tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85506454472352078452024-03-27T09:05:54.521-06:00The Auto RulesSome opinion, some technical mumbo jumbo, followed by some opinionUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-67847265757723117562014-07-15T17:38:00.001-06:002014-07-15T17:38:24.027-06:00Avoid the DIY A/C Charge<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So summer time is here and you are feeling the heat. When you
get into your car that has been parked outside in the hot sun in can be 150
degrees in there, and if you just roll down the window it doesn’t really help.
If it’s 90 degrees outside, that’s better than 150 but it’s not enough to stay
comfortable. Blowing 90 degree air into your face does nothing to cool you down
like 36 degree air from your air conditioning system. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So you decide to see what you need to do to fix your A/C
system. When you go to any auto parts store or any retail store with an
automotive section you will always find a can of stuff to put into you’re A/C
system to charge it. They say this will fix your A/C right up, and you can roll
along in comfort. What they are selling is refrigerant in a can. This is
required to make a refrigeration system, such as your A/C, function.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The problem is, charging the A/C is not as easy as adding a
quart of oil to the engine, not only that but there are several things that can
go wrong with your A/C, and running low on refrigerant is only one of them. To
go even further, even if low refrigerant level is the cause of your lack of A/C
performance, how do know this low level isn’t caused by a big leak that will
cause your new can of refrigerant to run out in two or three days?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes the A/C quits working because it is low on
refrigerant, and sometimes there is not really any reparable leak. If the
system has slowly gotten warmer and warmer over the years then the possibility
of just giving it a charge to repair becomes very likely. If the system was
working normally one day, and then quit working over the course of a day or
two, then charging the system will do no good because the refrigerant will just
leak right back out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only way to determine what your system needs is to have a
professional check it out. They will be able to determine exactly what is
causing the A/C to blow warm air. They can check for leaks, and fix anything
that might be a problem. They can determine exactly how low the system might be
and they can charge the system with the exact amount of refrigerant that is
needed to make things work perfectly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you buy a can of refrigerant from the store to
do-it-yourself, you need to have knowledge of exactly how refrigeration works,
and exactly how your system is set up, or you might overcharge it. Overcharging
the system will not only make it function improperly and blow warm air, but it
can lead to major damage within the system that could cost thousands of dollars
to repair. Without the correct tools, over charging is very easy to do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Some cans of refrigerant will come with a gauge that is to be
used to determine how much charge is needed. This gauge is insufficient and
will not work well enough, even in the hands of a professional. A professional will use a manifold gauge set that contains a </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">gauge</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> for high side </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">readings,</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> and a gauge for low side readings. Both sides must be viewed in order to determine if the system is properly charged. Even if you had the proper gauge set, there are no magic numbers that you can shoot for on the gauges to say the system is now full. Pressures change based on many factors and a good deal of experience is needed to determine if the pressures are correct for the vehicle and for ambient conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_11883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_11883.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A typical A/C gauge set.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another problem with doing this yourself is many of the
products that you can buy to charge your A/C system are not what you want and
will cause further problems. For example, some cans of refrigerant come with
compressor oil mixed into the refrigerant. This is never needed for a recharge
but half the cans sold at auto parts stores have oil in them. Adding too much
oil will cause the system to function improperly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the cans of refrigerant have stop leak added to them so
that if you have a leak, the stop leak will supposedly fix it. As if to say just add a can
and you will be all fixed up. This is especially bad. Any stop leak in any form
is bad, but A/C stop leak is the worst stuff in the world. If you have this in
your A/C system it will ruin many of the components in the system if an A/C
line ever has to be opened for system repair. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once A/C stop leak is exposed to air it solidifies and ruins
all that it touches. Some shops will run tests on your vehicle before doing A/C
work just to look for stop leak. If they get it in their A/C service equipment
it can ruin the equipment. They run the test and if it comes back positive they
may tell you to take a hike.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Run away from anything like this</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rarely do I ever advocate against a car owner dabbling in auto repair and maintenance, because I think it is so empowering for the individual car owner to learn how to take care of things themselves, but with A/C system service things are different. With so many variables in A/C repair don’t take a chance on
the DIY A/C charge. Leave this job to the professionals. In the end it may cost
you less money than messing it up on your own and then having the professional
fix your mistakes. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-74533948327819984882014-05-24T20:47:00.000-06:002014-05-24T20:47:06.454-06:00Deceptive Lights: The Battery Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dash lights that mysteriously and randomly illuminate mean
things. What they mean is almost never what you might assume and without a
little bit of knowledge about what the intention of the engineer was that
designed this light you may never be able to make a correct guess.<br />
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The battery light is one of these deceptive lights. This is
the light that when illuminated, looks like a little car battery with two
terminals with a plus and minus sign on each side. We call this light the
battery light because it looks like a battery, but if you look up the real name
in the owners manual it’s probably referred to as something like the “Charging
System Indicator Light” or some such thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This light does not indicate that your battery is bad, nor
does it really indicate anything related to battery condition or function. This
light will illuminate when the vehicle’s charging system output drops below a
predetermined voltage, usually somewhere in the neighborhood of 11 to 12 volts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When you first turn the key on to start your car this light
comes on because the charging system isn’t doing anything. The alternator will
not put out any electricity until the engine is running, thus the light stays
on. Once the engine starts the battery light should go out because the
alternator is now doing its job, and charging system voltage is at normal
levels. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Older cars used a circuit of opposing voltages to make this
light come on. This means that voltage from the battery and voltage from the alternator
meet from two directions at this light in the dash. As long as the alternator
is working correctly neither one of the opposing voltages can flow through the
light and cause it to illuminate. If the alternator output falls to something
too low, the voltage from the battery will overcome the alternator output,
voltage will flow through the light, and it will illuminate. Newer vehicles
have computers that monitor alternator output and if it drops too low, the
computer turns the light on. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If this light comes on while driving what is the best thing
to do? Hopefully you can either get the car home, or to the mechanic in a
timely manner. If this light comes on it means that charging system voltage is
very low, perhaps nonexistent, and the only thing keeping electricity flowing
to vital engine control systems is the battery. When the engine is running
electricity is needed to power the fuel pump, produce a spark for combustion,
and run the computer that controls everything. Once the battery is drained because
the charging system isn’t functional the engine control systems shut down and
the engine stalls.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The alternator is where all voltage in the electrical system<br />Originates when the engine is running.</td></tr>
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So if this light comes on while driving you should do
everything you can to conserve the electricity in the battery and get to
someplace where you can have the car looked at by a mechanic. Shut off the
radio and any other electrical devices that are not vital, rear defrost, air
conditioning, blower fans. Turn off any unnecessary lights, but if it’s dark
outside don’t turn all your lights off. A fully charged battery may last for
about 75 miles of freeway driving if all unnecessary electric devices are shut
off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If your vehicle does stall it probably won’t crank when you
try to restart. Don’t go and install new battery. If you have some jumper
cables you can charge your battery from the charging system of another car.
With the jumper cables hooked up between a good vehicle and a dead vehicle, let
the good vehicle run for 20 or 30 minutes. This will put enough electricity
back into the dead battery to start that vehicle and drive it for another 20 or
30 miles. This process can be repeated if as many times as needed to make it
too safety, but every time you run a battery dead it shortens the life span of
the battery.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So if you see the dreaded battery light, don’t plan on driving
the vehicle anywhere except to the repair shop. Chances are you will need a new
alternator, but it’s also possible that your alternator drive belt is very
loose or has come off. Neither one of these things is the battery, but that’s
what the light looks like. Don’t be deceived by this deceptive light.<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-33555302705834407712014-04-22T21:48:00.000-06:002014-04-22T21:48:11.454-06:00Safety Recalls and Real Safety<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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" /><img height="208" src="http://business.inquirer.net/files/2012/06/Toyota-Logo.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When an auto manufacturer releases a new model to market
there is usually no doubt about the fact that they bear a certain amount of
liability when it comes to product performance and safety. Every car company
selling any kind mainstream automobile spends a great deal of time and money on
research and development of safety and quality. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No matter how careful any company might be, sometimes they
come up with an automotive system, or part of a system, or some other function that
becomes troublesome once the car hits the market. Sometimes this is related to
poor design, but usually it is related to poor quality parts. Durability can be
hard to predict, except that usually parts that don’t cost as much, are the
ones that are likely to fail. Considering how much influence accountants have
in determining the composition of the final product, manufactures will take
some short cuts here and there in the name of fiscal responsibility, only to
have that decision come back and bite them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This seems like a serious issue and in many ways it is. The
automobile is a big expensive machine that we rely on tremendously. When it’s
working properly we routinely take it for granted. When it isn’t working
properly, it will ruin our day and lead to frustration. At its worst the dysfunction
of the automobile leads to injury and death. This end is much more common than
we seem to remember.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The number of things that can go wrong with a car and cause
massive failure is so great that perhaps it is best the auto driving public
doesn’t really understand. Whether a car is well built, or poorly built, it is
just a machine and it is perfectly capable of failing in spectacular ways at
any moment, yet we continue to drive them without giving all things proper consideration.
We even bring problems on ourselves when we let them run out of gas while
driving in traffic. Should we sue people that run out of gas, or maybe have
them hauled to jail for public endangerment?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As an experienced automotive technician I can think of many
problems related to the design and function of many makes and models that cause
them to fail regularly, and sometimes while in traffic. This is extremely
common and sometimes the problems are much worse than an ignition switch going
open circuit in the middle of the road. If an ignition switch fails you can
still steer the car to the side of the road.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some Volkswagen and Chrysler products have major front end
problems that can cause the front suspension to come apart while driving down
the road. This is extremely dangerous because you might very well lose control
of the vehicle, not because you panic at the failure but because the vehicle becomes
physically impossible to control. Some of these models were recalled and some
were not, and some might not fail in this manner until they have well over 100k
miles on them. Do we not care about failures that occur outside the warranty
time frame? Do we not care about failures on high mileage vehicles because only
poor people drive those pieces of junk? Where do we draw the line, if indeed one
must be drawn.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Honda issued an ignition switch recall several years ago that
included a few models built in the late 90’s. These ignition switches were
doing the exact same thing the GM switches are doing. Nobody ever accused them
of covering up the problem but the recall certainly wasn’t big enough because
many vehicles built before, and after the particular years included in the
recall had, and continue to have problems. I own one of the vehicles not
included in the recall and one day while driving down the freeway the car
stalled. I pulled over, jiggled the key switch a few times, and the car
started. At my nearest convenience I replaced the switch. Is there a lawsuit in
there somewhere?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How many cars are on the road right now with bad tires? The numbers
are certainly very high, but even worse is the fact that many people who know
their car has bad tires refuse to do anything about it. Many times the tires
have gone bad due to owner neglect. This is not the fault of anyone with deep
pockets, this is simply due to the fact that most people are not meticulous in
their car care. Should we sue them? Should the highway patrol setup check
points for tires and impound every car stopped that is thought to be running on
dangerous tires? What if a tire doesn’t last as long as the manufacturer says
it will? What if they claim that tire should be good for 40k miles but it wears
out at 35k? We could go on and on looking at these kinds of failures but just
the notion of such would be silly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Never mind defects and breakdowns, even without these things
most people have a much higher risk of suffering injury or death due to the
careless actions of themselves or others on the road. We however, generally go
about our day never really thinking about this with the proper perspective. How
many near misses does the average driver experience every year? We literally
come closer to death at these moments than we do at any other time in our
lives. All we do to handle the situation is honk the horn, exercise our middle
finger, and by the time we have made it to our destination we have somehow
already forgotten that we almost died just then.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) 35,561 people died in traffic accidents in 2012. The
number of these deaths where alcohol was involved is 10,322. The number of
people who died in a wreck where driver distraction was to blame was 3,328. The
number of injuries from accidents related to distracted driving was about
421,000. That’s right, 400k+ end up visiting the emergency room because some
moron was on Facebook in traffic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why are we so concerned about the possibility of 13 deaths
related to ignition switches in the Chevy Cobalt when nearly half a million
people were injured last year because we refuse to keep our eyes on the road?
It’s almost as if we accept the occasional text message in heavy traffic, but
if a car company builds a machine that isn’t perfect 100% of the time, someone
must be sued!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How can we attack auto manufacturers when we lost over 10,000
people on our roads due to something as insidious and widespread as drunk
driving? Where is the greater evil here? Most of us have known others who have
driven drunk and there is not a single solitary instance where we could point
to it being a good idea. I have always been completely floored while listening
to the casual manner in which a friend or coworker talks about the times they drove
drunk. Driving drunk is a mistake every time it occurs just like texting and
driving. Once again, some perspective is in order.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let’s also not forget all of the legal and political issues
that surround this latest scandal involving General Motors. GM was owned in
large part by the federal government during the time that the cover up is
alleged to have happened. Before GM was scooped up by the feds they were legally
a completely different company. The GM that put junk switches in their cars is
not the same GM that exists today. So the problem here is that according to the
law, New GM is not liable for the actions of Old GM, and the government of
course answers to nobody. In the case of lost confidence in a private company,
consumers can walk away from products they don’t trust anymore, but nobody can
escape the government.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Companies such as general Motors with their current ignition
switch fiasco, or Toyota with their gas pedal problems from a few years ago,
must do everything they can to make sure their cars are safe and work well. We
should have some level of confidence in any major auto manufacturer that they
will build their products to the best of their abilities. To do otherwise would
mean the end of their business, and the end of the jobs of the tens of
thousands of individuals who work for them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So far in 2014 we are on pace to see a record number of
recalls from the auto industry. No company is immune. GM, Ford, Chrysler,
Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, and Volkswagen have all recently issued large
recalls. These recalls have for the most part been voluntary, why? Because each
company really doesn’t want to lose the trust of the consumer. The sooner they
can head off a potential problem, the better off the consumer will be, and the
better off the company will be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The loss of human life is always tragic. When a company
causes harm to anyone, they should be held accountable if gross negligence, or
conspiracy to keep quiet can be proven. Justice will prevail in the end, and
any individual or company that lets self-interest stand in the way of doing
what’s right, will pay a price. Even if no inept regulatory agency was there to
execute some kind of punishment for the offending company, the company always suffers
more when people quit buying their product. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One way or another this will be sorted out. In the meantime,
don’t let the media hype get to you. As the old saying goes, “If it bleeds it
leads.” Also, the media will always shoot at a big target every time one is
presented, GM is just the latest big target on the rotation.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-45299809982564430002014-03-25T20:05:00.000-06:002014-03-25T20:05:04.855-06:00Control Your Cruise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Modern cars go much further in preventing driver fatigue
than the cars from years past. Anything the engineers can do to make the car
more pleasant to drive is a good thing. One feature that does this very well
but that has actually been around for a very long time is cruise control. This
feature is not new but it has evolved tremendously and really doesn’t function
at all like it used to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first cruise control systems used canister with a rubber
diaphragm attached to a cable that would hold the throttle open when engine
vacuum was applied to one side of the diaphragm. When the driver wanted to
increase the set speed a vacuum solenoid would allow more vacuum in to act on
the diaphragm. When the driver would hit the brake a valve attached to the
brake pedal would let all the vacuum out and the throttle would snap shut.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Newer systems started using more electronic controls such as
a small electric solenoid that could pull on a cable to hold the throttle open
at the set speed. These systems looked at vehicle speed sensors to make sure
they were accurately maintaining the set speed. A change in the set speed
caused the electric solenoid to pull the throttle open more or allow it to
close. When the driver hit the brake pedal an electronic switch would signal the
actuator to release the throttle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Electronic throttle control makes cruise control simpler.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every car today whether it has cruise control or not is
equipped with electronic throttle controls. The gas pedal is no longer attached
to a cable that goes through the firewall to pull the throttle open. The gas
pedal is attached to a sensor that tells a computer the driver wants more
throttle. The computer then commands an electronic motor to open the throttle
the requested amount.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since there is a computer controlled actuator working the
throttle, the only thing we need now to make cruise control work is a switch
that tells the computer to hold the throttle open even when there is no foot on
the gas. So the sensor attached to the gas pedal, and the buttons for the
cruise control signal the same computer. This is a good example of computers
simplifying the systems under the hood. A cruise control actuator and all the
associated linkages are no longer needed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is not where the evolution of cruise control ends. Many
cars are also now equipped with what is known as adaptive cruise control. This
will not only hold the vehicle at a set speed but it will also reduce speed as
needed to keep from getting too close to the vehicles in front of you that are traveling
more slowly. The driver not only sets the cruising speed but they can also set
the minimum following distance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the front of the car there is a sensor that uses lasers
that bounce off the car in front of you to measure the distance between you and
them. The computer will reduce the cruising speed as needed so you don’t get
too close and once the car in front of you moves or speeds up the car will go
back to the set cruising speed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.technologytell.com/in-car-tech/files/2012/11/volvo_adaptive-cruise-control_01a-25pc_p2003-2148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://www.technologytell.com/in-car-tech/files/2012/11/volvo_adaptive-cruise-control_01a-25pc_p2003-2148.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adaptive cruise control won't let you get too close to the a slower car.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adaptive cruise control is certainly one of those features
that may cause us shake our heads in regards to the many new and somewhat silly
features that we find on cars today, but of course this is where we are. In
many ways these features that seem silly can actually make the car safer to
drive by reducing driver fatigue and distraction. So while it seems that cruise
control is the same as it ever was, it turns out it isn’t. <o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-9870283020065497232014-03-20T21:25:00.000-06:002014-03-20T21:25:00.229-06:00Deceptive Lights: Check Engine Light<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<o:p> </o:p><img src="http://www.buzzle.com/img/articleImages/396475-41428-11.jpg" /> </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone out there has probably had a car that had a check
engine light come on at some point. Some of you might have even had one blink
at you furiously. Sometimes, the illumination corresponds perfectly with the
engine running rough, fuel economy falling into the basement, or the
transmission shifting funny. Sometimes nothing seems different in the way the
vehicle runs at all. Either way, anytime the light illuminates it means
something is broken. However, when the check engine light illuminates, it
probably doesn’t have anything to do with the engine itself. This can make the
check engine light deceptive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This little light of frustration and angst will illuminate
anytime the engine control computer sees a failure in the powertrain controls
that will cause an increase in vehicle emissions greater than 150% of the
federal test standard. This means if something breaks and it causes your car to
potentially pollute more than normal, the computer will turn the light on. Most
of the time this failure is electronic in nature, and not mechanical.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://mindsembodied.com/Blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/checkengine.LO_.240w1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://mindsembodied.com/Blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/checkengine.LO_.240w1.jpg" width="115" /></a>The check engine light varies somewhat from one vehicle to
another. Federal law dictates what it can be, but there are several options.
