Q: I bought a 2021 Subaru Outback right off the showroom floor in May 2021. When I brought my vehicle into the Subaru dealership for service in November 2024, I was told the control arm bushings were torn and needed to be replaced at a cost of $710.63. Does this seem realistic, that is, the need to do this and the cost? My vehicle has less than 29,000 miles.

R.B. Methuen, Massachusetts

A: The control arm bushings should usually last about 100,000 miles on most cars, but that depends on things like poor roads, potholes, salty environment or even a crash. If it were my car, I would replace the entire control arm and save a bundle on labor.

Q: I have a 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid that just hit 25,000 miles. When getting it serviced at the dealership yesterday, they stated that I was in need of new tires soon. The reading was 5/32 and they said by 30,000 miles I should replace them. How can a vehicle this new need tires so soon? Do new cars come with poor quality tires these days? The ones that came on my SUV were Bridgestone Ecopia tires. I wasn't expecting this expense so soon!

B.H., Davenport, Iowa

A: There may be a few reasons that original tires wear faster than replacement tires. One possibility is that the tires are made with a softer compound, which provides for all kinds of driving conditions and locales. The tires may be underinflated and not topped off when they arrived at the dealership. New owners often push their car harder than the old jalopy. Replacement tires usually have a 50,000-mile warranty, but the originals often do not.

Q: I cannot glance at my digital mirror in my Chevy Equinox without experiencing the same pain one gets when looking through thick eyeglasses. Anyone else? I’m 69. I’m guessing seniors are especially vulnerable.

T.D., Schaumburg, Illinois

A: General Motors issued a technical service bulletin on this subject stating that “The cause of the condition may be that when viewed in full sunlight, the mirror appears to be blurry or wavy. The distortion is actually a reflection of the left side I/P (instrument panel) vent onto the driver’s side glass, as reflected in the mirror.” I suggest temporarily draping a rag over the vent to see if this is true.

Q: We have a 2024 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid. The ride is very stiff – rather uncomfortable. Is there anything we can do to soften the ride? It is leased, so we can’t do anything too drastic.

A.A., Orono, Minnesota

A: Hybrid tires can ride hard because tire makers often rank tread design over traction and comfort. That may lead to a harsher ride. I checked with the experts at TireRack.com and their favorite for a softer ride is Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3. I’m not sure what your definition of “drastic” is, but a set of four tires will likely set you back about $200 per hoop plus mounting, balancing and tax.

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.