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1500 questions
120
votes
9 answers
Why is plexiglass not used for car windows?
Back in 2014 someone broke the right side window of my VW Golf.
I was in a hurry and short on cash so I "temporarily" cut a 4 or 5mm thick piece of plexiglass ($8), bent it with hot air and placed it in my car thinking that a few weeks later when it…
pbount
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106
votes
17 answers
Does Downshifting (Engine Braking) Cause Extra Wear and Tear?
Does the act of downshifting to slow your vehicle down have any negative side affects?
I don't downshift more than one or two gears at a time and I let out on the clutch slow enough that I don't rev very high. My red line is at 5.5 and mine are…
Gary
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90
votes
14 answers
Why don't we rotate tyres but you rotate tires?
Is planning a regular rotation of new tyres over their lifespan a good or bad plan?
From many posts I've seen here and elsewhere on the web, motorists in the USA seem to see rotating tires as a task which ought to be undertaken at regular intervals.…
Steve Matthews
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89
votes
13 answers
Does the amount of fuel in the tank matter?
As long as there is some fuel in the tank, does the fuel level matter? In other words, is it advisable to make sure the tank is mostly full most of the time, or is this just silly? In other words, are there valid reasons why you should avoid running…
Ola Eldøy
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82
votes
10 answers
What are the benefits of premium (high octane) petrol?
Here in the UK it's common for petrol (gas) stations to offer both regular and "premium" unleaded petrol. The premium stuff is (naturally) more expensive, and I've often wondered what the actual difference is. Would I need to fill up with premium…
Simon Whitaker
- 1,053
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- 9
- 9
77
votes
16 answers
Should I resurface or replace my rotors everytime I replace brake pads?
I have heard it is proper practice to replace or resurface your brake rotors every time your do a brake pad replacement. Does this need to be done every single time or is it overkill? Maybe it is just something easy to do, might as well replace…
Troggy
- 2,106
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77
votes
21 answers
How can I keep stray cats off my car?
We have a lot of stray cats in my neighborhood and they possess an uncanny ability to know when a car has been cleaned for them to sit on and enjoy.
Needless to say, the dirty, dusty paw marks they leave behind is a hassle to clean.
The ideal…
Zaid
- 39,276
- 50
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72
votes
6 answers
Why does my A/C blow foul smelling air when it first turns on?
Most of the time when I first turn on the A/C in our 2008 Toyota Sienna, the air that blows out has a very distinct chemical - nasty smell. After a while it seems to go away. I'm not sure if I just get used to the smell or it actually goes away.…
polarbear
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70
votes
15 answers
Are classic cars safe?
Are classic cars safe? I am interested to know the differences between modern vehicles and vehicles of old from the 1960s.
In the event of an accident, how does a classic vehicle compare to a modern machine?
Are safety features on new vehicles…
Jonathan Musso
- 4,740
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70
votes
7 answers
What to check when buying a used car?
I'm looking to buy a used car. What do you think I should check (mechanically) before buying it (especially if it's diesel)?
Reed
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66
votes
9 answers
What actually happens when there is not enough oil in a car engine?
When a car is topped up with oil, it clear to most people that you are supposed to fill it to the recommended amount as specified by the manufacturer (normally on a dip stick).
What exactly are all of the disadvantages to running an engine when the…
Max Goodridge
- 7,957
- 19
- 53
- 105
63
votes
6 answers
How to maintain a sometimes-used vehicle?
My daily commute changed from 9 miles to 9 feet when I started working remotely. That means I very rarely drive my car much. After a particularly hectic month, I didn't drive for about 4 weeks and the car's battery had died the next time I came to…
Peter K.
- 1,019
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- 17
63
votes
6 answers
How long does it take for gas to go bad?
Approximately how long does it take for unleaded gasoline in the tank and fuel lines to become unusable in a car that is not being used? What causes this, and what can be done to prevent or remedy the issue?
UPDATE: The car that prompted this…
Iszi
- 2,621
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62
votes
6 answers
Why do heavy vehicles almost always use diesel engines?
I have always wondered why heavy vehicles such as large trucks and buses almost always use diesel engines, whereas in light cars there is a choice between diesel and gasoline engines.
Engine efficiency might explain the preference towards diesel…
juhist
- 15,535
- 13
- 62
- 104
56
votes
22 answers
Effective way to clean inside of windshield?
The inside of my windshield has a thin layer of grime. When the light hits it a certain way, it drastically reduces my visibility.
I have used glass cleaner with clean microfiber car cloths and paper towels, but it doesn't seem to clean the…
user11271