Q.

If you were buying one set of metric sockets for automotive use, would you buy standard or deep-well style? I’ve found the “standard” height can vary from 0.8”- 1.2” while “deep” seems to be 2.5” across the brands.  GearWrench brand of tools offers a “mid-length” at 1.8” that looks like a good compromise. A shallow socket sometimes gives me problems on some bolts/nuts, and I always seem to need an extension.

A.

Professionals have several different sets; deep, shallow, impact, swivel, in 6 and 12-point style and a variety of extensions. At the professional level you can spend hundreds of dollars on one set of quality sockets. If you were to just buy one high quality/professional set, I would probably buy a shallow set with a couple of extensions. In many cases a combination wrench can work when a bolt is too tall for a shallow socket. The other alternative is buying a couple of inexpensive sets such as the Harbor Freight Pittsburg brand or Walmart Hyper-Tough. I needed a few metric ¼ inch drive sockets when I was away from home. I purchased a full set of shallow and deep sockets that came with two extensions, ratchet, and driver handle all for $16.00. Are they as good as my professional tools at home? No, but at the time they worked out perfectly. 

Q.

I’m looking to replace my current vehicle and was thinking about a small SUV. Even in these COVID times I’m commuting about 90 minutes each way to work and want something that is practical, decent on gas with some of the latest safety innovations. I have looked at the Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape and even the Volvo XC40. They all have features I like and many I don’t. I want comfort and at least a decent amount of engine power balanced with fuel economy and all-wheel-drive. Hoping the Car Doctor can steer me in the right direction. 

A.

There are plenty of good choices in vehicles today. The latest Santa-Fe from Hyundai is a good choice as is the Kia Sorento. The Mazda CX-5 handles well and depending on engine choices can feel quite sporty. One vehicle that I drove recently and enjoyed was the latest Outback from Subaru. The XT version of the Outback comes with a turbo-charged engine and all of the latest safety technology. In addition, it has over eight inches of ground clearance without feeling like you need to step up to get in. If you haven’t looked at this version of the Outback it is certainly worth a look. 

Q.

My car is  a seven-year-old Infiniti G37, it has only 39,000 miles on it. The other day, we made a left turn onto a straightaway and suddenly out of nowhere a deafening sound began and then finally stopped--but not after making us all momentarily deaf. We were totally stunned with this earsplitting noise out of “left field.” The heater, wipers and the radio were both on. There was a terrible rumbling sound which another passenger said sounded like static and also said it also sounded like a high ringing tone. The car was used the next day, but no noise like the previous day.  In all the cars I’ve driven over the past 20 years, I have never heard a noise like this. We were totally stunned. What could be wrong with my car?  Since that one incident it didn’t do it again, but it really scared me. What can I tell the mechanic to look for? 

A.

If the noise happens again providing you can do so safely, shut the car off, wait a few seconds and restart the car. I suspect if you do this the noise will have gone away. I believe the problem is a short circuit in the car’s sound system. I think the noise you heard was the amplifier blasting white noise at full volume. The problem is being able to demonstrate it to the technicians who will need to fix the car. Although I have not seen this problem in an Infiniti before I have seen it in other models. 

Q.

My 2007 Honda Odyssey that I keep in Florida only has 135,000 miles on it and runs great. The only issue is the air conditioning does not kick in consistently.  When it works, it blows nice cold air. Other times the air is just warm. I hate to get rid of this vehicle, it is so practical for everything from picking people up at the airport to trips to the home store and beach. Any suggestions? Having a car without air conditioning in Florida is not fun. 

A.

One issue I have seen in some Honda models is an intermittent failure of the air conditioner clutch. If the system has been checked (including the A/C clutch) for proper operation and the pressures are found to be within the normal range, then it is time to look at the operational side of the climate control system. Like most vehicles today, the air conditioner and heater work together and airduct controllers mix cool and warm air. What could be happening is the motor for the duct is malfunctioning and allowing too much warm air to mix with the cool air.