The light must be amber (yellow-ish) in color. The light may say “Check Engine”
or it might say “Service Engine Soon.” It may appear as a silhouette of an
engine alone, or it make appear as a silhouette of an engine with the word
“check” or a strange lightning bolt arrow in the middle. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many old cars from the early days of computer controls may
have used something completely different for the check engine light. On these
old cars every manufacturer could do whatever they wanted when it came to this
malfunction indicator lamp. Honestly, most cars back then were not smart enough
to illuminate whatever they used for a check engine light when the vehicle
experienced most failures, so the check engine light was not a very useful
thing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Federal laws regulating exactly what the check engine light
should look like and exactly when and how it should illuminate didn’t become
standardized until the 1996 model year. These new standards which are still in
use today are known as OBDII. These standards came about to make things such as
check engine lights simpler for vehicle drivers to understand, and to make the
problems for which they illuminate easier for technicians to diagnose.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.yakimaautorepair.net/check-engine-light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.yakimaautorepair.net/check-engine-light.jpg" width="200" /></a>The most common failures that cause the check engine light
to illuminate relate to the engine not running right at its most efficient.
This inefficiency can cause rough running, stumbling, hesitation, lack of
power, poor fuel economy, and of course increased emissions. Sometimes the
engine will not seem to run any differently than normal, but this is not always
perceptible to the driver, so if the light comes on it must be diagnosed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many times you will take your car into the shop to have the check engine light diagnosed and the technician may not be able to figure anything out right at that moment. Rather than educate you on the situation and the nuance of intermittent problem diagnosis, they may leave you with the impression that nothing is really wrong and sometimes lights like this just come and go. This is never true. If the light is really coming on for no reason it's because something is broken. If the light is coming on for a reason then something is broken. No matter how you slice it something is wrong. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aplusjapaneseautorepair.com/Files/Images/Check-Engine-Light-Scanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://www.aplusjapaneseautorepair.com/Files/Images/Check-Engine-Light-Scanner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scan tool that can be used to read diagnostic trouble<br />codes that caused the check engine light to come on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
Diagnosing an intermittent failure that causes the check engine light to illuminate can be difficult and can take time. Be patient with your mechanic and understand that the time they spend working on this issue should not some free. Their time is their livelihood and you must pay for it even if it seems as if progress comes slowly. You would be patient with a doctor trying to figure out a physical ailment so you ought to show the same patience with your mechanic, after all, he can't ask your car where it hurts.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The check engine light must also not be confused with
service monitors. Many vehicles have systems that can monitor the time and mileage
intervals that elapse between vehicle services such as oil changes and tire
rotations. Some of these monitors are very sophisticated, and some of them
simply count the miles for you. A service indicator might say something such as
“Service Vehicle Soon” or you might see a small illuminated wrench. To make
things more confusing the vehicle that uses the service vehicle soon indicator
might also have a check engine light that says service engine soon. These are
totally different but can be really confusing if your vehicle has both of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/X31Idhv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i.imgur.com/X31Idhv.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Consult the owner’s manual for a proper explanation of the maintenance
monitors and the associated indicators. The manual will tell you how they work,
and it will even tell you how to reset them most of the time. The check engine
light on the other hand has no simple reset procedure. If it comes on,
something must be repaired.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The one thing that is usually certain is that the illumination
of the check engine light has nothing to do with the engine itself. Some people
worry about the pistons and valves and other mechanical components of the
engine when this light comes on, but most of the time these things are fine…most
of the time. <o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-56547218443610822842014-03-02T20:22:00.003-07:002014-03-02T20:22:48.627-07:00Monitoring the Thermostat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<o:p> </o:p><img height="265" src="http://www.sevacall.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/temperature-gauge.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is not that control panel on the wall of your house
that you argue with your significant other over where the ideal setting should
be. The thermostat is a control valve within the cooling system of your engine.
Like the control panel for the furnace in your house, the engine thermostat is
used to regulate temperature.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the engine is cold the thermostat is closed, so coolant
flow is restricted. This allows the coolant to heat up much more quickly
because it cannot make its way out to the radiator where heat is released from
the coolant into the outside air. The thermostat is located at the coolant
outlet pipe coming from the engine going to the radiator.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://cdn3.autopartsnetwork.com/images/catalog/brand/stant/640/14119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://cdn3.autopartsnetwork.com/images/catalog/brand/stant/640/14119.jpg" width="200" /></a>Normal engine operating temperature is about 190 to 200
degrees F. Once the engine gets to a temperature close to this, the thermostat
will open automatically. Most thermostats contain some kind of device that
expands and contracts with temperature. When this thermally reactive unit gets
hot it pulls the valve open allowing coolant to flow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are no fancy computer controls at work here, just old
fashioned thermal expansion causing this thing to open. When the coolant gives
off enough heat in the radiator to start bringing down engine temperature, the
thermostat will react by closing slightly until the engine temperature is
maintained at the optimum level for which it was designed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Two problems result from a thermostat that has malfunctioned,
but only one of them is well known because it leads to massive engine failure.
The first and most dramatic thing that could happen when a thermostat goes bad
is overheating. A bad thermostat can cause this when it simply fails to open at
the proper temperature, or it gets stuck while opening and fails to open all
the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the engine overheats, the coolant heats up way past
190° to a point where the expansion of the various metal parts of the engine
cause the parts themselves to fail. An engine can run safely up to about 230° F
with no problems. When the temperature gets much above that the coolant can
boil. Once the coolant boils it will build very high pressure in the cooling
system and will boil over past the radiator cap or through the coolant
expansion tank. This is why you see steam coming from some cars broken down by
the side of the road. If temperatures get up to about 250° F the possibility
for engine damage becomes a reality. Parts get weak and cylinder pressures go
through the roof, literally.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://repairguide.autozone.com/znetrgs/repair_guide_content/en_us/images/0996b43f/80/20/d5/a5/medium/0996b43f8020d5a5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://repairguide.autozone.com/znetrgs/repair_guide_content/en_us/images/0996b43f/80/20/d5/a5/medium/0996b43f8020d5a5.gif" width="367" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other thermostat failure that is not as well known but
is probably just as common is overcooling. This is of course the opposite of
overheating. Instead of the thermostat being stuck closed, overcooling happens when the thermostat is stuck open. If the engine is not allowed to warm up with
the thermostat blocking coolant flow, it might not reach operating temperature
at all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overcooling does not lead to a dramatic meltdown of
expensive engine parts, which is why it goes undetected so much of the time,
but it is still a problem that should be fixed. When an engine does not reach
operating temperature it will not be able to maintain the correct air/fuel
ratio. It will run rich, or with too much fuel. This is going to have an impact
on fuel economy, but it will also have an impact on how much power the engine
produces, and how much pollution will come from the tailpipe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<img src="http://image.cpsimg.com/sites/carparts-mc/assets/classroom/images/cooling-system.gif" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A typical engine that suffers from a thermostat that is
stuck open might run as cold as 140° F. This might not seem that cold but it
is. At this temperature you likely will not see your engine temperature gauge
move very high off the lowest readings. In addition to this your heater
performance will most certainly suffer. On those cold days when ambient
temperatures are below 0, your engine will never come close to heating up, and
you will probably have frost develop on the inside of the windshield.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diagnosing a bad thermostat is no problem for an experienced
technician. Many times a good repair shop will also recommend thermostat
replacement anytime any work is done on the engine near the thermostat, regardless
of whether or not it is currently known to be bad. Thermostats commonly go bad
at inconvenient times, and considering it’s a $10 part, you should have it
replaced anytime your mechanic is in the area.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keeping the thermostat working will keep your engine running
better, keep your fuel economy and power output up. And keep you from suffering
a major breakdown from overheating in the middle of nowhere. Don’t forget about
your thermostat, it would be a shame for a $10 part to cause so much grief. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.myautoauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Overheated-car2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.myautoauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Overheated-car2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-16331766618259036852014-02-24T19:26:00.000-07:002014-02-24T19:26:07.201-07:00Used Car Drowning<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p><img src="http://www.marketplace.org/sites/default/files/styles/primary-image-610x340/public/sandy_cars.jpg?itok=1Q03gnF7" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buying a used car off the lot or even from a private seller
is never a comfortable thing for most people. The last thing you want to do is
spend a hefty chunk of change on a new ride, and then have to spend a pile more
on repairing some kind of hidden, preexisting condition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One major problem that really does exist is a used car that
has been in a flood. A car that has been underwater is a car that could have
some very extensive problems. These cars come from places where some kind of
natural disaster has occurred that has submerged hundreds or perhaps thousands
of cars at once. Hurricanes such as Katrina or Sandy are prime examples of
storms that have decimated the automobile population in their respective areas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Insurance companies pay out millions in claims to compensate
the owners of these vehicles. The cars are then sold as totaled vehicles and
given special salvage title status. Sometimes in the shuffle of moving this
metal away from the scene, the insurance companies sell them to third parties
that do everything from scrap them, to fix them and return them to the road. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A certain portion will get into the auto auction circuit
where they will be sold as a running vehicle but it will carry the salvage
title status. Some may have lost their salvage title status when they were
transported across the country from state to state. Some may be damaged in a
flood but they never receive the salvage title status because the insurance
company paid out to fix it, rather than replace it. If the car is repaired that
doesn't mean that it's as good as new.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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With a flood car the potential for severe damage is huge,
and that potential exists for every part or system within the vehicle. If water
is in the engine for just a few days it can cause rust which may either result
in immediate problems, leading to immediate engine failure, or it may result in
premature engine failure over a longer period of time. Just enough time for
someone to buy it thinking everything is fine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.corrosion-control.eu/shop/image/data/ACF/corroded_connector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://www.corrosion-control.eu/shop/image/data/ACF/corroded_connector.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corrosion on the terminals of an electronic sensor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Electronic systems are extremely susceptible to flood
damage. Every car on the road has so much wiring and so many computer
controlled systems that it is impossible for a flood car to escape electrical
damage. Corrosion in electrical connectors or computerized control modules is
extremely difficult and expensive to repair. Many electronic failures that
result from flood damage might not show up for years after the car has been returned
to service. You might say that water damage does not necessarily destroy the
car right away so much as it causes the car to lose years off of its usable
life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides things such as a Carfax report, the way to tell if a
car has been in a flood is to look for obvious things that you don’t see on any
normal car. Look under the seats at the seat tracks for rust or corrosion.
Nothing inside a car should ever show the least sign of rust. Look in the trunk
where the spare tire is located for similar rust and corrosion. The spare tire
well may end up holding water for several weeks after the flood. Hidden areas
underneath carpet or the dash are great places to look for water damage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rust on metal parts that are not exposed to the elements is not normal, water damage in the carpets and seats may show as water stains or even signs of mildew might be visible, especially if you live in a place that is humid. Even in very dry places water can stay trapped inside headlight and taillight assemblies forever. Sometimes moisture or condensation will appear behind an instrument cluster lens. Many times if the water does eventually dry out it may leave behind strange residues in places where you should never see them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Under the hood, take a moment to disconnect some of the
electrical connectors that you find. These connectors are weather resistant but
they are not exactly water proof. When submerged they will fill up with water
and all of the pins will corrode. If you see any scale buildup, or if the pins
are anything other than shiny and new looking, then they have been wet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some used car dealers will sell flood cars very cheap and
they may even inform you that it is a flood car. Do not take a chance on any of
these even if they seem to run very well and the dealer assures you they are a
great value. The dealer might have honestly checked the vehicle out thoroughly,
but there is no way they can see every potential problem, even if they try.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.wcyb.com/image/view/-/21392750/highRes/1/-/o2wdh6/-/WATER-DAMAGED-CARS-jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.wcyb.com/image/view/-/21392750/highRes/1/-/o2wdh6/-/WATER-DAMAGED-CARS-jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
If you find out that your vehicle has been in a flood, be
prepared for the worst. This does not mean that the engine is going to blow up
and leave stranded on the side of the road, but don’t be surprised if it does.
When you get rid of the vehicle do not expect top dollar if you sell it, and
you need to disclose the vehicle history to your potential buyers. Just like
you they must be made aware, because when they buy that flooded car, they need
to know what they are getting into.<o:p></o:p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com84tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-38331371080097239072014-02-17T22:43:00.000-07:002014-02-17T22:43:03.633-07:00Home of an American Icon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="National Corvette Museum" height="265" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/crop/1225x822+19+0/resize/628x417!/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/adam/60286f5b317e6d3489108dce59b1446f/corvette-museum-restoration-1.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<br />
<i><div>
<i>The following is an entry that I had written for this blog, and then the events of February 12, 2014 changed things a bit. I have left my original words intact, but then I decided to add an addendum with some of my thoughts on the events of that fateful day.</i></div>
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When you think of Kentucky you think of bluegrass, race
horses, fried chicken, and maybe college basketball. Car guys and gals will
think of the Chevy Corvette. Bowling Green, Kentucky in the south central part
of the state is the unofficial home of one of America’s greatest automotive
icons. Bowling Green is where the Corvette is manufactured and it is also the
home of the National Corvette Museum.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Finding myself in this part of the country recently I
planned a visit to this motoring mecca. When I was a little kid one of the
first statements I ever made on a routine basis was, “Neat car!” According to
my mother I would usually shout this phrase excitedly whenever a Corvette would
drive by. As you can imagine visiting the town that’s the home of the Corvette
would be a priority.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdKPaq1hjfYF31snMmz2FJHdEnKUu_GRPCMpw-o9zwC2Wbzcj6Wk_4LmkLtbuRTqGMi3TpcksXfdyGhzfUzwnnWvbqHqa0VQGv3VVTyIW-4MymtLWw4NipjzwreokSGUZQv1xolIARm5M/s1600/DSCN2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdKPaq1hjfYF31snMmz2FJHdEnKUu_GRPCMpw-o9zwC2Wbzcj6Wk_4LmkLtbuRTqGMi3TpcksXfdyGhzfUzwnnWvbqHqa0VQGv3VVTyIW-4MymtLWw4NipjzwreokSGUZQv1xolIARm5M/s1600/DSCN2979.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Indy Corvette Concept. This was<br />on my wall in poster form in 1987.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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The Corvette was introduced by Chevrolet back in 1953. At 60
years old the Corvette is the longest running car model sold in the United
States. The model has been offered every year except 1983 because of a major
redesign that was not quite ready. In the Fall of 2013 Chevrolet released the 7<sup>th</sup>
generation of this iconic sports car. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Corvette is fantastic because it has always given excellent
bang for the buck. Performance wise, it has always been competitive with cars
that were and are much more expensive. The Corvette has always kept up with the
likes of Ferrari and Porsche and it has done so at a fraction of the cost.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The National Corvette Museum is right next to Interstate 65
on the east side of town. This is the biggest museum in the country dedicated
to one single model. The museum is amazing in the way it chronicles everything
the Corvette has ever been. The plant where they build the Corvette is just
north of the museum. Because of poor timing and my usual bad luck, I was unable
to tour the factory. With the recent advent of the 7th generation Corvette, the
factory was in the process of retooling and rolling out the new model so they
were not allowing tours for much of the past year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The museum however was one of a kind and definitely made the
visit to Bowling Green worthwhile since I was in the area. The museum starts
out with the history of the Corvette, and what a history it is. Considering how
long the car has been in production there is much to see and they show you everything.
Every model that has been produced over the years can be seen in the history
section. Many famous people involved in developing the Corvette or other
celebrity enthusiasts have their cars on display. Zora Arkus-Duntov, perhaps
the most influential engineer in Corvette development only ever owned one
Corvette in his life and you can see it on display.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtysuv9H8hOU_brBFDND8pYz2E1_f5h5etoOWTCPonxqC-pVGeuE_tfB4Gh7DNjfxwI6IqETfMYvhVBgCagLI3Ip23afT8KAShdLXaY8Lmg8jXARDlUmTm68dxmdrlyUh_XNQsckcklyNv/s1600/DSCN2959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtysuv9H8hOU_brBFDND8pYz2E1_f5h5etoOWTCPonxqC-pVGeuE_tfB4Gh7DNjfxwI6IqETfMYvhVBgCagLI3Ip23afT8KAShdLXaY8Lmg8jXARDlUmTm68dxmdrlyUh_XNQsckcklyNv/s1600/DSCN2959.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only Corvtte that Zora Arkus-Duntov ever<br />personally owned. A not so exciting 1974.</td></tr>
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A section of the museum dedicated to Corvette development
and engineering has displays on what GM has done over the years to keep this
vehicle on the cutting edge of automotive performance. This part of the museum
displays many of the original concept vehicles that Corvette engineers
developed over the years, in order to try new ideas and see how they work. My
personal favorite in this section was either the original C6 that set a new lap
record time at the Nurburgring in Germany, or the Indy Corvette concept that
brought back memories of the posters on my bedroom wall when I was a child.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Performance section of the museum is dedicated to the
many racing iterations of the corvette and contains many of the original racing
versions of the Corvette. In the late 50s the world of motorsport realized they
had a great car for racing so since that time many different racing classes
have existed that use the Corvette. This section also had many different
engines on display. For a motorhead such as myself seeing the various Corvette
engines souped-up for racing is a treat. My long suffering wife is a saint in
places like this. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSteH5nfuTWnSsmo-gxVR-3TEAlwymIACRvU-bSnN_EkDsjkrxQLYlKXK4h9IoYAk6Xm1FpXr_VNKhkpiGVpJKJSxlrpoLvRkg8ladhLzs1Q0wa_snn0_2dKkh4gzRaxks266octZwjSI/s1600/DSCN2974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSteH5nfuTWnSsmo-gxVR-3TEAlwymIACRvU-bSnN_EkDsjkrxQLYlKXK4h9IoYAk6Xm1FpXr_VNKhkpiGVpJKJSxlrpoLvRkg8ladhLzs1Q0wa_snn0_2dKkh4gzRaxks266octZwjSI/s1600/DSCN2974.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2009 ZR1 That set a Nurburgring lap time record.</td></tr>
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Perhaps my favorite room in the museum was the Skydome.
