# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=5 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 6 --- ## [Recognize the part? YouTube short. Police officer tries "magnet fishing"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recognize-the-part-youtube-short-police-officer-tries-magnet-fishing/205502)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2026, 6:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recognize-the-part-youtube-short-police-officer-tries-magnet-fishing/205502 "2026-04-11T18:56:30Z")
--- ## [EPA and e15, 88 octane. Are you worried?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/epa-and-e15-88-octane-are-you-worried/205435)
**Author:** [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2026, 2:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/epa-and-e15-88-octane-are-you-worried/205435 "2026-04-11T14:26:57Z")
--- ## [Oil Additives?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-additives/205488)
**Author:** [@riverofwind](https://community.cartalk.com/u/riverofwind)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2026, 1:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-additives/205488 "2026-04-11T13:19:16Z")
What does everybody think of oil additives? My shop likes to use this stuff. They say it cleans the crankshaft. Also obviously not to use until your car’s past warranty. I have a 2002 BMW 330Ci. It doesn’t burn much oil … --- ## [KDVR News: Does your car run better on a full tank of gas?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kdvr-news-does-your-car-run-better-on-a-full-tank-of-gas/205307)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2026, 8:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kdvr-news-does-your-car-run-better-on-a-full-tank-of-gas/205307 "2026-04-10T20:28:13Z")
https://kdvr.com/news/local/asking-an-expert-does-your-car-run-better-on-a-full-tank-of-gas/ --- ## [NAPA online ordering](https://community.cartalk.com/t/napa-online-ordering/205278)
**Author:** [@SteveCBT](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveCBT)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2026, 9:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/napa-online-ordering/205278 "2026-04-06T21:14:01Z")
I recently ordered a starter on line from NAPA, none of the local mcparts stores had it in stock. NAPA had a good price and very fast free delivery. I took the old one to my local NAPA store and they could not process… --- ## [Exploding passenger side mirror](https://community.cartalk.com/t/exploding-passenger-side-mirror/93713)
**Author:** [@scann](https://community.cartalk.com/u/scann)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2026, 1:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/exploding-passenger-side-mirror/93713 "2026-04-06T13:25:30Z")
Today my girlfriend and I were driving down a residential street and all of a sudden the passenger side mirror exploded. There were no other cars, motorcycles, no mail boxes or birds. I immediately pulled over and inspec… --- ## [Which Oil Filter to Get?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-oil-filter-to-get/205454)
**Author:** [@riverofwind](https://community.cartalk.com/u/riverofwind)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-oil-filter-to-get/205454 "2026-04-05T00:50:02Z")
Hi just looking for a super quick reco on an oil filter. I have a 2002 E46 BMW 330Ci. The local oil change shop uses Service Champ filters and in the past I’ve used this Mann filter. I’ve heard BMW filters are just Mann … --- ## [A lifeline for Rivian?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-lifeline-for-rivian/205429)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2026, 4:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-lifeline-for-rivian/205429 "2026-04-03T16:12:28Z")
Rivian has been hemorrhaging cash for a few years, but this might help to save them. --- ## [Auto insurance rates are skyrocketing in part because repair costs are surging, because there aren’t enough mechanics](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870)
**Author:** [@RandomTroll](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RandomTroll)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2026, 1:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870 "2026-04-02T13:44:28Z")
So wrote David Plouffe in a recent article in the ‘NY Times’. What do you think? https://archive.is/isV9U#selection-843.412-843.532 --- ## [CARFAX exposed by ABC's 2020](https://community.cartalk.com/t/carfax-exposed-by-abcs-2020/78029)
**Author:** [@MG-McAnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MG-McAnick)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2026, 11:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/carfax-exposed-by-abcs-2020/78029 "2026-04-01T11:48:57Z")
Many people have said it right here. CARFAX does not know everything about every accident any given car may have been in. It is unfortunate that many people think CARFAX is in-fallible. Tonight on 2020, ABC proved it… --- ## [Need advice on buying a used car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-advice-on-buying-a-used-car/52380)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2026, 12:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-advice-on-buying-a-used-car/52380 "2026-04-01T00:59:06Z")
