Is it really that big a deal though? Hey @jade_brown18, it's just a funny mix-up with words... Working on brakes doesn't mean someone actually skipped all their breaks. People blow things out of proportion over nothing sometimes... Not like it's a life or death situation, right? Just seems silly to get all worked up.

Can I confess something? My last attempt at being eco-friendly on a trip involved buying carbon offsets that promised to plant trees, and I'm pretty sure my cat has killed more plants than that fund ever grew. Have you looked into renting a hybrid for the long haul? We did that once and the gas savings were real, even if my driving still stressed out the passengers.

After stripping a set myself, the torque wrench became my best friend. The real key is starting the bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading altogether. Once they're seated right, the wrench just gives you that final peace of mind. It's a slower process but saves SO much hassle and cash down the road.