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1500 questions
14
votes
5 answers
What are the pros and cons for the two possible "gear directions" when parking the car on a hill?
Let's suppose I leave my car in gear when parking on a hill (besides using handbrake and turning the wheels towards/away from the curb, depending on the direction I'm parking in). In case that matters, let's suppose the motor is gasoline (but I am…
Attilio
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14
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9 answers
How to add a 7th gear to a car to enhance fuel economy?
Let's say there's a 6-Gear manual transmission car, whose 6th gear equals 2000 rpm at 100 km/h (~60 mph).
How can one theoretically add a 7th gear that can maintain the same speed at 1400 rpm in order to enhance fuel economy?
neverMind9
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14
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3 answers
Do I need to replace my rotors?
I just bought my used 2015 nissan altima 3 months ago with 33k miles. My lack of knowledge with cars may be catching up to me as I'm now realizing just exactly how rusted my rotors are, basically completely orange. All 4 look roughly the same. I…
Alex Klepadlo
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14
votes
7 answers
Why are engines labeled as 2L or 3L?
Why is an engine said to be a 3L or 2L for that matter? I understand that V6 represents 6 cylinders, so I'm a little bit confused. I'm still busy with my motor studies.
Thabo
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14
votes
12 answers
Why no alternate (hand-cranked, spring-loaded) starter for a car?
A dead battery is a common and serious problem. At a minimum it takes time to jump-start the car. But oftentimes a second car is unavailable, or there's no jumper cables, or a serial killer is chasing you and pounding on your window.
So why don't…
Philip
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14
votes
4 answers
What is the BCM (Body Control Module) in a car?
I own a Fiat Grande Punto. Recently I was told by the authorized auto workshop that the BCM in my car has failed and needs to be fixed.
So I have two questions regarding this:
What is the BCM and what does it do?
They asked me to give them certain…
Apache Fan
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14
votes
4 answers
Can a lithium-ion battery really start a truck?
There are some compact lithium-ion powered devices on the market that claim that they can start cars and trucks. Youtube is full of videos with reviews and people actually starting cars with them. And thousands of positive reviews on Amazon...…
Alex
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14
votes
3 answers
Are trims (Hubcaps) on a car tires necessary?
Are there any mechanical / safety issues arise when you do not put trims on car tires? Even when using the car in winter temperatures? (Say -15C to -20C)
Viv
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14
votes
4 answers
what tests should I do on a 30 year old car driven 1,000 miles per year?
Car was owned by a grandfather and never used very much. Kept in a garage and never used during cold or rain. Now I want to use the car, but hesitate due to concerns about seals and tires, etc. Can you inspect and learn very much about the…
Sterling
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14
votes
8 answers
Charger doesn't stay put in cigarette lighter outlet
The cigarette lighter outlet was never designed to be an electrical outlet the way it's commonly used today. Even so, I've yet to find a plug for charging USB devices that fits and doesn't fall out.
All plugs I know have some little metal nub in…
Torben Gundtofte-Bruun
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14
votes
7 answers
Is it better to drive across a speed bump at a right angle or slightly skewed?
I'm wondering if it is better for your suspension to drive across a speed bump at a right angle (so that the two front tires and the two rear tires hit the bump at the same time, respectively), or at a skewed angle so that only one tire at a time…
Tanith Rosenbaum
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14
votes
5 answers
'09 Chevy Malibu - No Crank, No Start - Heavy Troubleshooting Already Completed
Answer:
Turns out the computer was shot, entirely non-functional. Swapped one out and the car started right up. For future readers: The computer is a likely cause if the vehicle has power, yet multiple unrelated parts that connect to the computer…
Dylan Cross
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14
votes
7 answers
Genuine Honda power steering fluid...do I have to use this?
I have a 2003 Honda Accord (V6). I've read in the manual that I need to use Genuine Honda power steering fluid. Is this a must or can I use any power steering fluid.
The Honda one has a reddish/pink color to it. Is the chemical make up any…
milesmeow
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14
votes
5 answers
Switching from Reverse to Drive - always stop completely?
I've been told by a couple people that it's really bad for a car to be shifted from Reverse to Drive while the car is still moving backwards. Is this true?
In my experience:
On automatic cars, this could be true - most cars I've tried this on (not…
Sunyaat
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14
votes
5 answers
How do manufacturers detune engines?
This related question is concerned with why manufacturers de-rate engines.
But how can they get an engine to produce less torque/power?
As an example:
the VW W12 Phateon (2010-2011) produced 450 hp
the VW W12 Nardò (2001) concept made 600 hp
both…
Zaid
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