Under this modern vaulted structure many interesting and unique corvettes can
be found. High performance Lingenfelters and Callaways, both leaders in
aftermarket Corvette performance. Several Indy 500 pace cars are also on
display. The only 1983 Corvette ever made is on display. The 1983 model
year was skipped because they were gearing up for major changes for the 1984
model year. Too many cool things to list were found under the dome.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The National Corvette Museum is open nearly every day, and
hosts many special events each year. This museum is truly amazing for a car
lover. So if you think Corvette whenever you think of Kentucky, you will enjoy
spending some time in Bowling Green. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaGSFaveOQb0xtkL2fs6HGeu2bd-NWVdkjA80NJNGtVlbMTS9Wth_oUef_LvVqvDzFgmk7areHVgFkHkFA2tRihLj0X-CBPUXDM1vNswSyn-13SkprYSlfSC-tN_T-aiv-gaWWMS4Vmcc/s1600/DSCN3008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaGSFaveOQb0xtkL2fs6HGeu2bd-NWVdkjA80NJNGtVlbMTS9Wth_oUef_LvVqvDzFgmk7areHVgFkHkFA2tRihLj0X-CBPUXDM1vNswSyn-13SkprYSlfSC-tN_T-aiv-gaWWMS4Vmcc/s1600/DSCN3008.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only 1983 Corvette ever made. That year was skipped while Chevy tried to work out all the particulars for the change to the new C4 Corvette.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4ITB-Xg5WPbJUdeecPGTGvEyFI-xKwxixgTRw2PEh9NCaH-K4twJaY8EEkwtpexTGOdoN2_ZCP8J_5gf2NZoDYqza7tXE_W6yI8Rws-YZn9sHbo_IL4_drkb6euH1kwVJ5IBbIpPeUDI/s1600/DSCN2991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4ITB-Xg5WPbJUdeecPGTGvEyFI-xKwxixgTRw2PEh9NCaH-K4twJaY8EEkwtpexTGOdoN2_ZCP8J_5gf2NZoDYqza7tXE_W6yI8Rws-YZn9sHbo_IL4_drkb6euH1kwVJ5IBbIpPeUDI/s1600/DSCN2991.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skydome is the best part of the museum.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BBT-1vtCBmNEEUT_BGh76NRu8CnvQMRYxvXWB5OY82fKBDEVfGR-K-Rt-Ur71Awa3agype8oSeJl_uncO0tam5qYU-YzDhkYjL0MJ-_QcSpPwGtJgGHpISiqUFY3mANGd3R32o92vRM8/s1600/DSCN2993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BBT-1vtCBmNEEUT_BGh76NRu8CnvQMRYxvXWB5OY82fKBDEVfGR-K-Rt-Ur71Awa3agype8oSeJl_uncO0tam5qYU-YzDhkYjL0MJ-_QcSpPwGtJgGHpISiqUFY3mANGd3R32o92vRM8/s1600/DSCN2993.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A line of pace cars from the Indianapolis 500.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb2CZHbhMxAojcrSpCYj3lRtTeLBKUEe35UXqUNFLQcvNvk-czE7T1M9VrIkGm2wcP6C-2EajENzgSVOBnedBub42aAEcAMZjeuCLZU5YqOnk-JPZOQ_Gos1YEsEtsJifbGQR9Qjwmmtx/s1600/DSCN2954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb2CZHbhMxAojcrSpCYj3lRtTeLBKUEe35UXqUNFLQcvNvk-czE7T1M9VrIkGm2wcP6C-2EajENzgSVOBnedBub42aAEcAMZjeuCLZU5YqOnk-JPZOQ_Gos1YEsEtsJifbGQR9Qjwmmtx/s1600/DSCN2954.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1953, The first of them all.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-I8bcai4l4cRx8IdE0JGR0ZZRuCKuCK-YfmlQ3tthvM_4PnPG_LtSpEvZYUk7MG9ryKd7FZHc2zy4ztVqLO61Z6HYduhMbD0mKgDa_-ajnT4M0UytCBtAYEp-6WDD6W4UPBdALbKY1JXs/s1600/DSCN2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-I8bcai4l4cRx8IdE0JGR0ZZRuCKuCK-YfmlQ3tthvM_4PnPG_LtSpEvZYUk7MG9ryKd7FZHc2zy4ztVqLO61Z6HYduhMbD0mKgDa_-ajnT4M0UytCBtAYEp-6WDD6W4UPBdALbKY1JXs/s1600/DSCN2953.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 1967 Convertible.</td></tr>
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Addendum:</div>
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On February 12, 2014 a massive sinkhole opened up underneath the skydome portion of the National Corvette Museum. The hole appears to be about 40 ft. wide and about 20 ft. deep. No one was hurt in this horrible tragedy because the floor gave way early in the morning while nobody was around. The sinkhole swallowed 8 rare and collectible Corvettes:</div>
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2009 ZR1 "Blue Devil"</div>
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1993 ZR1 Spyder (one of a kind)</div>
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1962 Convertible</div>
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1984 PPG pacecar (one of a kind)</div>
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1993 40th Anniversay Edition</div>
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1992 1 Millionth Corvette (one of a kind) </div>
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2001 Mallett Hammer Z06</div>
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2009 1.5 Millionth Corvette (one of a kind)</div>
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All of the other cars in the skydome escaped without damage, and museum personnel were able to remove some other especially rare cars such as the only 1983 Corvette ever built. The museum has posted many different videos of the sinkhole and the evacuation of the remaining cars from the skydome so that fans such as myself could be unproductive at work while we are wrapped up in seeing everything that happened. They even had engineers and geologists from Western Kentucky University fly a drone down into the hole to inspect the situation. These videos are also posted on YouTube.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsYrHm-bBgrzbDW-4QnqJ2L8X1mGqmpXboXeeX8yIOUWy32b8b-jlASfReXM0ys2WUuXEcw7MFaZBLwrTbdZc2KfT3XzUzQ4i3JeNjiP6jtVscG_N2nLzIBdVZiHjudacqkavDtChrGZ0/s1600/DSCN2994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsYrHm-bBgrzbDW-4QnqJ2L8X1mGqmpXboXeeX8yIOUWy32b8b-jlASfReXM0ys2WUuXEcw7MFaZBLwrTbdZc2KfT3XzUzQ4i3JeNjiP6jtVscG_N2nLzIBdVZiHjudacqkavDtChrGZ0/s1600/DSCN2994.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blue Devil front and center, in the hole. The white one on the left is the 1 millionth corvette, it is now in the hole;<br />The white one with the black stripes is the 1.5 millionth, it is in the hole; The one up on the stand in back with the hood open in the ZR1 Spyder, in the hole. The center of the hole seems to be right where the blue one is sitting, its surprising that it ended up on top. This is a photo I took on my visit. </td></tr>
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This part of Kentucky has massive limestone layers just under the surface of the Earth. Limestone, combined with run off from all the rain they receive annually creates massive, seemingly endless caves that extend everywhere underground. Mammoth Cave National Park is the longest cave system in the world and is located about 30 minutes from Bowling Green. When you drive through the area on I-65, much of the green fields and rolling hills are pock marked with sinkholes. Imagine driving across the surface of a giant golf ball.</div>
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This event is tragic because the cars that were swallowed up in the earth are rare, collectible, valuable, and just fun to see. To think of something that should be pampered getting treated with so much disrespect is difficult. Not to mention that any car guy out there who would love to own one of these fine machines, just can't fathom the idea of throwing them out with the trash as Mother Earth has done. The total value of the cars is hard to estimate exactly but it's in the millions. The most valuable of them all being the 1992 1 Millionth Corvette which is probably worth about 400k.</div>
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One person commenting on one of the websites reporting on this story stated that this was an act of God because he loves the new C7 Corvette so much that he wants to erase all evidence of previous generations because they have been deemed unworthy. I think that God would not be so cruel to commit such an atrocity and that this could only have been done by the Devil. He can't go into a Chevy dealership and buy one so he figured he would selfishly try and draw one down into the depths of Hell. Considering that 3 of the swallowed cars are not visible at all in any of the pictures or video, maybe he succeeded.</div>
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Having been to the museum and seen most of these cars on display, the entire ordeal became personal. The skydome was the best part of the museum. I immediately had to go back through my pictures to see if had photos of the cars that are now in the hole. When I was there they had a large Lingenfelter display that had since been rotated out so many of the cars in photos were no longer in the skydome. A few of the cars that went into the pit were not in my photos but most of them were.</div>
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While it is tragic to see these machines in the hole, they are just machines however, and GM has already stepped forward ans stated they will do whatever it take to restore them. I think there is a good chance that a few on top can be fixed rather easily but those that are on the bottom are completely buried and may be so badly damaged that it might be pointless the try and save them. If that's the case then they should be put back on display as they are. As a monument to the day the Earth opened up and consumed these American icons. Experts that have been called in by the museum have not determined when or how they will be able to repair the floor, but they say the overall structure of the building is okay...that's what they thought when they built the place.</div>
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<img src="http://global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/U.S./corvette-museum-sinkhole2.jpg" /></div>
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<img alt="A photo of corvettes in a sinkhole." height="425" src="http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/765/cache/corvette-sinkhole-kentucky-01_76564_990x742.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="360" src="http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/19fhz3o9u47hejpg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those aren't Hotwheels in the sand box.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLz6C6fSYenYaSQpZE1lKfyeTK5rCwNpfXR8UCovauhmeXkPLfcFfGfkYEAKI-O09dEAPmSB-xVa97ZB9iN_UfHe_eXJeqzTXGwuZJtM4A5UZ578Nds2ilF02lztzmmgLzb6Y2K7WG9DiO/s1600/DSCN2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLz6C6fSYenYaSQpZE1lKfyeTK5rCwNpfXR8UCovauhmeXkPLfcFfGfkYEAKI-O09dEAPmSB-xVa97ZB9iN_UfHe_eXJeqzTXGwuZJtM4A5UZ578Nds2ilF02lztzmmgLzb6Y2K7WG9DiO/s1600/DSCN2985.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lift went into the hole with the 40th Anniversary Corvette, and the 1962 Corvette. All the cars in this photo did not go into the hole, they were part of a Lingenfelter Corvette display that had been rotated out.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-75644140766664744362014-02-10T20:41:00.000-07:002014-02-10T20:41:04.853-07:00Too Much Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img height="300" src="http://s1.ibtimes.com/sites/www.ibtimes.com/files/styles/v2_article_large/public/2013/11/06/tesla-nav-dashboard-map-tsla-model-s.jpeg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">I remember the first really fancy car my father bought for
the family. It was a 1985 Pontiac Parisienne station wagon. This car was the
“Safari” edition meaning that it was loaded. It had power everything. Steering,
brakes, windows, locks, seats, all power assisted. The air conditioning worked
extremely well. It had a really nice stereo with a cassette deck that was smart
enough to know where to stop before the next song when you hit the fast-forward
button. This ride was top of the line, or so it seemed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">This Pontiac </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> have </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">anti-lock</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> brakes. It </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> have a
satellite navigation system. It </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> have Bluetooth. None of the doors opened
or closed themselves with a push of a button. It </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> have any automated lighting systems, and it </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> have keyless entry or an alarm system. It </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> have a smart key that you could leave in your pocket allowing you to
start the car by pushing a button on the dash. By today’s standards it </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> have anything special or unique, but it was still a comfortable car to drive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/gallery/files/4/2/2/7/img_6920_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/gallery/files/4/2/2/7/img_6920_original.jpg" height="131" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All you need for traveling in comfort and style.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes it seems that all of the features we demand in our
cars have gotten to be a little out of control. How many of these crazy
features do we need, and of those that drive cars equipped with such things,
how many people actually use them? I would bet most extra features found on
cars today get used very little, and I would also bet most people who don’t use
these features </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">wouldn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> be willing to part with them.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Computer controls make so many of these systems and features
possible. This is both good and bad. Good, because it’s awfully nice to have
someone or something turn off your dome light automatically when you </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">accidentally</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> leave your door open. Bad, because if you have a problem with the dome light
not functioning properly and a computer is ultimately in charge of the
controls, you might have bigger problems than just a bad bulb.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Government mandated whistles and bells make up a substantial
part of these new features that we find all around us as we drive down the
road. Here are just a few of the things that the government requires in the
name of safety. These are things that you cannot opt out of when checking the
options on your new car: Anti-lock brakes, airbags (at least six them),
occupant classification systems, active </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">seat belt</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> restraints, anti-skid control,
and tire pressure monitors. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="266" src="http://www.thepresidentwearsprada.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/TeslaS_Instagram.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 17 in. touchscreen control center found in the high-tech Tesla Model S.<br />Do we need this kind of thing just to turn the A/C on?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">These things are effective in their respective tasks but they
add complexity and expense to even the most entry level vehicle, and of course
every one of these things is computer controlled. The cost of all these amazing features is a
big issue that is sometimes ignored. Even if the addition of the various
convenience features </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> increase the likelihood of system failure and
expensive repair, they certainly make for expensive manufacturing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">No one is suggesting that we stop equipping vehicles with
safety features or things that make driving easier or more fun, but is there a
point where this should end? Think of that new car you had 15 or 20 years ago. </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Didn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> it do everything that you could ever ask a car to do? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="145" src="http://senabluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/bluetooth_circle.jpg" width="200" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">I don’t think that we need to go back more than 20 years
because many of the advances of that day made cars perform their primary
function better. Things like fuel injection and computer controlled
transmissions really do help you get from point A to point B more efficiently.
Stuff like Bluetooth and automatically deploying running boards have nothing to do with
the vehicle providing conveyance for its passengers. But then, perhaps in another
15 to 20 years Bluetooth will mean everything to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">So we must question our values in the realm of automobile
function. Is all of this stuff worth the hassle, and there is definitely hassle,
or should we cut out the nonsense and get back to basics? Since I can’t imagine
anyone wanting to go back to the way things used to be, let’s hope that the
complexities of today’s new cars don’t turn into the expensive repair bills of
tomorrow’s used cars. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-86967768671585677162014-01-24T22:08:00.000-07:002014-01-24T22:08:04.942-07:00Accessories as You Like Them<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Program this light if you want.</td></tr>
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Cars today are jam packed with whistles and bells of every
manner. This is true both literally and figuratively. Of course we the
consumers have brought this upon ourselves because we like being surrounded by
fancy features.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The number of warning lights, chimes, beeps, and other
sights and sounds has reached a level where most people don’t even know what
some of them mean. Many times theses warning buzzers will sound at times that
can make the driver completely insane.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All new cars and trucks have many other features that are
now more automated then they used to be. Things like power door locks that lock
automatically when the vehicle exceeds five miles per hour, and unlock the
doors when the transmission is shifted back into park are very common on all
new cars.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Something most people do not know is that many of these features
can be customized in the way they operate. If you don’t like the way the seat
belt warning beeps at you every thirty second when you are not wearing your
seat belt, it can be set to a mode that only allows the light to come on once
after the car is first started and then shut off never to bother you again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Things like automatic doors locks can be completely disabled
if you like. Maybe you want the doors to lock when you shift into drive instead
of when you hit 5 miles per hour. Most cars can have this type of thing changed
very easily.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since everything on cars and trucks today is computer
controlled, it is very simple to give the computer different instructions on
how and when to automatically activate one system or another. Besides
programming things like power windows and door locks, other things can be
changed such as what size tire you have on the vehicle. The size of the tire
relates to function and accuracy of the speedometer. If you have a truck on
which you install bigger tires your speedometer is now going to be off a couple
of miles per hour. However, the bigger tire size can be programmed into the
computer that calculates speed and then your speedometer will be accurate
again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Generally speaking there are two different ways to program
these features. The easiest and perhaps best way is to use a scan tool. This is
the device that the auto shop uses to communicate with the various computers on
your vehicle for diagnostic purposes. On today’s cars these tools can be used
for programming purposes as well. The factory scan tool that the dealerships
have will always have to most capability when it comes to making these types of
changes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These tools can not only be used to program the function of a warning light or buzzer, but they can also be used to program major accessories. A feature such as cruise control can easily be added to a vehicle that did not come equipped with it from the factory. All that must be done is to have the switch installed in the steering wheel or the dash, and then use the scan tool to tell the engine control computer to enable cruise control programming. All of the other hardware the cruise control needs to operate is already there serving other purposes. With the correct switches and the correct programming, these components can then be used by the computer to provide cruise control.</div>
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<a href="http://media-social.s-msn.com/images/blogs/00100065-0000-0000-0000-000000000000_00000065-06d9-0000-0000-000000000000_20121010135058_Toyota-window-switches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-social.s-msn.com/images/blogs/00100065-0000-0000-0000-000000000000_00000065-06d9-0000-0000-000000000000_20121010135058_Toyota-window-switches.jpg" /></a></div>
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The other way to make more minor changes to accessories is to follow a special programming sequence. Using things such as the ignition switch and power window or door lock
switches, or maybe the park brake lever or climate control buttons. An example of
how a programming sequences would work with these devices might be something
such as: turn on the ignition switch, hit the unlock button, turn the ignition
switch off, turn the ignition switch back on, hit the lock button, then pull
and release the park brake lever two times and listen for the dash to beep at
you. Once the dash beeps at you the vehicle is in programming mode and you can
push the fan speed up switch to make your selection. Once the selection is made,
turn the ignition switch off to reset the system.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This sounds like some kind of crazy secret code and perhaps
it is, but it provides a way to program these features without having to use a
special scan tool. Once in a while the owner’s manual will actually tell you
how to do some of these things but most of the time it won’t. These programming
sequences can usually be found online, but the best place to find them is in
the factory service manual. Sometimes even this will not have the information
on programming. Sometimes these things are only known to the engineers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arabamoto.com/var/albums/Honda/Honda-Insight-2010/honda_car_wallpapers_picture_Touch-screen_navigation_is_optional_on_the_Insight_EX..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.arabamoto.com/var/albums/Honda/Honda-Insight-2010/honda_car_wallpapers_picture_Touch-screen_navigation_is_optional_on_the_Insight_EX..jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching a movie on this screen might be hazardous<br />to your health.</td></tr>
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For example a few auto manufacturers who shall remain
nameless, have some models equipped with navigation systems and rear seat DVD
players. When movies are played and showing on the screen for the rear seat
passengers, if you know the proper programming sequence you can make the movie
play on the navigation screen where front seat passengers can also see it. The
manufacturers made this possible for the purpose of performing network data bus
diagnostics. The service manual won’t tell you any of this but the information
is easily found online.<o:p></o:p><br />
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So if you have some whistle or bell on your vehicle that
annoys you, or just doesn't work the way you wish it would. Do a little
research and find out if it can be changed. If you paid so much money for this
car you ought to have the accessories work the way you would like them too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-38915218344620994372014-01-11T22:17:00.000-07:002014-01-15T20:11:16.476-07:00Indy, America’s Racing Paradise<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOamraUQdLZSJ4RT33QsjnXgsBm2cviYcN5WpDwwNCeCQaKHIyrqp6K-Wyw7SAFkADHqPyqkAENhVcj1QABxhbC4VwWk3i2Eujmpt2-W_s1lqSemAHqk7usZXv2qOVLIw4Dq_uIcUnR7vj/s1600/DSCN1695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOamraUQdLZSJ4RT33QsjnXgsBm2cviYcN5WpDwwNCeCQaKHIyrqp6K-Wyw7SAFkADHqPyqkAENhVcj1QABxhbC4VwWk3i2Eujmpt2-W_s1lqSemAHqk7usZXv2qOVLIw4Dq_uIcUnR7vj/s1600/DSCN1695.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just about any self-respecting car nut will tell you they
have a bucket list of places they must visit to pay homage to these silly
machines they love. Chances are the list would include places like the Henry
Ford Museum, in Dearborn, Michigan, or perhaps attending speed week at the
Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah’s west desert. Another amazing place that would
have to be on the list would be the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of
Fame Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana. Recently, the car nut that writes this
column was able to visit this sacred ground while vacationing with the family.
