Defroster ices the radio

Q: I purchased a 2011 Corolla in June. It is just recently that I have had to use the rear defroster, and I found out that it cuts out my FM radio station while it is on. The car is beyond the 60-day warranty, so the dealer said they won’t make any necessary repairs. If this is just a temporary nuisance, I can live with it. Your expert take on this?

A: The radio antenna is in the rear window, and damage in the rear window defroster circuit can interfere with radio reception. But you don’t have to live with this nuisance. You can plug your phone into the port next to the glove compartment and enjoy your favorite tunes.

Q: I have been told the front struts on my 2017 Buick Enclave should be replaced. The replacement parts come two ways. The lower-cost way is to purchase the strut and re-use the bearing plate, jounce bumper, dust boot, coil spring, lower spring isolator and upper spring isolator. The higher-cost way is to purchase the complete strut assembly. What are the pros and cons of these options?

A: I favor the complete assembly. Rebuilding the struts is a hassle and will take a couple more hours. By the time you pay for the extra labor, the price difference might not be that great.

Q: The dashboard lenses in my 2020 Rav4 were looking a little scuzzy. I tried Windex, and they are worse. The Toyota dealer suggested headlight cleaner. Do you agree?

A: Headlight restoration stuff may be a little too aggressive. To clean and remove small scratches on my Harley windshield, I use Novus 2. (Novus 3 is for deeper scratches, and Novus 1 only cleans and shines.)

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.