9
votes
2answers
161 views
How do I weigh mileage against time when it comes to scheduled maintenance?
My 2001 Honda Civic's manual indicates that my timing belt should be replaced every 110,000 miles or 84 months. I bought the car in July 2001 and have around 49,000 miles on it. A dealer mechanic said ...
9
votes
2answers
2k views
When car is standing still, I smell Diesel exhaust. Why?
In my 2003 Opel Vectra, the cabin air smells of Diesel exhaust while stopped at e.g. a red light.
The exhaust smell goes away when driving, and it also doesn't come back if I turn the ventilation off ...
9
votes
3answers
3k views
How do I safely siphon gas from a tank?
Our 2003 Windstar was recently totaled in an accident (everybody's ok). This happened the day after we filled the tank.
Before we hand over the car to the insurance, we'd like to get the fuel out of ...
9
votes
2answers
154 views
Proper Jack Location
In general, where is the best place to put a jack to prevent damage when lifting?
9
votes
3answers
38k views
What iPhone/iPad app works best with ELM327 Bluetooth OBD-II reader?
I've found a number of apps for the iPhone/iPad that connect to ODB-II readers via WiFi, but unfortunately that means that it disables 3G and all the benefits of having a 3G device built into my dash.
...
9
votes
1answer
5k views
How do I program a Chevy Malibu Key with chip in it?
I have a '07 Chevy Malibu and would like to know how to program the key. I lost the original, but was able to get a spare from the dealership. I do not want to pay the locksmith $150 to program the ...
8
votes
6answers
2k views
How can I remove a seized brake disc?
I'm changing the rear brake discs and pads on my Ford Focus C-MAX. I've done one side which was fairly easy, but on the other side I can't get the disc off. There is nothing holding it on as far as I ...
8
votes
6answers
20k views
How do I loosen stuck lug nuts in order to change a tire?
How do I loosen car tire lug nuts (so that I can change a tire) when they are really really stuck?
I have tried turning the provided wrench, even standing and jumping on it. This worked for 4 of the ...
8
votes
4answers
1k views
How do I select the right oil for my car?
I can give you my cars make and model and the conditions that I drive in, but I'm looking for a general guide to selecting the right oil for a car. I'm not really knowledgable when it comes to cars so ...
8
votes
3answers
1k views
Least wear-and-tear, most fuel efficient method of coasting in a manual transmission car? [closed]
I drive a manual transmission '08 Honda Fit.
On my daily 17 mile commute to work, there are three long hills that I can coast down, each about a half mile long. Going down these hills, I've done two ...
8
votes
5answers
2k views
My car's coolant temperature reaches almost 100 C / 212 F in a fast pace
Today, after a very hot day, I saw that my coolant was almost reaching 100C/212, I pulled over, stopped and took a look over the hood. The very little water that remained in the coolant tank was all ...
8
votes
5answers
634 views
2005 Ford Taurus - Is it really harmful to use standard antifreeze?
My wife was speaking with a mechanic when she took the car in for a safety and emissions inspection this past week and the mechanic told her that we HAD to take our Ford Taurus to a Ford dealership or ...
8
votes
3answers
7k views
Battery drains by itself when vehicle is parked (parasitic draw)
A 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee has gone through 3 batteries in the last 3 months. While they have all been replaced by warranties, it'd be nice to get the problem solved permanently. I've tested the ...
8
votes
4answers
2k views
How to improve fuel economy in high-mileage car?
I'm driving an 2003 Acura TL 3.2 with 177K miles on it.
I bought the car with 110K miles on it.
It seems to me that the car is not getting the same fuel economy that it did when I acquired it. I ...
8
votes
6answers
2k views
Do I need to torque my spark plugs?
I have never torqued them before on several vehicles that I do tune ups on. I just apply a bit of anti-seize lube and get them "snug" and everything seems to work fine. Should I be using a torque ...
8
votes
2answers
2k views
What differences between synthetic and dino oil?
What are the main differences between synthetic and dino oil, and is one always better than the other?
8
votes
3answers
105 views
Should I change my tires so they all match?
Here is my situation:
2012 Honda Civic EX, 1.8L with P205/55R16 tires recommended
Three (both front, and left passenger) tires are OEM Continental ContiProContact P205/55R16 89H with about 20,000 ...
