Dear Doctor: I own a <a href="/topics//Toyota_Venza">Toyota Venza</a> with a rough and harsh ride. The tire size is P245/55R19 <a href="/topics//Bridgestone">Bridgestone</a> Duller. Will changing out from the 19-inch tire size make the ride any better? -- Rob 
 Dear Rob: When the tire size is changed to a larger aspect ratio 55 series to 60 series there is more flexibility between the tire and rim, which <a href="/topics//Equals_(musician)">equals</a> a smoother ride. You can change the tire size, keeping in mind that no more than one-quarter inch in overall diameter is recommended. I have downsized from a 19-inch to 18-inch tire size while retaining the same outside diameter. As for the tire brand you choose, make sure the tire is not aggressive and has a summer-type tread pattern. 
 Dear Doctor: After driving for long distances with a/c on in our 2004 <a href="/topics//Infiniti">Infiniti</a> I35, the passenger side carpeting becomes soaking wet. The drains are clear and the a/c drains when the motor is running and standing still. We have been to the dealer on many occasions and since they can't replicate the problem they can't rectify the problem. Your advice is appreciated. -- Gloria and Ed 
 Dear Gloria and Ed: I see this problem on many vehicles where the a/c drain is clear. The problem is the actual drain tube is too short and the water drips back into the passenger compartment. I looked on our Identifix web site and found the quick and easy repair is to add a 4-inch spark plug wire boot onto the drain. In some cases, the seal between the heater <a href="/topics//Boxing_at_the_2012_Summer_Olympics">box</a> and firewall also needs to be resealed with silicone. Alldata.com has perfect view of the heater <a href="/topics//Boxing_at_the_2012_Summer_Olympics">box</a> and drain. 
 Dear Doctor: I own a 2002 <a href="/topics//Buick">Buick</a> Century with only 80,000 miles. The shift indicator and odometer stopped illuminating. I went to the dealer and they said I need to replace the <a href="/topics//D-A-S-H">dash</a> cluster at a cost of $500. Is there any other solution? -- Vincent 
 Dear Vincent: We work on a lot of <a href="/topics//D-A-S-H">dash</a> cluster failures. We remove and send out the dash clusters to a company in Taunton, Mass., called BBA remanufacturing where they rebuild the dash cluster for one-third the price of what GM charges. There may be a local company in your area if you research it that also can rebuild your dash. 
 Dear Doctor: I have a 1965 <a href="/topics//Dodge">Dodge</a> Coronet with a stock charging system. The problem I'm having is an over-voltage charging system (15 to 16.5-plus volts). Also, the voltage level increases with the engine rpms. I tried other voltage regulators with no change. Do you have any advice? -- Ken 
 Dear Ken: In older vehicles the alternator's charging rate is controlled by the voltage regulator through the field circuit. The high voltage would indicate a wiring fault (internal alternator problem). I suggest you take the alternator and regulator to the local rebuilder and let them test both. You can also change over to an updated single wire internal regulator alternator. The older alternators with the external regulators had low amperage out output by today's standards. 
 Dear Doctor: Two years ago I bought a 2004 <a href="/topics//Dodge_Viper">Dodge Viper</a> equipped with an aftermarket Corsa Exhaust System. The exhaust works fine, but it's too loud. Is there any way of toning down the sound? I know that motorcycles use baffles. Is this a possibility? -- Eddie 
 Dear Eddie: The Corsa performance exhaust is in my opinion the best aftermarket exhaust for both auto and marine applications. I would first call Corsa and ask them if they have or can make a quieter muffler or add another sound baffle. Another choice is the addition of a straight through resonator. The large V-10 engine does not like restrictions in the exhaust system. The motorcycle baffles would be too restrictive. There is always the use of the factory muffler replacement.&nbsp; 
 Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician.&nbsp;Email questions to info@motormatters.biz

