Q: I was beginning my quadrennial car search. I've had 11 Volvos since 1974 (I might be in a rut), and I'm looking to replace my 2016 XC70 with another Volvo, probably the V60 XC. Did I hear my dealer correctly that the 2021's do not have AM radio built into the standard audio system? How do I listen to my news, traffic, weather and sports talk? Say it isn't so!

A: It is so. AM radio stations reach nearly 58.8 million people during a given week, according to the latest Nielsen data. But that is just one in five (21%) radio users. By comparison, Nielsen says, 86% of radio listeners tuned into an FM station. Electric cars might put the final nail in the coffin. The current electric motors generate radio frequency interference (RFI) in the same wavelengths as amplitude modulation (AM) signals, creating static.

A scary look

Q: What are those 5- to 6-inch spikes on the front wheels of semis? Do they help them cut through ice and snow? They look dangerous. They remind me of something out of "Ben-Hur" or "Thunderball."

A: Many semi drivers say that they keep other drivers at a distance. But in truth, they are simply a cosmetic affectation. You can even buy plastic ones.

Polishing problem

Q: My 2015 VW GTI is the first car I've had with alloy wheels and low-profile tires. Consequently, where I used to rub a curb with the tire, I now have a case of curb rash. I've looked for a place that would polish my wheels but have found none. The last place I checked, they recommended a truck tire facility. Any tips?

A: For a do-it-yourselfer:  Sand the scratches down somewhat, apply automotive body filler such as Bondo, sand smooth when dry and then finish with metallic spray paint. I don't know how long that repair will hold up. A better alternative is to take the wheels to a professional. Automotive wheel restoration is usually under $200 per wheel, said Rich Heuer of Chicago Wheel Service in Elk Grove Village, Ill. Instead of calling detailing shops that specialize in polishing, I suggest you look for a wheel restorer.

Speed traps

Q: I remember the 1960s auto legends like the GTO. What many folks don't remember is that the 0-60 time of this model was 7 seconds. Now we have e-cars coming that will do 0-60 in 3 seconds or less. I'm worried that these cars might be too fast for our own good. What could go wrong?

A: Ah, the days of muscle cars — cars that backyard mechanics could morph into mechanical monsters. Zero to 60 in less than 3 seconds is a bit of an exaggeration. Most stock automobiles top out in the 8-second range. But that's still plenty fast. What could go wrong? A big speeding ticket and probably a loss of your driver's license — at least for a while.

Bob Weber is a writer, mechanic and ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician. His writing has appeared in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest. Send automotive questions along with name and town to motormouth.tribune@gmail.com.