cars

With summer months approaching, now is the time to get your vehicle ready to handle the heat. Below are three things you can do:

1. Get your AC inspected for leaks, clogs and cracked hoses. Refrigerant is the fuel for your AC unit. One leak in the system could deplete refrigerant levels and cause a malfunction.

2. Get your radiator inspected to ensure that tubes aren’t blocked and that there aren’t loose or leaking coolant hoses. A failing radiator could cause components in your vehicle to melt and produce smoke.

3. Check your tires. Hot pavement can cause tire blowouts.

– Anthony Blackman, Atlantic Tire & Service

If cars had parties, Lexus and Mercedes would take selfies, Dodge and Chevrolet would challenge each other to a push-up contest, and Hyundai would sit in the corner, in a beige sweater vest, petting the dog.

Thankfully, in 2016, Hyundai finally injected some much-needed personality into its fleet. The 2017 Elantra and Santa Fe are both excellent segment contenders. The luxurious, spacious and handsome Genesis G80 also represents a step in the right direction for the South Korean brand.

A loaded G80, while not particularly sporty, will only set you back $54k. Call it a budget S-class.

– Chris Butsch, www.chrisbutsch.com

For some luxury automakers, the design of a <$35k crossover necessitates many sacrifices and frustrating omissions. Smaller cabins, plastic-like interiors and piddling powertrains often test the “luxury” description of some low-end haulers.

The Infiniti QX50 is an exception. Built upon the same platform and with the same engine as the Nissan 370Z sports car, this crossover boasts uncharacteristic speed and agility for its class while managing ~25 highway mpg. The cabin is spacious, well-appointed and comfortable, all wrapped in a handsome outer package.

While other crossovers cut corners in design, this one cuts corners on the road.

– Chris Butsch, @HappyGuyChris

My history with Hyundais has taught me that South Korean creations are comfortable, economical and as thrilling to operate as a toaster. This has always irked me, because while competitors have sprinkled sportiness into their lineup to great effect, Hyundai has curiously held back the fun factor.

All that has changed with the heavily refreshed 2017 Elantra. While Eco mode feels slow and conservative, Sport mode sharpens the steering and throttle response, and this sensible sedan becomes a capable go-kart.

Design inside and out is distinctly German: clean, simple and smart. Finally we have a brilliant and fun Hyundai.

– Chris Butsch, @HappyGuyChris

It’s hard to believe this bubbly, cartoonish off-roader shares heritage with the legendary Willy’s Jeep that absorbed Nazi gunfire in WWII. Is the cutesy Renegade worthy of the badge?

Buyers should opt for a manual to avoid the woes of Chrysler’s wonky automatics. Drivers slick with a six-speed will enjoy ample cargo room and decent off-road behavior, though forward visibility suffers from A-pillars the size of Stallone’s thighs.

Overall though, the Renegade successfully carries Jeep into the <$20k market. Though the Mazda3 dominates the space, the Renegade will carry your couch and play in the mud.

– Chris Butsch, @CarTalkChris

Muscle cars like the Mustang, Challenger and Camaro are the dumb jocks of the automotive world – loud, fast and unrefined, with 10 times more horsepower than IQ. Recently though they’ve begun attending class, and the ‘16 Camaro made the Dean’s List.

Chevy has resculpted the brawny exterior for optimal air flow and mated the 20-inch alloys to an adaptive magnetic suspension for an impressively cushy ride. The low-slung cockpit bathes in ambient lighting, boasting a slick digital dashboard and Chevy’s effortless MyLink infotainment system.

This educated jock still performs; the snarling V8 roars to 60 in <4 seconds.

– Chris Butsch, @CarTalkChris

To most automakers, “crossover” means combining the comfort and practicality of an SUV with the sportiness and drivability of a sedan. While obscenely popular, the CUV isn’t particulary great at anything unless you consider six-figure offerings from Porsche or BMW.

The Lexus RX is different. Rather than splice in sporty DNA, Lexus has opted for comfort and technology. The 360-degree cameras, heads-up display and widescreen infotainment screen join an exquisitely appointed interior to create a relaxing driving experience (though massaging seats are missed).

If “comfort” far outranks “speed” on your crossover wish list, consider the Lexus RX350.

– Chris Butsch, @CarTalkChris

While the automotive world buzzes with hype over the Tesla Model 3, an affordable alternative has already hit dealerships. Is the newly refined Chevy Volt any good?

While technically a hybrid, the four-door, compact Volt can hum on electric power alone for 53 miles before the gas engine kicks in. Ride is smooth and quiet. The space-age interior impresses with an iPad-like infotainment screen, crisp digital dashboard, and luxury-like materials and aesthetics.

For those unwilling to wait for years behind 500,000 others for a Model 3, the Chevy Volt presents an all-around solid alternative.

– Chris Butsch, @CarTalkChris

With aging powertrains, antiquated electronics and clunky single-clutch transmissions, Aston Martin’s offerings haven’t aged as well as the Bond actors who’ve piloted them. But that all changes with their breathtaking new grand tourer, the DB11.

Built from scratch, the DB11 brings the iconic Bond-mobile into the future with state-of-the-art electronics from Mercedes, a featherweight aluminum body, and a monstrous twin-turbocharged V12 capable of 0-60 in … who cares? This car’s about arriving in unrivaled style and elegance.

Aston Martin releases “the most important car… in its 103-year existence” this year for $211,995.

– Chris Butsch, @CarTalkChris

Extra battery packs provide peace of mind on long flights and campsites, allowing us to resurrect multiple devices without an outlet. But most battery packs are limited to charging small devices, and when not in use become unhandy junk.

The Weego is different. More akin to the world’s most portable generator, the pocket-sized, one-pound Weego not only charges your USB devices and laptops, but can even jumpstart your car. It also features an ultra-bright LED flashlight with strobe and SOS modes.

The Weego starts at $89.99 and includes jumper cables and a generous smattering of adapters.

– Chris Butsch, @CarTalkChris