# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=335 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 336 --- ## [Wheel and Tire Replacement](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wheel-and-tire-replacement/76054)
**Author:** [@Oldster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Oldster)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2012, 9:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wheel-and-tire-replacement/76054 "2012-12-15T09:37:12Z")
I have a 2006 Lincoln Zepher with P225/50R17 wheels and tires. The ride seems a little harsh. Can I change to a smaller wheel with more tire and still be safe? Will the ride be significantly better? I asked Ford Motor… --- ## [A good read: Car Guys VS Bean Counters by Bob Lutz](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-good-read-car-guys-vs-bean-counters-by-bob-lutz/76068)
**Author:** [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2012, 6:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-good-read-car-guys-vs-bean-counters-by-bob-lutz/76068 "2012-12-15T06:39:41Z")
I checked out from the library Bob Lutz's book: "Car Guys VS Bean Counters" the other day. I think Dagosa had mentioned it in one of the threads. It was a pretty good read for his time at GM from about 2001 through th… --- ## [Customization certifications?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/customization-certifications/76106)
**Author:** [@cdaquila](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cdaquila)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2012, 6:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/customization-certifications/76106 "2012-12-15T06:36:58Z")
This discussion was created from comments split from: Car Talk Community Update. --- ## [Shoutout!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shoutout/76118)
**Author:** [@kmccune](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kmccune)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2012, 3:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shoutout/76118 "2012-12-15T03:59:35Z")
Any way we can lose some of the dead announcements? Looks like we need the space for the contributers-Kevin --- ## [Grabing brakes on 07" Prius](https://community.cartalk.com/t/grabing-brakes-on-07-prius/76114)
**Author:** [@Sprocket](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Sprocket)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2012, 8:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/grabing-brakes-on-07-prius/76114 "2012-12-14T20:31:54Z")
I have an 2007 Toyota Prius and in the morings, especially if it is humid or moist outside, my brakes grab badly during the first couple of stops....it's bad enough to make somebody run into the back of me. When it happ… --- ## [Quarter Ton 4-cylinder Pick-ups](https://community.cartalk.com/t/quarter-ton-4-cylinder-pick-ups/75935)
**Author:** [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2012, 2:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/quarter-ton-4-cylinder-pick-ups/75935 "2012-12-14T14:59:54Z")
Are there ANY 4-cylinder stick shift standard cab 2 WD pick-ups being sold in the U.S. today? Fords new Ranger is a hot seller overseas but they have no plans to sell it in this country.... --- ## [Best New Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-new-car/76055)
**Author:** [@mlewisno](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mlewisno)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2012, 5:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-new-car/76055 "2012-12-14T05:38:18Z")
Hey guys, I am a current college sophomore and I have started looking into buying my first car. I would really like either a BMW or some sort of hatchback. It doesn't need to be too reliable so long as parts are easy to … --- ## [Engine off at RED](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-off-at-red/76063)
**Author:** [@Ikztorks](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ikztorks)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2012, 7:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-off-at-red/76063 "2012-12-13T19:42:06Z")
I am a member of the 'engine off at red light' club, as I have found it to conseve significant gasoline in my town. My question has to do with actions prior to restarting the engine. Years ago, when cars had distrib… --- ## [Run away van](https://community.cartalk.com/t/run-away-van/76084)
**Author:** [@newtnik](https://community.cartalk.com/u/newtnik)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2012, 10:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/run-away-van/76084 "2012-12-13T10:37:57Z")
2005 Toyota Sienna, parked on a steep hill. No key in the ignition and no ebrake on. Our toddler jumps into front seat and plays around with the shifter. It pops out of park and into reverse. Chaos ensues. Wife (who is i… --- ## [1971 Chevelle SS not parking on hill](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1971-chevelle-ss-not-parking-on-hill/76085)
**Author:** [@71\_Chevy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/71_Chevy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2012, 5:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1971-chevelle-ss-not-parking-on-hill/76085 "2012-12-13T05:19:48Z")
So I got my 1971 Chevelle a few days ago, it has front disc brakes and rear drums, and I have been parking it on my driveway which is about a 30% incline and tonight while wiping the windshield the car started to roll ba… --- ## [Used car with a shady past](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-with-a-shady-past/76053)
**Author:** [@Suzyp2u](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Suzyp2u)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 4:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-with-a-shady-past/76053 "2012-12-12T16:04:45Z")
I need a used car and have what may be a good deal, or a lemon, but I'm not sure. A mechanic is selling (for "commission") a 2002 Subaru Legacy station wagon, so far so good. They claim to know the owners, and are sellin… --- ## [Best passenger van for a large family?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-passenger-van-for-a-large-family/76052)
