Recent content by ProbeGT

Flawed logic, you have no idea what you're talking about and clearly did zero research on the topic. BMW S54 is a prime example of an engine that requires extremely specific, rare oil: 10W-60. Try running off-the shelf API 5W-30 (~700 PPM Zn/P) in it and see what happens at sustained 8000+ RPM...

To my surprise, many of the Chinese vehicles featured in the video have a combustion engine. Some even have V8s. Rumors are the V8 is being developed with McLaren. So likely not based on the 1950's pushrod tech still found in hemis and LS's.

I was curious to see what the hype is all about so I watched this Aussie's perspective. I was astonished. Key takeaways: China has become the undisputed leader in automotive technology Chinese battery tech is years ahead of competition Euro/US products are hopelessly uncompetitive and the...

Here are my Barum Bravuris tires (made in Germany), nearly 10 years old (43rd week of 2016). In service for 7 years. No cracking, yet. Tread is still over 50% at 25K miles. Structurally perfect. Dry traction is still very good. Wet traction is OK, not as good as when they were new but not bad...

Two separate issues here: Why is crude oil price up in the US? This one is easy and obvious. Crude oil is a commodity traded worldwide at a generally unified market price per barrel. If the US offered Canada a lower purchase price, Canada could turn around and sell to Asia or Europe instead...

IMO such high miles on clutches/brakes are only possible in mostly highway driving. Anything over 100k miles is an impressive result in my book. Best I got was 105k miles on my Toyota Matrix before my wife totalled the car. I have owned 8 manual transmission cars and most needed a clutch job...

Ordered 6 random Fram items from an AAP store in Austin for pick-up - "ready in 30 minutes guarantee." 1 hour after order, no pick-up email. I drove to the store. 2 clerks leaning on counters scrolling on phones, I was the only customer in the store. Apparently they don't bother checking for...

I bought my fist pair of Reliants in Nov 2023 (205/55/16). Been very happy with them. Got 11,000 miles on them and tread is down to ~50%. I keep them on the front of my FWD 04 Vibe GT because of how well they balanced. With rotations I'm sure they'd last twice as long because rear tires on this...

I call it my Personal Strategic Oil Reserve.

My oil stash was down to 320 qts but I couldn't resist the recent clearance deal on Castrol Euro so I'm back up to 350 qts. I have a variety of brands, viscosities, and types (synth/conventional/blend) on hand. Might even consider selling some when the shelves run dry and people panic. I...

Scored the last 3 qts at a nearby AAP. All my cars are equipped manual transmissions. Any reason not to use the ATF HP fluid in the power steering system of my Jaguar S-Type or Pontiac Vibe GT (Toyota steering rack)? All call for ATF Dexron III.

Let's put things in perspective. Between January 2011 and July 2014 (3.5 years, under Obama), oil prices averaged between $90-$110, right about where they are now. Prices of houses, cars, food, and just about everything else are now double/triple/quadruple of where they were 15-13 years ago. So...

After seeing this morning that the online listing was still active @8.48 per jug, I widened my store search area and found 2 stores with stock. Ordered 4 for pickup. First store canceled my order within 30 minutes, but the 2nd store fulfilled it! I just picked up 4 jugs. Scenic drive through...

Got the cancellation email. 😞 0 out of 5 fulfilled. Congrats to those who got a few.

My status changed from Delayed, arrives by Mar 28, back to: Arrives by Mar 27. Looking bleak. Stopped ar my local Walmart today, they have plenty on the shelf but scans at regular price. On the website the only option was Delivery. Store pickup was disabled.