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My wife has a 2003 CRV which has been a pretty good car. I have an 09 Impala. We are both in need of a new car. For reference, we're in southeast Michigan, and I'm a former master mechanic. We're considering a pair of CRV, probably 2016 or 17, likely certified used. We've had good service from...

I noticed my passenger wiper wasn't clearing well, so I changed the blades. On a side note, I'm lucky if I can get 6 months out of a set of blades. They simply end up not wiping well. 2009 Impala, 22" blades. Honestly, I think overall wiping effectiveness of both sides of the windshield has been...

No trouble codes. Less odor with vents on recirculation. The fumes are present even while driving, so I lean toward the leak being in the engine area or forward part of the exhaust. There's no evidence of a rich burn, though, per my wife, the gas mileage has diminished. Otherwise, the car runs...

2009 Impala. Replaced the driver's side wheel bearing as it was clearly trashed. The others seem fine, no play, but I'm aware that there can be vibration without easily detectable play. The vibration from the bearing is gone, but there is still a lower volume droning and vibration. The sound...

I was checking my wife's car for parasitic draw. I attached my Innova 3320 multimeter (has been very accurate so far) leads betweeen the negative cable and negative post. On the 10A scale ( 200mA to 10A) it reads .029. On the 0-200mA scale it reads 0.00. I checked everything repeatedly and have...

My 2009 Impala rapidly develops a haze on the outside of the windshield. For reference, due to this film and micro pitting, I replaced the windshield last year. I tried everything to get rid of the haze/film: multiple new wipers, Bon Ami, alcohol, 0000 steel wool, Cerama Bryte, Stoner Invisible...

I have a 2009 Impala with a AC Delco ACD34-60 685cca battery. Though I'm not having any trouble with the battery, I prefer to replace all car batteries after a max of 4 years. Michigan winters and summers tend to beat batteries up. In the past, we have had good luck with Walmart and Sam's Club...

My 12 year-old Yard Machines push mower is getting tired. It has the Briggs 6hp Quantum engine which has been incredibly reliable--first pull start almost every time. I have done nothing more than change the oil, filter and plug. But it is burning oil (not leaving a blue fog), rapidly blackening...

I have a 2009 Impala with new Rain-X Weatherbeater wiper blades. I notice a substantial clunk when the wipers reverse direction. I don't notice any play anywhere in the wipers or arm assembly. It might be from the rubber flipping during reversal (I need to take a closer look when I get a...

Picked up a used Impala a couple of months ago. I am slightly nervous about the stock Dexcool. Of course, I would never let it go as long as is recommended (100k, I think), but...should I change to a different coolant? It would certainly be difficult to get all of the old Dexcool out. Thanks, Bob

Had them on the car for 1 week, and the car is garaged at night. Noticed some minor streaking from the driver's blade. Wiped them with a wet rag and repeatedly get a huge amount of black gunk...can't get all of it off. Never had this issue with the $5 Anco blades...I assume that the blades are...

I have a 1997 Monte Carlo with the 3.1. The intake gaskets were replaced about 3(?) years ago. A few months ago, it pegged the temp and blew cold air. I changed the thermostat (NOT an easy job) and the problem was resolved. The problem recurred a few days ago. The oil looks fine, coolant might...

I have a 1997 Monte Carlo with the original starter (!), and a 2 year-old alternator. I noticed recently (even before the very cold weather) that it is cranking just a bit slower than usual--it isn't severe, but noticeable, and the car starts every time. I haven't had much time to do the...

I went to change the air filter on my wife's CR-V (about 10k miles on the filter), and noticed it is surprisingly clean. It is an inexpensive STP filter. Should I change the filter? I am a bit concerned that the filtering is sub-par due to the noted cleanliness. The replacement is a Purolator.

Other than regular oil, that is. I can't find an old thread where people discussed what they liked to use in their oil squirt can for general household purposes. I recall some interesting responses such as gear oil. I currently use spray lubes such as Tri-Flow, 3 in 1 and a few other sprays...

Im going to replace the front struts on my 1997 Monte Carlo (140k miles, struts never changed). I'm looking at the KYB GR2, Monroe Sensa-Trac, or AC Delco stockers from Rock Auto. My research indicates the KYB are firmer, the Monroes are a bit softer. Tough choice...as I certainly don't race...

My wife's 2003 CR-V has nearly 6k miles on the oil, which is M1 5w30 (great for our cold winter) and a Supertech filter. I had intended to change the oil at the 6-month mark (for convenience), but note that the oil still looks (and smells) very fresh. I am impressed! The recommended OCI for...

My mom-in-law's car needs 10,000 mi OCI. It is a 1998 Chevy Malibu, 3.1 V6. She drives 10k miles in 6 months (a lot of highway miles), so I want to minimize maintenance. In an nutshell: I have been changing her oil along with mine and my wife's, every 6 months. I was stunned to learn that her...

My 1997 Monte Carlo has developed an odd problem. My ABS gently activates in the final 10 or 20 feet of a stop. It is definitely the ABS. Interestingly, the ABS light does not illuminate. I checked all of the components, and discovered the passenger frint reluctor or tone ring is broken: I was...

Got the last 2 bottles of Redline SI-1, and needed another bottle, so I read the labels and purchased 3M Complete Fuel System Cleaner. It was pricey at $10. Here is the label: Hydrotreated light napthalenic petroleum distillates, medium alphatic solvent naptha, polyolefin amine (trade secret)...