Dear Doctor: I own a Toyota Venza with a rough and harsh ride. The tire size is P245/55R19 Bridgestone Duller. Will changing out from the 19-inch tire size make the ride any better? -- Rob Dear Rob: When the tire size is changed to a larger aspect ratio 55 series to 60 series there is more flexibility between the tire and rim, which equals a smoother ride. You can change the tire size, keeping in mind that no more than one-quarter inch in overall diameter is recommended. I have downsized from a 19-inch to 18-inch tire size while retaining the same outside diameter. As for the tire brand you choose, make sure the tire is not aggressive and has a summer-type tread pattern. Dear Doctor: After driving for long distances with a/c on in our 2004 Infiniti I35, the passenger side carpeting becomes soaking wet. The drains are clear and the a/c drains when the motor is running and standing still. We have been to the dealer on many occasions and since they can't replicate the problem they can't rectify the problem. Your advice is appreciated. -- Gloria and Ed Dear Gloria and Ed: I see this problem on many vehicles where the a/c drain is clear. The problem is the actual drain tube is too short and the water drips back into the passenger compartment. I looked on our Identifix web site and found the quick and easy repair is to add a 4-inch spark plug wire boot onto the drain. In some cases, the seal between the heater box and firewall also needs to be resealed with silicone. Alldata.com has perfect view of the heater box and drain. Dear Doctor: I own a 2002 Buick Century with only 80,000 miles. The shift indicator and odometer stopped illuminating. I went to the dealer and they said I need to replace the dash cluster at a cost of $500. Is there any other solution? -- Vincent Dear Vincent: We work on a lot of dash cluster failures. We remove and send out the dash clusters to a company in Taunton, Mass., called BBA remanufacturing where they rebuild the dash cluster for one-third the price of what GM charges. There may be a local company in your area if you research it that also can rebuild your dash. Dear Doctor: I have a 1965 Dodge Coronet with a stock charging system. The problem I'm having is an over-voltage charging system (15 to 16.5-plus volts). Also, the voltage level increases with the engine rpms. I tried other voltage regulators with no change. Do you have any advice? -- Ken Dear Ken: In older vehicles the alternator's charging rate is controlled by the voltage regulator through the field circuit. The high voltage would indicate a wiring fault (internal alternator problem). I suggest you take the alternator and regulator to the local rebuilder and let them test both. You can also change over to an updated single wire internal regulator alternator. The older alternators with the external regulators had low amperage out output by today's standards. Dear Doctor: Two years ago I bought a 2004 Dodge Viper equipped with an aftermarket Corsa Exhaust System. The exhaust works fine, but it's too loud. Is there any way of toning down the sound? I know that motorcycles use baffles. Is this a possibility? -- Eddie Dear Eddie: The Corsa performance exhaust is in my opinion the best aftermarket exhaust for both auto and marine applications. I would first call Corsa and ask them if they have or can make a quieter muffler or add another sound baffle. Another choice is the addition of a straight through resonator. The large V-10 engine does not like restrictions in the exhaust system. The motorcycle baffles would be too restrictive. There is always the use of the factory muffler replacement. Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. Email questions to info@motormatters.biz

Classifieds

Cars

carsAUTODOC18

Auto Doctor: Reducing tire size can smooth rides

Newsday

2009 Toyota Venza -- cropped

Most Popular

Latest Videos

Latest videos

Islandia village officials have cleared the path to build a mixed-use development with hundreds of housing units and 50 hotel rooms on 13 acres of vacant land near Jake's 58 casino. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Two 5-story buildings to occupy site

Steel beams from the World Trade Center have become memorials to those who were lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and can now be found scattered throughout Long Island. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'It's a beautiful testament'

For many of the approximately 100,000 Muslims living on Long Island, the deadliest terrorist act committed on U.S. soil — carried out by 19 al-Qaida hijackers — pointed an unwelcome spotlight at them. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Hoping things will be different for my kids and my grandkids'

NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn looks at how Long Island schools are using first-person memories and immersive experiences to teach about 9/11, 25 years later.

'History's a living, breathing thing'

Mohammad Salman Hamdani, a Muslim 23-year-old NYPD cadet and paramedic living in Queens, was the subject of a police wanted poster until his remains were found at Ground Zero. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger has more.

'It's about my son, Salman, his sacrifice'

Sign up for the Daily Business newsletter

Business Newsletter Widget

Long Island has dealerships in Huntington, Glen Cove, Southampton and Freeport.

Jaguar Land Rover to cut 4,000 jobs globally

Business Article Bottom Module

China's customs agency says the country's exports surged 36.3% in September from a year earlier.

China's trade surplus hits $938 billion for Jan-Sep as pressure ramps up to rebalance trade

The newly built industrial facility in the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge was sold to a global asset management business.

