Can I legally remove a GPS tracker I find on my car?
THE LAW AS IT RELATES TO PLACING GPS TRACKERS ON VEHICLES:(1) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit recently held in United States v. Katzin that law enforcement officers must have a valid warrant before installing a Global Positioning System (GPS) device on a suspect’s vehicle. This opinion builds upon the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in United States v. Jones, where the Court held that the installation of a GPS tracking device constitutes a search triggering Fourth Amendment protections.PROTECTING THE FOURTH AMENDMENT FROM EROSION:(2) The Third Circuit got it right. The Fourth Amendment cannot reasonably be understood to permit law enforcement officers to install GPS tracking devices without a warrant on vehicles of anyone merely suspected of a crime. The warrant requirement serves an invaluable purpose in safeguarding the American people from police overreach and tyranny. It requires a neutral magistrate to adjudicate whether there is probable cause for a search, rather than leaving that discretion in the hands of the government.EXECUTION OF A LEGAL WARRANT:(3) Any warrant must be served to be legal! If you find a GPS tracker on your vehicle remove it and take it to your local FBI office and demand to know who installed it and why! If it was illegally installed file a Title 42 Sec. 1983 lawsuit!
Whats the difference between all Dodge Challengers?
I sell them, and the difference in price is the different engines. Of course, the SE is base model, it's a V6 engine, then you have your R/T and your SRT-8, the SRT of course being the 6.1l HEMI. There aren't alot of options on one of these, there is an upgraded tire package, the sunroof, the My GIG with Nav, these are all options. Also, keep in mind that since these are so new and alot of dealerships aren't even getting one, they are going for above sticker alot of places.
Does removing the inside of a catalytic converter have any effect on the noise the car makes?
Gotta disagree with Bruce A McIntyre a wee bit on the sound issue. Many car entusiasts have been drilling out the center of Cats for a long time. However, he is correct about the back-pressure, and depending on the type of PCV (positive or negative)valve used, can upset the computer and all subsequent sensors.In addition, it is a violation of most state and/or Federal laws to alter/change/remove any emissions components on a vehicle.
What is the average cost to replace your car engine?
I've replaced numerous engines in everything from an inexpensive Chevy Chevette to a Grand Prix V8 in a BMW X5 AWD and a V12 in a McLaren F1, and everything in between. Engine replacement costs can vary wildly depending on application, the donor engine and who does the work. For most Japanese cars, there are frequently used Japanese engines available with low mileage. These are imported from Japan and are recovered from their aggressive auto recycling program. If you have a late-model Japanese car, this is usually the most economic and reasonable way to go, and most can be done for around $2000 out the door.For European luxury cars, the prices usually exceed the cost of the vehicle, so scrapping the car is unfortunately the best option, from a financial point of view. For most American cars, it's best to locate a good, low-mileage engine at a wrecking yard and have an independent mechanic do the installation. If your local wrecker doesn't have your specific engine, they can search using a parts "hotline." There are also engine rebuilders out there in larger metropolitan areas who can rebuild your existing engine from start to finish. You just leave the car and pick it up a few days later. However check these vendors carefully with the BBB and Yelp! to make sure they have a good reputation. Also, the additional service level may cost you more than you'd expect. I also recommend taking pictures of your car before you leave it with them to make sure it's returned to you in undamaged condition.
What are common causes of water leaking from under a car?
That depends on the quantity of water.It can only come from three places. The cooling system, or the windscreen washer system, or the exhaust.I'm pretty sure you can ignore the washer system.The exhaust will push out a small quantity of water as a natural result of the combustion of the fuel. It is obvious and will be evident as a small wet patch under the tail pipeI'm pretty sure you can ignore that too.If there is more than a very small puddle you probably have a coolant leak.Although why you should find the leak under your car at whatever moment you found it is a bit of a mystery. Unless it started just after you parked, purely by coincidence.If you have over heated the motor it will cause the water in the cooling system to steam. This will cause a small puddle.The fact that it has over heated is cause for investigation.The other reason might be that there was too much water in the system and it overflowed as a result.Water expands as it gets hotter. There is often a header tank that is designed to accommodate the extra volume of hot water. By filling the header tank over it's maximum while the car is cool, you over fill it. When the car reaches operating temperature the water will overflow through the overflow hose.
How do I tell if my car has company/factory fitted tinted glass or aftermarket tinted glass?
Usually, aftermarket tinted glass is a film applied after the vehicle is produced, so the film will generally stop just short of the edge of the glass to keep it from being damaged when the window is rolled up or down. Also, if you see any "bubbles" or air pockets behind the film you can just about guarantee it is after market, and not done very well.Factory fitted tinted glass will be smooth, with no bubbles, and the film will come to the edge of the glass since the film is applied before the glass is put into the vehicle.(edit) The more expensive vehicles have the "tint" laminated inside the glass, and will have no "film" at all.(endedit)
How do you open the hood of a locked car with a dead battery?
I find it interesting that the answers all say to stick the key in the door and unlock it. It's not that easy. The Volvo V40, and most, if not all post 2000 Volvo autos, as well as most current vw auto group cars, Mercedes, BMW, and several Japanese autos lock and unlock the doors electronically, meaning that they use the power lock solenoid, not linkages to the lock mechanisms. In order to unlock the doors to release the hood latch, one must raise the vehicle and connect a battery charger or jumper cable to the starter + terminal and to the vehicle chassis to activate the electrical system or charge the battery. One must be very careful not to short the positive lead to ground as this may cause damage, and one must also take care to assure that, when the vehicle is raised, it is safely ad properly supported with safety stands and wheel chocks to assure his/her personal safety. It may just be easier/safer to contact a towing company or roadside assistance (if offered through your auto insurance, this is definitely the best way to go) and have them perform the tasks necessary to assist you in releasing the locks to provide you access to the vehicle. Good luck.