6
votes
2answers
190 views
What is the difference between a V belt and a serpentine belt?
I can't seem to figure this out exactly.
My understanding is that in either case it is a belt that is connected to the crankshaft and via a series of pulleys powers all the peripheral systems of the ...
6
votes
3answers
588 views
How to stiffen up a loose ball & socket joint for a motorcycle mirror?
I have bar-end mirrors on my Buell 1125CR. They're fairly heavy anodized aluminum pieces that pivot on a ball & socket joint for adjusting the angle of view.
One of them fits snugly on the joint, ...
6
votes
7answers
2k views
Most important preventive maintenance for high-mileage car?
My 2001 Chevrolet Prizm (a NUMMI) is about to hit 125,00 miles. I bought a little over 5 years ago, at which time it had ~79,000 miles on it. I bought it from a used car dealer that seemed to have ...
6
votes
5answers
5k views
Can I use spray paint to touch up my car?
I have several really small nicks and major scuffs on my car; the nicks from driving on the highway (flying debris hitting chassis) and the scuffs from two fender benders. The nicks have started to ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
Is high octane fuel a requirement for high-compression engines?
I own and use a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 as my daily commuter vehicle. I'm not interested in trying to eek out a few extra miles on a tank, I want to keep the vehicle and its engine running as ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
Why are my turn signal lenses melting?
A couple of years ago I bought a used 2005 Chevy Malibu. Then just last summer, I had to replace the front turn signal bulbs on both sides twice within a month because they kept burning out. I ...
6
votes
3answers
5k views
What could cause my Honda Civic to not start? And how can I address the issue?
I need help trouble shooting my honda civic. It will not start.
I was driving it earlier today and I went to drive it again when it would not start. I'm glad I was at home when it decided to quit.
...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
2000 Honda Civic Won't Start after Replacing spark Plugs
My 2000 honda civic ex 4-dr sedan seemed like it was misfiring. I decided to check the spark plugs to see if that was the issue. I replaced the spark plugs. The car would turn over however the ...
6
votes
3answers
148 views
Alignment is out of spec a tad - should I worry?
So I bought new tires recently for my 2002 Nissan Sentra and wanted to make sure that my alignment would not eat them up. Even though effectively my entire suspension/axle system was overhauled ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
Why does a Turbocharger only produce boost when the engine is under load
As per the Title.
Why does a turbocharged car only produce significant boost whilst the engine is under load. Is is something to do with how much exhaust is being produced or is there some kind of ...
6
votes
5answers
8k views
Reasons for loss of radiator fluid
I've had to top up my car's radiator fluid twice in the last month after discovering that the expansion tank (plastic container where one usually tops up) had completely drained out (roughly a ...
6
votes
1answer
329 views
I'm stupid and added tranny fluid to my coolant tank. What can I expect?
Title pretty much says it all. I'm a computer guy, not a car guy. I saw a bunch of red fluid coming out of my vehcile, assumed it was tranny fluid. Turns out it was antifreeze. This means the bit of ...
6
votes
5answers
1k views
Can I drive my 4wd 4runner in front wheel only?
I recently had the misfortune of having my 1997 4runner's rear diff lock up because of a leak and then no gear oil.
Unfortunately to add to that the frame and major members are very rusted/rotted. ...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
Troubleshooting 'random' clutch problems
I've got a customer who came in complaining that the clutch pedal had gone 'funny': it wasn't 'coming back up' like it used to. As he was in for service anyway, we replaced the clutch fluid, and it ...
6
votes
2answers
649 views
How to remove a small dent in the front door of the car? [closed]
Recently a guy came and crashed my front door in the parking lot at it left with a small but easily noticeable dent. Is there a way to remove the dent in a easy and really cheap way?
6
votes
2answers
95 views
Do I need to go to a dealer for a simple maintenance?
I just bought a 2012 CRV. Now, it's time for an oil change. I already moved so the dealer is too far away from my house (may need half day off) and there is no other public transportation to go there. ...
6
votes
2answers
486 views
I forgot to release the hand brake while I'm driving at around 4 to 5 km. what will happen to my rear brakes?
