of skin cancers on the patients’ heads or necks. A solid, closed roof is your best bet. If you have a sunroof or a convertible top, wear a hat. At the very least, be sure to apply sunscreen to exposed areas of the face, neck, and scalp.”
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Q: I just purchased a new 2016 Chevy Traverse with a typical 3 year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. They always push you to buy an extended warranty. I ended up giving in for the peace of mind, but I’m now having second thoughts. Shouldn’t the cars built today easily last 100,000 miles without major problems? Am I better off putting my $2,500 in a car repair fund and use it when I need it? I’ve asked my friends and family and 60 percent say don’t do it. I’m leaning towards canceling it. I have 60 days.
—M.K., Northbrook, Ill.
A: Yes, you could put the money away and it would certainly cover some failure which may not be covered under the standard powertrain warranty. Yet, if you are like most people, you will have a hard time keeping your hands off that dough. If you do opt for the extended warranty, be sure it is not some fly-by-night aftermarket deal.
Q: I have 2015 Nissan Rogue and a long commute. When I finally do arrive at my job with the Department of Defense, I’m preoccupied with getting a parking spot. I’m tense from traffic, anxiously waiting for the end of the song on my iPod and trying to get in one more text message, gather my lunch and my badge. I missed turning off the car one morning. Fortunately, I had a full tank of gas. Kudos to the engineers because it runs so quietly you can’t hear it, but they need a better warning signal to tell you when you open the door that it’s still running!
—N.M., Sterling, Va.
A: There is no harm done to the vehicle by idling all day, however the folks across town at EPA may get their undies in a bunch due to unnecessary emissions. In light of the frequency of such oversights, we may soon see (and hear) better warnings.
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