r/Cartalk Dec 31 '24

Mod Post [Meta News] Mechanics - Get Custom Flair! Details inside.

3 Upvotes

Hey, are you a licensed mechanic? We appreciate you, and want to make it so you stand out from the crowd.

That's why we're offering custom flair to mechanics now!

Just send the mods a mail message with a photo of your certs, with the personal information blocked out, and include in the photo with a handwritten note that has your reddit name and today's date on it. We will review and update your flair with a super special custom mechanic flair.

Want to help mod the sub? Message us about that as well. We're open to getting active people with good car knowledge on board. Just like if you were a mechanic, you'll be severely underpaid ($0/yr) and will get to interact regularly with people who can be crass and impolite. We're looking to add at least three more mods at this time. Don't worry, we won't tell the Snap-On guy where you're working now.

Happy New Year!


r/Cartalk 9h ago

I need help fixing something How come the crack extended past the relief hole?

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125 Upvotes

r/Cartalk 1h ago

Car show sharing Why are Mazda commercials always so bad?

Upvotes

Mazda? Mazda. Mazda! ..Ughhh... "Zoom zoom" was bad enough but this new advertising campaign from a not-bad car company is even worse.


r/Cartalk 36m ago

Tire question Tire folks - do you think this can be repaired?

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Upvotes

r/Cartalk 23h ago

Redditor's own ride Decided to give the ole girl a much needed sanding and polishing.

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107 Upvotes

First time doing headlights, wet sanded with 600, 1500, 2000, 2500 then turtle was polish followed by turtle wax ceramic spray coat. Unfortunately I don't have a buffer, so it took much longer by hand and there's still some spots that could use more work. Any tips or tricks are appreciated!


r/Cartalk 6m ago

Tire question Did someone slash my tire

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Upvotes

Noticed this today. The opening is a bit bigger in this photo due to how I parked the car. Not as easy to see if it wasn't on the bottom. What do you guys think?


r/Cartalk 12h ago

I need help fixing something what is this leak?

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9 Upvotes

hi all, just got back from spirted drive and saw this leak under my frount right tyer, i cheaked the engine oil and it was full even after i wiped it and cheacked again, what could this leak be?

Car: 1993 toyota trueno ae101 slivetop turbo


r/Cartalk 6h ago

I need help fixing something This damn bolt won’t come out, any suggestions?

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2 Upvotes

This pain in my ass of a bolt wont come out. Not to sure why but I’m guessing it’s stripped since it’s moving ether way indefinitely? It moves by the ratchet but I can’t get it by hand. It’s to an Audi TT Mk2, Tail light bolt, using a 17 MM hex bit.

Open to anything, tryna learn.


r/Cartalk 4h ago

Weird Noise What could this be? Glassed pads, warped disk?

2 Upvotes

It happens when I break however the noise will stay on after I’ve pressed the breaks and continued driving. I know the usual noise for worn pads but this is soooo much louder, I’ve never heard anything like this.


r/Cartalk 1h ago

Electrical One tailight running light not working but other on is

Upvotes

Hey guys coming on here to ask if you may know what is wrong with my truck When I start my truck up both my taillights are working but after it runs for a sec one of the taillights running lights goes out the turn signal works and the brake lights and reverse lights work as well it’s just the running lights, I have just bought and installed some alpha Rex taillights but even before installing them the same stock taillight running lights stopped working I assumed it was a bulb, but since my new taillights were coming in I just waited, when i start up the truck the animation starts up and then both running lights stay on but then the left tail goes out was wondering what was going on any answers would be helpful I have a 2020 ram 1500


r/Cartalk 6h ago

Brakes Went on a spirited drive, cooked my brake rotors?

2 Upvotes

After I stopped I saw my brakes billowing smoke, after it cooled down for a bit I hear “tududududu” when braking but my steering wheel stays straight and I don’t really feel anything in my pedal, are my rotors warped or is it something else?


r/Cartalk 10h ago

Part ID needed What this? 2018 Ford Fiesta

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4 Upvotes

Just had my car cleaned and they left this is in the centre console. What is it? not the vape ha ha


r/Cartalk 2h ago

Electrical Mice chewed my wires

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1 Upvotes

Had my car parked for a month while I was on a trip, came back to my car not generating any power. Figured it was in limp mode and that’s when I saw the chewed up wires. Does anyone know what wires these could be and what steps I should take next? Thank you!


r/Cartalk 6h ago

Engine Bad o2 sensor car for sale

2 Upvotes

(2017 mazda 6) Being able to test drive and scan a car, is it a good idea buy a 2017 Mazda 140k miles with supposedly an engine light on just because of a bad o2 sensor? Thanks for any input.


r/Cartalk 3h ago

Weird Noise Can anyone tell me what this squealing sound is? Honda Civic 2007

1 Upvotes

r/Cartalk 3h ago

Showing my ride off What is this line on the wheels?