**Author:** [@Dreu-X](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dreu-X)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 7:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-passenger-van-for-a-large-family/76052 "2012-12-12T07:46:24Z")
My wife and I have a blended family, which means that together we have seven children (3 week old, 3yo, 3.5yo, 4yo, 7yo, 10yo and a 13yo.) Currently we have a 2008 Grand Caravan and a 98 Pathfinder. Trips with the whole … --- ## [Transmission Fluid Always Low](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-fluid-always-low/76056)
**Author:** [@LindaLexus](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LindaLexus)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 6:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-fluid-always-low/76056 "2012-12-12T06:29:33Z")
I am new to this site so because I find it difficult to navigate I may miss someones response to my question. I hope someone can help. I purchased a pre-owned 2004 Lexus es330 95K miles in Jan. I noticed it shifting … --- ## [Wondering about a rebuilt 2009 Lancer ES](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wondering-about-a-rebuilt-2009-lancer-es/76048)
**Author:** [@Mitch456](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mitch456)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 5:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wondering-about-a-rebuilt-2009-lancer-es/76048 "2012-12-12T05:35:03Z")
Found a Lancer I may check out and wanted to know what you guys think. It is a 2009 Lancer ES with 30,000 miles for $8,500, the only catch is it has a rebuilt title. The guys has pics from before it was repaired which … --- ## [Gear Change in an Automatic Transmission Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gear-change-in-an-automatic-transmission-car/75965)
**Author:** [@shri](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shri)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2012, 8:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gear-change-in-an-automatic-transmission-car/75965 "2012-12-11T20:11:46Z")
Hi Guys, A quick question, can one change gear in an automatic transmission car while driving? i.e. say it is in D and you are driving and you want to shift to either gear 2 or 1, can it be done without stopping the car?… --- ## [Wipers pop up when horn blows as door is opened](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wipers-pop-up-when-horn-blows-as-door-is-opened/75925)
**Author:** [@Jumpy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jumpy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2012, 8:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wipers-pop-up-when-horn-blows-as-door-is-opened/75925 "2012-12-11T08:11:50Z")
Why do my wipers pop up about 2" each time the horn blows when the door is opened? They don't pop up if the car is running and I blow the horn myself. My local Chrysler service center has attempted to fix the problem t… --- ## [Pirelli P4 Four Seasons tire tread "follows" grooves cut in concrete road surface](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pirelli-p4-four-seasons-tire-tread-follows-grooves-cut-in-concrete-road-surface/76026)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2012, 3:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pirelli-p4-four-seasons-tire-tread-follows-grooves-cut-in-concrete-road-surface/76026 "2012-12-11T03:01:03Z")
My wife complained that her 2009 Camry hybrid steering is affected by the parallel grooves. The entire surface is grooved running with the street, not across it. The grooves seem to "guide" the vehicle a little from side… --- ## [Shopping tips for used car shopper](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shopping-tips-for-used-car-shopper/76045)
**Author:** [@Jils](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jils)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2012, 9:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shopping-tips-for-used-car-shopper/76045 "2012-12-10T09:54:58Z")
Hello Car Talk World. I am beginning a search for a used car and am looking for some advice. I'd like to spend about 2,000K for a reliable used car. I've been told Volvo with 100+ miles would be a good car to look for… --- ## [Briggs & Stratton Experts](https://community.cartalk.com/t/briggs-amp-stratton-experts/75914)
**Author:** [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2012, 12:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/briggs-amp-stratton-experts/75914 "2012-12-10T00:36:02Z")
\[image\]A friend gave me a Pacer water pump powered by a 3.5hp flathead Biggs engine..The engine had jumped time, looks like the camshaft (combination metal and plastic) had momentarily seized up in it's supporting bore h… --- ## [Converting to natural gas](https://community.cartalk.com/t/converting-to-natural-gas/75901)
**Author:** [@Prof\_Flatulence](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Prof_Flatulence)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2012, 5:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/converting-to-natural-gas/75901 "2012-12-09T05:32:38Z")
Hey: I'm switching from an oil furnace to gas. Can they also install a fixture so that I can fuel my car? I'll convert that to gas too. If it is too dangerous to have a dipstick like me refueling a vehicle, can they tr… --- ## [Need Large Console or Under-Seat Storage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-large-console-or-under-seat-storage/75658)
