Q: I own a 2013 Subaru Outback. A few months ago, I bought a new phone (Samsung Galaxy S21 5G). I paired the phone with the car as usual. Unfortunately, every time I turn off the vehicle, the phone unpairs. That did not happen with this car and my previous phone.
A: Because you changed phones and not cars, this sounds more like a phone problem than a car problem. My hunch is to delete the Bluetooth share data and then pair the phone from scratch. If that doesn't work, contact your phone's carrier or the store from which you bought the phone.
Keeping batteries cool
Q: I used to think that it was cold that killed vehicle batteries. But after moving to Las Vegas, I've realized that it's often the heat. They last two or three years, no more. Are the people who buy electric vehicles prepared to keep buying new batteries?
A: The power for an EV comes from an array of lithium-ion batteries, not lead-acid batteries like the one that cranks your engine. Engineers use a variety of cooling techniques such as fins, liquid coolants or phase-change materials. The target life expectancy of the battery pack is 10 years.
Familiar advice
Q: I have a 2012 Toyota Tacoma four-wheel-drive pickup. On the door label it recommends 30 pounds per square inch cold pressure. I have Cooper tires that say max 44 pounds. My dealer inflates them to 35 pounds. That seems like a big difference. What is right?
A: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I recommend that you follow the pressure called for on the sticker on the door or door frame. Never use the maximum pressure on the tire.
Give the clutch a break
Q: When I'm driving a manual transmission car, I prefer to downshift when coming to a stop instead of braking. But I have heard car experts recommend not doing that. I assume it's because replacing the brakes is cheaper than the clutch. What do you say?
A: Brakes are lots easier on your wallet. Save your downshifting to blast out of those hairpin turns.
Self-inflicted problem
Q: Regarding your column two weeks ago about a slow-dying battery and how to determine which circuit is causing the problem, I had this problem with my 2006 Mitsubishi Raider, so I used my ammeter and started pulling fuses. What I didn't know is that with this vehicle, and probably many others, if you pull the security system fuse, the vehicle won't start. (It assumes you're a thief.) I had to take it to the dealer, and even they couldn't get it to start. They ended up calling an automotive locksmith. He programmed a new key, and that did it. If you give that advice again, be sure to mention this or some poor reader will end up in a big pickle.
A: Excellent point. And probably a costly lesson.
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.