# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=203 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 204 --- ## [Drove for 30s without oil. Help?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/drove-for-30s-without-oil-help/105118)
**Author:** [@Saikiran169](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Saikiran169)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2017, 2:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/drove-for-30s-without-oil-help/105118 "2017-07-14T14:28:18Z")
I have a 2014 Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG. I accidentally went over a parking bumper/parking block at 5mph. Usually there are in the very end of the lot but this happened to be at the beginning to mark a no parking zone. I … --- ## [Road trip with my car or a rental?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/road-trip-with-my-car-or-a-rental/105787)
**Author:** [@ZBC](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ZBC)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2017, 2:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/road-trip-with-my-car-or-a-rental/105787 "2017-07-14T14:07:24Z")
I have a 2010 Hyundai Elantra with 70K miles on it. I am going to be driving from Austin, TX to Albuquerque, NM in mid-August. Is it better to take a rental car or my car? I've heard that for this kind of trip, it's b… --- ## [Volt problem while car is off](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volt-problem-while-car-is-off/105844)
**Author:** [@UNFORGIVEN143](https://community.cartalk.com/u/UNFORGIVEN143)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2017, 12:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volt-problem-while-car-is-off/105844 "2017-07-14T12:19:48Z")
When I put the key in the volt meter reads about 9v and it's hard to start but once I get it started it jumps up to 14v I can put a volt meter on the battery and it reads about the same. As soon as I turn the car off the… --- ## [License Plate Frames -- Design](https://community.cartalk.com/t/license-plate-frames-design/105809)
**Author:** [@k.phongpandecha](https://community.cartalk.com/u/k.phongpandecha)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2017, 11:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/license-plate-frames-design/105809 "2017-07-13T23:09:44Z")
Hi all, I'm working on a project to design really nice license plate frames so I thought it'd be nice to get some input from our community. Currently, people don't put too much effort in designing frames, so most cars … --- ## [McParts may be sinking](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mcparts-may-be-sinking/105606)
**Author:** [@Rod-Knox](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rod-Knox)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2017, 1:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mcparts-may-be-sinking/105606 "2017-07-13T01:54:00Z")
Amazon is getting serious with their automobile parts business and the market takes note http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/is-amazon-dismantling-the-auto-parts-industry/ar-BBDNUT6 But I'm confused as to how Am… --- ## [Sealing washer](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sealing-washer/105763)
**Author:** [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2017, 11:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sealing-washer/105763 "2017-07-12T23:53:34Z")
where do you find a metal/rubber sealing washer? 5/8" ID X .9" OD approx. GM has 10 packs for $60. Just sealing my coolant crossover. Not any dim is critical. --- ## [Pre-emissions means premium prices on John Deere](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pre-emissions-means-premium-prices-on-john-deere/105337)
**Author:** [@Rod-Knox](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rod-Knox)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 1:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pre-emissions-means-premium-prices-on-john-deere/105337 "2017-07-07T01:05:25Z")
Instead of the usual a.m. news this morning I watched a farm report and one of the sponsors was a used equipment dealer that mentioned the high prices that pre-emissions tractors were bringing at auction. Here are some o… --- ## [Can a lightning strike change the odometer reading?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-a-lightning-strike-change-the-odometer-reading/105241)
**Author:** [@ayeletkravitz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ayeletkravitz)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2017, 12:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-a-lightning-strike-change-the-odometer-reading/105241 "2017-07-12T00:30:39Z")
I work for an insurance company, and last year I had a total loss for a vehicle that was struck by lightning. I was able to turn the car on for 3 seconds, at which time ALL of the electronic components went haywire (wip… --- ## [Charging 101](https://community.cartalk.com/t/charging-101/105739)
**Author:** [@familyguy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/familyguy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2017, 10:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/charging-101/105739 "2017-07-11T10:58:35Z")
can a over charging alternator destroy a distributor. --- ## [Alignment/Turbo Questions](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-turbo-questions/105738)
**Author:** [@Jman136](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jman136)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2017, 10:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-turbo-questions/105738 "2017-07-11T10:44:53Z")
Hello! I have a 2015 Sportage with 21k miles. I have noticed that while driving, it seems like I often have the steering wheel slightly turned to the right side. This may have always been there, but I just noticed it r… --- ## [How to find out thread spec](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-find-out-thread-spec/105730)
