How To
John Paul, AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor, hears from a reader having issues with their 10-year-old car’s backup camera.
The Car Doctor hears from a reader having issues with their 10-year-old car’s backup camera. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File
April 30, 2026
4 minutes to read
Q. My question concerns my 2016 Mazda6 backup camera. It is just not as bright as it once was. I have tried cleaning it with a Zeiss lens wipe and also increased the brightness setting to max, but little has changed. Any thoughts on other steps I can take?
A. The first step is to check for any wiring or connection issues. Try gently moving the wiring or even tapping on the trunk lid to see if the image changes – if the camera flickers, that can point to a wiring concern. Also inspect the lens closely. Over time it can become hazy or pitted, which reduces image quality. If there is no change, the camera itself may be nearing the end of its service life. It’s not uncommon for backup cameras to degrade after 8 to 10 years due to moisture intrusion or sensor wear. A replacement camera from Mazda can be costly, around $500-$600 plus labor, so you may also want to consider a quality aftermarket option.
Q. I have a 2023 BMW 330i xDrive coming off lease in three months. I would like your insight on whether to buy it out for $28,000 plus tax or start a new lease. The interesting part is that by then the car will have only 3,000 miles. There is also the option of buying a BMW extended warranty.
A. Based on the numbers, you would likely be getting a very good deal by purchasing your BMW. At the time of writing, wholesale (trade-in) values appear to be in the $30,000–$33,000 range, while private sale values could be in the $32,000–$35,000 range, depending on condition and market demand. With such low mileage, keeping the car makes a lot of sense – especially if you’re satisfied with it. As the factory warranty will expire in a few years, a BMW extended warranty is worth considering for peace of mind, given the potential cost of repairs.
Q. I see you mention Harbor Freight tools and equipment from time to time. Are the Icon brand tools really as good as the “tool-truck” tools?
A. There is a lot of debate on this topic. I recently purchased four Icon 10-millimeter sockets (two 1/4-inch drive and two 3/8-inch drive) for about $10 total. By comparison, a single 3/8-inch drive deep socket from a tool-truck brand can cost $20 or more. Considering how commonly 10mm sockets are used—and misplaced—the value is hard to ignore. While tool-truck brands may still have an edge in finish and long-term durability, the Icon line offers very good quality for the price and is a solid choice for many users.
Q. My 2016 Toyota 4Runner seems to go through brakes at a rapid pace. I am not an aggressive driver. I tend to slow down gradually and avoid hard braking whenever possible. However, at 99,000 miles I have replaced the brakes and rotors at least four times and calipers three times. Right now the brakes vibrate at highway speeds, and I am taking it in again for service. It has been suggested that the parts my local garage uses may be inferior. (This last issue began after an emergency stop to avoid a collision.) Can you recommend high-quality parts so I don’t feel like I’m replacing brakes every time I get gas?
A. Akebono makes excellent-quality brake components, and OEM Toyota parts are also very reliable. I have also had good results with PowerStop brake components, which offer coated rotors that help resist rust buildup. That said, the frequency of your repairs suggests something beyond just parts quality. In many cases, repeated brake issues are caused by improper installation, combined with sticking caliper slide pins or seized caliper pistons Brake vibration is often the result of uneven or excessive wheel lug torque, or rust and debris on the hub surface that prevent the rotor from mounting evenly. This can lead to what feels like “warped” rotors. Proper cleaning of the hub and correct torque using a torque wrench are critical. It would be worth discussing installation procedures with your shop or seeking a second opinion.
Q. My 2019 Toyota Avalon warranty is over in August. Do car dealers accept service contracts from companies like CarShield and Endurance? I typically go to the dealer for maintenance. Is there a warranty company you would recommend?
A. This is always a difficult question. Keep in mind that extended warranties—more accurately called service contracts—cover repairs, not routine maintenance. Many dealerships will accept third-party service contracts, but coverage and ease of claims can vary widely. If you’re considering additional coverage, it’s often safest to go with a manufacturer-backed plan or one offered through a reputable organization such as AAA. Over the years, many aftermarket warranty companies have come and gone, sometimes leaving customers without coverage, so it’s important to choose carefully and read the fine print.
Q. My neighbor showed me pictures of his family’s Rolls-Royce, which he claims was made in Springfield, Massachusetts. When I did some research, it looked like New England was once an automotive hub. What happened?
A. Yes, there were once dozens of vehicle manufacturers in New England, particularly in the early 1900s. Some produced thousands of vehicles, while others built only a handful. The industry changed dramatically over time, especially during and after the Great Depression. There wasn’t a single cause for the decline. It was a combination of factors such as labor costs, access to materials, supplier networks, and increasing competition from larger manufacturers in other regions. For example, General Motors closed its Framingham, Massachusetts plant in 1989. Today, companies like Factory Five Racing in Wareham, Massachusetts are among the few remaining low-volume manufacturers in the region. Events such as the Bay State Motor Festival in Framingham help showcase the area’s rich automotive history, including brands like Knox, Stanley Steamer, and Indian Motorcycle.
John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE-certified master technician. E-mail your Car Doctor question to [email protected]. Listen to the Car Doctor Podcast on Apple Podcasts or other popular podcast sites.
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