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Who makes the best synthetic oil?

Can you please point me to the SAE paper containing this information, so that I purchase the SAE paper? Thanks.
- thecritic
- Post #79
- Aug 11, 2010
- Forum: The Garage
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About to tint my car - what tint percentage?

I called five shops in the Bay Area and in Orange County, and they all quoted me between $380-$440 for FormulaOne tint. It's expensive, but unfortunately it is also the going rate for this part of the country. I had my friend's car done today at Rocky Mountain with Llumar AIR 80% in the front...
- thecritic
- Post #35
- Apr 25, 2010
- Forum: The Garage
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I almost forgot how much fun an MKV 2.0T Engine is...

To the OP, if you have the FSI version watch out for the dreaded cam follower wear that will likely destroy your camshaft. You should get in the habit of checking the cam follower at least every other oil change and replacing it proactively. Also be sure to educate yourself on the issue of...
- thecritic
- Post #8
- Mar 18, 2010
- Forum: The Garage
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AWD car, with a hatch for around 10k?

Older Matrix/Vibe with AWD. They are painfully slow and not terribly fuel efficient, but are fairly reliable.
- thecritic
- Post #50
- Mar 18, 2010
- Forum: The Garage
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Sentra vs. Mazda 3

My mom owns a 2010 Altima with the V6 and the CVT. I would not even THINK about owning a four-cylinder with the CVT. A four cylinder simply does not have enough power to produce a "livable" combination with a CVT. The engine will sound like a chainsaw all the time and the CVT will have that...
- thecritic
- Post #21
- Mar 18, 2010
- Forum: The Garage
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UPDATE: The Fit is a GO - Type of car for a 24 year old business owner?

+1 Definitely go with the Mazda 3 over the Fit. The Fit is terribly underpowered and feels like a tin can. After 32k, my friend's '09 Fit hardly feels new and solid anymore. Besides, with my heavier foot I was getting 19 mpg while driving it around town-- you just have to constantly floor...
- thecritic
- Post #143
- Mar 18, 2010
- Forum: The Garage
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Lexus IS250 engine problems

Is it possible? Definitely. http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4442894 Is it a problem with the Toyota DI engines? Not that I'm aware of. I've heard that Toyota uses both port and DI, that way the intake valves stay clean as opposed to the DI-only setup on the VW 2.0T.
- thecritic
- Post #7
- Jan 31, 2010
- Forum: The Garage
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Car shopping, what else should I look at?

Just picked up a 2010 Altima 3.5SR V6 a few weeks ago and yes, Nissan retuned the VQ35De for 87, but only for the Altima.
- thecritic
- Post #41
- Jan 24, 2010
- Forum: The Garage
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Got a new ride...

Congrats on the new car, but I hope you are aware of the brake system issues with these cars. There have been many brake noise complaints with the factory pads, but have been easily remedied by switching to a premium aftermarket ceramic pads. Also, due to the heavy rear brake bias, the rear...
- thecritic
- Post #14
- Nov 9, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Looking for a new car...

I don't care for the Malibu's driving position, but then again it's a YMMV when it comes to driving positions. My biggest gripe about the Malibu is the transmission software that is clearly calibrated for maximum fuel economy. It shifts to a higher at the earliest possible time and stays...
- thecritic
- Post #28
- Sep 28, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Suggestions for a new car

It seems like you're looking at all kinds of different cars. From what it sounds like, you just want something different and with a bit better fuel economy. The new 2010 Prius is a great car and contrary to what some have mentioned, its benefits do not disappear on the highway. The engine is...
- thecritic
- Post #31
- Sep 28, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Tire PSI question

It depends on a number of things-- the weight of the vehicle, load carry capacity of the tires, ride comfort, having a margin of error, etc.
- thecritic
- Post #51
- Sep 15, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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do i need new tires?

Yup, and a new set of tires is probably less than your insurance deductible.
- thecritic
- Post #21
- May 17, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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do i need new tires?