**Author:** [@sues87](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sues87)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2012, 10:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-large-console-or-under-seat-storage/75658 "2012-12-08T10:55:23Z")
I'm looking for a new car (thinking crossover/small SUV or hatchback/wagon) but it must have room for me to hide my medium-sized purse when I don't want to carry it with me. I test-drove a Prius V, a RAV-4, a Forester, … --- ## [Towing - up to capacity okay?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/towing-up-to-capacity-okay/75946)
**Author:** [@Allan\_in\_Florida](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Allan_in_Florida)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2012, 6:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/towing-up-to-capacity-okay/75946 "2012-12-07T18:10:10Z")
I am thinking of buying a Toyota RAV4, 6 cyl. 4WD with tow prep package installed so rated towing capacity is 3500 lbs (I'm told). Is it okay to tow my boat & trailer which is 2900 lbs? Or do I need to stay at a lower … --- ## [50,000 Miles in 22 months](https://community.cartalk.com/t/50-000-miles-in-22-months/75808)
**Author:** [@littlebean](https://community.cartalk.com/u/littlebean)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2012, 9:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/50-000-miles-in-22-months/75808 "2012-12-07T09:09:58Z")
Hello; I own a Honda 2011 cr-v se 4x4. Today i reach the 50,000 Miles mark and so far so good the only think i change so far was the engine oil, air filter and tires nothing else, nothing. My drive is about 100milles rou… --- ## [2009 Toyota Yaris Base - a good deal?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-toyota-yaris-base-a-good-deal/75850)
**Author:** [@amkapla](https://community.cartalk.com/u/amkapla)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2012, 3:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-toyota-yaris-base-a-good-deal/75850 "2012-12-07T03:41:20Z")
Hi all, Trying to decide whether to buy this 2009 Toyota Yaris with no frills whatever. It has 37k miles and is in good condition, selling (by dealer) for $8,800. I will be trading in a 2001 Nissan Sentra with 128k mil… --- ## [Forum issue - red 1 next to my name](https://community.cartalk.com/t/forum-issue-red-1-next-to-my-name/75956)
**Author:** [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2012, 5:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/forum-issue-red-1-next-to-my-name/75956 "2012-12-06T05:14:14Z")
There's a red 1 next to my name - the one that usually signals I have a PM or forum notification. But I don't, and it won't go away no matter how many times I open my profile. Am I missing something? --- ## [Hydro-planing - more or less based on tires?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hydro-planing-more-or-less-based-on-tires/75929)
**Author:** [@BentleyDriverokWishf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BentleyDriverokWishf)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2012, 3:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hydro-planing-more-or-less-based-on-tires/75929 "2012-12-06T03:56:16Z")
Would it make sense to expect a car to hydro-plane LESS when the tires are under-inflated because there is marginally more tire (think of how a flat tire squashes) making contact with the wet road? Or would it be reasona… --- ## [Run Flat tires handling?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/run-flat-tires-handling/75331)
**Author:** [@Fritzer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Fritzer)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2012, 2:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/run-flat-tires-handling/75331 "2012-12-06T02:14:46Z")
I just acquired a 2003 Z4 with runflat tires, and it wanders badly at highway speeds. I've had the steering mechanisms checked (bushings, etc.) and all is well. Can runflats cause this? Can I replace them with regular… --- ## [Unusual paint chips all over car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/unusual-paint-chips-all-over-car/75928)
**Author:** [@ewestmoreland1991](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ewestmoreland1991)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2012, 9:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/unusual-paint-chips-all-over-car/75928 "2012-12-05T21:31:14Z")
I am stumped. I drive my car every day except when I am on trips it sits in my car. I came out the other day and noticed about 50 small (almost perfect circle) sized paint ships (missing paint) all over the front of th… --- ## [Sell my 2000 VW Golf or drive it into the ground?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sell-my-2000-vw-golf-or-drive-it-into-the-ground/75906)
**Author:** [@stout71](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stout71)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2012, 6:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sell-my-2000-vw-golf-or-drive-it-into-the-ground/75906 "2012-12-05T18:41:42Z")
Hello. I have a 2000 VW Golf GL (2.0) that has 100K miles on it. While I expect the engine has a lot more life in it, components are starting to wear out and need to be replaced: tie rods, struts, shocks, brake caliper… --- ## [Much Ado About Nothing? or Should We Be Concerned?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/much-ado-about-nothing-or-should-we-be-concerned/75836)
**Author:** [@my2cents](https://community.cartalk.com/u/my2cents)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2012, 10:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/much-ado-about-nothing-or-should-we-be-concerned/75836 "2012-12-05T10:42:25Z")
Apparently AAA thinks we should be concerned about using E15 fuel in our vehicles (unless our vehicles are in a select group of newer vehicles - 2013 Fords for instance). Here's the article : http://www.freep.com/article… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=334) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=336)