This was a great destination for the family, even my moody teenage daughter had
a good time there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Brickyard as it is affectionately known was originally
built in 1909 by a couple of early car nuts. Why is it that anytime some new
technology hits the market, it’s not long before someone decides to see how
fast it will go? The track was dirt to begin with but was almost immediately
repaved with bricks, 3.2 million bricks to be precise. This is why it is called
the brickyard. Over time the bricks were slowly replaced with asphalt until
1961 when the last of the bricks were paved over.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxykbdM7_EmMjdcltrDvWJDdrznYew0Vokd2CUfbh9meoe2UqKgb29sO4Y0gi0hyphenhyphenG_NQIUGnapM3EY-DA0iqsj5oLkE4lU9C7DnjdbAXnJNcnR5JUlyITvCyB7pXNKXpcngYKgXj61wa6/s1600/DSCN1714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxykbdM7_EmMjdcltrDvWJDdrznYew0Vokd2CUfbh9meoe2UqKgb29sO4Y0gi0hyphenhyphenG_NQIUGnapM3EY-DA0iqsj5oLkE4lU9C7DnjdbAXnJNcnR5JUlyITvCyB7pXNKXpcngYKgXj61wa6/s1600/DSCN1714.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous bricks of the "Brickyard."</td></tr>
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Today the start/finish line is marked with three feet of the
original bricks. Since 1996 it has become customary for the winner of any of
the races that take place on this circuit to ceremoniously stoop down to kiss
the bricks before ascending the winner’s podium. Of course yours truly was not
about to be left out. Although I didn't win a race at Indy, I did feel the need
to participate in this sacred right while touring the facilities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This track hosts three big races each year: the Indianapolis
500 of the Indy Car Series, The Brickyard 400 of NASCAR, and the Indianapolis
GP of the MotoGP motorcycle racing series. In the past the American Grand Prix
of Formula One has also been held there, but that race now happens elsewhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of these big events the one with the most history is of
course the Indy 500. Other than a few years during times of world war this
event has occurred every year for over 100 years. Because of the history and
tradition that surrounds this race; the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a
museum and hall of fame dedicated to the driver’s and their machines that have
won this historic race. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6ppMEbIoum9gkjK6opm-e1FPMIEQEWaQB22q7V3LDKufI8MNCo8r9_pIHKhBc2HRUGMH5cJ_GqpYpgapvX7ZWmQo-M6P5pA96cxSY0FAi7Y-fzNtV3BqdNdU_aqHQT5fBjxqAsD_eFBZ/s1600/DSCN1810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6ppMEbIoum9gkjK6opm-e1FPMIEQEWaQB22q7V3LDKufI8MNCo8r9_pIHKhBc2HRUGMH5cJ_GqpYpgapvX7ZWmQo-M6P5pA96cxSY0FAi7Y-fzNtV3BqdNdU_aqHQT5fBjxqAsD_eFBZ/s1600/DSCN1810.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage racers in the Hall of Fame Museum. <br />
These were all winners 100 years ago.</td></tr>
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The museum houses most of the original winning cars from the
last century, all displayed side by side. The evolution of the race cars at
Indy is very easy to see as you walk up and down the many aisles. I was told by
one of the guides working in the museum that all of the cars still run, and are
still just as track worthy as they were on the day when they won the coveted
Borg-Warner trophy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They said the cars are taken out on the track occasionally
to burn the cobwebs out of them, and for photo ops. One of the old race cars
was on the track a couple of years ago and suffered a major engine failure. No
problem, the museum employs mechanics to take care of such things and they were
able to get everything repaired, even though they had to custom fabricate a few
of the parts that were needed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway you can check
out the museum, go for a ride around the track with a tour guide, or you can do
the deluxe tour. Obviously the latter is a must for anyone who really wants to
see the facilities. This all inclusive tour takes you out on the track where
you can get out and wander up and down the main stretch, kiss the bricks, and
tour the various media centers and garages. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are a truly devoted fan you would come back Memorial
Day weekend to be one of the quarter million fans in the stands watching the
Indy 500. I suppose that will be the next thing on my list.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qHj21OagGwdgr9JvDlz3mjbqC3UOOECiKADCkoS4_BV5TlJs1OuRcznsCU2K558Lr_nh2ZbC1Lt6WwqkpHCAoeOoCwKyDTRcmG3UPJoPMQEHisWfj3A6rAD2NICjg0va3dBnnkOkFqqw/s1600/DSCN1831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qHj21OagGwdgr9JvDlz3mjbqC3UOOECiKADCkoS4_BV5TlJs1OuRcznsCU2K558Lr_nh2ZbC1Lt6WwqkpHCAoeOoCwKyDTRcmG3UPJoPMQEHisWfj3A6rAD2NICjg0va3dBnnkOkFqqw/s1600/DSCN1831.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fastest car to ever turn a lap at Indy. This happened back in the late 90's when they still allowed turbocharging.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pup1F54sXvdkr6DrfJcBtikf6T6tWJJi9KFoN6mP1O2kBmivTfODvYSwdgrkHG5sR3EqQboTqGb60hLBxBuf3Q09ChP6R1LyS8m9cYOmrpn2in7SWqc8NidDs-gW1HB5o1U_5hjEBn9c/s1600/DSCN1736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pup1F54sXvdkr6DrfJcBtikf6T6tWJJi9KFoN6mP1O2kBmivTfODvYSwdgrkHG5sR3EqQboTqGb60hLBxBuf3Q09ChP6R1LyS8m9cYOmrpn2in7SWqc8NidDs-gW1HB5o1U_5hjEBn9c/s1600/DSCN1736.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the main straight from the luxury suites.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEN4xNFMDnsuApGNQ0X5NbVK9TNoO4HLHElP8jOvDszAdjQoBfBar99joMzO_y4yP1sux-xd975hNRMb7Yuq7YWdEVUSPotvrFL-rbHqJXZb2z8QB-2-LhfP-iu-hSZU_Ot176rvQpck24/s1600/DSCN1797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEN4xNFMDnsuApGNQ0X5NbVK9TNoO4HLHElP8jOvDszAdjQoBfBar99joMzO_y4yP1sux-xd975hNRMb7Yuq7YWdEVUSPotvrFL-rbHqJXZb2z8QB-2-LhfP-iu-hSZU_Ot176rvQpck24/s1600/DSCN1797.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Borg-Warner Trophy. For the winner of the Indy 500.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHwdYk3Yyv3-EOewzePazY2ycyo0I89IP3Arc6e85kGxTHnpxdRDRWYe697wTLlh0l5HRzp4eDOzK9rUUb1m-7lCdbyS-rQphTCkUIdzotRDPkx0Tpm0urcDISNhFEe9fcKTzMM-xOTWe/s1600/DSCN1784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHwdYk3Yyv3-EOewzePazY2ycyo0I89IP3Arc6e85kGxTHnpxdRDRWYe697wTLlh0l5HRzp4eDOzK9rUUb1m-7lCdbyS-rQphTCkUIdzotRDPkx0Tpm0urcDISNhFEe9fcKTzMM-xOTWe/s1600/DSCN1784.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indianapolis Motor Speedway control room. Nobody goes in or out of this room one the race begins. Notice all<br />
of the VCRs below the monitors. Nothing is recorded digitally so the official record of the race cannot be tampered<br />
with or secretly transmitted out of the room for tampering.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQdqIOzRoKWU2jyzt21sZU0-2TyFc03zeT5TtVKGnpsTHfFZQz80qoezBspSrjmLx2FqrLMbK6c7uIoMrQ9yFemEkzEmNwuIvOeUi8MbU2CH-6iJ8gMSKzddonpDfZ8Khc6n-_AErIhtH/s1600/DSCN1793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQdqIOzRoKWU2jyzt21sZU0-2TyFc03zeT5TtVKGnpsTHfFZQz80qoezBspSrjmLx2FqrLMbK6c7uIoMrQ9yFemEkzEmNwuIvOeUi8MbU2CH-6iJ8gMSKzddonpDfZ8Khc6n-_AErIhtH/s1600/DSCN1793.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous Gasoline Alley. This is where the garages are located.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6rFgAzbRND1lzPzva_S4U-4NNsDmEL_4KnDJi7UxhGN-8z2oyZsLwEIW7d4OfBRPNYORfb3lvNneyANUz8jezp4UoCqMfeygRbGObWE9xOkzwehD-laiOsCw3WEtoDM2UMtq507VjjZ-/s1600/DSCN1706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6rFgAzbRND1lzPzva_S4U-4NNsDmEL_4KnDJi7UxhGN-8z2oyZsLwEIW7d4OfBRPNYORfb3lvNneyANUz8jezp4UoCqMfeygRbGObWE9xOkzwehD-laiOsCw3WEtoDM2UMtq507VjjZ-/s1600/DSCN1706.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back stretch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6G7Nzf2LgcmMw91hE6o7hFs52OmHUvM0zq2TAyRWcev_Sj-cJEx2vOdkVENPdyxjkNxjBG62GeeSNN1-pW7hzyCznhTV-Bm3PCOzDbkOLb__jIguI1HsL0DcIZ3L1GZXg8rykpkRrQ6Bi/s1600/DSCN1776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6G7Nzf2LgcmMw91hE6o7hFs52OmHUvM0zq2TAyRWcev_Sj-cJEx2vOdkVENPdyxjkNxjBG62GeeSNN1-pW7hzyCznhTV-Bm3PCOzDbkOLb__jIguI1HsL0DcIZ3L1GZXg8rykpkRrQ6Bi/s1600/DSCN1776.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start/finish line. The line of bricks goes all the way through the pits.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjQgQjL2_J9lLDaX8DE4PLkTmxPYLG-RRMsIxMNf9ADDGOTIaLK5nx4NlDx4Lz5Qh6-ojuUj2y6jJ-CZpu2hDHCd3v6vFfWlEyAsj24k9Dd08x0n48jChcwGQhk9i6pOnml3k1xAUblbO/s1600/DSCN1743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjQgQjL2_J9lLDaX8DE4PLkTmxPYLG-RRMsIxMNf9ADDGOTIaLK5nx4NlDx4Lz5Qh6-ojuUj2y6jJ-CZpu2hDHCd3v6vFfWlEyAsj24k9Dd08x0n48jChcwGQhk9i6pOnml3k1xAUblbO/s1600/DSCN1743.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The media room where reporters from around the world keep track of the race. Your humble blogger is pictured. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiRBKVa0ia10GfUIVSveTI8Y4FiqiAU4FkrQ8-PK2oEY9tz924O9kwLt0rjLkPzHGAsvxTjBzGKl-JpFY7FeUeOvHvM9Y2cfYdXECFLP1kGYxB2gQO61G5pYs9DSajdS1AbTluGNclZ_M/s1600/DSCN1734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiRBKVa0ia10GfUIVSveTI8Y4FiqiAU4FkrQ8-PK2oEY9tz924O9kwLt0rjLkPzHGAsvxTjBzGKl-JpFY7FeUeOvHvM9Y2cfYdXECFLP1kGYxB2gQO61G5pYs9DSajdS1AbTluGNclZ_M/s1600/DSCN1734.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where winners and losers get a chance to tell the tale to the media.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWeVlZwVdI-E0usZWaBURwmHtWGLFZbjjtlHff94aB8LuAvY9QH6xLxMUJh6jhDCDNDcMfBGhH8BGlLTP9ESF_NKTzgGTFIZBOYD4Jxxf4JRTe6hPCSgNMZEBUXscRLKQ8Zkt784TOjM-/s1600/DSCN1721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWeVlZwVdI-E0usZWaBURwmHtWGLFZbjjtlHff94aB8LuAvY9QH6xLxMUJh6jhDCDNDcMfBGhH8BGlLTP9ESF_NKTzgGTFIZBOYD4Jxxf4JRTe6hPCSgNMZEBUXscRLKQ8Zkt784TOjM-/s1600/DSCN1721.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed towards turn 1. The tower shows who is currently winning and losing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNpad5mjILWWIM2uEdtol2bLS4MYYUtetVRsGTxdpBkNaOUoCm2DWiNeXeUIqR0lCpvkdo4q964Fvh0Ri8IMS4HA28eBaAKzErQKUrwoNsGeqv8WLGkU2_1sHNnNWnktc-qbSRKRtneN3/s1600/DSCN1750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNpad5mjILWWIM2uEdtol2bLS4MYYUtetVRsGTxdpBkNaOUoCm2DWiNeXeUIqR0lCpvkdo4q964Fvh0Ri8IMS4HA28eBaAKzErQKUrwoNsGeqv8WLGkU2_1sHNnNWnktc-qbSRKRtneN3/s1600/DSCN1750.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The world famous Pagoda.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IesUYble1FPWB1VO0qEJR0zJvj6EMsmNcWXEghcHFDkimUxFjIuJ3TDfpat2rg2tNtD_E9rJMZXFKhjLJVr1uJD9KYxxtosntrUja-yGm1IbGCS0nTw5yzUbIw1s5JG4z7R27PkjaVZE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IesUYble1FPWB1VO0qEJR0zJvj6EMsmNcWXEghcHFDkimUxFjIuJ3TDfpat2rg2tNtD_E9rJMZXFKhjLJVr1uJD9KYxxtosntrUja-yGm1IbGCS0nTw5yzUbIw1s5JG4z7R27PkjaVZE/s1600/1.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-89429773930935718802014-01-01T17:58:00.000-07:002014-01-01T18:00:22.232-07:00Forever Fluid<br />
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</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<img src="http://kosttirepa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/oil-fill.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">One of the
top priorities of automotive engineers today is to make vehicles that require
less maintenance. In this they have done an excellent job making cars last a
long time without all the routine visits to the mechanic for nothing more than
preventative maintenance. When a vehicle requires less maintenance it is cheaper
for the owner, and less of a hassle. The auto manufacturers know that people
want to buy cars that require less maintenance so they have engineered them
this way.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Spark plug
changes are only due every 100k miles or so, drive belts last a very long time,
and even the old oil change really </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">doesn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> need to be performed as often as it
used to be. The modern automobile is the most trouble free, and maintenance
free contraption ever built by the hand of man. Heavy-duty trucks, heavy
equipment, and other similar vehicles of the modern era are not as trouble free,
and maintenance free as the automobile. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Lately
however, it seems as if engineers have taken things a little too far when it
comes to reducing preventative maintenance. Now, it is very common for a
vehicle to have lifetime fluids. This means that some of the fluids on some vehicles
are said to be good for the life of the vehicle. One of the most common
lifetime fluids is transmission fluid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/switch-to-synthetic-oil-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/switch-to-synthetic-oil-1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">With
advanced technology in the processing of petroleum products we now have many
types of automotive fluids that are labeled synthetic. This title usually
refers to the way they are produced. Advanced processing methods give the end
product better properties for performing the function for which it was
designed. One of the abilities of these new synthetic fluids is greater
longevity in the gear box or other mechanical assembly where it works to reduce
friction and condition parts. These fluids do last longer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The term
lifetime in reference to fluids is somewhat misleading, and really rather
vague. What is the definition of lifetime? Are they talking about the life of
the vehicle, the life of the owner, or maybe just the life of the warranty?
Maybe they mean the lifetime of the fluid itself. As if to say the fluid has a
lifetime, and they are proposing that the fluid </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">doesn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> need to be changed
until its life has run out. That would be very misleading. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The other
thing that is a bit beguiling is many times forever fluid only applies to
vehicles that follow the normal maintenance schedule. Most vehicles still use a
normal and a severe maintenance schedule. The idea is to follow the one that
applies to you. Of course based on the definition of each schedule just about
everyone is severe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The problem
with lifetime fluid in this case is the normal schedule calls many fluids
lifetime fill. So if you live in Florida and never drive too fast, or too slow,
or too little, or too much, then you never have to replace the transmission
fluid, or the differential fluid, or the power steering fluid. If you are
severe like 99% of drivers, the fluid must be changed according to the
recommended interval.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/OEM-MERCEDES-BENZ-SYNTHETIC-AUTOMATIC-TRANSMISSION-FLUID-ATF134-/00/s/MTYwMFg5MDA=/z/aUAAAMXQDDZR3tdx/$(KGrHqJHJC!FG9ERBuu7BR3td)GPcg~~60_35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/OEM-MERCEDES-BENZ-SYNTHETIC-AUTOMATIC-TRANSMISSION-FLUID-ATF134-/00/s/MTYwMFg5MDA=/z/aUAAAMXQDDZR3tdx/$(KGrHqJHJC!FG9ERBuu7BR3td)GPcg~~60_35.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Some
vehicles literally do not give any recommendation on the service interval of
their lifetime fluids. The engineers literally mean to say that the fluid never
wears out. This of course cannot be true but to the original owner of the
vehicle who keeps it for 10 years or 120k miles they really do not need to
worry about fluid service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">So, if you
purchase a vehicle with transmission fluid that is lifetime fill, when do you
need to possibly have the fluid serviced anyway? A reasonable interval for
servicing just about any type of alleged lifetime fluid is about 100k miles.
