Let’s set the facts straight
I went to get some winter tires. To my surprise, I learned that Nokian is a Russian company. How is it possible for this brand to sell its products here during this period?
Serge M.
You are not the first to write to us about this. So, let’s set the record straight. Nokian is a Finnish manufacturer. It is true that most of its production (around 80%) was concentrated in Russia. Following the outbreak of war, the company withdrew from Russia and obtained permission from Moscow to transfer its subsidiaries to the PJSC Tatneft group. Since then, Nokian has accelerated its investments in new production capacities in Europe, while increasing those of existing factories in Finland and the United States.
Premature wear
PHOTO ANDREW KELLY, REUTERS
The electric Hyundai Kona
I own a 2021 Hyundai Kona EV. During maintenance (50,000 km), I was informed that the tires were very worn. The weight of the batteries would be in question. Is this a recurring problem on electric vehicles or is it more of a problem linked to my vehicle?
Monique P.-B.
Rest assured, you are not the only one in this situation. Batteries make cars heavier and put more weight on tires. It was therefore necessary to rethink their diameter. But even by modifying this criterion, the tires of electric cars wear up to 20% faster than their counterparts on thermal cars. The fault is a higher acceleration torque – or the force of the wheels on the ground – in electric cars which damages the tire more.
Ordinary or great?
PHOTO PHILIPPE BOIVIN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Premium gasoline is recommended or required for many vehicle models.
I see more and more models that recommend the use of premium gasoline rather than regular. Considering the price gap between the two, I wonder if the type of gasoline recommended by the manufacturer should be an important factor in choosing my next vehicle. In addition, some oil companies offer us fuels with winter additives and others with summer ones. Are there fuels (oil) that offer better performance?
Marc-André D.
The gasoline recommended by the manufacturer should naturally appear among your selection criteria. That said, a nuance must be made here between recommended gasoline and authorized gasoline. In fact, some manufacturers recommend premium gasoline to obtain better performance (acceleration, acceleration, consumption), but “authorize” or accept, depending on the use of gasoline with a lower octane number. Other manufacturers only recommend the use of premium gasoline. No possible substitute. As for the additives offered by oil companies, we cannot adequately answer your question.
Small budget
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Used vehicles
My daughter is looking for a used car. Its budget is $2500. What are your suggestions? Additionally, what checks should she do to ensure she has a quality car? Annually, it will do around 7000 km.
Mario L.
A quality car for $2500? Really ? If the budget for the purchase is $2,500, how much money does your daughter have available for repairs? With a budget like that, there will be no shortage of surprises. She will either find herself with a vehicle whose engine is about to give up the ghost, or with a body with holes like a gruyere cheese, to name only the most common problems. Better to save again. Otherwise, a complete mechanical examination is required, and make sure you know the cost of replacement parts beforehand.