# General Discussion

**URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=277

[Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md)

**Page:** 278

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## [Decisions, Decisions](https://community.cartalk.com/t/decisions-decisions/85909)

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**Author:** [@lmflorida](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lmflorida)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [July 13, 2014, 2:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/decisions-decisions/85909 "2014-07-13T14:30:17Z")

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We need help making a decision about whether or not to keep one of our cars. My husband has a 2001 BMW 330i with about 80,000 miles. He is the original owner and I have only driven the car about 5 times so that tells y…

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## [Seeking advice on giving away my car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/seeking-advice-on-giving-away-my-car/85953)

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**Author:** [@HondaGuy70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/HondaGuy70)\
**Replies:** 17\
**Last updated:** [July 13, 2014, 7:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/seeking-advice-on-giving-away-my-car/85953 "2014-07-13T07:21:50Z")

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I have a car that is 20+ year old runs fine, looks good, and has been well maintained. KBB value is only around $600. It runs fine and has been reliable. However, I'd feel guilty if I sold it for a couple hundred doll…

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## [Help! I Think I'm Getting Ripped Off!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-i-think-im-getting-ripped-off/85908)

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**Author:** [@ChgoFire](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChgoFire)\
**Replies:** 35\
**Last updated:** [July 13, 2014, 3:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-i-think-im-getting-ripped-off/85908 "2014-07-13T03:48:05Z")

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Hi, I'm new here. I joined because I'm in desperate need of good advice. I think I'm getting completely scammed by my mechanic. Here's the story: car was blowing a ton of smoke and burning lots of oil- a quart plus …

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## [Need help with choosing next car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-help-with-choosing-next-car/85883)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@citykidfarmer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/citykidfarmer)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [July 12, 2014, 12:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-help-with-choosing-next-car/85883 "2014-07-12T12:43:52Z")

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Hi I’m in the market for a new car and was wondering if anyone can help. Some info: -I live in Los Angeles. I know. -For the last three years I’ve been working for my family’s farm which is roughly about 100 miles…

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## [Endangered supplies](https://community.cartalk.com/t/endangered-supplies/85887)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\
**Replies:** 50\
**Last updated:** [July 12, 2014, 6:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/endangered-supplies/85887 "2014-07-12T06:34:57Z")

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I have a motorcycle that sat for a couple of years unused. In the process of moving, I tried to get it running again. No luck, carbs hopelessly plugged up from stale gas. Recently, I got the bug to work on it again. So I…

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## [Ford Focus rental](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-focus-rental/85868)

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**Author:** [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\
**Replies:** 16\
**Last updated:** [July 11, 2014, 1:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-focus-rental/85868 "2014-07-11T13:43:20Z")

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I just rented a Ford Focus in a rust-belt state with 31K miles from a well known nationwide rental firm. I needed to drive the car 3 hours farther north for a family event and was surprised by a load roar coming from the…

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## [AWD and 7+ seats & sunroof or convertible?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/awd-and-7-seats-sunroof-or-convertible/85858)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@mirandadaphne](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mirandadaphne)\
**Replies:** 13\
**Last updated:** [July 11, 2014, 9:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/awd-and-7-seats-sunroof-or-convertible/85858 "2014-07-11T09:47:34Z")

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Hi all, I am moving back to the US from Europe after 13 years so I am really out of touch about cars. We are moving to the bay area and plan to do a lot of skiing, camping, and outdoor adventure. I only have two kids,…

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## [Another vote for paintless dent removal](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-vote-for-paintless-dent-removal/85921)

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**Author:** [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [July 11, 2014, 8:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-vote-for-paintless-dent-removal/85921 "2014-07-11T08:34:59Z")

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I somehow got a mystery bump on the front fender of my Acura. I had the paintless guy at a local body shop work on it. It really turned out perfect with no painting of filling. Cost me $150 for an hour and a half of w…

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## [Bridge Anxiety](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bridge-anxiety/85898)

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**Author:** [@Wary](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Wary)\
**Replies:** 27\
**Last updated:** [July 11, 2014, 6:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bridge-anxiety/85898 "2014-07-11T06:13:42Z")

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Is there a car that may help with discomfort driving over bridges and overpasses? Through the years my anxiety driving over bridges and overpasses has been increasing, while the car I drive has been getting smaller. I've…

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## [The nightmare comes closer](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-nightmare-comes-closer/85211)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\
**Replies:** 57\
**Last updated:** [July 10, 2014, 10:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-nightmare-comes-closer/85211 "2014-07-10T22:45:53Z")

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The Google driverless car is on the streets and they are even letting regular old folks like us have rides. Here's an article and short video about it. I apologize for the ad before the video, but that's USA Today's fa…

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## [2006 Dodge grand caravan smoking brake](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-dodge-grand-caravan-smoking-brake/85900)

