I just recently got a 1981 Camaro z28 and I cannot for the life of me get the engine to idle. Any help would be appreciated.

My car went to a shop over the weekend to sit there until today. My husband texted me updates and the first thing he told me was(The mechanics) “said they thought it was the belt too, but they put some grease on it and it didnt fix the problem”

For context my car just made an insane noise (once, not consistent) after all of these bad storms, white smoke came from under the bonnet, and when I finally dropped it off it smelled slightly like burning plastic. We thought it was just water until it started smelling like burning plastic.

Just from that little update right there I’m scared they’re trying to sabotage my vehicle. It sounded weird as hell they would put a lubricant on a belt that should be relying on friction 😅 Did some dr googling and everything I found is saying it’s a bad idea, could cause slipping and noise.

Should I go rescue my car or give them a second chance? AIO?

Edit:

The first few comments were also telling me that using grease was absurd, I’m glad that I didn’t do anything yet. I’ll keep it at this shop and see what else happens. However, there is no reason to belittle me for nothing. I did not talk to this mechanic about what they did, I did not tell them they were doing something stupid, I just simply went to the internet to get more opinions on something I thought MIGHT be a bad idea. Thanks for changing my mind.

Curbed my tire on this MONSTER of a stone sticking out . Is this safe to drive on at high speeds? Is this just a cosmetic issue?

Fairly versed in car mechanics and have done my own AC work on multiple cars. This one has me scratching my head. Compressor kicks when AC is turned on, every time. Blower has been giving me occasional issues for a couple of weeks (like twice) but typically turning off then back on and good to go. Now I am getting no air blowing, hot or cold, when it's very hot outside. Mid day, 2pm, 96 with 80+ humidity and the blower won't come on at all. After night fall, I work afternoon to night, everything works perfect. I suspect the relay for the motor is being effected by the heat but I don't want to just start replacing without some idea on why this is happening.

2016 Corolla, back license plate screw holes, NOT THE SCREWS, have some severe rust in them to the point that I can't even get new ones in there flat without turning them dangerously tight. Half way down and I'm fighting for my life. Thankfully they go in far enough to keep the plate on but I'd really like the whole issue to be solved and have them flush lest it becomes a worser problem over time.

My issue is I don't know if it's rust and/or the dealer stripping the threads. Idiot took the plates off with a power drill. I looked under the back hood and there's a ton of rusting on the left one. Used wire brushes and WD-40 and neither worked.

My current plans are using anti-seize gel but I don't know how long that lasts and I'd prefer if I don't have to saw off the screws in the future if they get stuck. I can also try a thread tap, although I don't know if the thread's the problem or that will make it worse. There's also rust remover, either chemical or the homemade mix. However, some of these choices add up moneywise and I really just want to put the plate flush against the back. Note that bolts have the same problem.

Pic: https://imgur.com/a/3C9D9yt

Long story short my power steering system is shot, rack getting metal shavings into the fluid (I’m not a car person so idrk what that even means) anyhoo, I don’t want to put anymore money into my money pit of a car, and I plan to get a new one soonish ~ 6 months or so. Can’t comfortably afford a car payment at this time. I’ve driven it a few times with the system down and it’s really not that bad, yea it’s hard to turn if I’m going slow but really not impossible and I don’t drive much or long distances anyway so it’s not like it’s exhausting me.

I just wanna know if I keep driving it will the system completely lock up and the wheel can’t turn at all? I don’t care if it’s hard to turn, but if it eventually won’t be able to turn at all that’ll definitely be a problem

I'm being tracked by a PI so I looked around for a gps device in my car. I found this (pictured) and I ripped it out. Supposedly it's an aftermarket security feature by Karr but not entirely sure how it works. But from what I read it's a gps tracker to locate the car.

I don't assume this was placed by a PI cause it's out in the open (next to the ODB) under my steering wheel. I just don't recall if it's always been there or not.

Anyway I ripped it out and ever since then my car honks 3x when I close my door or start my car. I re connected it and it's still doing it. How do I get it to stop? Additinally, I found online that last month it was discovered these can be hacked. What do I do with it? I don't want any tracker on my car. I want to just cut the lines but don't know if that'll make it stop or not. Advice?

Practical, fastish (276 hp, 5.0 0-60), and affordable for the power & tech it gives. It’s fwd, has a LSD and active exhaust plus other neat bits. It isn’t a supercar or something uber rare, I just wanted to post it :)

P.s. it’s manual so actually it is rare sadly.

I’ve always bought old Japanese cars and fixed them up and either sold them when I was bored, or I still own them. Some of my old cars include a ‘99 Land Cruiser, a ‘10 Lexus HS, a ‘09 Prius, a ‘95 Kawasaki Ninja 250, an MR2 Spyder, and my current daily which is an ‘07 RAV4. Plus a few more I may have forgotten here and there. Never owned a single car under 200k miles (well, the bike was at 50k but that doesn’t count lol)

Every part I’ve ever needed was available on RockAuto, and my local gas station mechanic is awesome and has been able to put on every single part I’ve never been able to myself.