This is not really all that bad because it might mean that the average used car
buyer still has to only service the fluids of this vehicle maybe once in the
time they own it. Automotive engineers have done a good job of reducing
maintenance costs on cars, but they will never eliminate the need for fluid
service.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-37357910713419979652013-12-22T11:17:00.002-07:002013-12-22T11:17:40.203-07:00The Death of the CD Player<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/cars/1/0/E/q/2/ag_13spark_displaystereo.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No CD slot here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Car audio goes back a long way. Ever since Motorola made the
first car radio back in 1930, we have enjoyed listening to just about anything
while driving down the road. In the 50’s Chrysler even tried putting record
players in many of their high end models. These required a very smooth road and
some even had a special rotational speed that required you to buy records form
the dealership. They were not your standard 45’s. It’s hard to imagine driving
along listening to a stack of vinyl while trying to avoid even the smallest
bumps in the road.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When I was a kid, and I mean a little kid, I remember
cruising around in the old Dodge van that mom drove listening to 8 track tapes
purchased from a local second hand store. The likes of Barry Manilow, Barbara Streisand,
and the soundtrack to the Broadway show Hair could be heard loud, and somewhat
clear from the two speakers in the dash. We even had a random speaker attached to a wire just floating freely under the back seat of the van. I used to lay on the floor underneath the 3rd seat with my ear to this speaker, rocking out as any 8 year old would. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRsvA7GbAoC67vrYKpYSuCzJKX109e_OmJxuEQDnCZ3kerIAMZngYglceifgK8_zq9FHB7a-GQ0qC3a8ttjRdyAmNc1lMJmgxdBSIC5B6xUJndIi1DsS3DMSRUSngcyLgKTy5VrMr7qs/s400/8+track+tape+player.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like getting lost on the eight tracks<br />of one continuous tape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Now before you get the idea that I am that old, I need to
remind you my parents drive really old cars. Growing up in the 80’s the old
cars had 8 track players and the newer, fancier cars had cassette decks. Before
long we too had a cassette deck in our Pontiac Parisienne station wagon. The
U2, Joshua Tree album sounded really good, as did Depeche Mode, Metallica, and the
sound track from the Phantom of the Opera. We listened to a wide variety of music. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I don’t remember exactly, but I think that I had moved out of
the house by the time my parents had a car new enough to be equipped with a CD
player, in fact I’m fairly certain that I bought a car new enough to have a CD
player before my parents ever did. This medium, and the stereo in which it
plays, has been standard equipment on most vehicle for a much longer time period
that anything else, but now that is slowly changing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The CD player is dead as the standard audio player of choice
in cars today. Honestly it has been dead for a few years now. I can’t remember
the last time I used the CD player in any of my cars, I’m pretty sure it’s been
years. Today we are to the point where auto manufacturers and even the
aftermarket stereo manufacturers are selling car stereos that have no compact
disc player.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="149" src="http://webzoom.freewebs.com/trailblazer/New13/ridepic1-large.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The CD long box. In case you are <br />too young to remember</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some cars like the new Jeep Cherokee or any Cadillac, still
offer a CD player but its hidden somewhere out of the way and no longer mounted
in the dash. If you buy something like a Chevy Spark, or a Kia Soul there is no
option for the optical audio drive. These cars come with more modern ways of
listening to music, or “books on tape.” Cars such as the Spark are designed and
built for the youngest drivers among us and this generation is comprised of
people who have probably never purchased a CD from a music store and definitely
have no idea what a “long box” is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For many years now most new cars have been equipped with
auxiliary audio jacks that allow any MP3 player to play through the stereo. USB
ports are also common on most models to allow a direct interface between the
car stereo and your iPod or thumb drive. Why carry a big stack of CDs when you
can just carry a tiny iPod Shuffle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Getting even more modern than this, now many cars are
equipped with infotainment systems capable of streaming audio via cell phone
and Bluetooth. Paring your phone to the car allows you to take advantage of
services and apps such as Pandora or I Heart Radio. Some cars even come with a
very large flash type hard drive so you can transfer all of your audio and even
video files to the car where they are permanently available for play back
through the stereo and rear seat video entertainment systems.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="http://file.kelleybluebookimages.com/kbb//vehicleimage/evoxseo/xxl/9258/2014-kia-soul-stereo_9258_057_640x480.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not CD slot here. 2014 Kia Soul</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The death of the car CD player will be somewhat slow as it’s
expected to be available for a few more years, particularly in vehicles meant
for the more seasoned driver. The cassette player died a slow death as well
back in the day. The last year this feature was offered in any new car was 2010
and its amazing it lasted that long. I think the CD player will be gone by
2017. I guess we will all have to move on. At least AM and FM hasn’t changed…yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-74192907554655064832013-08-22T20:45:00.000-06:002013-08-22T20:45:06.105-06:00Ethanol, E85, and Burning Your Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZe2_Z3U1FaIeuXc2S3ksvlFrOHyAh3XF6CcJlHXiyO7AAgEkwlNAbm7OKGzLOAKJNcqFye1wkk78P6_6enBtyPzri9efOkTizqRW_APNcoavoVFj1_r9VAUBaMhV1UhhwtxBY2-3J4lB/s1600/corn+pump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZe2_Z3U1FaIeuXc2S3ksvlFrOHyAh3XF6CcJlHXiyO7AAgEkwlNAbm7OKGzLOAKJNcqFye1wkk78P6_6enBtyPzri9efOkTizqRW_APNcoavoVFj1_r9VAUBaMhV1UhhwtxBY2-3J4lB/s320/corn+pump.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In our modern day we are constantly being bombarded with the
potential for new fuel alternatives that we can use to run our vehicles, or
that we might soon be able to use to run whatever car or truck we might have in
the future. One of the new technologies, or perhaps not so new is ethanol.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ethanol works well as a fuel additive because it increases the
octane rating of gasoline and it helps it to burn cleaner. When used as the primary
component of the fuel, and not just an additive we usually refer to it as E85.
This is a mix of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Cars that are labeled “flex
fuel” are capable of running on gasoline, E85, or any mixture of the two. These
flex fuel vehicles are actually very common but most people who own them never
run them on E85 and likely don’t even know that they can. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As an additive it’s great, as a fuel it leaves much to be
desired. Ethanol takes so much energy to produce and provides so little energy
in return that it is not very practical as a fuel. While it may be impossible
to calculate the exact amount of energy return from E85 production, some
experts say the return of energy with the production of E85 is actually
negative.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1odB5HydIujzuZGBXHd_12X5pZ2hPMT4j9a4Ky-MJ4SY5Ba353GSGrSsdyCeO7U1LGED4p5DGCt-wuGzCy4keEYWpifT8T1C8inXEiyDDjY3FIjGv5GhkiVo0eLIwVzMl-3mAoA2ajiV/s1600/e85pump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1odB5HydIujzuZGBXHd_12X5pZ2hPMT4j9a4Ky-MJ4SY5Ba353GSGrSsdyCeO7U1LGED4p5DGCt-wuGzCy4keEYWpifT8T1C8inXEiyDDjY3FIjGv5GhkiVo0eLIwVzMl-3mAoA2ajiV/s320/e85pump.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not everything about E85 is bad. The octane rating is
somewhere in the neighborhood of 110 which is great. This makes it possible to
produce a lot of power with E85 as a fuel. E85 is also completely renewable
since it is derived from plant sources that are easy to cultivate. E85 burns
very cleanly and produces fewer emissions than petroleum based fuels. If E85 is
spilled or otherwise released into the environment it is much less harmful than
most of the other fuels that we use.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The problem lies in the fact that E85 is not as energy dense
as gasoline or diesel fuel. Because of this lack of energy things such as fuel
economy suffer when running E85. Take the average midsize sedan that is flex
fuel capable, with a V6 engine. Typically a car like this will be able to
achieve a combined fuel economy rating of about 25 or 26 mpg. The exact same
vehicle running on E85 will achieve about 14 or 15 mpg. Power output will feel
the same but the engine will burn a lot more E85 to produce the same amount of
power that the gasoline produces. The nationwide average price per gallon of
E85 is currently $3.23 per gallon, while gasoline is $3.93. E85 is cheaper but
not by much, and it’s certainly not worth the bad fuel economy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOCQFaDA2Up-t2C8-YSLsTLFcwLy-tPjPvVVLbw40myqaO7ua9f-z8sLRa4qr_cHOtL_DLeYbyKHZaMat-dzGbL54aL-Yw8nk0yLIytRxnyZNGZUIMrzDVoYGi6DpA1YIQrc5EjHaA0c-/s1600/flexfuel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOCQFaDA2Up-t2C8-YSLsTLFcwLy-tPjPvVVLbw40myqaO7ua9f-z8sLRa4qr_cHOtL_DLeYbyKHZaMat-dzGbL54aL-Yw8nk0yLIytRxnyZNGZUIMrzDVoYGi6DpA1YIQrc5EjHaA0c-/s320/flexfuel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The FlexFuel badge found on the back of many cars. Most<br />people don't even know what it means.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another problem with E85 is the feedstock that is most
commonly used to produce it here in the U.S. is corn. This means that farmers
who might otherwise grow corn that we eat, would instead grow corn for ethanol
production. While the corn we eat is not exactly the same corn as that which is
used in E85 production, the ground on which it is grown and other resources are
the same. With ground and resources thusly diverted the amount of crops meant for
human consumption goes down. Less food means more expensive food. And don’t
forget, livestock eats corn as well, and if the cost of livestock feed goes up,
the cost of food products derived from livestock also go up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we can get away from the idea of burning our food in our
cars, we might be able to make something more useful of E85. One idea that is
being developed is production of cellulosic ethanol. This is ethanol produced
from things such as grasses and other plants that we do not eat, and that
continually grow without the need for reseeding. Switch grass for example grows
very well in many places around the country and can be used to produce E85.
Switch grass grows very high very quickly and can be cut repeatedly without
having to be replanted, kind of like your front lawn in the summer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-68581014564658120832013-08-13T19:42:00.000-06:002013-08-13T19:42:35.803-06:00Removing Heat, Not Adding Cold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld6r4tFchV9fY2KQJH5eW6IURWb8wFDn_f2F5dXWELu0xviWWVzJDhtlUDzDepzu5pCXRTYQIHeT-jK_RAxgn3nIIUHMldueaX3d0zDZH2T4aRH5Cs5v4LCC01099ocl0L9cXRc6aKn7V/s1600/AC+System+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld6r4tFchV9fY2KQJH5eW6IURWb8wFDn_f2F5dXWELu0xviWWVzJDhtlUDzDepzu5pCXRTYQIHeT-jK_RAxgn3nIIUHMldueaX3d0zDZH2T4aRH5Cs5v4LCC01099ocl0L9cXRc6aKn7V/s320/AC+System+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The air conditioning system in your car is one of those
things that really has nothing to do with how well the vehicle runs, or how
well the vehicle performs the tasks for which it was designed. However, it is a
system that when not working can make the car more undrivable than something
like an engine misfire. In the middle of July many people will put off getting
new tires, or fixing that check engine light, in favor of getting the A/C
system working.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So what is going on with this magical system of super
coolness? Honestly it works the same way as the refrigerator in your kitchen.
The principles at work are no different, and the first thing to understand is
the fact that A/C systems do not add cold to the interior of your car, they
take away heat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignXyzmuYNzBqCAPkDffTnK3keUlfF_a4rFcBXvbenI6sB4CrCffV3AKoWeuNhltk2WALtZcUMIyOIPsezMQ4Cl1KyyUA46GiATF1NTrvsz4ce5htcKAc9teh31XveDK1g81QB_SWNuRfB/s1600/AC+System.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignXyzmuYNzBqCAPkDffTnK3keUlfF_a4rFcBXvbenI6sB4CrCffV3AKoWeuNhltk2WALtZcUMIyOIPsezMQ4Cl1KyyUA46GiATF1NTrvsz4ce5htcKAc9teh31XveDK1g81QB_SWNuRfB/s400/AC+System.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Heat is a form of energy, and when it is taken away you are
left with the absence of heat, or cold. Since heat is energy it can be stored
and moved like many other forms of energy. The air conditioning system takes
heat out of the air inside the car, moves that heat to the outside of the car,
and dissipates it into the surrounding air. When heat is removed we are left
with the absence of heat which leaves us feeling much more comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In order to do this, a refrigerant is used to transfer the
heat around in the system. This refrigerant possesses specific properties that
allow it to be pumped through the system in both liquid form under high and low
pressure, and vapor form under high and low pressure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The key to the refrigeration process is the diabatic
expansion of the refrigerant in the evaporator core of the A/C system. This
expansion causes heat to be drawn into the refrigerant. The evaporator is a
small radiator type unit usually located under the dash. Instead of being a
place where heat is released, the evaporator is a place where heat is absorbed.
The refrigerant enters the evaporator as a high pressure liquid through a tiny
orifice. As it passes through the orifice the pressure drops dramatically and
the high pressure liquid can then expand and evaporate into a gas. This
evaporative process causes the refrigerant to pick up heat. Air is blown
through the fin-like structure of the evaporator so the refrigerant can take
the heat from the air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg20JRZXsvVRY-v8LE46AQVAAIeoNFDTfnmGwJaRLi0H1pHFr91wXTreXJkCozfJyzSyv6bOiJCZ7S6N8Fj6w1bBzq3QzSGzlggvoW_81DAxA-q_yIKLLXcchj2dgDLm6Ww9SqO3M-64Bh/s1600/Compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg20JRZXsvVRY-v8LE46AQVAAIeoNFDTfnmGwJaRLi0H1pHFr91wXTreXJkCozfJyzSyv6bOiJCZ7S6N8Fj6w1bBzq3QzSGzlggvoW_81DAxA-q_yIKLLXcchj2dgDLm6Ww9SqO3M-64Bh/s200/Compressor.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A/C compressor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">All of this newly evaporated refrigerant is then pumped out
of the evaporator under the dash to the front of the vehicle. As it moves, it
passes through the compressor in the system that compresses the gas making it
very hot. The hot gaseous refrigerant then passes through the condenser at the
front of the car and condenses back to a liquid state as it gives off heat into
the surrounding air. Think of the moisture that accumulates on the side of a
cold soda can as condensation. At this point the process starts all over again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If any of the components are not functioning properly, this
cycle will not work to remove heat. The most common problem is a leak in the
system causing loss of refrigerant. If this happens then the system lacks the
capacity to remove the BTUs necessary to make the passengers feel cool and
comfy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sometimes when ambient conditions are especially hot, the A/C
system will struggle to keep you cool. Some things to remember about your A/C
system: You can’t have instant cold. In order for the system to keep you cool
it must first remove all of the heat from itself. This might take a few
minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFF0mQ4eKH5X5EYca6xeIOGSaKZ24DEfYD-Uxr9gxCUSOqI4b_2vw-lJkS4EP7IYoIV0P47m-nS_9n7Y23H62oJP-jeTZZ9Sfb9B-LKFrshqxpY4VtM16cdmnnibdWGn1WBD-LvGKlmaW/s1600/controls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFF0mQ4eKH5X5EYca6xeIOGSaKZ24DEfYD-Uxr9gxCUSOqI4b_2vw-lJkS4EP7IYoIV0P47m-nS_9n7Y23H62oJP-jeTZZ9Sfb9B-LKFrshqxpY4VtM16cdmnnibdWGn1WBD-LvGKlmaW/s320/controls.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Also, make sure to set your fresh/recirculate controls to
recirculate. This means the system will draw air from inside the vehicle
instead of the outside. If the system is drawing in air that is 100° it might not
cool enough on one pass through the evaporator, but if it recirculates air that
has already been cooled once, it can cool it a little more at it goes back
through the system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The last tip is to set your mode selector to discharge air
from the dash only, do not split the discharge air between dash and floor. You
need to move the heat away from around your head and shoulders in order to be
comfortable. Nobody ever complained of feeling comfortable up top but feeling
too hot around the feet. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not to mention the fact that the cold air coming out
higher up on the dash is going to sink to the floor anyway. This flow will also
help the recirculation mentioned earlier.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-6567493450802800442013-08-06T21:44:00.000-06:002013-08-06T21:44:20.903-06:00New Owners by Federal Fiat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdrPdaIVtSTU6xH17nFsQv6GBS5wDGeVF7s6Eoq4T53eiK32bHgWyrAoD4khaDrYH6pUUdvPu5e3zfqeYForRNvQPlok6wVCZahfGAk9QALtkAuOFtCiL70ZgFlgCEcqwKPVHArVngZXB/s1600/Fiat+Chrysler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdrPdaIVtSTU6xH17nFsQv6GBS5wDGeVF7s6Eoq4T53eiK32bHgWyrAoD4khaDrYH6pUUdvPu5e3zfqeYForRNvQPlok6wVCZahfGAk9QALtkAuOFtCiL70ZgFlgCEcqwKPVHArVngZXB/s1600/Fiat+Chrysler.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
At the Chrysler Corporation things are changing dramatically
and it’s certainly for the better. It’s been a rocky road for the house of the
Pentastar over the last several years but since corporate restructuring that
resulted from the bankruptcy of 2009 Chrysler is in new and seemingly capable
hands.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fiat S.p.A. based in Turin, Italy has been gobbling up shares
of Chrysler. The federal government was in
charge of the Chrysler bankruptcy proceedings back in 2009 and declared by
ummm, fiat, that the Italian automaker would be allowed to purchase an initial
share of 20% of Chrysler. This allowed Chrysler to stay in business.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From 1998 to 2007 Chrysler was mostly owned by Daimler Benz (the
Mercedes people) and the company was called Daimler Chrysler. During this time Daimler
Benz tried very hard to keep the Mercedes line and the Chrysler/Dodge line of
vehicles completely separate. They didn't<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
mix vehicles back and forth much so
they could keep things distinctly American or German. This didn't prove very
profitable for Daimler Benz so they axed the Chrysler part of the company to a
capital management firm here in the U.S. back in 2007. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGFwle30N7mk7FxvUtg1Sczbz5J69vQoNg3v6EsHRW6sLYE6B2S4RWy08MUJ3pw1P7NqmETPDuHw8v6qlAQCLBUvRDHWr4dm4D5AnkPPNCjx3XUKcl8WxQcPuMNvgw61pJQhK9xUQ92cZ/s1600/Sergio-Marchionne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGFwle30N7mk7FxvUtg1Sczbz5J69vQoNg3v6EsHRW6sLYE6B2S4RWy08MUJ3pw1P7NqmETPDuHw8v6qlAQCLBUvRDHWr4dm4D5AnkPPNCjx3XUKcl8WxQcPuMNvgw61pJQhK9xUQ92cZ/s200/Sergio-Marchionne.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sergio Marchionne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This, along with many other problems, caused Chrysler to
start bleeding from the ledger so badly they had to declare bankruptcy in 2009.
This is when Fiat stepped in to help. They had already righted their own ship
back in 2004 when the dynamic Sergio Marchionne took over the helm of Fiat.
They were now looking to grow dramatically and saw value in the Chrysler name,
as well as an easy way to break back into the North American market. Fiat used
to sell cars here in the U.S. until the mid 80’s when they had to pull out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 20% of Chrysler that was owned by Fiat has grown to
about 60%. Recently it is being reported that Fiat is looking to increase
ownership by another 15 to 20 percent. While Fiat is already completely in
control of Chrysler Group LLC, the further increase in their share would allow
Fiat more access to the revenues generated by the now growing Chrysler.
Marchionne is also now the head of Chrysler. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With this new arrow in the Fiat quiver they are handling the
situation differently than Daimler Benz did. Fiat is completely combining the
companies into one corporation in every way possible. This means that products
from other Fiat subsidiaries will be rebadged as Chrysler and Dodge vehicles,
and Chrysler products will be rebadged and sold under the names of other Fiat product
lines. A good example of this is the new Dodge Dart. This good looking little
sedan is actually an Alfa Romeo Giulietta with a different body on it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlKMGC13OjlvjlIwbvPrWhM6gfWpKbOk3MeAOSaPRTbmL99AMhLUhw_iXGoWz0kZSJZLVjOH0k2WLUjRAPbfql88dBy3D706EJJr-OP8bpOCssWT5VmtWE72Df4DtUTIk4mtpabgK-krD/s1600/Dodge+Dart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlKMGC13OjlvjlIwbvPrWhM6gfWpKbOk3MeAOSaPRTbmL99AMhLUhw_iXGoWz0kZSJZLVjOH0k2WLUjRAPbfql88dBy3D706EJJr-OP8bpOCssWT5VmtWE72Df4DtUTIk4mtpabgK-krD/s400/Dodge+Dart.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The New Dodge Dart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many old Chrysler faithful are upset about the new owners of
this American icon. They feel that somehow the products from the new Chrysler
will be lacking the American heritage of the Chrysler products from a few years
ago. What heritage exactly? The unreliable cars that few people wanted to
drive? This is the reason Chrysler had so many struggles. Wouldn't it be best
to do something completely different?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Actually the things that Fiat is doing for Chrysler are
beneficial in many ways. The Dart is an outstanding car compared to the Neon
and the Caliber which used to be the offerings in this segment. This car was
only possible because of Fiat. The only other choice in this matter would have
been to close the doors of Chrysler forever. The modern technology and the vast
amounts of product lines that Fiat has under its umbrella provide substantial
resources for Chrysler engineers back in Auburn Hills, MI. Don’t forget that
Fiat owns Ferrari. Wouldn't it be interesting to see some Ferrari rub off on something
with the Dodge name on it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other thing that is good is many cars that Chrysler
builds here in the U.S. are now being sent to Europe and are being sold with
Italian names on them. American workers selling more of the products they
build, to people overseas is most certainly a good thing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Considering the fact that Chrysler is now in the black and
prospering nicely, it’s hard to make an argument against ownership by Fiat.
