How To
John Paul, AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor, hears from a reader with a question about using tinted eyeglasses while driving.
The Car Doctor hears from a reader with a question about using tinted eyeglasses while driving. David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
June 1, 2026 | 7:52 PM
3 minutes to read
Q. When I wear my eyeglasses that tint in the sun and then get into my car, the tint disappears due to something related to the windshield. Why can’t manufacturers address this issue instead of drivers having to buy sunglasses?
A. Glasses that darken in sunlight (photochromic lenses) react to ultraviolet (UV) light. Most modern vehicle windshields, due to their laminated construction, filter out a significant amount of UV light. This prevents the lenses from activating. Windshields are designed this way not only for UV protection but also because the laminated glass and bonding adhesive contribute to the vehicle’s structural rigidity, roof‑crush protection, and airbag support. As far as I am aware, there are no modern vehicles that do not filter UV light through the windshield.
Q. I have a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with a 3.7‑liter V6 engine that is making a strange noise. It starts fine and drives normally, but after about a 15‑minute drive, if I shut it off and let it sit for around 10 minutes, it makes a hammering noise when restarted. The noise changes with engine speed. Any thoughts?
A. A technician would need to listen to the engine using a mechanic’s stethoscope to pinpoint the source of the noise. Based on common issues with the 3.7‑liter V6, a likely cause is a worn rocker arm or lash adjuster. If the noise has been present for an extended period and left unaddressed, the camshaft may also be damaged and require replacement.
Q. My wife has a 2003 Toyota Corolla with only 70,000 miles. The clock has stopped working. Do you have any suggestions?
A. The clock is a standalone component and is not connected to other vehicle computers. After verifying that all relevant fuses are intact and there are no wiring issues, the most likely cause is clock failure. A common issue is a cold solder joint on the circuit board. You could attempt to have the circuit board resoldered, or you can replace the clock with a new or used unit.
Q. Do fuel additives break down over time if they are stored in a sealed, unopened bottle? I found an old bottle of Volkswagen Multipurpose Gas Additive (G 001 780 M3) that’s about 7–8 years old. It was recommended for my 2012 VW Turbo Beetle. Should I still use it?
A. I spoke with an engineer from Sta‑Bil who indicated their additives have roughly a five‑year shelf life. It’s reasonable to assume the Volkswagen additive is similar. While it likely won’t cause harm if it has remained sealed and appears normal, its effectiveness may be significantly reduced—much like expired medication. Using a fresh bottle would be the smarter and safer choice.
Q. I was just given a car, which I’m grateful for, but it smells terrible—a mix of an ashtray and a litter box. What can I do?
A. I’ve had good results using an ozone generator to remove stubborn odors. These devices are commonly used in hotels, but they can irritate the throat and lungs of chemically sensitive individuals and may degrade rubber seals if overused. As an alternative, I recently tried an aerosol odor‑eliminating fogger from Mothers Car Care Products, which claims to eliminate up to 99 percent of odors and has worked well in my experience.
Q. I’m looking to buy a new SUV. How does the Ford Explorer compare to the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride?
A. The Toyota Highlander has an excellent reputation for long‑term reliability and strong resale value. The Kia Telluride stands out for its upscale, spacious interior and its impressive 10‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain warranty. Historically, Ford has trailed Toyota and Kia in reliability, but the Explorer has improved as of late and offers stronger performance, more engine choices, and advanced technology features. If you plan to keep a vehicle for three years or less, the Ford Explorer is a solid choice. If long‑term ownership and peace of mind are priorities, the Toyota Highlander or Kia Telluride may be better options. Ultimately, test‑drive all three, explore the technology, and choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
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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