Q: I recently took my 2019 CR-V for an oil change. I received the safety check notations, which included the transmission and differential fluid change notice.

Does it need to be done at the dealership? I recently saw an Instagram reel where the mechanic suggested that because the driver had not used Honda specific fluid, he may have compromised the transmission. I want to use my local service center.

R.P., Cary, Illinois

A: Service needn’t be done at the dealership, and you won’t void your warranty as long as you keep records of service done elsewhere. However, you must use Honda’s special VTM-4 oil or equivalent. There are other brands, but they must meet the Honda specification.

Q: Not a question, just a PSA. I have to constantly remind my daughter to close the sunroof shade while operating the air conditioner. Having the sunroof shade open puts unnecessary strain on the compressor, wastes fuel and keeps the cabin unnecessarily warm.

B.M., Glenview, Illinois

A: Yes, the more you reduce the sun load, the less work the air conditioning system must do.

Q: My question is about road safety. Are drivers required to stop if a pedestrian hasn't yet entered the crosswalk? I've experienced many crossings where drivers with ample time to stop simply zoom through, ignoring the person (me) waiting to cross. What are the rules regarding these types of crossings?

H.F., Edina, Minnesota

A: A person in a crosswalk has the right of way so, yes, you are required to stop. Here’s the breakdown:

--Always stop for pedestrians who are crossing or attempting to cross at a marked crosswalk.

--Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in or approaching a crosswalk.

--Do not overtake or pass another vehicle that has stopped or is yielding for pedestrians at a crosswalk.

--Use caution and slow down when approaching pedestrian crossings.

Q: Now that the penny is abolished, how are we going to tell when our tire treads are too low? (And please don't give a temporary solution that will die with the nickel).

F.S., Oak Park, Illinois

A: The problem may lie with inflation, but not the tire’s inflation. The newest coin, 25 times the value of a penny, is a quarter. New car tires typically start with 10/32 to 11/32 inches of original tread depth. From Washington’s head to the quarter’s edge the depth is 4/32 inches — safe tread.

Q: In January, I took my 2015 Honda Civic to my mechanic because the car was bouncing over every little bump. I was told new struts were needed. The struts were not wet (no sign of a leak) and front-end parts checked out OK. There has been no bouncing since the check. Am I doing damage to the car by not having the struts replaced yet?

D.R., Woodbury, New York

A: Struts are ride control devices that not only absorb shocks created by potholes and bumps, but they also contribute to safety. Wheels may lose contact with the road during bounces, which impacts steering as well as braking.

Struts and shock absorbers needn’t show external leakage; the leakage may be internally affecting the valving.

For safety’s sake and riding comfort, replace the struts.

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