8
votes
5answers
287 views
How to properly change out spark plugs?
I am looking into how to change out my spark plugs on my 4 cylinder 2005 Mazda 3.
All I know to do is:
1: Open each cylinder.
2: Use a spark plug socket (with the rubber insert) to remove the old ...
8
votes
3answers
7k views
Is Prestone “All Makes/All Models” coolant *really* compatible with all models?
My car's manual says to use the blue Honda coolant:
Always use Honda All Season
Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 [MSDS]. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antifreeze and 50 percent water. ...
8
votes
4answers
514 views
Gasoline is dripping out of a rubber tube outputting on the bottom of my motorcycle - is this normal, or is it a problem?
What bike?
A BMW 650, 1996 model.
What's the problem?
I noticed a slow, but steady, drip of gasoline from one of two rubber tubes that output to the bottom of the bike. I think the other rubber ...
8
votes
3answers
2k views
Is it worth switching to full synthetic or blend oil in my older car/truck?
I have a older (enter vehicle here) that has 100k miles on it. Would I see any benefit switching to full synthetic or synthentic blend oil? Is it worth the extra cost in an older vehicle?
For ...
8
votes
3answers
429 views
Are there any advantages of idling a vehicle vs. turning it off and back on again?
I was sitting outside, eating my lunch the other day, and a small bus (you know, one of the short ones) pulled up to the sandwich shop I was eating at. I noticed that the driver got out of the bus, ...
8
votes
2answers
6k views
How should I remove stickers or pinstripe decals from paint?
I want to remove a dealer's sticker from my car. The sticker is on a painted surface. What is the best way to do it?
Could I remove pinstripe decals in the same way?
8
votes
3answers
701 views
How to carry a full-sized spare?
I have a 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX, but I suspect my question can be generalized to apply to many smaller cars.
Not being a fan of donut spare tires, when I replaced my tires about a year ago I kept ...
8
votes
4answers
294 views
How to troubleshoot excessive timing retard?
I've seen numerous cars that for one reason or another, retard timing excessively at wide open throttle - getting worse over time. Seat of the pants impression is that power drops off steeply as RPMs ...
8
votes
2answers
925 views
Why is my motorcycle losing power when accelerating?
I ride a Honda Rebel 250 motorcycle and over the past few days I find that the bike is losing power when accelerating fast.
When I twist the throttle to accelerate quickly (in any gear) I hear the ...
8
votes
1answer
275 views
What are good features to look for in an ODB-II reader
I recently took my car in for the engine light. It turned out to be a minor problem (crack in gas cap let water in). It would be nice to have a low-cost ODB-II reader to be able to find out for ...
8
votes
2answers
500 views
What are the possible causes of vibrating steering wheel?
What can be the cause of a vibrating steering wheel when driving faster than a specific velocity (let's said 60 mph). How to discriminate one cause from on other ?
8
votes
4answers
5k views
Is it possible to harm your car by giving someone a boost?
This post explains why it's a potential hazard to clip to the negative post on the dead battery when giving a boost. But I've also been told that I could damage the electronics in my own car if I give ...
8
votes
4answers
773 views
2000 Jetta runs rough, shutters on cold start only on wet days.
This is an issue I've had off and on for, embarrassingly, at least a year:
On misty or wet mornings, everything starts out fine but, a few minutes into the drive (like clockwork. I even know the ...
8
votes
1answer
126 views
How to fix freezing locks
Does anyone know how to prevent locks on car doors from freezing, this is usually only a problem in older cars. I'm not thinking of solutions like WD-40 that really only work for a few days and then ...
8
votes
2answers
238 views
Winter rims have rust patches. Should I leave them or remove rust and repaint? Any recommendations for rust remover and paint?
There are a set of winter tires on there already, but I'm not worried about getting paint or rust remover on the tires -- I've ordered some new tires already (going studded this year) and will be ...
8
votes
1answer
123 views
shifting stops when critically low on gas
I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota. It is a V6, 3.9 Liter, auto transmission. I have a weird problem that no one has been able to answer for me.
HOW I CAME TO REALIZE THE PROBLEM:
One day I was driving ...