Waiting until 2/32 to replace your tires is like waiting until you are on fumes before filling up. Replacing your tires at 4/32" is like filling up when your low fuel light comes on. Therefore, I would replace the two rear tires immediately. Since you are only replacing two tires, be sure to...
- thecritic
- Post #19
- May 17, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Memory Upgrade for Dell Inspiron 1520

Thanks guys, I just ordered the Kingston HyperX from NewEgg. I'll call Crucial on Monday to cancel my order. Thanks again for all of the great advice!
- thecritic
- Post #6
- Apr 19, 2009
- Forum: Memory and Storage
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Memory Upgrade for Dell Inspiron 1520

I do have the latest BIOS, version A09. Both the Crucial and the Kingston HyperX are 1.8v, so I'm not sure how that's an issue here? The Kingston HyperX memory that I was looking at has a 4-4-4-12 latency. According to CPU-Z, my current memory has a 5-5-5-15 latency. Also, should I...
- thecritic
- Post #3
- Apr 19, 2009
- Forum: Memory and Storage
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Memory Upgrade for Dell Inspiron 1520

I currently own a Dell Inspiron 1520 that I bought in July 2007. When I bought it, I ordered it with 2GB of dual-channel, DDR2 PC2-5300 memory. Fast forward to today. I've discovered that 2GB doesn't seem to be enough at times for Vista Premium and Windows 7, so I decided that it was time add...
- thecritic
- Thread
- Apr 19, 2009
- Replies: 5
- Forum: Memory and Storage
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Alternative transmission Fluid?

Yes, that's what I forgot to add. Chances are, the problem is not fluid related. Your best option at this point is to have the problem diagnosed by a trained technician.
- thecritic
- Post #9
- Apr 18, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Alternative transmission Fluid?

Lubrizol is one of the largest additive suppliers on the market and their multi-vehicle additive system has been on the market for several years now. While the additive package lacks OEM approval and has not gone through the same amount of testing as an approved fluid, there have not been any...
- thecritic
- Post #7
- Apr 18, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Wiper Blades

My last set of wiper blades, Trico Exact Fits, lasted over three years. Of course, the wipers are used sparingly when it's raining and the car is always garaged. On the other hand, prior to installing the Valeo Ultimate blades on the car that I mentioned in the original post, the original Toyota...
- thecritic
- Post #6
- Mar 8, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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how much can I bargain on a used car?

I personally know GM's director for drivetrain lubrication. He did not recommend using the GM fluid in Hondas for obvious reasons. With that said, I personally do not think it's acceptable for an owner to have to "cover up" a serious design flaw. The problem can be fixed, but it requires a...
- thecritic
- Post #19
- Mar 7, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Wiper Blades

It's that time of year again-- winter. For many of us, there's a lot of snow and/or rain in the forecast, which makes having functional wiper blades to be critical. Consumer Reports concluded in their latest test that most wiper blades perform very well when they are new, but nearly all of...
- thecritic
- Thread
- Mar 7, 2009
- Replies: 23
- Forum: The Garage
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Engine is Burning Oil

For the record, I cannot personally say that the stuff works. I was unable to discern any differences in engine performance or oil consumption after the treatment.
- thecritic
- Post #77
- Mar 6, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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how much can I bargain on a used car?

People "fixed" the problem by blindly experimenting with transmission fluids. People have found that the GM synchromesh FM transmission fluid has cured the problem. People discovered this through blind experimentation, as GM never recommended or tested their fluid in a Honda manual transmission...
- thecritic
- Post #16
- Mar 6, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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I bought a 99 Avalon today, are they reliable as the Camry?

The Avalon engines do not tolerate lack of oil changes, they WILL sludge up if you do not adhere strictly to the recommended 5k interval. A lot of the 97-01 Camrys had strut and strut mount problems. Installing a Monroe Quick Strut was usually the easiest but most expensive way of resolving...
- thecritic
- Post #7
- Mar 6, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Engine is Burning Oil

Dyson Analysis has tested Auto-RX, take it for what it's worth: http://www.auto-rx.com/pages/field_data_sheets.html :shrug:
- thecritic
- Post #75
- Mar 6, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Acura Car...not the TL, but the RL...

Original link doesn't work.
- thecritic
- Post #18
- Mar 5, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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how much can I bargain on a used car?