**Author:** [@TheMidnightNarwhal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheMidnightNarwhal)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2017, 4:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-find-out-thread-spec/105730 "2017-07-11T04:47:26Z")
I was looking at torquing specification for the spark plugs but it lists 2 different threads. How would I know the difference. Do I need to get one of the fan thread measuring tools? And how do you read thread specs? --- ## [Old cars that are still alive](https://community.cartalk.com/t/old-cars-that-are-still-alive/105735)
**Author:** [@Hollywood1974](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Hollywood1974)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2017, 2:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/old-cars-that-are-still-alive/105735 "2017-07-11T02:44:25Z")
How do people manage to keep their cars for thirty or more years with driving it and using it as their everyday car? --- ## [Camshaft 101](https://community.cartalk.com/t/camshaft-101/105731)
**Author:** [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2017, 1:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/camshaft-101/105731 "2017-07-10T13:28:41Z")
Installing timing belt on my dohc motor. Cyl 1 is at TDC. But I see that cam 1 which is exh cam, FYI, is under tension trying to open/close valves on cyls 3 or 5. Is that fairly common on most multi cam ohc motors? Cam 2… --- ## [National Parks Senior Admission Pass Price Hike Soon](https://community.cartalk.com/t/national-parks-senior-admission-pass-price-hike-soon/105681)
**Author:** [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2017, 1:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/national-parks-senior-admission-pass-price-hike-soon/105681 "2017-07-09T01:31:16Z")
Just an advisory on a way to save a few bucks, car travel related. If you are 62 or over you can still purchase a lifetime senior pass for $10 to $20 (depending on how/where you buy it). This fee is expected to skyro… --- ## [Volvo is phasing out Conventional Car Engine by 2019](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-is-phasing-out-conventional-car-engine-by-2019/105620)
**Author:** [@kurtwm1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kurtwm1)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2017, 3:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-is-phasing-out-conventional-car-engine-by-2019/105620 "2017-07-08T03:55:03Z")
Here goes the resale value of Volvo's down the toilet --- ## [France to have all Electric vehicles by 2040](https://community.cartalk.com/t/france-to-have-all-electric-vehicles-by-2040/105660)
**Author:** [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2017, 4:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/france-to-have-all-electric-vehicles-by-2040/105660 "2017-07-08T04:03:54Z")
France may force all cars driven/sold in their country to be totally electric by 2040. This could help speedup electric cars production. http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/france-wants-to-eliminate-gas-diesel-vehicle-… --- ## [Tapped a car while trying to get out of parking](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tapped-a-car-while-trying-to-get-out-of-parking/105657)
**Author:** [@meiokl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/meiokl)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2017, 12:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tapped-a-car-while-trying-to-get-out-of-parking/105657 "2017-07-08T00:49:22Z")
So, this morning, I was trying to move my car to be closer to my apartment. I was in between 2 cars. The car (one of those giant GMC trucks) behind me was parked in front of two private driveways (houses). The owner was … --- ## [What wattage oil pan heater do you guys recommend me?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-wattage-oil-pan-heater-do-you-guys-recommend-me/105633)
**Author:** [@TheMidnightNarwhal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheMidnightNarwhal)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 1:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-wattage-oil-pan-heater-do-you-guys-recommend-me/105633 "2017-07-07T13:55:00Z")
I'm looking at getting an oil pan heater on a 2009 BMW M3 because the oil in there is some 10w-60 and it can get down to -25c where I live. The car has around 8.5 litters of 10w-60. The purpose of the oil pan heater is… --- ## [2016 Subaru Outback](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2016-subaru-outback/105577)
**Author:** [@little-debbie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/little-debbie)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 1:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2016-subaru-outback/105577 "2017-07-07T01:39:37Z")
Just wanted to get your opinions on the 2016 Subaru Outback. Thank you! --- ## [What WERE the designers thinking?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-were-the-designers-thinking/105544)
**Author:** [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 3:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-were-the-designers-thinking/105544 "2017-07-06T03:49:59Z")
Was in a dealership with a friend today looking at new cars. We started with the Toyota Yaris iE. We walked up to one in the showroom and began browsing. My friend asked to see inside the trunk. The saleslady said the b… --- ## [Repairing Plastic](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repairing-plastic/105618)