I forgot to release the hand brake while I'm driving at around 4 to 5km. What will happen to my rear brakes?
6
votes
2answers
1k views
Brakes Smell Bad and Smoke
Here's the situation:
Initially
Changed a wheel/tire, and snapped a hub stud. Had to take off the brake caliper on that hub (driver's side). No problem with that, but then all of a sudden my front ...
6
votes
2answers
677 views
How to fix windshield washer pump in Yaris Verso
My windshield washer pump in my Toyota Yaris Verso has stopped working. The fuse seems to be fine, so either it's due to a loose connection, or the pump is broken. What is the likely cause, and how ...
6
votes
2answers
160 views
What problems can come from AC not running for years?
I have an 81 Chevy C10 that I inherited from my dad. This truck has mostly sat for the last seven years, with me running it enough to keep it in condition. I've been using this truck mainly for the ...
6
votes
1answer
274 views
Car Suddenly Decides To Not Crank
Today I turned the key to start up my car and all the lights (headlights and instrument panel) came on bright and normal, but the engine made absolutely no sound. It wouldn't start, it didn't even try ...
6
votes
4answers
2k views
Remove smell / odor from car's interior
We recently purchased a used minivan and it wasn't until we got it home and let it sit overnight that we noticed there was a distinct smell to the interior. The smell is not offensive but it is not ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
How to test a clutch
I have just bought a second hand car, and I have the feeling that the clutch is worn out. How can I do a quick clutch sanity check ?
6
votes
1answer
123 views
What is this panel on the front of BMWs for?
I know the panels circled in yellow are headlight washers and exist on many cars now. However, on several BMWs I have noticed an extra panel, circled in red. It is not symmetric and I have only ...
6
votes
4answers
1k views
How to assess battery charge level and alternator performance?
What diagnostics can be done to to assess battery charge level?
I'm interested both in one-off tests like can be done in car service and also continuous monitoring during normal use.
Car panels ...
6
votes
4answers
4k views
Does a strut tower bar have any useful effect on chassis stiffness for a car with 100K miles?
Aftermarket strut tower bars are generally considered to be decorative on many brand new cars. However, it seems to be a bit more logical that a chassis with 100K miles would have developed some flex ...
6
votes
2answers
314 views
how can I quiet a 'chirping' ventilation fan motor blade?
I have a 2006 VW Golf and the internal fan motor that blows the a/c & heat will start to 'chirp' (sound something like a bird singing) randomly.
I believe the fan blade needs to be lubricated, ...
6
votes
2answers
75 views
What is the likelihood that my crankshaft is warped?
This may be an involved question so bear with me. :)
I have a 1998 Honda Accord EX (4cyl) with 281xxx KM, and last week I was told by my mechanic that the harmonic balancer is warped. And in fact, ...
6
votes
2answers
140 views
Do I have to change my speedometer setting if I get larger tires?
I bought a jeep with very small tires (not sure the exact size). I recently bought a new pair of tires that are probably 2 or 3 inches larger radius. Do I have to update my jeep so the speed is ...
6
votes
1answer
152 views
When should I change the oil, as the tech recommends or as my oil change light indicates
I have a Toyota Corolla 2008. It has an oil change light indicator. The tech at the one hour oil change place recommends to change it every 3,000 miles but the indicator light only goes off about ...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
What are the tradeoffs for positive vs. negative ground?
I just got a classic Ford 8N tractor running again. Someone trying to be helpful flipped the battery around, connecting negative to ground. This made the engine crank backwards! So I had spark, ...
6
votes
1answer
515 views
Do newer cars actually monitor the quality of oil? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How does the change oil light system work and does it matter what type of oil you use for it to work properly?
Starting last August, I am currently leasing a BMW 328i ...
6
votes
3answers
207 views
Identifying the Cause of This Tire Wear
The tire is worn on only on side, suggesting incorrect camber alignment. However, the amount of wear varies along the rotation of the tire.
Does the fact that the wear is not even for the entire ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
What is surging?
I've been reading a few of the questions here just to learn a bit more about cars out of curiosity and one thing I see quite a bit is the word "surging" I searched and I'm not seeing any straight and ...
