Recent content by M Smith

I must be doing something wrong. I followed the instructions to the letter. Washed, clay barred, Machine Polish 3, followed by Cleaner Wax – all Griot Garage products, including the random orbital and pads. Car looked great afterwards. A day or two later (naturally!) I was caught in a 45-minute...

Thanks for the replies. morris: I already have AAA. Recently, though, a neighbor phoned AAA for a Sunday afternoon car break down. The AAA service center told them "too bad, too sad, we're closed on Sunday." That made me rethink the wisdom of buying and renewing a AAA membership.

So where do you get 4 gauge automotive wire and the lugs? I can't seem to find it. Someone mentioned Home Depot? Will that wire withstand typical under-hood temps?

I recently saw a video about "beefing up" the grounding wires, etc. on an automobile - Big 3 Grounding Kit, I think it was. I've surveyed three auto techs and one electrician and their opinions are split down the middle. What do you say about beefing up the grounding wires on an otherwise 100%...

Please offer a battery recommendation for my daughter's car. I'm sending her off to college and I'm trying desperately to reduce the chances of her having any car problems, the battery being one. I can't have my baby stranded with a bum battery.

Does this product work as advertised, or is all the evidence anecdotal?

Would someone please post a link to a video or the like demonstrating an ATF change on a 2001 CIVIC and/or a 2007 TUNDRA? I tried a search and didn’t turn up anything. I have found ONE You Tube video of a guy demonstrating a DIY ATF change on a Civic, but the video seemed to omit some very...

I note that Griot’s is now marketing a new product called Premium Carnauba Paste Wax that touts its “advanced hydrophobic technology.” My GUESS is that Griot’s may be responding to criticism that its products don’t seem too durable given the notion that water doesn’t bead for too long after...

Since you broached the subject, let me ask this: is beading an accurate indicator of the level of protection wax/polish/sealant is providing? I’ve always been led to believe that, but I could be wrong. I note that Griot’s is now marketing a new product called Premium Carnauba Paste Wax that...

About 6 mos. ago I had the timing belt replaced in my ’01 Civic that, at the time, only had about 36,000 miles. Be careful not to let the dealership up-sell you on all sorts of other (expensive) services that you may not actually need. My recommendation, too, is to have the water pump replaced...

I might ordinarily agree with The Critic, but I can’t seem to reconcile the fact that the hourly billing rate in the Gulfstream Aerospace service center is $120 to the fact an automobile dealership rates $120 - $160. The answer seems quite obvious to me, it is a simple matter of supply and...

What have you guys got to say about substituting Amsoil MCV, 20W-50 motorcycle oil, for any 5W-50 motor oil that may be available on the retail market? I’ve got a Tuff Torq T-40 Hydro-Automatic transmission in my John Deere lawn tractor. The unit comes filled with 10W-30, though Tuff Torq...

Mobil markets a 5W-50?

Any words of wisdom on the Snapper LT125? Thanks.

My 14 year old MTD 46" Yard Machine mower has finally gone caput. I’m considering the purchase of a John Deere LA115 (though I’d really like to have a JD X300, but I don’t need it). Can anyone give me any first-hand experience/impression with this mower?