Q: I bought a 2021 Subaru Outback in May 2021. When I brought my vehicle into the Subaru dealership for service in November 2024, I was told the control arm bushings were torn and needed to be replaced at a cost of $710.63. Does this seem realistic, both the need to do this and the cost? My vehicle has less than 29,000 miles.
A: The control arm bushings usually last about 100,000 miles, but that doesn’t take into account things like poor roads, potholes, a salty environment or even a crash. If it were my car, I would replace the entire control arm.
Too much reflection
Q: When I glance at my digital mirror in my Chevy Equinox, things often look blurry, as if I am looking through thick eyeglasses. Has anyone else mentioned having this problem? I’m 69, so perhaps it has something to do with my aging eyes.
A: General Motors issued a technical service bulletin on this subject stating that “the cause of the condition may be that when viewed in full sunlight, the mirror appears to be blurry or wavy. The distortion is actually a reflection of the left side I/P (instrument panel) vent onto the driver’s side glass, as reflected in the mirror.” I suggest temporarily draping a rag over the vent to see if this is true.
Get softer tires
Q: We have a 2024 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid. The ride is very stiff to the point of being uncomfortable. Is there anything we can do to soften the ride? It is leased, so we can’t do anything too drastic.
A: Hybrid tires can ride hard because tire makers often rank tread design over traction and comfort. I checked with the experts at TireRack.com, and their favorite for a softer ride is Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3. A set of four tires will likely set you back about $200 per hoop plus mounting, balancing and tax.
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.
