I purchased a 2019 Toyota RAV 4 in October of 2020 with 10,400 miles on it. I like the car, no problem there. It came with a factory installed remote start that I used a few times last winter. When I went to use it this winter, it would not work. Come to find out I was on some kind of “service contract” good for six months. I was not aware of this, nor was I informed of this at the time of purchase. I found out by a couple of trips to the dealer speaking to the manager. After calling Toyota’s service line I found that in order to use the remote start I had to pay $8 a month or $80 dollars a year. I almost fell off my chair. I never heard of such a thing. It’s like having to pay to use my brakes. I was also told that other companies are doing the same thing. I have not heard of another auto maker yet who charges for these. Have you ever heard of such nonsense? 

A.

Toyota received a lot of backlash over this decision. The remote start feature is tied into the phone app-which is subscription based. It is my understanding that the key fob should still activate the remote start, even without renewing the app. While Toyota is trying to make up its mind on this issue try this trick. Using the key-fob, press the lock button quickly twice and then once again for a longer time-so lock, lock and then lock. Regarding more technology nonsense, I read recently BMW was charging to Apple CarPlay and again after pushback from their customers, eliminated the $80 annual fee.  Readers have you experienced a surprise with subscription-based systems? Let me know what you think.

Q.

I own a 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5 hatchback with approximately 37,000 miles on it. Although it runs fine, and I stay on top of all maintenance I reviewed the Subaru recommendation for replacement of the timing belt on the interference engine which states to replace original belt at 105 months or 105,000 miles. My car is now 168 months old, and I had the belt checked recently by my mechanic and he says it looks good with little indication of wear. To be safe given the engine and owner’s manual recommendation I plan to replace the timing belt, drive belts, water pump with all new components.  I trust my independent mechanic to do the work with specified components. Would you agree with this approach?

A.

If I recently purchased your low mileage 14-year-old Subaru, the first thing that I would do is exactly what you are planning. Although the belts may last longer to reduce my anxiety about possible timing belt failure and catastrophic engine failure this is money well spent. 

Q.

I have a 2018 Subaru Forester I recently purchased for my daughter’s use. I understand the CVT transmission fluid is changed at 100,000 mile per Subaru North America. When looking online the recommendation is quite different in Japan and Canada where the recommendation is to drain and refill the fluid at three years or 36,000 miles. Do you have an opinion on this matter? 

A.

If this were my car, I would follow the recommendations in the owner’s manual that came with the car. Certainly, replacing the fluid every three years can’t hurt, but doesn’t seem necessary. 

Q.

I have a 2005 Chevy Cobalt. My key fob needs to be replaced, I’ve been using my key to unlock my door. There are times when my key won’t turn. Is WD-40 ok to use to lubricate the lock? Where do you recommend going to get a new key fob? 

A.

As good as WD-40 is I prefer to use a dedicated “dry” lock lubricant. I have found that WD-40 tends to wash away some of the factory lubricant and also can attract dirt and over time cause more sticking. The dealer or a full-service locksmith can replace your car-fob. You can buy an aftermarket key-fob for your car for as little as $25 online but it will require professional programming.