Most of the naysayers are holding on to old time sentiments and that’s okay,
but it doesn't sell cars. Not to mention that Fiat has no plans to mess with
the Ram truck. It will still be the rugged beast it has always been. Keep the
good stuff, replace the bad stuff with new stuff, and let’s watch Chrysler
grow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuzOsaVopDn2X3Iq1nZ4Uccq01zh5iovQkbW5qA8R6zFrd3uhz6KLJJNGD34o47q8spB4eYXSdaw6Pnjgpw27AeTmEWJ_VJ5_a77GHjyHCY6TasEVuvu-uhVskqkft9mbb-KuJu-lLfSe/s1600/ram1500_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuzOsaVopDn2X3Iq1nZ4Uccq01zh5iovQkbW5qA8R6zFrd3uhz6KLJJNGD34o47q8spB4eYXSdaw6Pnjgpw27AeTmEWJ_VJ5_a77GHjyHCY6TasEVuvu-uhVskqkft9mbb-KuJu-lLfSe/s400/ram1500_15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-21468284438826759072013-07-30T12:50:00.000-06:002013-07-30T12:50:29.549-06:00Anyone Can Be A Parts Hanger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfmkDD6U9ZcSXo2KQCHvqS1ynzRSNme_AT-XZVjVZWmOCVMgqb5RSSmAzPe1o4p4sd3YKtXmHWWxWf3SkC-dnSFaTUSChMxefmLfeT71_FlDpV5uQiRzFHfXPDRRH-sZ8pqNRyL1niCXh/s1600/wrench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfmkDD6U9ZcSXo2KQCHvqS1ynzRSNme_AT-XZVjVZWmOCVMgqb5RSSmAzPe1o4p4sd3YKtXmHWWxWf3SkC-dnSFaTUSChMxefmLfeT71_FlDpV5uQiRzFHfXPDRRH-sZ8pqNRyL1niCXh/s320/wrench.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The term “parts hanger” is commonly used among automotive
technicians to describe someone who has no idea how to diagnose a car, but has enough
tools and knowledge to be dangerous and can certainly replace broken parts. The
fact of the matter is that most of the people who make a living working on cars
are parts hangers more than they are technicians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The automotive repair industry has no standards. This is a
problem from top to bottom. Anyone can open a shop, anyone can sell service,
and anyone can perform the service. It would seem that the only requirement is
that you have your name on your shirt. Because the bosses don’t care about
standards they hire parts hangers instead of technicians. What they need and
perhaps what they want are technicians, but they may not have a choice but to
hire are parts hangers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5fWiDN7mqSQqvD3dZFNSbxY82nGwkWAbA28X-J8ww9xGnESMFRIZXAFmrYhB-c6mkkscVtvYu8qhmWJbZcfhoQ6jWS6whMslkdRfS-6fmd3fyRW1CQ44O-SunrmOYCnspge0HfTV4w8Q/s1600/IMG_0853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5fWiDN7mqSQqvD3dZFNSbxY82nGwkWAbA28X-J8ww9xGnESMFRIZXAFmrYhB-c6mkkscVtvYu8qhmWJbZcfhoQ6jWS6whMslkdRfS-6fmd3fyRW1CQ44O-SunrmOYCnspge0HfTV4w8Q/s200/IMG_0853.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Would you go to a doctor that was not board certified to
practice medicine? What if he said he had all the tools and lots of experience?
What if he said he could save you lots of money, you just had to trust him? You
might say that this analogy is silly because doctors deal with life or death
situations. Many medical procedures are not such dire situations but we would
still never trust anyone who was not a certified doctor. If someone replaces
the brakes on your car improperly we are talking life or death. If your car
breaks down in a blizzard on some lonely road because of an incompetent
mechanic we are again talking life or death, so I think the analogy stands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The thing that must change is that technicians need to seek
more and better education both before they enter the auto repair industry, and
after they are already working in a shop. Education must continue because the
advancement of technology never ceases. As time goes by this technological
growth is exponential, and the need for frequent training becomes even more
important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjequU8FYLeQgMV20h2kHUbw_kRYDbgP0tpi1Oai5AeASZxcZy637a08wYR5c_b6nTGGNfYheaJ_7RunHAvcx4t4pLY97CpLDvjVS0lrw_u5bHxVqEdEpvtvYPoMN_ltp7l2kBKjFFYlOmC/s1600/Automotive+Spring+08_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjequU8FYLeQgMV20h2kHUbw_kRYDbgP0tpi1Oai5AeASZxcZy637a08wYR5c_b6nTGGNfYheaJ_7RunHAvcx4t4pLY97CpLDvjVS0lrw_u5bHxVqEdEpvtvYPoMN_ltp7l2kBKjFFYlOmC/s200/Automotive+Spring+08_001.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most shops provide very little opportunity for such training
because they are too busy just trying to run their businesses, and honestly
most of their technicians really don’t think about it much anyway. The bosses
figure that they themselves don’t need any new training, so why would their
technicians? As long as this is the way things work the quality of the diagnosis
and repair work the customers are paying for will continue to go down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is the public to do? Not much. Once the public demands
better service by only going to shops with better educated technicians, then
things might change. The people who are tired of settling for mediocre service
and shoddy workmanship can take a stand by going somewhere else and demanding
that only the best technicians work on their cars. They could at least ask
whether or not the technicians get to attend any kind of professional
development training to make sure they are up on all the latest and greatest
technologies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMC9f9XtcbCEBaVrI8Zhet95H8JTICfjcQgBEsNorw-aa4esgDdw8exCEJ9wfL6QFua1MYLwGr-qIzS_TTRxO4xlmB6CB_CEvUWLd8hEAN55uublP130o_aNO4Ob4dRZIyQmO0PhgpW9p/s1600/IMG_0857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMC9f9XtcbCEBaVrI8Zhet95H8JTICfjcQgBEsNorw-aa4esgDdw8exCEJ9wfL6QFua1MYLwGr-qIzS_TTRxO4xlmB6CB_CEvUWLd8hEAN55uublP130o_aNO4Ob4dRZIyQmO0PhgpW9p/s320/IMG_0857.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The standard must be set by the customers. Businesses that
do not respond to customer demands are businesses that go away. Some people
will always look for the cheapest service without regard for anything else, but
these people never really spend the kind of money they should to maintain their
cars, so the budget shops that only they would frequent would still go away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The automotive world needs parts hangers. We need people who
can change our oil and mount and balance tires. These are jobs that don’t
require great skill and if we have unskilled people doing these things for us
it does keep the cost down. Those that work in these positions will never make
much money and maybe that’s just fine. Everyone needs to find employment
somewhere, and those that are really sharp can start in these positions and
easily work their way up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, when it come to diagnosing complex computer control
systems that manage everything on the vehicle from fuel control to the
interface between the sat nav and the ABS system, only a highly trained
technician will do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuSHv85CXYix3_ptxIZ4pUHp4ItcJI_usJpGdHPlTJ1lYoHAMLh87mYF1qqLR42OfB8dCCH00mij1KVME2Gm4xsEgV5t0AqbEaFS6EplbKW6aek_hGknFYAnq-0Uc0w5-wL1KUr916gIM/s1600/DSC_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuSHv85CXYix3_ptxIZ4pUHp4ItcJI_usJpGdHPlTJ1lYoHAMLh87mYF1qqLR42OfB8dCCH00mij1KVME2Gm4xsEgV5t0AqbEaFS6EplbKW6aek_hGknFYAnq-0Uc0w5-wL1KUr916gIM/s400/DSC_0605.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-47815693049815077822013-05-30T20:20:00.000-06:002013-05-30T20:20:29.331-06:00An Automatic Can Be a Stick<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uKN-nmjhC6BBT7NCliNra596u5ZcMCqZNBEQxmEyHFfc-DUY1ANonCea4EiSGFwFlcej67GInSQ1z50yYzHmc9vC7lk5fgE4qdYp9s_pZlolTwnFE5uePlORnkB0CXb-PBpY2bQ-IdAu/s1600/Shifter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uKN-nmjhC6BBT7NCliNra596u5ZcMCqZNBEQxmEyHFfc-DUY1ANonCea4EiSGFwFlcej67GInSQ1z50yYzHmc9vC7lk5fgE4qdYp9s_pZlolTwnFE5uePlORnkB0CXb-PBpY2bQ-IdAu/s1600/Shifter.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
Back in the old days we used to have manual transmissions
with a manual gear selector and a clutch pedal. We also had automatic transmissions
that had a single selector used to shift the transmission to the mode of
operation needed at any given time. Every car was either an automatic or a
stick. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_yOQ6T7wOeyhQszwkX1uFc63yncFNC3ouu6eUY3xsHtEvHm63tjewGJFWoNYBEVumoH9I3-KPzJ66U0erSoepgwsrGYlyfeuBb1fMrUu6h0t-fMkQSS2C36nXCmb6B0MSI7X9uUuYnEi/s1600/PRNDL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_yOQ6T7wOeyhQszwkX1uFc63yncFNC3ouu6eUY3xsHtEvHm63tjewGJFWoNYBEVumoH9I3-KPzJ66U0erSoepgwsrGYlyfeuBb1fMrUu6h0t-fMkQSS2C36nXCmb6B0MSI7X9uUuYnEi/s320/PRNDL.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regular 4 speed automatic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today it seems whatever manual transmissions are actually
left, are not really any different from the old ones, but the automatic
transmissions are very different. We don’t have the old PRND2L up on top of the
steering column anymore. We now have all sorts of other things to choose from when
operating the automatic transmission. As time goes by things always have to get
more complicated. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of these features in newer automatic transmissions
center on being able to select the gear you want in some fancy new way. Despite
the fact that all automatic transmissions actually let the driver select the
gear they want, the newer automatics now make something special out of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcB_q1JriekZWFnMWU8UrBUkj9J8RTOSEfHVESSuoxJKGMA90ilabfZnYhk30acyVJJ3nMXDENkNdvzcROmD91CHpR3xJfzWtckUaHqM9syKHwd4PynZ2jJTYp89LsM41-u9ue4JZUkD9/s1600/paddle+shifters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcB_q1JriekZWFnMWU8UrBUkj9J8RTOSEfHVESSuoxJKGMA90ilabfZnYhk30acyVJJ3nMXDENkNdvzcROmD91CHpR3xJfzWtckUaHqM9syKHwd4PynZ2jJTYp89LsM41-u9ue4JZUkD9/s400/paddle+shifters.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddle shifters are the two little levers with the plus and minus signs<br />used for shifting up and down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paddle shifters on the steering wheel or column are now
common along with other things that allow the driver to very easily go from a
fully automatic mode to a somewhat manual mode. Most cars that have one of
these features will usually have a selection within the shift gate that allows
them to use the gear selector kind of like a switch. The driver can push the
gear selector forward to shift up or pull the selector backward to shift down.
These transmission setups use names such as autostick, tiptronic, or manumatic.
A few automatic transmissions with manual mode are a completely different thing
called a dual clutch transmission (DCT), but this is a topic for another time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only difference between and autostick transmission and a
regular old automatic is the programming. Automatic transmissions are
completely computer controlled on all cars and trucks today. This means that
the driver selects the mode such as drive or reverse, and the computer selects
everything else such as what gear to use and how and when to shift. Vehicles
equipped with an autostick transmission have a mode where the driver is allowed
to select the gears manually, but the transmission control computer still does
the actual shifting. So the job of gear selection moves from the computer to
the driver when the transmission is in the manual mode. Neither the computer
nor the driver ever has to worry about a clutch because all of the inner
workings of the drivetrain are the same no matter which mode is selected.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In reality this is not that different from the old
automatics from years ago. Many people probably remember how grandpa used to
drive his old Ford truck with the three speed automatic. With any automatic,
including old ones, it is possible to start out driving with the lever on the
steering column or on the floor in the L or 1 position. This will not let the
transmission shift out of 1<sup>st</sup>. Once the vehicle gets moving the
driver would then move the selector up to the 2 position and the transmission
would shift into 2<sup>nd</sup>. Then as the vehicle got moving even faster the
driver would move the selector to the D position and the vehicle would shift
into 3<sup>rd</sup>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lryzcHvB4eDnsEKhD0Xi4W3Kc24mKKwsRtohVWV-LWpqFr9DmJzJ0Rha6VyOY4GhbZ7O_D0IVqhGY73RN64TRq0-q-8Qst9TWsbdxLH5kH45Xb1eU13-a9C6D43CiVL3NN3vMlInlgSR/s1600/autostick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lryzcHvB4eDnsEKhD0Xi4W3Kc24mKKwsRtohVWV-LWpqFr9DmJzJ0Rha6VyOY4GhbZ7O_D0IVqhGY73RN64TRq0-q-8Qst9TWsbdxLH5kH45Xb1eU13-a9C6D43CiVL3NN3vMlInlgSR/s400/autostick.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manual mode is selected by moving the lever to drive then moving to<br />the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How is this any different than what the fancy autostick
transmissions allow today? The answer is, not much. This manual shifting of an
automatic transmission even works when shifting back down from high gears to
low gears. The thing is there is no good reason to drive an automatic vehicle
this way. The notion that automatics don’t let the driver select the gear they
want to use is not exactly true; you just can’t select it as precisely as you
can with a regular manual transmission.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even the autostick transmission will only allow the driver
to do so much. If you try to over rev the engine by just letting wind up and
not shifting into a higher gear, it will go ahead and do it for you whether you
want it to or not. If you come to a stop and you don’t down shift back to
first, it will do it for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what is the advantage to this kind of automatic
transmission that has become so common? They are slightly more convenient to
use, and they give a feeling of more control even if they don’t actually offer
more control. With just the right vehicle they can add a little bit of
excitement to the driving experience. For some people little things like this
matter but chances are most people don’t really care.
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-75957605578360054712013-03-14T20:37:00.002-06:002013-03-14T20:37:50.614-06:00Considering Others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj50WAY06asj1BXfTZO07LkDPg6ZvCHGJwGpvTQhEyPit1DTD5Bi5l1f_mhsMOXB23UaXcUNPZRwDNmI64L16MhRSCoDEJVbkw8EqT-ozS-Fsu-sOkezQUvk7JGN7ZEb1UffxzscvPUqkT/s1600/parking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj50WAY06asj1BXfTZO07LkDPg6ZvCHGJwGpvTQhEyPit1DTD5Bi5l1f_mhsMOXB23UaXcUNPZRwDNmI64L16MhRSCoDEJVbkw8EqT-ozS-Fsu-sOkezQUvk7JGN7ZEb1UffxzscvPUqkT/s320/parking.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why is it that when we are behind the wheel of a car we
automatically think that nothing we do affects others? In reality driving down
a crowded street is no different than walking down a crowded street. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We see many other people as we make our way along with the
crowd. When we are walking everything seems to go smoothly. We nod a polite hello
to strangers, we give each other space, and we generally interact in a polite
manner. This simple interaction almost never leads to blatant offenses between
two individuals, because we all know how to behave in these situations. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Put us in a car and we become crazy jerks. We drive around
like everyone else is some kind of moron and we are the only ones that have any
business being on the road. We become quick to judge, quick to offend, and
quick to let our sense of decency and courtesy go out the window. Every offense
that we commit against another motorist we quickly brush off as ultimately
being someone else’s fault. We try to teach others lessons from behind the
wheel that we think they need, when in reality such things are dangerous.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The world would be a better place if we could consider others
when using our automobiles. Just because you can’t look the other person in the
eye doesn't mean that you shouldn't show them respect and decency. Any action
you take while driving your car is ultimately your responsibility.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you pull into a parking spot, keep the car between the
lines. When you don’t, it becomes difficult for others to park in the space
next to you. What makes you think that you deserve two parking spots? Maybe you
have never even thought about it one way or another. If your vehicle is too big
to efficiently pull into a particular parking spot then find another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5HyiX2-VnBVCTllCvU3rzg5hiB4xF-shrmae3x7vM_z5xWCGKnsNKe56otzzwUg0UmlEGBhXwV6qQadehIG5O4lqBCcHsN1k5KMmbpvnuGo6Qr4FMhOCyOmDISdW8taFp9XtYhwedAWA/s1600/no+parking.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5HyiX2-VnBVCTllCvU3rzg5hiB4xF-shrmae3x7vM_z5xWCGKnsNKe56otzzwUg0UmlEGBhXwV6qQadehIG5O4lqBCcHsN1k5KMmbpvnuGo6Qr4FMhOCyOmDISdW8taFp9XtYhwedAWA/s200/no+parking.png" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have to run into a store or quickly make a similar
stop, you are still obligated to park in the parking lot. Nobody is allowed to
leave their vehicle parked in front of the entrance where people are trying to
enter and exit, and cars are trying to maneuver around each other. You are not
the exception, even if it’s only for a minute. When you push your shopping cart
around the grocery store, would you leave it at the end of an aisle so that it
blocks other shoppers?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When driving on the interstate, the slower traffic must keep
to the right. If you are driving slower than even one other car on the freeway,
and that car wants to pass, you are obligated to move over. The passing car
must not pass on the right. This is not a time for you to teach this other
driver what the speed limit is and dawdle along slowly in the passing lane.
Notice that name, it’s called the “passing lane” because it is for passing. If
you were a pedestrian on the sidewalk would you not yield briefly to another
who was trying to get around you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The diesel pickup spewing black smoke from its tailpipe as
it accelerates from a stop light is offensive to most other drivers. These
toxins waft through the air all around the intersection for others to breathe.
This smoke is the result of something that is broken. Either the fuel
management on the truck is broken, or the driver themselves is broken. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nobody is impressed with a diesel blowing smoke between
stoplights, except those that do it. Get your truck fixed or run a different
program in your engine computer. Most of the time these smoke blowing drivers
are running a computer program that makes this occur. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you want to blow black smoke from your exhaust, sign up
for a sled pulling competition. Then you can see some real torque in action and
learn how weak your truck really is. Your perceived right to blow smoke doesn't supersede anyone else’s literal right to not breathe your garbage. You wouldn't walk up to someone on the street and blow cigarette smoke right in their face
would you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVOEUMowWlQ_sUeg87rRD6W1KlTWtYRxtWYezHm-4LZSnGnPeTyscEdEO4wRBnr0TTCiMQr-RF6Q2IpGMA-n1ek7hzZjy8vjDefZQD2hcJVTn7WIPMfSeHSTZst_WaSgxnxeD4wNI6zH8/s1600/BMW+Fire+Hose.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVOEUMowWlQ_sUeg87rRD6W1KlTWtYRxtWYezHm-4LZSnGnPeTyscEdEO4wRBnr0TTCiMQr-RF6Q2IpGMA-n1ek7hzZjy8vjDefZQD2hcJVTn7WIPMfSeHSTZst_WaSgxnxeD4wNI6zH8/s320/BMW+Fire+Hose.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justice is real. Of course it's a BMW.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>While this seems like just a negative rant, it isn't Most
of the offences mentioned here are small and they don’t occur because people
are genuinely rude, but rather because we as a society don’t consider others as
much as we should. If we stop and think about how our actions behind the wheel
have an effect on fellow motorists, even those whom we cannot look in the eye, we
would all behave more courteously. This of course, would mean that we would all
be happier drivers ourselves. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-6910410809206359622013-03-02T22:32:00.002-07:002013-03-02T22:32:30.105-07:00Like Perpetual Energy, Not Really<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QnDC5qGMZNROr6P1Wd1paExsyhAYLrQfgSRvDRmmX3iMmd_iC8RwCD6MbHEZV0aF5CZOG4XxJQ-4IZdym2DTwcPJkaVddioSHrdX4c0IncG9nK02SClFQg0tLji4Jlvk9SInbPRFSUQx/s1600/alternator+engine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QnDC5qGMZNROr6P1Wd1paExsyhAYLrQfgSRvDRmmX3iMmd_iC8RwCD6MbHEZV0aF5CZOG4XxJQ-4IZdym2DTwcPJkaVddioSHrdX4c0IncG9nK02SClFQg0tLji4Jlvk9SInbPRFSUQx/s400/alternator+engine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A device that creates electricity and then uses that
electricity to create more electricity sounds like a great thing and indeed it
would be. The alternator on your can almost do this but not really. Perpetual
energy is scientifically impossible, at least with what we currently understand
about the laws of thermodynamics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The alternator is a type of generator so it essentially
creates electricity, and to do this it uses electricity, quite often originating
in the alternator. The force, or the energy that really makes all of this
possible is the rotating force of the engine. The alternator is driven by a
belt that is turned using a pulley attached to the crankshaft of the engine.