Commack industrial facility sells for $58.25M

Mohammed Saber and his family rely on a solar kit for electricity at the bamboo-and-tarpaulin shack they call home at a camp for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

From climate-driven disasters to Rohingya refugee camps, solar kits help keep the lights on

The relocation will be the outdoor-furniture retailer's second takeover of a former Sam Ash Music store.

Fortunoff Backyard Store relocating Westbury location

Following an FTC settlement, eligible Amazon Prime users will continue to receive automatic refunds through April 2027.

Amazon Prime users to receive automatic refunds up to $200

The vast majority of the chain's 78 U.S. clubs in 29 states are franchises, including the Long Island location in Centereach.

Parent of pickleball chain The Picklr, which has 1 LI location, files for bankruptcy protection

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

NewsdayTV's Carissa Kellman explores the historic and festive charm of Sleepy Hollow during a fall day trip.

A hauntingly good time in Sleepy Hollow

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano has your look at what to know ahead of the 2026 Oyster Festival.

What to expect at this year's Oyster Fest

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland talks to Lisa Lackner, founder of Beyond Motherhood, about maternal mental health.

Working Moms: Maternal mental health

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits a vineyard in Cutchogue featuring on-site B&B accommodations.

Out East: Sannino Vineyard

Billy Joel will be auctioning off more than 70 motorcycles at Gooding Christie's in Manhattan next month. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger got a sneak peek at three.

A sneak peek of Billy Joel's motorcycles going to auction next month

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visits Das Biergarten in Long Beach.

It's Oktoberfest every day at this Long Beach restaurant

The firefighter says her free speech rights were violated. The case demonstrates the depths of the divisiveness of politics in America today. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

LI fire department removes volunteer after Facebook comment about ICE

The Mineola High School marching band and wind ensemble have been invited to perform at London's New Year's Parade in 2028. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

LI High School marching band to perform in London New Year’s Parade

Stuart Cameron, now the chief of the Old Westbury Police Department, said "The Long Watch" began as an attempt to share his experiences during 40-plus years in law enforcement with his children and grandchildren.

Chief Stuart Cameron talks new book 'The Long Watch' and Gilgo investigation

Marine life experts said two juvenile humpback whales became stuck due to sandbars created in last month's nor'easter. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

2 whales stranded on LI

Business Video Playlist

Nearly $1.2 billion in unclaimed funds is available across more than 5 million accounts on Long Island, according to the state comptroller's office. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

$1.2B available across 5 million accounts on LI

Changes at the Lake Grove property will include new tenants, such as LongHorn Steakhouse and Coach. Newsday business reporter Tory Parrish has more.

New plaza, stores, games, 'park-like' setting coming to Smith Haven Mall

They cook, build, care for seniors and run businesses. What happens when these workers disappear? NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

'We can expect negative repercussions'

Affordability concerns on Long Island leave some residents wondering if it's worth staying. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa and Newsday business reporter Brianne Ledda have more.

'Yes, I would leave'

ScieGen Pharmaceuticals wants to build a 60,000-square-foot factory and warehouse in Hauppauge to meet consumer demand. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Very important for us'

Housing advocates and local officials were set to break ground on Thursday on a building with 52 affordable apartments slated to replace blighted commercial buildings on Port Jefferson's Main Street. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Port Jefferson entering new phase of revitalization

Bonsai tree-making classes, trivia nights, mocktails and private events are among the ways local venues are trying to draw customers. Newsday business reporter Tory Parrish has more.

'We have a lot of different things going on'

Some East End businesses already house workers priced out of the area. Now East Hampton is weighing rules that could expand the model — and the debate over tying housing to a job. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'It's something I felt we had to do'

If the deal goes through, Giunta's Meat Farms will also acquire four Wild by Nature natural food stores. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Giunta's Meat Farms acquiring 24 King Kullen stores

Fake listings, bogus fees and stolen data target renters squeezed by Long Island's high housing costs. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'It's been a nightmare'

The price of childcare can be prohibitive for many Long Island parents. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports along with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa, Newsday business reporter Victor Ocasio and daycare owner Janna Rodriguez.

'Probably as much as rent or mortgage'

The overall inflation rate for the Long Island area is now 5.1%, up from 3.4% in May 2025. Newsday business reporter James T. Madore has more.

'Long Islanders are feeling the pain'

Cars - megaslot

Read the latest news, reviews, recalls and more for the vehicle makes and models that Long Islanders drive.

Most Popular

Latest Videos

Stay logged in.