Recent content by Robster

Correct. Context is important. I meant for general, defensive use by non-sworn civilians. The reason I ask is I see many people carrying very expensive weaponry with a lot of gadgets attached to them (not that there's anything wrong with that). There's nothing wrong with optics, flashlights...

A question for the group. . . what goes into your decision about which gun you carry? Do you tend to stick with one brand / caliber? I know for me, reliability and safety is my first concern. After that is caliber, although we have so many good ammo choices nowadays, it just about doesn't...

I don't claim to know how a Hyundai oiling system works in detail, but I'm thinking that oil flows through the filter and into the engine sump (oil pan) before getting sucked up again through the pick-up screen. I guess it's possible that those bigger chunks that are showing on the magnet can't...

I expected it to be higher too.

I had to go to the dealership. The only OTA updates that are done are for the infotainment system-- I've had one of those updates so far.

This was the 1st run of Valvoline Restore and Protect and the first oil change for this truck--I intend to stay with Valvoline Restore and Protect unless there's a compelling reason to change paths. There were no real surprises in this report--I expected high copper at this low mileage...

Just last week I bought a 5-gallon bay-box of Valvoline Restore and Protect 0w-20 from Walmart for $127 shipped (including taxes). It was drop-shipped from Valvoline worldwide. That's roughly equivalent to the in-store price of $29 / 5qt jug. . . and I didn't have to go inside a WalMart.

Quick question. . . do the Champ eCore filters have the leaking filter by-pass spring?. . .or was that a Fram thing exclusively?

Correct. . .I'm aware that they were part of 1st Brands. . .It'll be interesting to see who Stellantis chooses as a supplier moving forward.

To the OP. . . it used to be that the OEM filters were considered adequate. . . because of the 1st Brands quality debacle and them being a prolific OEM supplier, that has kind of shattered the belief that OEM is automatically OK. I've always mostly used FRAM. . . for decades. I may go back to...

Agreed. . .there are better options for not much more money, and American-made. As mentioned, S&W and Ruger are good choices. I know nothing about Kahr Arms, but they seem to have a devout following also. If in doubt about reliability and durability, ask a cop what they're carrying. . . every...

MOST PEOPLE don't know or don't care about filters, or oil. BITOG members are statistical outliers when it comes to car maintenance. The people in these forums actually read the car's FM and then wonder, "How can I do it better". So yeah, MOST people will use whatever filter and oil the...

My Ram has no dipstick--I don't miss it as much as I thought I would!

Saw ARGOS yesterday in my local AAP store. From AI: ARGOS is a new private-label motor oil and fluids brand launched in early 2026, sold exclusively at Advance Auto Parts and Carquest locations. It offers full synthetic, synthetic blend, and heavy-duty oils designed for modern engines...

EDC requirements, simply put: 1. You shoot well with it within normal defensive distances (varies depending on circumstances). 2. It's comfortable (enough) to carry on your person that you won't wanna leave it at home or in your vehicle. 3. It's safe / secure to carry in your chosen holster...