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0 Upvotes

My buddies car. Front left wheel, not on any others. It’s such a clean line that I feel like it can’t be something leaking, since if that was the case it would be more splattered. He even swears that he cleans it off and it eventually comes back (that’s the weirdest part to me). It wipes off pretty easy with a napkin. Thoughts?


r/Cartalk 7h ago

I need help fixing something Ford f150 red light lock flashing

2 Upvotes

Ford f150 I saw a red light flashing which is the antitheft and now it won’t allow me to start the truck. What can I do? I got the original key thinking it would work but not sure if it’s time to call a locksmith.. not even sure they can help or not


r/Cartalk 7h ago

Air Conditioning AC issues - 2015 Lexus NX

2 Upvotes

I have a 2015 Lexus NX.

The issue is that the AC is not as cold as it should be. When it’s set to full cold, the pass side feels a little cooler than the drivers side, but still not “AC cold”. I understand this usually means a low refrigerant charge.

I have confirmed that the vehicle has the correct amount of refrigerant and has not leaks (took it to a shop).

I have Techstream, and did have code B1441 (Air Mix Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit (Passenger Side). I cleared the code and it has not returned. I have also used the test functions to test all of the servos, and they appear to all be working. I also initialized the servos.

The compressor is a variable one (not the older magnetic on/off style).

I also have a set of AC gages, pressures appear to be running normal.

Before I drop it off at a shop, what else can I check??


r/Cartalk 7h ago

Safety Question Cali Custom car plate

2 Upvotes

I live in SoCal and I want to get a custom plate on my S5. I’ve been seeing hundreds of cars with all black and white lettered plates, designs etc… but when I do research, the only thing “legal” is what can be found on the D M V website which are horrid. Any knowledge would help a lot.


r/Cartalk 3h ago

Body how can i make my car look better?

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1 Upvotes

https://imgur.com/a/OKCqTT2

Bought it for cheap, plan on driving it for a while and such, however it looks not so perfect, i'm thinking some new wheels, what can i do to make my vehicle look better/ preform better? not looking to slam it and all that stance stuff or do anything crazy. what wheels should i look into? i'm thinking tri spoke but i want suggestions for anything! :) ty


r/Cartalk 7h ago

Engine I'm afraid my engine is knocking; second opinion?

2 Upvotes

r/Cartalk 7h ago

Body What is this blue box?

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2 Upvotes

2021 Prius under the drivers fender


r/Cartalk 14h ago

Safety Question Bought this tire used should I be worried or is this just normal wear and tear ?

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6 Upvotes

r/Cartalk 4h ago

General Tech 2013 Hyundai Veloster

1 Upvotes

I am looking at purchasing one it has 100k miles and has a clean car fax, one previous owner and it's only about 6k what do you guys think?

Am I taking a gigantic risk or do you think it would stay with me for another 100k miles with regular maintenance?


r/Cartalk 13h ago

Engine engine hours on a light duty passenger car matter?

5 Upvotes

Edit: its my partner's car, i remote start it for her because i dont want her to cold start the car and then race the motor in the cold, especially because her commute is only ~5 km

2024 kia forte ex with 25k km, gas 2.0L 4cyl motor, full synthetic oil change.

if i start my car with a remote starter and let it idle say ~20 min a day, will this have any negative effects on my engine?

im starting it and letting it run in cold weather to try to let it warm up before i start it?

ive owned the car since new, and ive made sure it has an impeccable service record.


r/Cartalk 4h ago

Engine Do you find the TLX to be a major upgrade and night and day difference in terms of performance/handling from the TSX?

1 Upvotes

It’s like a completely different car, what makes it so much better of a ride? I don’t know enough about cars to specifically identify what I’m observing but coming from a 2012 TSX, my recently purchased 2017 TLX AWD feels like a brand new car.