6
votes
4answers
4k views
Can coasting in neutral damage an automatic transmission?
When I drove a manual transmission, I got in the habit of shifting to neutral on long, shallow grades to save fuel. Now I'm driving an automatic (specifically, a recent Corolla) and still doing it.
...
6
votes
2answers
585 views
Heater blows cold air at idle
I have 2006 VW beetle with the 2.5L engine. Once the engine has warmed to operating temperature, and I am driving it around, the heater works great. As soon as I stop at a red light, or am idling for ...
6
votes
2answers
96 views
Is there a type of car heater that starts immediately?
I've noticed that most cars have a heater that takes a few minutes to start after the car has been started, presumably because it derives its heat from the engine which hasn't heater up yet.
Are ...
6
votes
2answers
241 views
Manual transmission at stop: 1st with clutch in, or neutral with clutch out? -OR- Throwout Bearing wear
When sitting in traffic or at a long red light, is the Best Practice to have the car in 1st gear with your foot on the clutch, or in neutral with your foot off the clutch?
Some say that you should be ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
Why does my vehicle still stay in gear when I press clutch to floor?
I've read these posts but I still don't fully undestand how a clutch works.
Clutch Test
Clutch Adjust
Clutch Troubleshoot
Clutch Has Low Catch
A few weeks a go my mechanic replaced the clutch master ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
How much power (HP) do the components on the engine belt generally use?
In general, how much power (HP) to the components on the the engine belt actually use? I'm trying to come up with an estimate of how much horsepower an engine wastes on things like the AC compressor, ...
6
votes
3answers
273 views
Does idle RPM increase when there is heavy load on the electrical system?
I am thinking about installing a 500w halogen (HDX brand) on the roll bar in my jeep as the dome light because often I work in the back when it is dark or when I would like more light. The 500w light ...
6
votes
1answer
136 views
How important is time-based servicing vs. distance-based servicing?
For years I have been driving a very old car, and servicing it every 10,000 kilometres even though it took me almost a year to drive that much.
Now I have a newer car which I care about more. It's ...
6
votes
3answers
117 views
Will I be okay running thinner oil with a minor oil leak on an older car?
Recently when I had some work done I was shown a minor leak, I believe he told me it was the oil pan. It doesn't drip out onto the ground, but if you look closely you can see condensed oil drops on ...
6
votes
1answer
297 views
Are automakers required to maintain spare parts infrastructure for 15 years?
Are (U.S.) automakers required to maintain an infrastructure of spare parts for 15-years (in the U.S. or in California)?
Reading about the GM EV-1:
The EV1's discontinuation ... to avoid ...
6
votes
1answer
800 views
Fix / Replace ABS module
I have an Audi A6, 2000. My ABS light is on, and the brake light blinks. I was told that the ABS module needed to be replaced at the cost of $850 minimum.
Is there a way to get these things fixed ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
What are the tell tale signs of a catalytic converter that might be going bad?
I've owned two vehicles whose catalytic converters were recalled due two a couple of reasons: one being the quality of the CC and the other being a reduction in power due to a material building up and ...
6
votes
1answer
56 views
Removing a painted picture on my car
I recently bought a 2003 Deville, someone had hand brush painted a small picture of Mickey Mouse leaning against the Cadillac symbol. It is very dry. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove ...
6
votes
2answers
685 views
What Could Cause a Sudden Loud Noise When Driving on Highway?
1990 Toyota 4Runner, V6, automatic transmission, 2 or 4 wheel drive (which I always keep in 2WD). I've owned the car for about two months, the previous owner, whom I know and trust, drove this car ...
6
votes
3answers
232 views
Oil in the radiator, but no coolant in the oil
The car is a '98 Buick Lesabre with the 3800 engine and about 170k miles. It appears as though some oil was in the radiator, but I haven't seen any signs of coolant in the oil. The water pump recently ...
6
votes
1answer
71 views
What are the brake specs on a 2008 VW GTI?
I have a fairly new to me 2008 VW GTI (US model, aka "Golf GTI" in other parts of the planet) and am trying to figure out the specs for the brakes. Specifically, I'm trying to determine the exact size ...