**Author:** [@Jman136](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jman136)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 3:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repairing-plastic/105618 "2017-07-06T03:42:28Z")
Hey all! So, I discovered that my nephew put about a 10 inch scratch on the top of my dashboard from his action figure. It wasn't intentional, and I didn't notice it until I was dusting my dashboard yesterday. Is the… --- ## [Changing engines, how did it turn out?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-engines-how-did-it-turn-out/105597)
**Author:** [@oldtimer-11](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldtimer-11)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 3:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-engines-how-did-it-turn-out/105597 "2017-07-06T03:04:15Z")
I have only done 3 myself, but it was my labor ( free ) and since I lived in the rust belt, used engines were plentiful and cheap. All of the engines outlasted the car or truck they were put into. Even here cars last lo… --- ## [Volvo will phase-out gas-powered vehicles in a few years](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-will-phase-out-gas-powered-vehicles-in-a-few-years/105603)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 2:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-will-phase-out-gas-powered-vehicles-in-a-few-years/105603 "2017-07-06T02:06:53Z")
I guess that we all need to take electric and hybrid technology much more seriously from now on. :pensive: --- ## [How long till I can wash my car after a new paint job](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-long-till-i-can-wash-my-car-after-a-new-paint-job/105327)
**Author:** [@bchondacivic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bchondacivic)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2017, 3:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-long-till-i-can-wash-my-car-after-a-new-paint-job/105327 "2017-07-04T03:24:05Z")
Hi I was just wondering how long do I have to wait to wash my car after a new paint job. People recommend 15-30 days 60-90 days but it doesn't say anything about how hot it is outside. The painter who painted my car said… --- ## [Accord V6 bites the dust](https://community.cartalk.com/t/accord-v6-bites-the-dust/105139)
**Author:** [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2017, 2:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/accord-v6-bites-the-dust/105139 "2017-07-04T02:47:27Z")
No more V6 in the Accord. I wonder when the Camry will lose its V6... --- ## [Clear coat scratches](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clear-coat-scratches/105103)
**Author:** [@GRoy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/GRoy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2017, 2:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clear-coat-scratches/105103 "2017-07-04T02:38:56Z")
We went fishing in Maine last weekend. One of the logging roads was narrow and a lot of branches rubbed against the side of the truck. The black finish has a lot of whitish streaks/scratches. The finish still feels sm… --- ## [Which to keep 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5x or 2008 Honda Civic LX?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-to-keep-2006-subaru-forester-2-5x-or-2008-honda-civic-lx/105315)
**Author:** [@c.a.ledesma](https://community.cartalk.com/u/c.a.ledesma)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2017, 11:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-to-keep-2006-subaru-forester-2-5x-or-2008-honda-civic-lx/105315 "2017-07-03T23:24:07Z")
Our family is expanding and we're probably going to "upgrade" to a mini-van soon. We currently own a 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5x and a 2008 Honda Civic LX. My wife drives the Subaru, I drive the Honda. The Subaru has 10… --- ## [2017 Mazda3 grand touring or Honda EX-L? Educated opinions please!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2017-mazda3-grand-touring-or-honda-ex-l-educated-opinions-please/105171)
**Author:** [@Mhutchins2012](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mhutchins2012)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2017, 11:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2017-mazda3-grand-touring-or-honda-ex-l-educated-opinions-please/105171 "2017-07-03T23:13:44Z")
Hi, I'm going to be buying my 1st brand new car ever. I have had a 2008 Mazda3 for the past 7 years, its been a great car. I test drove a 2017 Mazda3 grand touring and thought that was what I wanted. Then I drove the Hon… --- ## [Led conversion kits?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/led-conversion-kits/105410)
**Author:** [@Toyota\_forever](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Toyota_forever)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2017, 3:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/led-conversion-kits/105410 "2017-07-03T15:42:26Z")
Anyone know much about led conversions kits for headlights? I have a 2017 Camry SE just bought led conversions kits for both low and high beams. My question is, is this too much power for the battery and or alternator? T… --- ## [First time to use my new Floor jack, love it](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-time-to-use-my-new-floor-jack-love-it/105528)
**Author:** [@irlandes](https://community.cartalk.com/u/irlandes)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2017, 10:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-time-to-use-my-new-floor-jack-love-it/105528 "2017-07-02T22:13:40Z")
I bought that heavy duty Hein-Werner 3-ton car jack in March, due to good recommendation by DB. I brought it back to Mexico by car, but had no reason to use it until yesterday. I decided it was time to change the oil aga… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=202) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=204)