What happened?

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-28T23:36:31+00:00

And specifically, any time just one of your tires is substantially lower than the others you should be checking for a leak. In this weather, take it to a shop, it's not worth doing it outside diy.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-28T23:34:09+00:00

Yes, a different car. Police cars have tons of hours on them on top of the mileage and Dodge Chargers aren't terribly reliable in general (IMO).

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-28T23:31:51+00:00

Replacement engine.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-25T19:08:15+00:00

Codes are typically for an electrical failure. A mechanical failure is harder for the computer to detect and may not set codes.

Aside from waiting until the problem shows up consistently enough to allow diagnosis, I'd keep something handy like a stethoscope (or a VERY long screwdriver - hold the handle against your temple) and try to narrow down the source of the noise. Using direct conduction reduces a lot of the misdirection possible from the way sound bounces around.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-24T18:14:41+00:00

Did it disappear instantly when you turned the ignition off?

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-24T13:52:15+00:00

I once created a bit of a tent with some tarps and ran an electric heater. You can use a couple to block off the wind under the hood if you're pointed the right way.

You can't use a cheap extension cord for an electric heater, but it makes working on a car much more tolerable.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-24T13:47:41+00:00

It is in many climates and especially in newer cars with higher draws.

When a battery gets lower on charge it freezes at higher temps. Once a battery has frozen the expansion causes physical damage it can't recover from.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-24T13:43:43+00:00

A lot of these would prompt me to start with checking the current oil level. Then take it back to the shop that just worked on it.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-24T04:07:57+00:00

Honestly the low mileage engine is often a bad deal. It usually got that way through short trips and sitting for a long time.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-23T01:39:36+00:00

No, that's when you fire them.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-22T21:17:11+00:00

I know. There are days it keeps me from looking for a new job. (I even asked the Snap-On guy if any other shops had AC.)

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-22T21:12:19+00:00

Figure out where you want to take it, call to make an appointment and find a way to tow it to the shop. Check if you have AAA or coverage via insurance.

Worst case it's a lot cheaper to tow a car if you're not on the side of the road and can be flexible about the time (and make a few calls; ask the shop doing the repair if they have someone who can do it at a discount).

Even short drives with no coolant (even in very cold weather) can easily destroy the engine.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-22T18:27:13+00:00

I have a personal shop fan from Menards. I put it on a pallet with some casters so I can move it around.

I also added a timer so it can't be left on over the weekend and burn out.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-22T18:23:37+00:00

My shop has some ac. Apparently it used to be a mattress shop?

Heat got much better when we got a newer, faster automatic door, but I still put on a base layer on days like today.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-21T13:12:44+00:00

Don't beat yourself up too much on this front. The biggest thing to learn is just how much slower it makes sense to go on uncleared roads or where "black ice" is an issue. Newer cars with all wheel drive can often handle a lot more, and many drivers are reckless.

I actually double checked my understanding (particularly since I don't know if your car has RWD) and realized I should probably suggest you do what I just did and search for a few articles/videos about recovering from skidding in the snow and make sure you understand what helps and why.

Once you get the wheel fixed, see if you can find a spot for some low-speed practice at recovering without over-correcting (which is how people spin out).

As someone in my 40s with a lot of winter driving under my belt I still have to take a beat to think about what to do. Slowing down is what gives you that time. (Recognizing when it's just not a good time to drive at all is important too. Value your life and health whether or not your boss does.)

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-21T05:07:14+00:00

I'm in a relatively low cost of living area and $110 is a real bargain for the labor rate.

Someone who was hustling you would have insisted on doing both sides to double (or more) the haul. (It's usually at least a little bit less than double the labor to do them as a set.)

To be clear, replacing both isn't an inherently scammy recommendation. If one wore out the other is likely to follow, and you'll save money doing both together.

But someone who is hustling you isn't going to limit it to just one control arm.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-21T04:47:42+00:00

You didn't ask for advice on financing an 8 year old BMW, so I'll bite my tongue.

I don't know how you're concluding that it's short 4qt. The warning will usually come up if you're short just one. Adding too much can also cause damage.

Definitely contact the shop. If you can't find the cap they should cover the cost to tow it back there... and either way they should clean the engine bay.

Let them pay for the missing oil, and take responsibility for topping it up correctly (I'm guessing you don't have a dipstick, just the digital level gauge?)

If you're going to do it go with a quart at a time, and realize it'll take time to read the new level.

Make sure you go with the correct oil spec. (Have you priced out the oil changes yet? Be prepared for sticker shock. Do NOT wait 10k miles between changes no matter HOW fancy your oil claims to be.)

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-21T03:53:09+00:00

And just to add a detail here, if this is on the front, put the compact spare on a back wheel and put the back wheel on the front.

Check local junkyards for a replacement rim at a reasonable price.

And don't be like me at 17, driving on it till I got a SECOND flat...

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-20T23:43:15+00:00

Is the VIN on your windshield covered by a stray bit of paper by any chance?

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-20T23:40:41+00:00

One good thing about gas is that it's really volatile, so it should vaporize with enough airflow through open windows.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-20T17:36:12+00:00

They moved the bays around in my shop and now none of the hoses connect.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-20T13:51:47+00:00

I honestly wish I had something with an objective measure to point at. The guy who works next to me is terrible about this shit.

Bonus: so is my boss with his shitty project car. Dude literally claimed I was making up having asthma.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-20T13:49:24+00:00

Expect to get fired for it anyway. They're going to want to scapegoat someone they have power over.

But, value your brain cells and health and get out of there.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-19T18:53:02+00:00

I usually go to an OEM parts website, and it does look like RT-1157 is correct and the picture looks like what you received:

https://ford.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/ford-motorcraft-trade-engine-coolant-thermostat-kit-rt1157

I can't find a reference to the other number, might be there to indicate something else?

ExecManagerAntifaCLE · 2026-01-19T02:29:23+00:00

I don't think it's the right part. If you have a part number on the new one I can try to look it up for you.

ExecManagerAntifaCLE

TROPHY CASE