This is the real driving force that makes electrical generation possible within
the alternator. The rest is simply a matter of electromagnetic induction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Electromagnetic induction occurs when a magnetic flux or field
passes over a conductor. The point at which the magnetic field collapses around
the conductor is the point where voltage is induced into the conductor. This
voltage is the pressure that pushes electrons through the conductor, and
electron flow is electricity. The alternator actually produces alternating
current which is why it’s called an alternator. Before this current actually
leaves the alternator it is converted into direct current so the power can be
stored in the battery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In order for this to happen, the alternator has two main parts,
the rotor, and the stator. These parts do what their names imply. The rotor
rotates or spins and the stator stays in place surrounding the rotor. The rotor
contains a large electromagnet that creates the magnetic field necessary for
induction. The stator is the conductor that the magnetic field moves through.
As the rotor spins, the magnetic field passes through the stator over and over
again, thousands of time per minute. The voltage that is induced is then sent
to charge the battery and to run all electrical accessories. This electricity
even powers the electromagnet in the stator. This may seem like perpetual
energy but it’s not even close because the energy to turn the rotor has to come
from the engine. The energy to turn the engine of course comes from the
gasoline.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alternator failure is a fairly common problem that most cars
will experience at one point or another. When this happens while the vehicle is
being driven alternator voltage output goes to zero, or to something very low.
Anything electrical on the vehicle will begin to draw power from the battery.
This will slowly draw the battery dead until there is not enough voltage to run
the fuel pump and fire the spark plugs. The engine then dies. When you try to
restart it, the motor won’t even crank because the battery is dead. A jump
start can get you going again but only for a few minutes until the car stalls
again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1tIlWz3ppz2gJQrqe63lYcrL2Y4lzv03YU0r543_JeI6C0tGtoHS3ZogNCmsyFrb0lsfVjEwXiiAzDAl4chEPEdjiL2TAkcR99nxEuaraN08s5mfNU-BTbmm__nGzF2EHd96FuKIKBY-/s1600/Alternator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1tIlWz3ppz2gJQrqe63lYcrL2Y4lzv03YU0r543_JeI6C0tGtoHS3ZogNCmsyFrb0lsfVjEwXiiAzDAl4chEPEdjiL2TAkcR99nxEuaraN08s5mfNU-BTbmm__nGzF2EHd96FuKIKBY-/s320/Alternator.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what can you do the make your alternator last longer? Not
much really, it is largely a maintenance free device. Just make sure that the
belt is tight and doesn’t squeal. Also, if you run your battery dead because you
leave your headlights on or something like that, or if you have a battery that
is going bad, this puts considerable strain on the alternator. If you battery
goes dead, it is best to recharge the battery with a battery charger rather
than just letting the alternator do it. Recharging a dead battery with the
alternator once or twice over the life of the car isn’t a big deal, but don’t
make it a habit. Be sure to have your battery checked regularly to make sure
that it doesn’t slowly go bad and drag the alternator down with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep these ideas in mind and your own personal power
generator will last a long time without much fuss. Perpetual energy it isn’t,
but it is essential to the proper operation of your vehicle, not to mention
your rear seat DVD player.<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-20920865621980446082013-02-02T22:34:00.001-07:002013-02-02T22:34:34.889-07:00Roll In Style Not In Danger<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2p2Xnit4IXFgWO5pQJRdFUv-gtVyZulIeXt9IrJbyvWY4qfu4Ju3GTVFQawBIBHOv893yLgKt8XBFXrk4UMHhcJKMXAQ_6ZkIIqGANR2TbVoGWRExUlbp9nbQX3IIIKddLHw4_kVckgP/s1600/caddi+rims.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2p2Xnit4IXFgWO5pQJRdFUv-gtVyZulIeXt9IrJbyvWY4qfu4Ju3GTVFQawBIBHOv893yLgKt8XBFXrk4UMHhcJKMXAQ_6ZkIIqGANR2TbVoGWRExUlbp9nbQX3IIIKddLHw4_kVckgP/s400/caddi+rims.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rolling down the street in your SUV with 22 inch rims can be
something that makes you feel like you are king of the road. Oversized rims are
all the rage on all sorts of vehicles and nothing adds bling to your ride like
wheels that are huge and loaded with chrome.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While you might think it makes your ride look good, and I’m
not saying it doesn’t, there are a few problems that you have when you put
big custom rims at each corner of your ride. The biggest problem with this
type of customization has to do with what we call unsprung weight. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anything on the vehicle or in the vehicle that exerts the
force of its weight on the springs of the suspension system is sprung weight. This
would be most of the vehicle, such as the body, frame, engine and transmission,
or anything that is placed inside the vehicle like passengers and cargo. This
is sprung weight because it is all supported by the springs, and suspension
system action can control the force of this weight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anything that exerts the force of its weight on the tires only,
and not on the springs, is unsprung weight. This is because the weight is below
the springs. Things like rims and tires, steering knuckles, brake assemblies,
and drive axles fall into this category. These are all items that spring action
and suspension articulation cannot control.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Generally speaking the more unsprung weight a vehicle
carries, the harsher the ride is. Pickup trucks and many SUV’s that are built
for heavy-duty applications tend to have more unsprung weight and therefore
have a ride that is not so smooth. Higher unsprung weight can also lead to
handling characteristics that are undesirable. All that weight causes the
wheels to bounce around more and lead to more situations where they are not
firmly planted. Wheels that are not firmly planted cause poor ride quality and
poor directional stability.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oversized rims are very heavy and add a tremendous amount of
unsprung weight to the vehicle. Even if the rims are made of aluminum they can
still add hundreds of extra pounds, especially if you add bigger tires with the
bigger rims. Many times the tires are not much bigger in diameter than the
stock tires, but the section height, or the height of the sidewall, is narrower
to accommodate the larger rims. This low profile tire adds to the modern, sporty
look of the large rims but it further decreases ride quality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm45udrxlwJukgsvewZEkhXHE_ZXRMJYInbMNL_buYXO1WXP8EkoeRErdDvh4VwQdpnZNK1-bgjrnV-2moLbU_Ds-f5sO7Nr1PVJzyT3g33aXCA57Ta06Kcq2uXKSBphdsM3tV1oMEqoVf/s1600/big+rims.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm45udrxlwJukgsvewZEkhXHE_ZXRMJYInbMNL_buYXO1WXP8EkoeRErdDvh4VwQdpnZNK1-bgjrnV-2moLbU_Ds-f5sO7Nr1PVJzyT3g33aXCA57Ta06Kcq2uXKSBphdsM3tV1oMEqoVf/s320/big+rims.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another common mistake when having custom rims installed
relates to the overall fit of the rim and tire assembly. Obviously the tire and
rim assembly must fit within the wheel arch and not be so big that it rubs on
any of the body or suspension parts. In order to get some wheels to fit
properly, or to provide the look that the owner of the vehicle wants, wheel
spacers are added to the hub of the wheel and then the tire and rim assemblies
are bolted to the spacers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wheel spacers can cause big problems and are actually
illegal in some states because they can make the vehicle handle dangerously,
and they are easy to install improperly which may cause the wheels to fall off
while driving. Like the over-sized rims, they can cause excessive wear and tear
on the steering and suspension components as well because suspension geometry
is changed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
None of this means that you can’t customize your wheels but
it just means that you need to be careful. Just because a wheel assembly bolts
on doesn’t mean that it will work just fine. With so many different types of
custom rims available for nearly every vehicle on the road there is no reason
not to find something that will fit just right, and give you the look that you
want.<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-19458935308025663302012-11-22T11:48:00.000-07:002012-11-22T11:48:27.088-07:00Automotive Thanksgiving<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNkar6_NwMreKs-rMLRlWIBtfPlkz_Nj5q3hot2Ija0NT1aHlbAEFqj34yAm2hcl8wrjvyFfI-Os2NSqAWDrsuFO4vCAHBqUTL1EGKCtglmvrHV9pOOrDgX5AtYiZrBy00Np5qES5tisj/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNkar6_NwMreKs-rMLRlWIBtfPlkz_Nj5q3hot2Ija0NT1aHlbAEFqj34yAm2hcl8wrjvyFfI-Os2NSqAWDrsuFO4vCAHBqUTL1EGKCtglmvrHV9pOOrDgX5AtYiZrBy00Np5qES5tisj/s200/thanksgiving.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is Thanksgiving Day and I have been reflecting upon
the things for which I am thankful. Since my mind always runs through ideas related to the automotive world, I have come up with a list of things
to be thankful for in the related to cars and trucks. Some of these things are
silliness but most of them are genuinely good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Fuel injection: My thankfulness for fuel injection
goes hand in hand with my thankfulness for the fact we don’t have to rely
on carburetors anymore. When it’s really cold in the morning fuel injection helps
your car run smoothly. Not having issues with silly things like a choke, and
fast idle cam adjustment and that kind of nonsense is a good thing. When it’s
really hot outside fuel injection helps your car run smoothly. Since fuel
injection runs at a much higher fuel pressure, things like vapor lock never
occur to leave you stranded out in the hot desert. When it’s wet and rainy
outside fuel injection helps your car run smoothly. Air density and humidity
are automatically compensated for in ways that carburetors could never handle. All
of these things are completely taken for granted by just about everyone who
drives. I’m sure old people, anyone who has been driving for the last
30 years or so, remembers the problems associated with carburetors all too
well.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SP8JjCH97ljOpFtbyk2pgPKE-mimXyQwyy_8A8nZVi-W-Y-4Mfkh6jeYWENi63AEC1vrIPfzVlqsNBNEviqOMK2YIA5qbZDhJPRus8GlolPM8uXMXoHhNer7NnS4F9kMr7AZV-AmNSbi/s1600/fuel+injectors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SP8JjCH97ljOpFtbyk2pgPKE-mimXyQwyy_8A8nZVi-W-Y-4Mfkh6jeYWENi63AEC1vrIPfzVlqsNBNEviqOMK2YIA5qbZDhJPRus8GlolPM8uXMXoHhNer7NnS4F9kMr7AZV-AmNSbi/s320/fuel+injectors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Injecting a bit of reliability</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Japanese Quality: What I am thankful for here
are the Japanese cars that began to sell very well back in the mid 80’s. These
cars were small and awkward, but were so reliable they won more and more
market share every year. By the time the Japanese manufacturers started to
design cars that were not just reliable but were also the size and shape that
Americans wanted, they were selling more of these “normal” cars than the
domestics. This higher standard that was introduced by the Japanese lead to the
domestics slowly raising the quality of their product. When quality goes up
across the entire market the consumer ultimately wins.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_AXdO3SXfJHSBWl4muoCYdwG5bokxbHdoLQN6Xo6f9wBdgGvhKLaOgqo3oBzbiyImZW3fEHCoqW6cRJk4bfbi8HUx1ZGNB56lQEcEm6oLdIvx9u6YsoI6kHHQ65ugnrQjzA068h_7vrP/s1600/85+civic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_AXdO3SXfJHSBWl4muoCYdwG5bokxbHdoLQN6Xo6f9wBdgGvhKLaOgqo3oBzbiyImZW3fEHCoqW6cRJk4bfbi8HUx1ZGNB56lQEcEm6oLdIvx9u6YsoI6kHHQ65ugnrQjzA068h_7vrP/s320/85+civic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1985 Honda Civic with reliability that was so far ahead<br />of so many other things.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->European Quality: My thankfulness for European
quality relates to ride and handling. Anyone who has driven a BMW or an Audi
knows exactly what I am talking about. These cars are well built from the
standpoint of being so nice to drive it is just plain fun. I am not sure
if I can think of a car that has better handling characteristics and ride
quality all wrapped in the same sheet metal than something like a BMW M5. The
downside of the Europeans is that they don’t last as long as the Japanese cars, but then if you can afford a Mercedes E class, you can always sell it before it
starts to fall apart and then you can go buy a new one.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TSXHAWQFrVDG3gDBTuUjhgPL8-OjXc6P-4-bq4btFFJJQD9d0a55h4fzPzyHXk14MKpXGfz9tpia0xYxEJ7b9sr2Vhy-Jmw0OPnAUbgD_3D3YywAG-q5_tjwEI7KKfewQjg5nC0pL5ui/s1600/fusion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TSXHAWQFrVDG3gDBTuUjhgPL8-OjXc6P-4-bq4btFFJJQD9d0a55h4fzPzyHXk14MKpXGfz9tpia0xYxEJ7b9sr2Vhy-Jmw0OPnAUbgD_3D3YywAG-q5_tjwEI7KKfewQjg5nC0pL5ui/s320/fusion.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Ford Fusion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Domestic Quality: Cars are so much better all
around than they used to be, that even the domestics are building cars that
last a long time. This is what happens in a free market. If you think I am way
off base here in my assessment of the domestics, then name some models from the
big three that were genuinely reliable and nice to drive from the 80’s or 90’s.
They are very few and far between. Ford stands out in my mind as the domestic
manufacturer that is really getting things done right. They are doing well
building cars that people want to drive and that will last. Chrysler is doing
okay too but they haven’t stood on their own two feet since the mid nineties.
They are currently owned by Fiat, and before that Mercedes, so they will go as
Fiat goes. GM is still owned by the government and the UAW so there is not much
positive there, especially considering that GM continues to lose market share,
as well as see their stock price fall.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Power Sliding Doors: I have expressed my
appreciation for this feature in the past but I cannot express enough how great
this future is when you are a family man toting young kids around with you
everywhere. This is feature only available on minivans and it is one of the
things that make minivans so much better than SUVs for hauling your rug rats
around.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Natural Gas Vehicles: Here I go again pumping up
the technology that I enjoy so much. My thankfulness for CNG all boils down to
the low cost of the fuel. CNG is currently $1.60 per gallon where I live while
gasoline is $3.60. I also love that natural gas comes from my backyard. My
friends and neighbors literally work in the natural gas fields that surround my
hometown. I am thankful that I don’t have to give my money to countries that
hate me in order to drive.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Platinum Tipped Spark Plugs: This is really
thankfulness for spark plugs that last longer than 10,000 miles. The platinum
and iridium tipped spark plugs of today can easily go 100,000 miles before requiring
replacement. This means that cars and trucks are much more reliable today and
require less maintenance.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpC4qBDlfp_Ro_oeDjcxFShhYecSobgkdbZ6cM5PTemMIbKKRKc14jYcHoxkNWdCKlWlDKVFrJeMgqQ0uCXSobOM4YV5LIvMxZykji21bGO4i_AjMK-pZOcHBOdZren1uslY0S8Rl6MAbH/s1600/draft_lens5971932module47000172photo_1293666522ann-coulter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpC4qBDlfp_Ro_oeDjcxFShhYecSobgkdbZ6cM5PTemMIbKKRKc14jYcHoxkNWdCKlWlDKVFrJeMgqQ0uCXSobOM4YV5LIvMxZykji21bGO4i_AjMK-pZOcHBOdZren1uslY0S8Rl6MAbH/s200/draft_lens5971932module47000172photo_1293666522ann-coulter2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Ford 6.7 Powerstroke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Diesel Engines: I would be more thankful of
course if we had as many diesel engine options here in the U.S. as they have in
almost every other country around the world. These engines are so powerful and
fuel efficient at the same time that using them more often would really make a
tremendous amount of sense. The problem remains that most manufacturers are not
quite willing to take a chance on selling these diesel engines in our market.
They are getting pretty close however, and I think we will see more of them
soon.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Forced Induction Systems: Turbo chargers and
superchargers are becoming more popular every year. This is good news for all.
Not only are turbos good for making fast cars faster, but they are excellent for
making normal cars more powerful with allowing them to consume less fuel. One
of the strategies that many car companies are using now is replacing V6 engines
with turbocharged I4 engines, and replacing V8 engines with turbocharged V6
engines. In each of these instances the cars on question have the same amount
of power when it’s needed but use a lot less fuel when it’s not needed.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Freeways: These are great for traveling across stateliness
in order to spend thanksgiving with family. Nothing is better than hitting the
highway in a nice running car and cruising to someplace that you want to go.
The old adage that it’s not the destination but the journey that’s important
rings true for those that love a good road trip.</div>
<br />
Have a good Thanksgiving. If you have a computer to read this
from along with internet access, and electricity to run it all then you
probably have something to be thankful for as well.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-26372967376567056202012-11-01T20:54:00.000-06:002012-11-01T20:54:03.777-06:00Getting on the CNG Bandwagon<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyX2J3hFVIHMNO8OqGa9WkgiF4-toNWsYxl487zQ0zg9OK6HJ7xiaXpdIN0in6wasPje2LBTu4EBEOSpzEHDh6UbM3Qvf1-JL37eITFES09wYQD1LC7l0ABbclZroJljq7LVIr-p4vbZE/s1600/CNG.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyX2J3hFVIHMNO8OqGa9WkgiF4-toNWsYxl487zQ0zg9OK6HJ7xiaXpdIN0in6wasPje2LBTu4EBEOSpzEHDh6UbM3Qvf1-JL37eITFES09wYQD1LC7l0ABbclZroJljq7LVIr-p4vbZE/s400/CNG.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
Much has been said lately about compressed natural gas as a
means of fueling light-duty cars and trucks. Most people compare the cost of
CNG to the cost of gasoline and they want to get onboard the CNG bandwagon.