8
votes
1answer
382 views
How do I drain the brake fluid for a 1999 BMW K1200RS?
I need to drain the brake fluid for my 1999 BMW K1200RS with ABS in order to do some minor service on the Master Cylinder, but I don't have a service manual for the bike. How should I go about doing ...
8
votes
1answer
292 views
How do I find the correct pins in a CAN-BUS connector?
This question might be too technical for this forum, but I'll give it a go. I have a 2012 BMW R1200R motorcycle with CAN-BUS. I'd like to make an Arduino interface to the connector on the bike, but I ...
8
votes
1answer
530 views
Car Parts Software To View Parts of a Car
Is there computer software that lets you see parts of a car for common car models, like European brands, and browse them in 3D. Is there anything that would have autocad schematics or something like ...
7
votes
5answers
139 views
Should I buy a car or get my current one repaired?
I am in a bit of confusion on what I should do. If this is not the right place for such a question, I apologize and I will gladly kick myself out - just let me know.
I have a Honda Accord EX 2000 for ...
7
votes
3answers
928 views
What to look for when buying a salvage title car
Other than the normal stuff to look for when buying a used car, what else should you check or have inspected when buying a used car with a salvage or junk title?
7
votes
4answers
695 views
Is it normal for the oil to be dark in color right after an “oil change” in a 10-year old diesel car?
I took my 2002 Jetta TDI wagon to a neighborhood shop about 10 miles, 24 hours ago. They supposedly changed the oil, but the color is very dark, almost black. Definitely not light-colored/transparent. ...
7
votes
3answers
176 views
How difficult is it to rebuild a transmission?
I have a 1984 Toyota Supra that is now exclusively a track car. The last round out we let some less experienced drivers take the wheel and they basically destroyed the transmission. Nothing but 4th ...
7
votes
3answers
274 views
What can cause excessive fog on a windshield?
Recently there has been a lot of fog on all of the windows in the car, particularly on my windshield. It's been bad enough that I've had to stop and wipe the glass off, but the fog can come back ...
7
votes
2answers
437 views
What happens to a car when it hasn't been driven for 12 years?
I'm hoping that I'll soon be the owner of 2l turbo charged, 4wd hatchback that's been sat in a garage, undriven for over a decade. Trouble is that I won't be able to give it a full inspection until I ...
7
votes
4answers
5k views
Can I drive a car with only water and no coolant if it has a leak?
Recently, I was informed that a car I share ('02 Nissan Sentra) was close to overheating. I was told it gets close to the upper limit very quickly upon running the car. When I inspected the vehicle, I ...
7
votes
3answers
100 views
Where to buy interior parts, that OEM doesn't sell?
I am trying to find an armrest cushion in Altima 2008 (this part). But Nissan and all OEM re-sellers will not sell the cushion only, they are only selling it as a whole door panel, which is very ...
7
votes
2answers
629 views
Why might I experience a power falloff after starting my car with the AC On?
I have a 2000 Chrysler Neon which generally runs well.
I have noticed that if I start the vehicle, turn the AC on and reverse out of the driveway, the engine seems to struggle/sounds like it is going ...
7
votes
2answers
428 views
Do I Need to Compress the Springs to Install Strut Tower Braces?
I have a '99 Maxima.
I am considering installing strut tower braces. In order to do so, would I need to get spring compression tools to hold the springs on the struts, or will the weight of the car ...
7
votes
5answers
6k views
Does a timing chain need maintenance?
Does a timing chain (as opposed to timing belt) need any specific maintenance? In particular I'm talking about a BMW Z4
7
votes
5answers
297 views
How can I achieve a streak free windshield?
I can never quite get the streak free shine on my windshield from using Windex.
Is there another product that works better?
7
votes
3answers
3k views
What can cause warped rotors?
I have a forward rotor on my '04 Chrysler Sebring causing a lot of pulsation when braking. I replaced the rotor- but within about a month the problem had re-appeared.
The guys at Monroe noticed my ...
7
votes
2answers
966 views
How does the change oil light system work and does it matter what type of oil you use for it to work properly?
I want to know if the methods a vehicle decides when to turn on the oil change light have to do with the qualities of the motor oil used in the last oil change. I have heard that the vehicle's ...
