# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=258 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 259 --- ## [Are tread patterns mostly for show? What kind of stupid question is THAT?! You might be thinking](https://community.cartalk.com/t/are-tread-patterns-mostly-for-show-what-kind-of-stupid-question-is-that-you-might-be-thinking/88928)
**Author:** [@mareakin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mareakin)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 5:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/are-tread-patterns-mostly-for-show-what-kind-of-stupid-question-is-that-you-might-be-thinking/88928 "2015-02-09T17:35:58Z")
I have come to suspect that tread patterns matter only a little and in specific circumstances. Just about every line of tire, even from the same brand, comes with a different tread pattern, they're all basically able to … --- ## [A \*HAMMER\* is indispensable for winter driving (but not for driving...)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-hammer-is-indispensable-for-winter-driving-but-not-for-driving/88949)
**Author:** [@mareakin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mareakin)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 6:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-hammer-is-indispensable-for-winter-driving-but-not-for-driving/88949 "2015-02-09T06:18:58Z")
For pulling out of spot, and for parking into a spot, when it's below zero and there's ICE involved. Where even the sturdiest shovel fails (like mine,) a heavy duty hammer does the trick. I parked in a small puddle… --- ## [Gas moves towards $1.50 / gallon..2015 F150 sales setting records](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-moves-towards-1-50-gallon-2015-f150-sales-setting-records/88670)
**Author:** [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2015, 9:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-moves-towards-1-50-gallon-2015-f150-sales-setting-records/88670 "2015-02-08T21:00:36Z")
While the new aluminum body Ford F-150 was bound to be a success, with gasoline prices collapsing to levels not seen for 20 years, sales of this and other "gas hogs" are setting records. The average F-150 sits on the th… --- ## [Collectable Car Collection](https://community.cartalk.com/t/collectable-car-collection/88944)
**Author:** [@Marnet](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Marnet)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2015, 7:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/collectable-car-collection/88944 "2015-02-08T07:19:34Z")
Local news story about an extensive collection of over 500 collectable cars, all in working order, owned by a man in Lebanon Mo. http://fox2now.com/2015/02/04/over-500-historic-automobiles-hidden-just-southwest-of-st-l… --- ## [09 Jetta Sportwagen TDI](https://community.cartalk.com/t/09-jetta-sportwagen-tdi/88942)
**Author:** [@SA-K](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SA-K)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2015, 9:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/09-jetta-sportwagen-tdi/88942 "2015-02-07T09:30:52Z")
This cold morning (-3), I started my Jetta TDI without issue, scraped the windshield of ice as it was running, turned it off, went inside to get the kids, buckled them into the carseats. When I went to start the car aga… --- ## [2000 Outback frostbitten Transmission?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-outback-frostbitten-transmission/88948)
**Author:** [@Jezebelle](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jezebelle)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2015, 7:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-outback-frostbitten-transmission/88948 "2015-02-07T07:31:56Z")
My 2000 Subaru Outback (75,000 miles) runs well almost all of the time. Every so often, especially when the weather is cold and I have been making many short trips, the transmission will refuse to engage into any of the … --- ## [Bad odor coming from the AC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-odor-coming-from-the-ac/88465)
**Author:** [@clarence123](https://community.cartalk.com/u/clarence123)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2015, 5:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-odor-coming-from-the-ac/88465 "2015-02-06T17:41:22Z")
I’m owning a Honda Accord for last 6 months and I have noticed a bad odor coming from the AC. I tried many air fresheners and similar options. But, nothing helped. When I talk about the same issue with my friend who is a… --- ## [Loose backend](https://community.cartalk.com/t/loose-backend/88941)
**Author:** [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2015, 2:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/loose-backend/88941 "2015-02-06T02:55:35Z")
my taurus has 3 tires with 80% tread. 1 of the rear tires has 30% tread? on slippery down hill roads, my back end wants to wander left/right when i am coasting. i drive a section of interstate daily that has a 2 mile dow… --- ## [Helpful advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/helpful-advice/88839)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2015, 10:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/helpful-advice/88839 "2015-02-05T10:22:50Z")
...if somebody has a time machine... With the beginning of a possible record-setting blizzard in this area, my township has sent out e-mails advising people to stay off the roads for the next 24 hours or so, unless the… --- ## [Inconsiderate parking lot behavior](https://community.cartalk.com/t/inconsiderate-parking-lot-behavior/87914)
