20
votes
3answers
4k views
Reviving a vehicle that has been idle for a long time.
Some related topics:
How to maintain a sometimes-used vehicle?
How long does it take for gas to go bad?
The first related topic addresses preparing a vehicle for long-term disuse, and maintaining ...
17
votes
9answers
13k views
Does Downshifting (Engine Braking) Cause Extra Wear and Tear?
Does the act of downshifting to slow your vehicle down have any negative side affects?
I don't downshift more than one or two gears at a time and I let out on the clutch slow enough that I don't rev ...
38
votes
8answers
5k views
What are the benefits of premium (high octane) petrol?
Here in the UK it's common for petrol (gas) stations to offer both regular and "premium" unleaded petrol. The premium stuff is (naturally) more expensive, and I've often wondered what the actual ...
9
votes
4answers
764 views
The headlights dim to almost off when I turn off the engine. How do I test the battery?
My car still starts fine but when I turn off the car (just the motor . . the key is still in and "on") I noticed the headlights dim to almost off. It's and older car and the headlights don't turn off ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
Squeaky Brakes: How much of a concern are they?
I recently bought a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee from a dealership. When we bought it, I noticed that the brakes were not working very well, and the dealer fixed them before we finalized, putting in a ...
22
votes
7answers
1k views
What to check when buying a used car?
I'm looking to buy a used car. What do you think I should check (mechanically) before buying it (especially if it's diesel)?
23
votes
4answers
24k views
Why does my A/C blow foul smelling air when it first turns on?
Most of the time when I first turn on the A/C in our 2008 Toyota Sienna, the air that blows out has a very distinct chemical - nasty smell. After a while it seems to go away. I'm not sure if I just ...
25
votes
5answers
642 views
How to maintain a sometimes-used vehicle?
My daily commute changed from 9 miles to 9 feet when I started working remotely. That means I very rarely drive my car much. After a particularly hectic month, I didn't drive for about 4 weeks and ...
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 ...
7
votes
1answer
1k views
how to optimize fuel consumption by changing the rear differential ratio?
Is it possible to improve the fuel consumption (decrease it) in my van by changing the rear differential ratio? I would like to optimize it for low-speed driving about 40 km/h (25 mph).
Is it true ...
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 ...
4
votes
2answers
861 views
How to begin learning engine tuning?
Quite simply, I want to begin tuning and modifying automotive engines for hobby. I have always been fascinated with cars, and I want to become knowledgeable in as many aspects of car tuning as ...
11
votes
3answers
1k views
Static vs. Effective compression: Why does higher effective compression not require higher octane gas?
Background
I've been trying to do a lot of research on boost lately because I'm planning on running a moderate turbo setup on my daily/light-duty-autox car in the future. I'm trying to get into the ...
7
votes
2answers
964 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 ...
4
votes
4answers
4k views
Is idling bad for your engine?
If I sit in my car for 30-40 minutes with the AC and the car idling, does that "hurt" the engine, or does it simply waste gas and pollute the air? Would it be better if I turned off the car? A ...
2
votes
4answers
3k views
Is engine braking harmful? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Does Downshifting (Engine Braking) Cause Extra Wear and Tear?
My wife and I have a disagreement about a practice of mine--engine braking. When I'm driving her manual ...
0
votes
0answers
100 views
Getting Started in Auto Repair [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Reviving a vehicle that has been idle for a long time.
How to begin learning engine tuning?
My dad has an old Mazda that has been sitting in the garage for a long ...
13
votes
2answers
716 views
How to deal with rust
I accidentally drove my car over a curb a while back. As you probably already know, the car suffered from minor scratches and dents on the bottom side, near the rear tyre. Now, I've noticed that it's ...
11
votes
1answer
1k views
How do I know when to change my spark plug
I ride a Piaggio scooter with a single cylinder engine.
Recently I broke down and the engine wouldn't restart. It turned out the spark plug was stuffed.
How can I ensure that doesn't happen again?
22
votes
3answers
14k views
How long does it take for gas to go bad?
Approximately how long does it take for unleaded gasoline in the tank and fuel lines to become unusable in a car that is not being used? What causes this, and what can be done to prevent or remedy ...
10
votes
2answers
1k views
Why doesn't the engine stall out when you come to a stop with an automatic transmission?
When you come to a stop with a manual transmission you have to push the clutch in or take it out of gear to keep the engine from stalling out. What keeps the engine from stalling in an automatic ...
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 ...
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
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 ...
5
votes
2answers
7k views
Are fuel system cleaners (like Gumout) worth using regularly?
Are fuel system cleaners (like Gumout) worth using regularly?
3
votes
2answers
2k views
Automatic transmission: Is shifting to neutral while approaching stops bad?
This is not with the intention of saving fuel (as I have seen many answers assuming savings in fuel while doing this), which is very cheap here in the middle east. But I have this habit of putting the ...
11
votes
2answers
4k views
How far can I drive with 1 gallon too much oil?
I have way too much oil in my Acura TSX. Do I need to take care of it without turning it on or can I drive it to a service station?
