Recent content by mareakin

Tires manufacturers specify a range of wheel widths for their tires, for example a 175/65R15 tire specifies a wheel width range of 15x5 to 15x6 as optimal. The question is, can you mount such a tire on a wheel that's a half inch out of spec (let's say a 15x6.5 wheel?) What about a full inch...

OEM tires were 185/65R15 for the base model (what I have,) and 195/65R15 for the more common LE model. The base model looks better by the way. So much sidewall looks clownish but I want that extra soft ride, that extra ground clearance (by about .8 inch) I have chosen a set of Hankooks that...

Thanks so much for the tip. It's a 2007 Corolla, sounds like the machine shop is the way to go.

Where can I find a place that will loan me a set of tools to do a wheel bearing job? The wheel hub has to be pressed out of the steering knuckle and then wheel bearing pressed out, then pressed the replacement part has to be in again. OTC makes a set that will do the job beautifully: <a...

Awesome <img src="/forums/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="smile" title="smile" height="15" width="15" /> I need a battery <img src="/forums/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="smile" title="smile" height="15" width="15" />

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DriveHard</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The original OEM battery on my truck was starting to get tired. Slow cranks in the cooling fall weather and the low battery alarm would go off if I listened to the radio for...

Beyond the big 4: 1. Power 2. Handling 3. Reliability 4. Utility What are other considerations when buying a new car? Some others: -Maintenance cost: just oil changes basically or needs timing belt every 5 years? -Insurance cost -Aftermarket support/OEM parts price -Tire cost, tire...

<img src="http://www.slate.com/content/dam/slate/blogs/moneybox/2012/05/22/north_carolina_saves_jobs_by_maintaining_inefficient_hassles/144163302.jpg.CROP.rectangle3-large.jpg" alt="" /> More: <a...

Can you tell us how you arrived at your decision to purchase the Avalon vs. the alternatives, vs. the new Avalon coming out in 2013, etc?

Disclaimer: Just because something is printed in a 'respectable' online publication does not make it true. It also doesn't necessarily make it false either. <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/05/ask-an-engineer-gdi-problems-in-a-nutshell/"...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rk1407</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hi guys, My friend's 2007 Corolla just turned 70k and I was planning on changing the plugs. The car runs fine but I figured it was time. I have the Haynes manual and it says to...

The Toyota auto plant actually let you go inside and watch Sienna's being built? That's pretty cool. I definitely want to do THAT!!!! Did you have to make an appointment? How did it work?

How do you know when they need to be serviced? With the pads and rotors in the front, it's easy to kneel down and take a peek--observe the amount of pads left, look at the rotors, etc. Can't do that with drums covering up the shoes and every brake mechanism in the rear. So, am I to...

Thanks! I'll try those suggestions!

I've tried pulling down on the glass dome (it comes down a little bit) and then twisting it clockwise, then counterclockwise without any success. I suppose I oughta try harder? Maybe use a screwdriver to pry it?