**Author:** [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2015, 10:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/inconsiderate-parking-lot-behavior/87914 "2015-02-05T10:14:31Z")
I was at the supermarket this morning, and I saw a guy doing something incredible. He parked his truck right in front of the shopping cart return. You know how one side is open, where you push the carts in, and the ot… --- ## [What classic car should I buy?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-classic-car-should-i-buy/88855)
**Author:** [@hest\_c](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hest_c)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2015, 8:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-classic-car-should-i-buy/88855 "2015-02-04T08:17:48Z")
Hey everyone, hope to get some good ideas from you about some classic cars. Here's the scoop: I am starting a new job that is considerably further than my previous one. My current vehicle is great and I love it (2007 C… --- ## [Cars You Bought and Wished You Hadn't](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cars-you-bought-and-wished-you-hadnt/88876)
**Author:** [@DrRocket](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DrRocket)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2015, 8:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cars-you-bought-and-wished-you-hadnt/88876 "2015-02-04T08:16:21Z")
This is kind of going off of the other cars you almost bought thread. I'll start. Sometime in 1987 or 1988, can't remember exactly when, In a fit of temporary insanity, I bought, at the behest of my wife, a 1978 Mercur… --- ## [Rather a Serious Problem](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rather-a-serious-problem/88925)
**Author:** [@Lefty54](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Lefty54)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2015, 6:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rather-a-serious-problem/88925 "2015-02-04T06:08:05Z")
As I mentioned earlier I have a 2001 Ford Focus and for the past month I've been smelling gasoline in the interior of the car, espically when the heater is running and the car has just started. My mechanic, as yet, had b… --- ## [Resistor makes high beam bulbs dim for Daytime Running Lights?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/resistor-makes-high-beam-bulbs-dim-for-daytime-running-lights/88922)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2015, 5:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/resistor-makes-high-beam-bulbs-dim-for-daytime-running-lights/88922 "2015-02-04T05:29:48Z")
How do they make the highbeams dim for Daytime Running Lights? Thank you. --- ## [2001 Dodge Caravan 3.3 Liter engine replaced radiator and still dripping anti-freeze at the support](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-dodge-caravan-3-3-liter-engine-replaced-radiator-and-still-dripping-anti-freeze-at-the-support/88921)
**Author:** [@dekare](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dekare)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2015, 5:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-dodge-caravan-3-3-liter-engine-replaced-radiator-and-still-dripping-anti-freeze-at-the-support/88921 "2015-02-04T05:26:57Z")
I have the 2001 Dodge Caravan with the 3.3 Liter engine (I think it's a 3.3, the largest anyway). I was having a drip and losing coolant at the lower right hand side of the radiator (driver's side). Thinking it was the r… --- ## [2017 CTS W/ Super Cruise](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2017-cts-w-super-cruise/88616)
**Author:** [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2015, 1:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2017-cts-w-super-cruise/88616 "2015-02-03T01:17:54Z")
GM wants to be the first to offer and sell a car equipped with true auto-pilot. Hands off Cruise Control...This feature could be a game-changer in the automotive industry. In ten years it could become a "must have" opti… --- ## [We don't need no steenkin' 4WD!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/we-dont-need-no-steenkin-4wd/88798)
**Author:** [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2015, 7:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/we-dont-need-no-steenkin-4wd/88798 "2015-02-02T07:36:58Z")
Just a Dodge truck from the 1920's: http://www.youtube.com/embed/nq2jY1trxqg?rel=0 --- ## [New tires for my Celica GTS](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tires-for-my-celica-gts/88886)
**Author:** [@adwizard](https://community.cartalk.com/u/adwizard)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2015, 2:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tires-for-my-celica-gts/88886 "2015-02-02T02:40:35Z")
Anybody have recommendations for a good set of tires for a 2004 Toyota Celica GTS (Automatic). No sports package. I am eyeing High Performance or Performance All Season tires. Live in Wisconsin so we get a fair amount of… --- ## [Can anyone give me information on how much this will cost to get fixed?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-anyone-give-me-information-on-how-much-this-will-cost-to-get-fixed/88885)
**Author:** [@kat71](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kat71)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2015, 8:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-anyone-give-me-information-on-how-much-this-will-cost-to-get-fixed/88885 "2015-02-01T20:37:09Z")
This is my back passenger tire wheel well --- ## [Check engine light after filling up](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-after-filling-up/88898)