Too many problems with the transmission on those TLs. The 6-speed manual had a 3rd gear issue that requires an overhaul to correct. I'd pass. Plus, the upcoming timing belt, water pump, spark plugs and valve adjustment service at around 105k would cost you about $1200 at a Honda dealer. Keep...
- thecritic
- Post #13
- Mar 5, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Repair schedule question

After two years, I would replace the engine and cabin air filters as they are probably dirty. I'm not familiar with Subarus in particular, but if it has the conventional antifreeze, that calls for a change every two years or 30k, whichever comes first, as the fluid degrades with time as well. If...
- thecritic
- Post #8
- Mar 5, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Need new tires for the WRX

I wouldn't go with the Kumho ASX tires. Their treadlife seems to be so-so. Summer tires will give you the best grip and handling at temperatures above 40F. However, their treadlife is only about 15k on average. Your best option would be to get an ultra high performance all-season tire, such as...
- thecritic
- Post #29
- Mar 5, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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How can I tell if my synthetic oil needs changing?

The oil needs to be replaced ANNUALLY or at the desired mileage, whichever comes first. If your vehicle has the GM Oil Life Monitor, then you should go by that or one-year, whichever comes first, in the future. There's always a one-year time requirement as the oil filter materials may...
- thecritic
- Post #13
- Mar 5, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Loud brakes after new pads?

You installed them correctly-- aftermarket pads already come with shims and you should NOT reuse the original shims, otherwise, you might cause the pads to drag. Synthetic caliper grease or Molykote77 would be the correct compound to use for noise reduction on the pad shim, not the tacky...
- thecritic
- Post #8
- Mar 5, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Engine is Burning Oil

chucky2, I'm one of the more "original" members of BITOG, and I remember your UOA posts. Frank is no longer a sponsor of BITOG. His "babysitting" and obnoxiousness eventually caught up with him and in order to do damage control, he left for his own good. To the original poster, the Toyota...
- thecritic
- Post #68
- Mar 5, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Do not know much about Audis...is this a good car and deal

Have fun with that, I'd pass unless you are a DIY guy.
- thecritic
- Post #18
- Feb 15, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Anyone flush their coolant themselves?

If it isn't overdue and you are using the same coolant as before, you can just drain the radiator and engine block and all of the sediment and most of the fluid will come out. The radiator drains using a peacock valve, so you can stop it once your pan is full, empty it, then restart. When you...
- thecritic
- Post #2
- Jan 28, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Replacing A/C Belts

$450 is a little high, but not outrageous. The dealer would probably charge $40 for both belts and an hour's labor to install them. So $40 for parts and $120 for labor. I bet the OE stabilizer bar links are around $50 each, and labor is a little over an hour to take care of those. So $100...
- thecritic
- Post #5
- Jan 28, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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All season tire recommendation.

The treadwear rating is only valid when comparing tires from the same brand.
- thecritic
- Post #19
- Jan 22, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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All season tire recommendation.

Vehicle Curb weight / Make and model: 1996 Saturn SL2 Drive Bias (FD/ RD/ AWD): FWD State ( average temperature in winter / summer ): CA, 45F/90F (therefore, I'm not sure if my review will help you at all, as all-seasons are a real crapshoot in snow. We don't get snow here.) Tire makes /...
- thecritic
- Post #17
- Jan 22, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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1999 Chevy Malibu

Just buy a KD Tools Gearwrench 3680 Serpentine Belt Tool. That's the tool that you will need to tension/untension the serpentine belt tensioner. AutoZone has a tool loaner program that should have a serpentine belt tool available as well. Like Jensenfc said, release the tensioner by turning...
- thecritic
- Post #8
- Jan 6, 2009
- Forum: The Garage
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Replace Water Pump with Timing Belt?

Mainly because it isn't a scheduled maintenance item, and also because you must draw the line between preventive maintenance and overkill. We only started the practice of preemptively replacing water pumps around 100k when the imports required timing belt jobs at the same mileage. Previously...
- thecritic
- Post #17
- Jan 1, 2009
- Forum: The Garage

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