If I need to do it in place, I don't have the ramps or a pan or ...
11
votes
4answers
1k views
How to fix leaky tires after 2 shops couldn't
I have an SUV with factory 16" steel wheels and P235/70R16 tires. The tires have just under 30,000 miles of gentle driving on them. Two of the tires have been leaking quite a bit (about 10 psi per ...
10
votes
3answers
4k views
What are the benefits of low profile tires?
I have yet to find anyone that knows of any benefits of low-profile tires. All of the pros that I've asked have said there is no benefit. Naturally, the number of pros that I have available to ask is ...
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, ...
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
449 views
Should a mechanical “click” Torque Wrench be set to zero when not in use?
I have a standard click torque wrench. I was told I should set it to zero when not using it in order to keep the accuracy high. Is this true?
Secondly, I have not been doing this since I purchased ...
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 ...
5
votes
1answer
822 views
My 2005 Mazda 3 Front Passenger window motor receives signal to go down, but not up
If you look at the picture below you will see that I took the plastic panel off my door, and separated the motor from the regulator. After I disconnected the motor that I thought was bad, I connected ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
Engine Size and Fuel Consumption
I have this weird misconception that the engine size is related to the amount of fuel being burned in one cycle(4-stroke engine). I know this is stupid but how does engine size relate to the amount of ...
4
votes
1answer
2k views
Can I reprogram a used Mercedes smart key?
I want a new key for my Mercedes Benz and I've heard that you can get a used smart key for much cheaper than a new one from a licensed Mercedes mechanic.
Can I reuse an already programmed Mercedes ...
4
votes
6answers
2k views
When given a choice between octane 89 and 93, which should I choose?
I just recently got a 2005 Volvo S40 with a turbo engine; I want to take good care of it, so naturally, when the instruction manual recommends 91 octane fuel but says it takes a minimum of 87, I have ...
4
votes
1answer
401 views
Upgrade to HID lights in a Jeep Wrangler
I would like to upgrade to HID lights in my 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The stock lights aren't bright at all. My question is, since this would be an aftermarket upgrade, what am I looking at here? Is it ...
3
votes
5answers
270 views
Can I save money using E85 in my flexible fuel vehicle?
Where E85 Ethanol is available (not very common), the price per gallon is often lower than regular unleaded gasoline. Though I've read that fuel economy is commonly reduced by 20% or more, when using ...
3
votes
1answer
364 views
How to diagnose “Creaking” / “Scraping” sound when entering parking lots?
My drive to work involved entering a lot that has a fairly steep grade compared to the pavement. As such, in low riding vehicles, you need to enter it fairly slowly.
The thing is, recently, I can ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
Clunk noise from my brakes on first application
I have had the brake pads replaced on my Forester STi (4 pot Brembos all round) and have noticed a strange noise on first application of the brakes after moving either forwards or backwards.
By this ...
3
votes
1answer
1k views
Fixing a trunk latch on a Ford Focus
If the latch on an '03 focus (not hatch back) just clicks at you 4 or 5 times and never actually closes what needs to be fixed?
I can't close my trunk. The black plastic thing that the latch is ...
3
votes
3answers
600 views
Is Redline Lightweight Shockproof appropriate for an aging 2004 Subaru Impreza manual gearbox?
I have an aging (but wonderful) 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX with a manual gearbox. For some time, I have noticed that the synchros have begun to feel worn with the stock dealer-issue oil. Shifts are ...
2
votes
5answers
601 views
How to solve unexpected skidding in 1995 Toyota Camry
My 1995 Camry LE (4 cyl) skidded twice. Luckily I escaped both occasions unhurt and without damage to the car. First time it happened on a freeway when I applied brakes @ 50mph. I thought it was ...
2
votes
2answers
375 views
Kia Soul aftermarket headlights
What are the options (in Canada) for aftermarket headlights, e.g. HID, etc. for the Kia Soul?
I find the Soul's headlights to be lacking, and I would like to get something brighter since I do quite a ...
1
vote
1answer
147 views
Should I use coca cola or baking soda + water to clean my battery clamps?
The clamps that are attached to the car battery are corroded, I was told either of these liquids will work. Which one is better? Is there a how to guide on the exact steps I need to take? With my ...
1
vote
3answers
198 views
My 2001 Mitsubishi Airtrek revs at 2250rpm for 30 seconds before slowing. Will this speed harm the engine?
My 2001 Mitsubishi Airtrek 2wd with 86000k revs at 2250rpm for 30 seconds before slowing. Will this speed harm the engine?
0
votes
1answer
27 views
'99 Audi A4 seat belt warning sign
I've had this seat belt warning light on my dash for a few weeks now. My dealer says the wiring to my driver seat is gone and replacing it could cost close to 800 USD. Is there a better option?
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.
...
12
votes
2answers
2k views
Jump starting a dead battery: Connect black wire to negative pole of battery or grounded metal?
Most of the advice I've seen for jump starting cars instructs to connect the black wire to a bare piece of metal on the car with the dead battery. However, I've always just hooked up both poles to the ...