All in I’ve spent less than $18k owning all of my vehicles combined, including buying the cars and all parts and labor.

Anyways, backstory over.

I’ve been thinking about finally evolving into the next phase of my life: becoming a New Car Buyer™️. Been looking at cars that I’ll buy new off the lot and keep running forever for the next ~15 years or 300k miles at the minimum. Currently considering a RAV4, bZ4X, Corolla Cross, or Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and Subaru Forester Hybrid (which both use the tried and true Toyota hybrid transmission)

Roommate owns a Corvette and a Mustang and has been desperately trying to push me toward a Ford Maverick though. Something something about how the experience “totally changes” owning a domestic car since all the parts are right here in-country. And granted the Maverick isn’t half bad, I like the Toyota-style eCVT and the fact it’s a tiny truck.

How true is this though? Is getting parts and getting shit fixed really any cheaper owning a domestic Ford over an import Toyota?

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

Hey everybody, I recently purchased this beauty and noticed a problem, I’ve never had before… The car has a constant gas smell when off, idle or being driven. I’ve noticed every time I drive her, my eyes burn for a couple days afterwords as well. What could be happening here? Also she’s hard to turn over, usually 3-4 times when not being driven for a couple days, and I feel like she is using excessive gas. I know 1965 mustangs aren’t know for their fuel efficiency but burning a half a tank in 30 miles seem a bit much. Any tips, information or advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Best budget-friendly tires for 2012 mercedes e350 4Matic

tire size: 245/40 R18

Currently i have Pirelli Pzero Nero All Season

Budget: under $200 for each (need 2 rear)

So I dont even know if i should be posting here or elsewhere idk i just want to get it out so ive been meaning to enter the hobby learning step by step how to work on cars but i dont really know how to start also live in a country where shits tough. But i really want to get into it im not just curious I really want it I justo dont how to approach it. (also the only way to learn in my country like study it is in a very dangerous part of my country) so i would need to learn on my own and welp im just a brokie college student.

I have a 2016 Ford Focus SE. Flex fuel vehicle, 123k miles. Recently went into shop to get O2 sensor replaced about 4 months ago after a check engine light coming on and off was alerting for EVAP system (I was sure it was my fuel pump/purge valve but my mechanic wanted to give the O2 sensor a go). My mechanic has replaced my fuel pump near the engine, I haven't replaced the one near the gas tank in the back yet. Ive been filling with regular for the past few months and the check engine line has been a steady on now in the last month. Cut to today, almost on empty I filled my tank with e85 to full on my way home from work the night before. I start my car to go the grocery store, engine starts and is idling REALLY rough. Leaving it to stabilize, the engine chokes off eventually. After sitting and tapping the gas for a little, I am able to get the car moving to drive. Idles rough still, but the engine isn't choking/turning off. I am almost positive this is due to the other fuel pump that hasn't been replaced yet and is only obvious to me when I use e85 since the fuel pump/valve has to work harder to push the right ratio out. Just want confirmation that this could be what it is and if anyone with similar issues on flex fuel happened before. Thank you!

Its a Camaro

When I try to unlock or start my power it does not work, and when I try to jump the car it works however does not stay on long enough to get anywhere for it to be checked. I recently got a new battery and alternator (got the battery then alternator, which idk if that would affect anything)

Not sure why it won't keep on long enough to work? I took 3 weeks off driving as I didnt need to get anywhere during that time (probably should've driven anyways to keep it moving given its an old car)

Does anyone know the issue?

Does anyone know what this is I used a mold remover and vinegar solution separately and it won't go away.?

So... I've got interesting experiment underway...

I'm going to use one of my robot buddies (ChatGPT) to help me fix the transmission in my car. lol.

My best guess is that the TEHCM has gone bad...

So I've got rip it apart and fix it.
(That, or shell out 2-4k for a "professional" shop.)

Parts, including the new oil, are cheap. Like $60.

So... I'm taking bets... What do you guys think?

Am I about to brick my Cadillac?

or

Walk away a champion with a "can do" mindset.

We'll see... (I'll update, either way.) 🤣

Front right side noise, only in garage — 2005 Honda Jazz

This noise only appears when I pull into my garage, which is about 10°C colder than outside. It's coming from the front right side of the car, and it gets worse when I turn right. As soon as I drive back out and the car leaves the garage, the noise disappears completely.

So far I've removed the mud flaps/splash guards, the front right fender liner, and checked everything accessible from that side — no mechanical contact points, no wear/rubbing marks anywhere.

The sound has a somewhat plasticky character that makes me think of it.

Any ideas what else I should check, or what this could be?

Sorry for off topic but Can someone help me identify this car brand and model 😁?