# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=496 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 497 --- ## ["Check Engine" light legit?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-legit/24686)
**Author:** [@Walmartdude08](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Walmartdude08)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2009, 11:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-legit/24686 "2009-01-14T11:45:23Z")
Dear Readers: I have an '03 Chevy Cavalier 2DR 5spd w/a little over 68k on the ODO. Last week, when I slid into the ditch, my front bumper/underside was covered in snow. I was pulled out, and about a day or two la… --- ## [Wiper arm loading springs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wiper-arm-loading-springs/24880)
**Author:** [@useless123](https://community.cartalk.com/u/useless123)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2009, 12:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wiper-arm-loading-springs/24880 "2009-01-14T00:02:47Z")
I have bought wiper arm loading springs, but somehow missplaced guide on how to install them. It's one of those things, that you clip over your wiper arm to keep more pressure across the windshield. Any help would be gre… --- ## [Warren Brown's bum rap on drum brakes](https://community.cartalk.com/t/warren-browns-bum-rap-on-drum-brakes/24453)
**Author:** [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2009, 11:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/warren-browns-bum-rap-on-drum-brakes/24453 "2009-01-13T23:02:42Z")
Lately when Washington Post auto reviewer Warren Brown isn't boring us with talk about his family he's bashing rear drum brakes: http://www...PRzZxou4uw http://www...Gz7cobDm1Q Are disks really needed to d… --- ## [Gasoline grade](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gasoline-grade/24804)
**Author:** [@alsavage](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alsavage)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2009, 5:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gasoline-grade/24804 "2009-01-13T17:32:05Z")
I have a 2003 Mercedes SLK320. The owner's manual states that I should use high octane gas, but I was always told that if the engine doesn't ping (i.e. pre-ignition) with a lower grade gas, then it is OK to use such gas… --- ## [2002 Landrover Freelander S](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-landrover-freelander-s/24801)
**Author:** [@Darter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Darter)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2009, 3:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-landrover-freelander-s/24801 "2009-01-13T15:24:09Z")
I am about to purchase a used 2002 Landrover freelander with 55K miles on it. I took it for a test drive and it went fine. Nice car. The reviews online are pretty terrible though. I was wondering if anyone had any ex… --- ## [Australian F-150 Conversion](https://community.cartalk.com/t/australian-f-150-conversion/24809)
**Author:** [@matho76](https://community.cartalk.com/u/matho76)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2009, 6:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/australian-f-150-conversion/24809 "2009-01-13T06:38:03Z")
G'day, I am an Australian currently working in the USA for 3 years. I have always loved the F-150 so I took the opportunity to buy a 2004 FX-4 when we first moved over here in 2006. I am considering importing this t… --- ## [First day riding at MSF course](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-day-riding-at-msf-course/24729)
**Author:** [@Scrabbler](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Scrabbler)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2009, 9:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-day-riding-at-msf-course/24729 "2009-01-12T21:12:01Z")
Okay, a little off topic, I know, but I just rode a motorcycle for the first time today at the MSF Basic Rider Course, and I don't belong to any motorcycle discussion groups to share this with. A few thoughts 1) It… --- ## [Are Electric Cars The Answer? I Think Not](https://community.cartalk.com/t/are-electric-cars-the-answer-i-think-not/23976)
**Author:** [@Veritas41](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Veritas41)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2009, 5:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/are-electric-cars-the-answer-i-think-not/23976 "2009-01-12T17:27:30Z")
Are electric cars the answer to our unfortunate dependence on refined oil to power our vehicles, and to help reduce its pollution? I honestly think not. I would just love to see a simple (but essentially complete) argu… --- ## [2008 ford focos](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-ford-focos/24762)
**Author:** [@ford\_driver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ford_driver)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2009, 4:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-ford-focos/24762 "2009-01-12T04:33:19Z")
i have an 08 ford focous,in cold weather the door locks freezes,key will only go halfe way in door locks,i took it back to dealership,they sprayed sum kinda lub in door locks said it was allright,but its not,it still fre… --- ## [Clacking noise](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clacking-noise/24749)
**Author:** [@XENOPILOTO](https://community.cartalk.com/u/XENOPILOTO)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2009, 9:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clacking-noise/24749 "2009-01-11T21:35:45Z")
I have a '94 GMC 2500K pickup w/ a 6.5 Litre turbo diesel engine. When I turn on the ignition switch READY TO START the engine a clacking sound begins in the area of the passenger's feet and continues for 20 seconds, the… --- ## [ABS on a curved, icy downhill](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-on-a-curved-icy-downhill/24681)