Hi! I am buying a car. I haven't owned a car in about 10 years, and need some advice on what to look for. My desires in a car: Reliable Cheap to fix Excellent gas mileage Under $8000 Enough room in the trunk… --- ## [For motorcycle guys](https://community.cartalk.com/t/for-motorcycle-guys/205444)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2026, 8:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/for-motorcycle-guys/205444 "2026-03-31T20:43:01Z")
… or for fans of Steve McQueen, this item sold for more than $42k in 2009. --- ## [Free VIN check](https://community.cartalk.com/t/free-vin-check/190715)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2026, 11:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/free-vin-check/190715 "2026-03-30T23:57:35Z")
While it is perhaps not quite as detailed as Carfax claims to be, this free site does show accident history, price history, current market value, and more when you enter the VIN. I tested it with the VIN of my new-ish c… --- ## [College student seeking advice for buying a used car! Help!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/college-student-seeking-advice-for-buying-a-used-car-help/65090)
**Author:** [@mashamelleno](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mashamelleno)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2026, 11:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/college-student-seeking-advice-for-buying-a-used-car-help/65090 "2026-03-30T23:10:39Z")
Well I'm looking to buy a used car and my budget is about $4,000. I know little to nothing about cars, and I was just hoping I could get some advice on what types of cars would be good to buy that I could afford. I'm mos… --- ## [Car buying advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-buying-advice/56070)
**Author:** [@bhdavis1978](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bhdavis1978)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2026, 10:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-buying-advice/56070 "2026-03-30T22:45:47Z")
Hi all, My wife and I current live in Saint Paul, Minnesota and we're contemplating a move to Houston, Texas. Additionally, we're expecting our first child in April. Our current car is a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire without… --- ## [Finding a Shift Knob](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-a-shift-knob/205415)
**Author:** [@eLixir979](https://community.cartalk.com/u/eLixir979)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2026, 7:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-a-shift-knob/205415 "2026-03-29T19:48:10Z")
Hey all. I have been looking for a teardrop style shift knob, preferably aluminum. I have searched far and wide for a shift knob with an M16 x 1.5 thread pitch to no avail. A lot of the online manufacturers also do not l… --- ## [Can the transmission be damaged such that SUV could only reverse?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-the-transmission-be-damaged-such-that-suv-could-only-reverse/205412)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2026, 4:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-the-transmission-be-damaged-such-that-suv-could-only-reverse/205412 "2026-03-27T04:40:13Z")
She was properly stopped, then bumped from behind and pushed forward onto the track. With the way clear, ahead, why not drive forward 100 feet, park at the curb and exchange information with the errant dri… --- ## [Best Older Luxury](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-older-luxury/205304)
**Author:** [@AudiFlyGuy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AudiFlyGuy)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2026, 9:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-older-luxury/205304 "2026-03-25T21:32:33Z")
I’m thinking about my next vehicle and may wish to buy an older model as a second car. I don’t drive too far and this car would be more for in town and weekend use. I want a smooth riding car (sedan/coupe/convertible)… --- ## [EZpass and trucks](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ezpass-and-trucks/41142)
**Author:** [@Bill\_Russell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Bill_Russell)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2026, 6:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ezpass-and-trucks/41142 "2026-03-25T18:27:55Z")
I don't understand how EZpass/Fastlane works with trucks with a variable number of axles. The transponder has to tell the toll system how many axles the vehicle has, as that determines the toll. But a tractor could … --- ## [Motorcycle Helmet](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorcycle-helmet/205396)
**Author:** [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2026, 5:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorcycle-helmet/205396 "2026-03-25T17:46:40Z")
Maybe I’m wrong since I don’t ride motorcycles. But lesson #1 in learning how to ride a motorcycle should be is to HOW to wear a helmet. --- ## [Muscle car + novice Austrian driver](https://community.cartalk.com/t/muscle-car-novice-austrian-driver/205385)