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**Author:** [@kimandharlan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kimandharlan)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [July 10, 2014, 4:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-dodge-grand-caravan-smoking-brake/85900 "2014-07-10T16:10:36Z")

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just had my van inspected and tires rotated...van sits for a few days then travels 20 miles and am now smelling something burning and smoke is coming out from front right tire. Other discussions say calipers/pads and tha…

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## [Dealership Chutzpah](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dealership-chutzpah/85877)

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**Author:** [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\
**Replies:** 29\
**Last updated:** [July 10, 2014, 8:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dealership-chutzpah/85877 "2014-07-10T08:11:13Z")

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Got home and found a bright red postcard, a Vehicle Recall Notice for my 2010 Cobalt with an included "GM-APPROVED MULTI-POINT INSPECTION AT NO FURTHER CHARGE...TO FURTHER UPDATE THE CUSTOMER'S SERVICE RECORDS". I thou…

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## [Moonroof - does it cool dogs?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moonroof-does-it-cool-dogs/85866)

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**Author:** [@stickshift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stickshift)\
**Replies:** 17\
**Last updated:** [July 10, 2014, 1:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moonroof-does-it-cool-dogs/85866 "2014-07-10T01:10:35Z")

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Hi, does anyone know whether a moon roof provides any effective cooling to a parked car? I think it does, and at 80 degrees F or below, would allow me to leave my dogs in the car for 10 minutes or less without them overh…

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## [Trading in A New Car for A Newer Car/Thinking Outloud](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trading-in-a-new-car-for-a-newer-car-thinking-outloud/85835)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Daemones](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Daemones)\
**Replies:** 31\
**Last updated:** [July 9, 2014, 1:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trading-in-a-new-car-for-a-newer-car-thinking-outloud/85835 "2014-07-09T13:53:29Z")

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I have a 2013 Toyota Avalon, brand new, 6,000 miles on it so far. I've had it for about 9 months, and I love it. You'd think with that big of a sedan it wouldn't have much power but the V6, 268 hp does. (clocked in aroun…

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## [Age-appropriate use of tools](https://community.cartalk.com/t/age-appropriate-use-of-tools/85852)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@meanjoe75fan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/meanjoe75fan)\
**Replies:** 31\
**Last updated:** [July 9, 2014, 8:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/age-appropriate-use-of-tools/85852 "2014-07-09T08:51:45Z")

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I just found and fixed up a 1978, F-motor Lawnboy. This is nostalgic for me because that was the exact (as best I can remember) mower my dad owned when I was growing up; the first mower I personally used. Thinking bac…

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## [Audi is tempermental to hot weather](https://community.cartalk.com/t/audi-is-tempermental-to-hot-weather/85871)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Audiacious](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Audiacious)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [July 9, 2014, 6:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/audi-is-tempermental-to-hot-weather/85871 "2014-07-09T06:45:08Z")

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What would you say if I told you that my 2007 Audi A6 does not like it outside when it gets over 80 degrees? Twice now it has refused to start when left out in extreme heat (anything over 85). The first time was during…

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## [I need a new minivan](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-need-a-new-minivan/85872)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Tangwystel](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tangwystel)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [July 9, 2014, 5:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-need-a-new-minivan/85872 "2014-07-09T05:09:39Z")

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My minivan, a 1994 Mercury Villager needs to be replaced. I would like to replace it with a van that has at least that much cargo capacity. I use it to haul stuff to craft shows long distance so I need decent MPG. I d…

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## [Bought a new trailer, need a new tow vehicle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-new-trailer-need-a-new-tow-vehicle/85820)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@WheresRick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/WheresRick)\
**Replies:** 21\
**Last updated:** [July 9, 2014, 4:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-new-trailer-need-a-new-tow-vehicle/85820 "2014-07-09T04:53:01Z")

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I bought a new trailer and was foolish enough to tow it with my Prius V. I used it to carry extra belongings on a trip to a family funeral. Despite the car being extremely overloaded with 3 people, a babies car seat, …

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## [Tires should be rotated every oil change?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tires-should-be-rotated-every-oil-change/85694)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\
**Replies:** 204\
**Last updated:** [July 9, 2014, 4:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tires-should-be-rotated-every-oil-change/85694 "2014-07-09T04:43:31Z")

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Just changed the oil two weeks ago and now the oil change light in ON again! How often is the oil to be changed in a 2009 Camry hybrid? 3k or 5k? When I was late changing the oil, and reset the change oil light, it illu…

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## [Isuzu pu engine racing](https://community.cartalk.com/t/isuzu-pu-engine-racing/85848)

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**Author:** [@PDC](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PDC)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [July 8, 2014, 10:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/isuzu-pu-engine-racing/85848 "2014-07-08T22:30:03Z")