**Author:** [@billdickason](https://community.cartalk.com/u/billdickason)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2009, 4:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-on-a-curved-icy-downhill/24681 "2009-01-11T04:38:14Z")
An engineer friend of mine lives at the top of a hill that has a curve in it. If the hill is icy, he believes it would be best to put the autotransmission in Neutral, foot off the gas, and use the antilock brakes to cont… --- ## [Auto 4 wheel drive](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-4-wheel-drive/24590)
**Author:** [@jiffyguy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jiffyguy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2009, 3:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-4-wheel-drive/24590 "2009-01-11T03:39:00Z")
i have a 1999 chevy suburban with auto 4 wheel drive and a option for regular 4 wheel drive. what is the difference? and is one better than the other? --- ## [Winter driving](https://community.cartalk.com/t/winter-driving/24649)
**Author:** [@ENLEVIN](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ENLEVIN)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2009, 1:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/winter-driving/24649 "2009-01-11T01:55:45Z")
Driving an Audi 6 Quatro I hit black ice and the car fishtailed. I did gain control by taking my foot off the gas and correcting the steering. Would it have been better to step lightly on the accelerator? Are the advanta… --- ## [Rear Visibility](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-visibility/24557)
**Author:** [@Elise\_Brown](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Elise_Brown)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2009, 12:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-visibility/24557 "2009-01-11T00:08:20Z")
I am trying to replace my Toyota Camry because of its poor rear visibility. I am finding that almost all the sedans and crossovers have a wide C Pillar, a high back, rising belt lines resulting in a high back window, an… --- ## [Car For College](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-for-college/24290)
**Author:** [@stalrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stalrunner)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2009, 9:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-for-college/24290 "2009-01-10T21:18:36Z")
I am a high school senior and have been driving a 2005 Mitsubishi Galant since I got my license. I plan to get a new car soon and would like some advice. I would like a small 4-seater sedan up to about a $25,000 sticker … --- ## [Oldie vs. newish-- which car to take to NY (and let rust?)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oldie-vs-newish-which-car-to-take-to-ny-and-let-rust/24274)
**Author:** [@Electra](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Electra)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2009, 3:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oldie-vs-newish-which-car-to-take-to-ny-and-let-rust/24274 "2009-01-10T15:55:57Z")
My husband just bought a 1992 Acura Vigor with 120k (?) miles on it, for $400 (don't ask why). It's had at least 3 owners and hasn't been driven 20 miles in the last year. I am moving to Ithaca, NY for 3 years (residency… --- ## [Honda Civic 2009 Clutch Delay on Start Up](https://community.cartalk.com/t/honda-civic-2009-clutch-delay-on-start-up/24673)
**Author:** [@DCSandpiper](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DCSandpiper)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2009, 3:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/honda-civic-2009-clutch-delay-on-start-up/24673 "2009-01-10T15:31:26Z")
I just bought a 2009 Honda and I love it. First new car ever. However, also first automatic ever. My problem is it seems to take a couple seconds for the clutch to kick in when I give it gas from 0. If I give it gas slow… --- ## [When to and when not to use 4 wheel drive high](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-and-when-not-to-use-4-wheel-drive-high/24574)
**Author:** [@redice](https://community.cartalk.com/u/redice)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2009, 5:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-and-when-not-to-use-4-wheel-drive-high/24574 "2009-01-09T05:51:55Z")
This question comes from this http://www...ay/05.html So from that is sounds like I shouldn't be using 4 wheel drive on the highway at all or at under some particular speed? What is the highest speed I should be usi… --- ## [Ramp for Garage to Raise Van Clearance?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ramp-for-garage-to-raise-van-clearance/24605)
**Author:** [@meaghanring](https://community.cartalk.com/u/meaghanring)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2009, 11:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ramp-for-garage-to-raise-van-clearance/24605 "2009-01-08T23:12:03Z")
I have garage with a concrete step that runs the width of garage. The step is about eight inches high and runs where the noses of the vehicles are when they are parked. When I pull my van into the garage, the nose fits… --- ## [04 VW Passat](https://community.cartalk.com/t/04-vw-passat/24527)