**Author:** [@irishliz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/irishliz)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2015, 10:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-after-filling-up/88898 "2015-02-01T10:25:30Z")
I filled up my gas after it was alittle under half a tank . I tighten my gas cap . I started my car then out of the blue the check engine came on. I shut off car and tighten gas cap again making sure it was as tight as … --- ## [The Value of Good Advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-value-of-good-advice/88896)
**Author:** [@insightful](https://community.cartalk.com/u/insightful)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2015, 6:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-value-of-good-advice/88896 "2015-02-01T06:55:24Z")
Yes, there is an automotive angle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzp4gnxgWxc ;-\] --- ## [One down](https://community.cartalk.com/t/one-down/88868)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2015, 6:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/one-down/88868 "2015-01-31T18:12:34Z")
...a dozen more to go... In NJ, one of those scamming aftermarket warranty companies has to reimburse its customers, pay a fine, and never again do business in the state. Finally, some justice for those who have been… --- ## [What type of car should my Mom get?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-type-of-car-should-my-mom-get/88852)
**Author:** [@dollyzoom](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dollyzoom)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2015, 4:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-type-of-car-should-my-mom-get/88852 "2015-01-31T16:05:07Z")
Whatever it is, it should be in the 4k range when bought second-hand. I understand this severely limits the options, and that the answer gets kind of dicey if it's not new. Anyway, the main thing is that it's not goin… --- ## [Magnetizing a screwdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/t/magnetizing-a-screwdriver/88144)
**Author:** [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2015, 4:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/magnetizing-a-screwdriver/88144 "2015-01-31T04:53:11Z")
I wanted to magnify my screwdriver so it would hold on to a small screw, but for the life of me, after rubbing the tip in every conceivable direction on the circular magnet I was using it wouldn't take. The magnet is ne… --- ## [Considering a new SUV](https://community.cartalk.com/t/considering-a-new-suv/88684)
**Author:** [@Den60](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Den60)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2015, 3:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/considering-a-new-suv/88684 "2015-01-30T15:15:57Z")
Right now I am thinking very much about either the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorrento. In both I am looking at the 6 cylinder AWD model, not the underpowered 4 cylinder. I currently have a 2001 Jeep Cherokee with 180,… --- ## [The price of changing snow tires with TPMS...OH MY!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-price-of-changing-snow-tires-with-tpms-oh-my/88858)
**Author:** [@Dara](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dara)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2015, 10:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-price-of-changing-snow-tires-with-tpms-oh-my/88858 "2015-01-30T10:30:48Z")
I hope I am posting in the right place... I drive a 2013 Nissan ALtima. It has TPMS, which I know can be great, but it is a "bell and whistle" I find I really wish I didn't have right now. I also just moved to a neighbo… --- ## [2010 fusion radio](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2010-fusion-radio/88866)
**Author:** [@Huschka](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Huschka)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2015, 5:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2010-fusion-radio/88866 "2015-01-30T05:13:42Z")
My 2010 fusion radio sound quality isn't as good as when car was new. Also seems to vary on certain days. Has any one had problems with their Sony factory system & what was the fix? --- ## [The question is "What is Car Talk?"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-question-is-what-is-car-talk/88789)
**Author:** [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2015, 4:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-question-is-what-is-car-talk/88789 "2015-01-29T04:45:55Z")
The answer on Jeopardy under the column NPR was Let's discuss this show: No.1429 was "Click and Clack vs. Electric Brakes" --- ## [Mechanic builds upside-down truck](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mechanic-builds-upside-down-truck/88843)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2015, 12:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mechanic-builds-upside-down-truck/88843 "2015-01-29T00:07:29Z")
This guy is really creative! http://safeshare.tv/w/uKAlfLZUsX --- ## [Can dealer back charge you tax after buying car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-dealer-back-charge-you-tax-after-buying-car/88809)
**Author:** [@th0mast33](https://community.cartalk.com/u/th0mast33)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2015, 9:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-dealer-back-charge-you-tax-after-buying-car/88809 "2015-01-28T09:07:46Z")
Hi, I live in California and bought a used car from a Toyota dealership about 2 months ago. I have already received the new license plate, registration, and owners slip in the mail from DMV. This week, they sent me an … [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=257) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=259)