Q: There is a display on my dash that tells me the speed limit of whatever road I’m on. It is amazingly accurate, changing at the very moment I pass a sign with a new limit. How does my car receive this information?
A: It uses GPS, the same technology by which your phone knows where you are if you ask for a nearby gas station.
Cruise control confusion
Q: Recently you told a reader that it’s fine to use cruise control in the rain. It is not. Unlike going downhill when cruise control slows down the car, in the rain the tires lose traction and the cruise control will speed up and could send you into a spin or off the highway.
A: AAA agrees with you: “Using cruise control in the rain is generally not recommended, as it can increase the risk of hydroplaning and loss of vehicle control. It’s safer to manually control your speed in wet conditions to maintain better traction and responsiveness.” Thanks for your input.
Cutting the noise
Q: I have a 2024 RAV4 XLE Premium. The engine is louder than my previous RAV4. I’ve heard there are hood insulation pads that can be installed to cut down on engine noise. Are they safe?
A: You can get a factory hood pad at any Toyota dealership. It is made to fit your car, including holes for the retainers that hold the pad in place, making it perfectly safe.
Temperature switch
Q: I have a 2018 Ford Explorer. When using the heater, it blows heat on the driver’s side and cold air on the passenger side. Do you have any thoughts about a fix?
A: You probably need an air door actuator. If it were me, I would opt for the complete kit of actuators, including the one for the blend door.