**Author:** [@heytiger](https://community.cartalk.com/u/heytiger)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2009, 2:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/04-vw-passat/24527 "2009-01-08T14:09:02Z")
I'm in the market for a VW Passat Wagon. 2 main questions: 1. V6 or 1.8T? I'm told the turbo nearly matches the V6 but with better gas, but then the V6 is more reliable, less repair cost, more longevity. and 2. … --- ## [Shopping for 4-seater convertible with retractable hardtop?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shopping-for-4-seater-convertible-with-retractable-hardtop/24011)
**Author:** [@brandle](https://community.cartalk.com/u/brandle)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 8:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shopping-for-4-seater-convertible-with-retractable-hardtop/24011 "2009-01-06T20:23:21Z")
Are you aware of a current model 4 seater convertible with a retractable hardtop? I'm looking to buy one in '09, and would like help searching for the "right" model. --- ## [Truck jumps out of gear](https://community.cartalk.com/t/truck-jumps-out-of-gear/24476)
**Author:** [@Els\_Toy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Els_Toy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 8:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/truck-jumps-out-of-gear/24476 "2009-01-06T20:09:20Z")
I have a 91 Toyota Tacoma pickup. I recently changed the clutch, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing in the vehicle. The truck has about 155,000 miles. My problem is this "under acceleration now, the transmissio… --- ## [What to drive on mountain roads!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-drive-on-mountain-roads/24449)
**Author:** [@Nan\_the\_Goat\_Lady](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nan_the_Goat_Lady)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 1:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-drive-on-mountain-roads/24449 "2009-01-06T01:59:28Z")
Help! My Toyota Echo is not the car for the rocky, unpaved, narrow (and scary!) roads where I will be living in the Ozark Mountains of NW Arkansas. I also need to commute once a month to Little Rock so do have to go on… --- ## [Gas mileage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-mileage/24400)
**Author:** [@butch28](https://community.cartalk.com/u/butch28)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2009, 5:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-mileage/24400 "2009-01-05T17:31:41Z")
what is the best way to figure out your gas mileage. --- ## [Remote key replacement](https://community.cartalk.com/t/remote-key-replacement/24417)
**Author:** [@velvet](https://community.cartalk.com/u/velvet)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2009, 4:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/remote-key-replacement/24417 "2009-01-05T16:51:01Z")
have lost one of my remote key for a 2006 Acura RSX. The dealer cost is $115 for the remote and $115 to install it. Is this my only option? Or should i just bite the bullet and pay the cost. I am a non hands on se… --- ## [An SUV that earns its keep - under $10000](https://community.cartalk.com/t/an-suv-that-earns-its-keep-under-10000/24345)
**Author:** [@WannaRaiseCows](https://community.cartalk.com/u/WannaRaiseCows)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2009, 12:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/an-suv-that-earns-its-keep-under-10000/24345 "2009-01-05T00:40:27Z")
I need an SUV and can't find anything post 2000 that I can get really excited about. I used to have a 1998 Ford Explorer and LOVED it. My parents used it when they built their house, it drove the AlCan, traversed many … --- ## [I can't fill my tank!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-cant-fill-my-tank/24371)
**Author:** [@mwright4](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mwright4)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2009, 11:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-cant-fill-my-tank/24371 "2009-01-04T23:56:09Z")
I have a 2004 Acura MDX. For the past few months when I try to fill my tank the nozzle shuts off as if my tank is full. I am in California where we have vapor recovery nozzles. I have tried placing it in in different … --- ## [Small car for a big guy](https://community.cartalk.com/t/small-car-for-a-big-guy/24221)
**Author:** [@fentonbubba](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fentonbubba)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2009, 8:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/small-car-for-a-big-guy/24221 "2009-01-04T20:16:58Z")
I'm 6ft 4in and big. I'm looking for a small car that gets great gas mileage and has alot of room. Is this possible? --- ## [1988 Ford Ranger](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1988-ford-ranger/24295)
**Author:** [@LisaXLT](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LisaXLT)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2009, 6:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1988-ford-ranger/24295 "2009-01-04T06:46:04Z")
A bit of helpful information. If the cruise control turns off when you use the turn signal, you have a bad turn signal bulb. --- ## [Being shoved while in park, damaging or just rude?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/being-shoved-while-in-park-damaging-or-just-rude/23728)
**Author:** [@gojokeck](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gojokeck)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2009, 10:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/being-shoved-while-in-park-damaging-or-just-rude/23728 "2009-01-03T22:49:41Z")
While shoveling out my driveway after the recent ice & snow storm here in Iowa, I observed a Ford F150 4WD pickup pull up along side the curb to park, and noting he did not have enough room, proceed to shove a smaller pi… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=495) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=497)