**Author:** [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2026, 5:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/muscle-car-novice-austrian-driver/205385 "2026-03-23T17:20:39Z")
After catching my breath from laughing so hard, I decided to share: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/auto-biography/curbside-classic-1961-ford-starliner/ --- ## [Firefighters urge drivers to keep up on car maintenance to prevent roadside grass fires](https://community.cartalk.com/t/firefighters-urge-drivers-to-keep-up-on-car-maintenance-to-prevent-roadside-grass-fires/205377)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2026, 2:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/firefighters-urge-drivers-to-keep-up-on-car-maintenance-to-prevent-roadside-grass-fires/205377 "2026-03-22T14:23:54Z")
https://kdvr.com/news/local/firefighters-urge-drivers-to-keep-up-on-car-maintenance-to-prevent-roadside-grass-fires/ The only fire my fire department knew of was parking on dry grasses which contacted an unshielded cata… --- ## [Points for recognizing crushed vehicle make. Occupant released from hospital](https://community.cartalk.com/t/points-for-recognizing-crushed-vehicle-make-occupant-released-from-hospital/205324)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2026, 7:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/points-for-recognizing-crushed-vehicle-make-occupant-released-from-hospital/205324 "2026-03-21T19:43:01Z")
--- ## [In car Breathalyzer](https://community.cartalk.com/t/in-car-breathalyzer/205365)
**Author:** [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2026, 1:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/in-car-breathalyzer/205365 "2026-03-21T13:35:40Z")
Not sure if this is happening elsewhere, but on the local news last night they had a segment of a company called Intoxalock that had a Cyberattack. Intoxalock sells in car Breathalyzers that are usually court mandated af… --- ## [Waymo autonomous vehicle stops for train beyond grade crossing gate](https://community.cartalk.com/t/waymo-autonomous-vehicle-stops-for-train-beyond-grade-crossing-gate/205319)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 2:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/waymo-autonomous-vehicle-stops-for-train-beyond-grade-crossing-gate/205319 "2026-03-12T02:32:27Z")
https://www.kxan.com/video/waymo-autonomous-vehicle-stops-right-before-train-tracks-in-austin/11590559 --- ## [Another missing member?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-missing-member/205284)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 4:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-missing-member/205284 "2026-03-11T04:04:00Z")
One of our regulars, @jtsanders, hasn’t posted anything for 1 month. It appears that he has been viewing posts, but we haven’t heard from him for 30 days, so I’m hoping that he is okay. --- ## [Grandfather can keep his "PB4WEGO" license plate, N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul says](https://community.cartalk.com/t/grandfather-can-keep-his-pb4wego-license-plate-n-y-gov-kathy-hochul-says/205245)
**Author:** [@RandomTroll](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RandomTroll)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 3:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/grandfather-can-keep-his-pb4wego-license-plate-n-y-gov-kathy-hochul-says/205245 "2026-03-11T03:26:13Z")
--- ## [Cars that only move with their keys in them - a new feature?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cars-that-only-move-with-their-keys-in-them-a-new-feature/205243)
**Author:** [@RandomTroll](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RandomTroll)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 3:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cars-that-only-move-with-their-keys-in-them-a-new-feature/205243 "2026-03-11T03:19:36Z")
A person on Nextdoor lost her car keys when she drove off having left them on the roof of her car. I didn’t know one could drive a car without the keys. Now I do. It seems like a good feature: a car that won’t start w… --- ## [If you've always wanted to own a classic Porsche](https://community.cartalk.com/t/if-youve-always-wanted-to-own-a-classic-porsche/205301)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2026, 5:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/if-youve-always-wanted-to-own-a-classic-porsche/205301 "2026-03-08T05:14:55Z")
… you might want to buy some raffle tickets for this sweepstakes. --- ## [International Harvester was very diversified](https://community.cartalk.com/t/international-harvester-was-very-diversified/205250)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 1:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/international-harvester-was-very-diversified/205250 "2026-03-07T13:30:39Z")
I had not previously known that they made kitchen appliances. This ad is from Life magazine, in 1949. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=4) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=6)