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yesterday while driving my 92 isuzu pu 2.3 suddenly went up to what appears to be full revs and now will only run at full revs never going back to regular idle speed any ideas as to the cause or solution

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## [Does it make sense to keep a spare alternator and/or starter in garage/closet?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-it-make-sense-to-keep-a-spare-alternator-and-or-starter-in-garage-closet/85758)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@mareakin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mareakin)\
**Replies:** 52\
**Last updated:** [July 8, 2014, 4:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-it-make-sense-to-keep-a-spare-alternator-and-or-starter-in-garage-closet/85758 "2014-07-08T16:20:05Z")

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The advantage is that you have it immediately available if the part in your car begins to fail. Otherwise, you have to order the part and wait a week for it to arrive. I guess this question is about...... storage. Doe…

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## [The most ridiculous vehicles ever produced?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-most-ridiculous-vehicles-ever-produced/85423)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\
**Replies:** 131\
**Last updated:** [July 8, 2014, 12:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-most-ridiculous-vehicles-ever-produced/85423 "2014-07-08T12:33:08Z")

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Back in the '70s, industrialist Bruce Mohs designed and attempted to market two vehicles of his own design. The first one, the Mohs Ostentatienne Opera Sedan, reportedly had a total production run of...one. His other des…

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## [Backup Camera](https://community.cartalk.com/t/backup-camera/85815)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\
**Replies:** 43\
**Last updated:** [July 8, 2014, 7:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/backup-camera/85815 "2014-07-08T07:30:39Z")

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I drove a new work car the other day with the backup camera, sure I thought it was government over reach to make them mandatory, but I quickly fell in love with the feature, and consider it a great thing!

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## [Used Mercedes vs New Mazda](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-mercedes-vs-new-mazda/85845)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@MariaJL](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MariaJL)\
**Replies:** 20\
**Last updated:** [July 8, 2014, 5:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-mercedes-vs-new-mazda/85845 "2014-07-08T05:35:06Z")

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Wondering any opinions on the following: I am moving from overseas and need to decide if I invest (approx $3-4K) in shipping my 2010 Mercedes Benz C300 with 22,300 miles or sell if (likely all I'll get is Black Book val…

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## [3rd gear syncro out- grinding](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3rd-gear-syncro-out-grinding/85792)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Goodsweep](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Goodsweep)\
**Replies:** 13\
**Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 5:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3rd-gear-syncro-out-grinding/85792 "2014-07-07T17:40:55Z")

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A 2000 Chevy s10 p/u, 5spd, 2wd with 53000 miles. Is this typical Do the other gears start to gring so replace all syncros at the same time

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## [Timing belt](https://community.cartalk.com/t/timing-belt/85833)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@spider-man](https://community.cartalk.com/u/spider-man)\
**Replies:** 11\
**Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 8:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/timing-belt/85833 "2014-07-07T08:44:08Z")

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timing chains have guide.do timing belt have guides.

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## [Why is my car doing this?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-is-my-car-doing-this/85836)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@NotALittleOldLady](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NotALittleOldLady)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 7:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-is-my-car-doing-this/85836 "2014-07-07T07:30:15Z")

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I travel to get to work, and on the way I use the interstate. Speed is posted at 55, naturally, but in the fast lane - the left-most lane of 4 - you have to keep up, you understand. Fast lane is usually 65 to 70. So I'…

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## [Repair and keep my 2000 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport or buy a new/newer car. Indecision paralysis](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-and-keep-my-2000-subaru-impreza-outback-sport-or-buy-a-new-newer-car-indecision-paralysis/85801)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@alake](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alake)\
**Replies:** 13\
**Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 5:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-and-keep-my-2000-subaru-impreza-outback-sport-or-buy-a-new-newer-car-indecision-paralysis/85801 "2014-07-07T05:19:12Z")

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I have a 2000 OBS with only 115,000 miles on it that I bought new. The body is in fairly bad shape with some rust especially by the rear wheels. Recently I've been told there's a small leak in something with the steering…

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## [Timing belts and chains](https://community.cartalk.com/t/timing-belts-and-chains/85761)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@gimmeit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gimmeit)\
**Replies:** 54\
**Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 3:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/timing-belts-and-chains/85761 "2014-07-07T03:43:10Z")

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When buying a used car, how can you tell whether in has a timing belt or a chain? Also whether it has an interference or non-interference style engine?

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## [Tightening Lug Nuts for Alloy Wheels Frustration](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tightening-lug-nuts-for-alloy-wheels-frustration/85803)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Middy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Middy)\
**Replies:** 36\
**Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 2:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tightening-lug-nuts-for-alloy-wheels-frustration/85803 "2014-07-07T02:34:19Z")

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I take my car into my local Firestone dealer every 3000 miles to have the tires rotated, which is part of the deal they gave me when I bought the tires. Every time I get the car home, I recheck the lug nuts for correct …

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