Q. I own a Land Rover LR4 and I was wondering, do I need to get services performed (including brakes and tires) at the dealership? They make it seem that if you go elsewhere, you’ll get inferior service. What is your take on this?

A. It is important to keep your car maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, but you don’t need to go to the dealer for routine service. Most good shops today are equipped with databases such as Mitchell on Demand or Alldata. These databases have the suggested service intervals and repair procedures. For some complicated repairs and warranty issues, you may still need to go to the dealer. Visit AAA.com to find a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop near you. Additionally, you can sign up for e-mail service reminders.

Q. I own a used 2003 Buick Rendezvous. I installed an after-market remote starter in January of 2008. Since then, I have intermittent trouble with the battery dying. No one can seem to find the cause, as it never occurs when I take it to the mechanic. This is the only problem; otherwise it runs like a charm. Any thoughts?

A. One of the most overlooked problems is with the battery connection. A technician will perform a voltage drop test to look for excessive resistance. A very common and overlooked problem is also with the terminal bolt, which connects the battery cable to the battery.

Q. I am considering going from a 2003 Ford Focus wagon to a smaller car, possibly a Toyota Yaris. Your advice on the Focus several years ago proved to be great, so I’m interested to hear what you think about the Yaris. As much as I love the Focus, I believe it’s time for something smaller.

A. The Yaris is a good little car; it gets great fuel economy and is very easy to drive. On the negative side, it can get a little buzzy on the highway and the interior can feel a bit utilitarian. Another smaller car that I like is the Honda FIT. It is also easy to drive, offers a bit more room and may be a better, more useful replacement for your Focus wagon.

Q. My 2003 Chevy Impala has an intermittent starting problem. No codes come up on the computer, the battery is fairly new and the terminals are clean, but it’s occurred numerous times over a six-month period. A mechanic told me to bring the car in when it is acting up, but the problem usually corrects itself within an hour. I have looked on the Internet and hundreds of other Impala owners have this problem. What do you think it is?

A. Two possible areas to look into are the ignition switch and the car’s computer. The ignition lock will not always recognize the keys and activate the security system. Another common problem is a poor connection at the car’s body control computer; GM has issued a technical service bulletin that describes the problem and repair. Have your repair shop reference technical service bulletin number 04-08-47-003.

Q. My 2006 Jaguar XJ8L needs new front brakes and I do not want to use Jaguar parts or a Jaguar dealer. Can this work be done at an independent shop? Do I need to use Jaguar parts?

A. If all your car needs are new front brake pads, the repair can be completed in about an hour. The factory brake pads cost about $130.00. A good quality replacement part, such as those from Beck/Arnley, can be purchased for about half the original equipment cost.

Reader response: Several weeks ago, I asked what would happen if I switched from premium to regular gas in my Mazda and if it would be worthwhile. You suggested a comparison test between different octane fuels. Well, I finally got around to doing my homework. After 325 miles on premium fuel, the Millennia averaged 23.7 mpg. After driving 315 miles on regular fuel, the average was 23.6 mpg. I scoured the owner’s manual and it said that performance may be slightly reduced when running regular fuel. I couldn’t detect any difference with the possible exception of cold starts. As you pointed out, cars that require premium fuel need to use it. It remains a mystery to me as to why Mazda would recommend premium fuel for this vehicle. If anyone else asks, at least you have my experience to relay.