Paying $1.00 to $2.00 per gallon certainly has universal appeal. So what is the
best way to get into this world of low cost transportation fuel?<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing that makes CNG such a great alternative is that it
can be adapted to any gasoline engine on the road. The only problem here is
that the hardware and software needed to make this happen must be certified by
the EPA for each individual application. This means that if you have a 2002
Nissan Maxima you likely won’t be able to convert it to run on natural gas at
this time because there is no certified kit for this application.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a bit of research, i.e. a Google search for CNG
conversion kits, you will find all sorts of companies that claim that they can
make any car run on natural gas. This is true; they make parts that can be
fitted to any vehicle to allow it to run on natural gas. The problem with this
is not only are these kits not EPA certified, but they are often such poor
quality that they are more trouble than they are worth. The software
calibration is too generic and the car never runs quite right. Major power loss
will be experienced; increased emissions, and chronically illuminated check
engine lights will be common.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoc6F-NsnfX7r2uoHET2RXblj5h7VnbhcA5507JJfiPNV42UWTeeo3ojqQepyP42xu-duokGtUSFXFjpm8vALpmNA9Lu3a_B9nk1LmWZSPGLVcv7O323sCJGGsuELu-rJ2W29KNyKTqqq/s1600/2012+Civic+GX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoc6F-NsnfX7r2uoHET2RXblj5h7VnbhcA5507JJfiPNV42UWTeeo3ojqQepyP42xu-duokGtUSFXFjpm8vALpmNA9Lu3a_B9nk1LmWZSPGLVcv7O323sCJGGsuELu-rJ2W29KNyKTqqq/s400/2012+Civic+GX.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honda Civic NG (GX). Plenty of used civics on the market if you <br />know where to look.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other issue here that is perhaps more important than
power loss or check engine lights is the fact that CNG fuel systems are
designed to handle gaseous hydrocarbons compressed to around 3600 psi. This is
a major safety issue. If the components are of high quality and are installed
by a certified technician who knows what they are doing then there is no hazard.
With this high pressure though, the potential for danger is high if systems are
installed by someone who doesn’t know the safety standards that apply to the
configuration and installation of high pressure fuel systems.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many of these problems related to non EPA certified kits and
improper installation could be remedied easily if the Feds would streamline the
certification process and make it cheaper for CNG system manufacturers to
certify their products. Oversight here is important but it should be a little
more intelligent. Also, with more educational opportunities for automotive
technicians to pick up the necessary skills to work on these systems we could
move towards more CNG systems in the many cars and trucks on our streets and
highways.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Honestly the most important thing to worry about when it
comes to making sure that any vehicle running on CNG is running properly is
what is coming out of the tailpipe. Is it possible to make non certified kits
work properly? Yes it is. Can this kind of work be done by any shadetree
mechanic or a mechanically inclined car owner? No it can’t. With this I would
say that what we really need are laws that allow certification of individual
vehicles and installations, rather than a blanket certification for exact makes,
models, and model years. This could be very easily accomplished, especially in
areas that already have emissions testing in place. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A_te_zOe073t0tyEO8uaV9eIDW5ywYWNeB2zZ0o6eudc0nujuJiFsJqCxSIxVu5Xq2FB9XOsY6vEruvTy12C2L0uboWBGCYMSFzDScNEsUYN6p8KEoMFyZLJyVEdpweGctYOyvknRv8A/s1600/ag_civicgx_ngvsticker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A_te_zOe073t0tyEO8uaV9eIDW5ywYWNeB2zZ0o6eudc0nujuJiFsJqCxSIxVu5Xq2FB9XOsY6vEruvTy12C2L0uboWBGCYMSFzDScNEsUYN6p8KEoMFyZLJyVEdpweGctYOyvknRv8A/s200/ag_civicgx_ngvsticker.jpg" width="200" /></a>The state of Utah is a great example of a state that has
taken action on this. They have laws in place that say that as long as the
vehicle passes the emissions testing in the most populous counties then they
are officially not going to worry about whether or not the kit is EPA
certified. The installation must also conform to National Fire Protection
Association standard 52, covering gaseous fuel system installation. Even if the
kit is EPA certified, the installation must meet this standard in order to pass
the Utah state safety inspection. Now how long will it be before the EPA
confronts the State of Utah regarding this law is unknown, but it does show
that some governments are trying to do what they can. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CdWXStsg55KjqxBBxelcIeEs8dqJ86da7TOMi0aynWI29uN5Zxw818g9tPtpd4HJu4XL2JUoMwdBbHTuJaztTINAh-X6v1sxjeqYoNSgNVHS0pVR9lUJtdHp8SbatMDni5IfRq9VrSM8/s1600/cng+cav.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CdWXStsg55KjqxBBxelcIeEs8dqJ86da7TOMi0aynWI29uN5Zxw818g9tPtpd4HJu4XL2JUoMwdBbHTuJaztTINAh-X6v1sxjeqYoNSgNVHS0pVR9lUJtdHp8SbatMDni5IfRq9VrSM8/s200/cng+cav.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An older Chevrolet Cavalier CNG</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So if you want a vehicle that runs on CNG what can you do?
If you drive a late model, full-size truck chances are you can get a certified
kit and installation pretty easily. You can even buy a CNG powered pickup truck
through your local dealership in some instances. The vehicles that you can buy
brand new with the CNG systems installed are usually referred to as having a
factory conversion. The auto manufacturers themselves work with third party
companies to equip their vehicles with some very nice systems that integrate
flawlessly and can be serviced by dealership technicians.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other option that is much less expensive is to find a
nice used vehicle from about 10 years ago when there were many options on the
market. The domestic manufacturers got out of the game of doing factory CNG
conversions because they got a little preoccupied with keeping their factory doors
open and not going out of business. Because the auto industry has stabilized a
bit in the last year or two they are getting back into the CNG game. From 10
years ago you can find all sorts of trucks and vans and large SUV’s that are
still on the road and with very low mileage. The low mileage results from the
fact that many of them were part of some government fleet and did not get
driven much. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZJTzDmwOhYi_JSqx5T_Q9EvzbE62cId04LhzlwEsHcO7MzBP_LnFIb0QXZElyxk4grVceKTrA3lKd9mXXoQhQu4GV4Hy6iZY9nMvWXQIvCifi3fKvY9Ic71XY1jw2MMrjDAf1o4NSaot/s1600/2012-dodge-ram-2500-hd-cng-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZJTzDmwOhYi_JSqx5T_Q9EvzbE62cId04LhzlwEsHcO7MzBP_LnFIb0QXZElyxk4grVceKTrA3lKd9mXXoQhQu4GV4Hy6iZY9nMvWXQIvCifi3fKvY9Ic71XY1jw2MMrjDAf1o4NSaot/s400/2012-dodge-ram-2500-hd-cng-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Ram 2500 CNG. This is very nice factory equipped CNG truck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you don’t want a truck you can find a nice used Chevy
Cavalier, Ford Contour, or Honda Civic that runs on natural gas. The Honda
Civic is the only CNG powered vehicle that has been in continuous production since
1996. This is a great car but it is a dedicated system so you can only run it
on CNG and it cannot be switched over to gasoline on the fly like the bifuel vehicles
can.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Good options do exist; check the classifieds in large
markets like Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, or Los Angeles. I mention these
cities because they are kind of the epicenters for CNG powered vehicles. Oklahoma
and Utah have a tremendous amount of natural gas, and the pipelines that run
out of Utah head straight to Los Angeles. The public gas utilities in these
places have also done a lot to build infrastructure such as fueling stations. Most
of the residents of Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front of Northern Utah live
within a few minutes of more than one CNG station so they there are a lot of CNG
cars and trucks around. The Utah laws regarding CNG conversions mentioned earlier also make this area friendly to CNG vehicles. This is a good example of how government restrictions and the loosening thereof can help the private sector to build flourishing market better than anything else.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOiw1OV2w0TV5Wa5PcUHRRTsv6jcXjRaYjhYy9jE4N5wW4MAeKg4aw7Q8kV28LoDVsifIzSFZ6Y6lYmvuNuF_YpSp1AoXCeQaTpiyxedcuvqQiMAB_R_-ymzg1zBVjgNPg-RV546Kwzs_/s1600/civicCNG3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOiw1OV2w0TV5Wa5PcUHRRTsv6jcXjRaYjhYy9jE4N5wW4MAeKg4aw7Q8kV28LoDVsifIzSFZ6Y6lYmvuNuF_YpSp1AoXCeQaTpiyxedcuvqQiMAB_R_-ymzg1zBVjgNPg-RV546Kwzs_/s320/civicCNG3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling up at home would be cheap and convenient.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can purchase home fueling units that install easily as
long as you have a gas line to your garage. These compressors can fill your
tank slowly over a few hours. You can hook your vehicle up at night and by the
time you head out for your commute in the morning it will be full. These
machines are rather expensive but the cost of the fuel when filling up at home
is outrageously cheap, often less than .50 per gallon. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When buying a used CNG vehicle, make sure that the CNG
system is legal and that it works properly. Run away from anything that has a
chronic check engine light, or anything that cannot be verified as EPA
certified, or a factory installation. Also be aware that most CNG tanks expire after 15 years and must be removed from service. Some classified ads will say that the tanks can be recertified. This is not true if the expiration date for the tank as listed on the manufacturers label has passed. Each tank must also be inspected every 3 years for safety reasons. These inspections will be listed on a label on the tank not from the manufacturer These inspections are cheap and easy to get from a certified CNG fuel system inspector. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So consider your options. If you want to experiment with driving a CNG vehicle then find something old and cheap and see how you like it. If current trends towards more CNG options is truly on the horizon then in a few years you will have even more options. With this, you too can use cheap fuel
that comes from our own back yard rather than from some exotic foreign location.
Cheap clean fuel is real, and you can use it too.<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-18862336794548868022012-09-23T13:55:00.000-06:002012-09-23T13:55:26.425-06:00Evolution of Style<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8HvkNKtaxsDIwahmQULuTS4mLsfTEUnsw7HuuPAtCJQOF0lFkdVRxjJJtxzP7gze8mEJKBdV4x8S6JxO6BJ7cZSAMeeTjbU9y8o1TyGGrWDQr1K-yHjeLYx1ah4SK4fptNMyAllHPVvN/s1600/BMW+X6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8HvkNKtaxsDIwahmQULuTS4mLsfTEUnsw7HuuPAtCJQOF0lFkdVRxjJJtxzP7gze8mEJKBdV4x8S6JxO6BJ7cZSAMeeTjbU9y8o1TyGGrWDQr1K-yHjeLYx1ah4SK4fptNMyAllHPVvN/s400/BMW+X6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this just a station wagon?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the world of personal style and fashion it seems that
many times there are no new ideas. While the classics never change much and
never go out of style, anything that seems new and cutting edge likely isn’t,
it’s just been tweaked and relabeled. Considering how much the automobile
appeals to our sense of personal style one could make the argument that there
are no new ideas in this area either.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cars such as the pickup truck and sedan are always top
sellers and always fill a need for practicality and style so they have not
changed much over the years. People have always wanted the things that a pickup
truck offers, and the sedan we are all used to is likely to never change. Think
of any sports car that is on the market, that is one platform with universal
appeal that nobody dare tamper with. The best example of style evolution in the
automotive world is the station wagon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many would say that with the exception of a few European
models, the station wagon disappeared long ago when GM quit building the three
seat behemoths that used to sell in abundance back in the 80’s. Nearly every
manufacturer sold a wagon version of every sedan that was in their lineup. The
station wagon met the needs of those that needed a bit of extra capacity for
hauling more people and more of their stuff. In Europe they are still very fond
of the station wagon, or the “estate” as it is called in the U.K. To the Europeans
the wagon represents the only way to maximize overall utility without reducing
fuel economy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNA5wjHz3uetxwbwJW8wPcseXAdW7Eq7JISArVlGteUSH_EuxY5IE5AG6oMENN55c7Wb3RwM3swoju1wrG4oydidF61UL_xD3NwcWg_PfMxYEchhKC0KwtTxaJWQpkntrXzBPuNSd0-ov/s1600/1984-Caravan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNA5wjHz3uetxwbwJW8wPcseXAdW7Eq7JISArVlGteUSH_EuxY5IE5AG6oMENN55c7Wb3RwM3swoju1wrG4oydidF61UL_xD3NwcWg_PfMxYEchhKC0KwtTxaJWQpkntrXzBPuNSd0-ov/s320/1984-Caravan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1984 Dodge Caravan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the mid eighties the Chrysler Corporation invented the
minivan and the style evolution really began. The Dodge Caravan and the
Plymouth Voyager became so ubiquitous amongst the child rearing, baby boomers
that any family that was any family had one. Ford quickly followed with the
Aerostar and Chevrolet came out with the Astro. The Japanese and Europeans also
followed suit. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The station wagon became a second class citizen as these new
minivans began to proliferate. The minivan became trendy and with good reason: they
had a new style that was much more appealing than the full-size vans and they
held more people and things than the average minivan. Some of the early minivan
offerings were truck based so they could haul heavier loads than a station
wagon and could even be used for towing. The minivan was all the rage by 1990.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCStCcQGZijycL8piY9-a60nfxpFA3oa-zWUZYyKw8_PqXSzZz-dIt9Vg3K3YcBpE4SFsLPL-dGDPlY9_91KgQ62M25eHCqyN19IJWHEEoSCXoSJNxwOg3F8wubfbcplANNJ_z76fgCMp/s1600/Astro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCStCcQGZijycL8piY9-a60nfxpFA3oa-zWUZYyKw8_PqXSzZz-dIt9Vg3K3YcBpE4SFsLPL-dGDPlY9_91KgQ62M25eHCqyN19IJWHEEoSCXoSJNxwOg3F8wubfbcplANNJ_z76fgCMp/s320/Astro.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chevy Astro was the first attempt at a minivan from<br />Chevrolet. It was a true minivan because it was very truck-like.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the years rolled on and everyone with any kids had a
minivan of some sort, the trendiness began to wear off as people started
looking for the next great styling statement. At this point the sport utility
vehicle was becoming much more driver friendly than it had typically been, and
all of the auto manufacturers began to offer models with four doors and extra
seating. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Ford Explorer hit the market and started selling like
mad. The public figured that if it was tough enough to be used to chase
dinosaurs in Jurassic Park then they needed one for themselves. Considering
that the SUV was rugged looking, great in the snow, and offered towing
capacities that the minivans couldn’t, people began to take notice and the SUV
craze became intense by the late 90’s. This meant that the minivan was the new
nerd mobile just as the station wagon had become years earlier.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The problem was, and still is, that to most people the SUV
just isn’t very nice to drive on a daily basis. Truck frames, heavy-duty drivetrains,
and four-wheel-drive systems just don’t lend themselves to comfortable driving
and crisp handling. Auto manufacturers, ever adapting form and function to the
changing demands of the auto buying public, figured out a way to make the SUV
handle more like a minivan, but without giving it the dowdy looks of the
minivan. They came up with what we call the cross-over utility vehicle or the
CUV.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cross over is a major compromise, and as such it loses
the qualities of the minivan and the qualities of the SUV. Since it is not good
for off-road use and not very good for towing, SUV purists have no use for them.
The CUV cannot haul as many people or their stuff as comfortably as the minivan
so for the purely practical family, the CUV is useless. In spite of these
shortcomings the CUV is a big seller and appeals to a very wide range of
people. Most people don’t have any interest in off-road adventures and most
people are not as practical as someone who insists on a minivan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1qKhzL46iCjqdHGw7MmCTBG49aOpAISZDHYRotKtp8G1PC__YoktjynCSawQW-8xUfiJqKQZprj0YXJEZy_FbYwatLUFuBnvQmWsH0S58viHcErwIurmZGcE1yyvQY_j3FSufniwl7xb/s1600/Flex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1qKhzL46iCjqdHGw7MmCTBG49aOpAISZDHYRotKtp8G1PC__YoktjynCSawQW-8xUfiJqKQZprj0YXJEZy_FbYwatLUFuBnvQmWsH0S58viHcErwIurmZGcE1yyvQY_j3FSufniwl7xb/s320/Flex.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ford Flex is just a station wagon and if anyone says<br />different then they probably own one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today the next step in this automotive evolution is upon us
and after close examination it is obvious that we have gone full circle.
Because CUVs still are not that car like in their comfort and handling, they
have changed yet again. Some of them are now lower to the ground than they have
ever been, and they are being sold more and more without the option of
all-wheel-drive. They still have a high amount of interior space and they still
have things like three rows of seating. Some good examples of this next stage
of style evolution are vehicles like the Toyota Venza, Ford Flex, or the BMW
X3.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quite often these vehicles are still referred to as CUVs but
let’s face it, they’re station wagons. They are based on sedans, they lack off
road capability, they have a rear hatch over the cargo area instead of a trunk,
and they are not particularly good for towing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you tell someone who owns one of these new generation
CUVs that it is a station wagon, they will quickly correct you and tell you
that the vehicle they have is much nicer or sportier than a station wagon. The
answer to this is, of course they are. We haven’t seen any “station wagons” in
20 years. If you were to take a Chevrolet Caprice wagon from the early nineties
and give it a more evolved style with modern features, you would have the CUVs
of today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDajiPaiRWViiSBUxKsrUr0swFBBPyJcCJCYptxHxHkcV3RAkejaJnO6RTRbK1Tnmk6KvDvDPWiU1beo91OVFbiy2cQqYcXD0-xG7MQC6GaDgx0aj5Mat4For8u4j2TRxlI_cQARWzZ3lV/s1600/Crosstour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDajiPaiRWViiSBUxKsrUr0swFBBPyJcCJCYptxHxHkcV3RAkejaJnO6RTRbK1Tnmk6KvDvDPWiU1beo91OVFbiy2cQqYcXD0-xG7MQC6GaDgx0aj5Mat4For8u4j2TRxlI_cQARWzZ3lV/s400/Crosstour.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honda Accord Cross-Tour. Not an SUV, not a cross-over,<br />not a minivan. It's a station wagon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550645447235207845.post-38566390198824249482012-07-21T21:05:00.000-06:002012-07-21T21:05:19.809-06:00Let the Manual Be Your Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGAolxAPkbEdbbFg_y7G8eVdLpC6MT3YQ2hjeXV_F1_qw2ZZGZ5HBaPYss5yXOFyq9PT9t1OdAblgr3tjMHVr9xJPjJgW8Rw4nlX51zlN8dEzoJ5CxM9HtUplUvbEpBJN5whbO-fXwREm/s1600/owners+manual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGAolxAPkbEdbbFg_y7G8eVdLpC6MT3YQ2hjeXV_F1_qw2ZZGZ5HBaPYss5yXOFyq9PT9t1OdAblgr3tjMHVr9xJPjJgW8Rw4nlX51zlN8dEzoJ5CxM9HtUplUvbEpBJN5whbO-fXwREm/s320/owners+manual.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Believe it or not, the owner’s manual that comes with your
vehicle actually contains a great deal of useful information. Many times people
skip the instruction book that comes with whatever cool new thing they have
bought, but in the case of the owner’s manual for your car, it is well worth
your time spending a few moments studying the information found in its pages.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You might not need to read the instructions on how to start your
car, or how to buckle your seat belt (those things are actually outlined in
great detail), but you should definitely study the chapters pertaining to
vehicle maintenance. This is the best way to determine what services are
required and when. Every owner’s manual will have a maintenance schedule that
will tell when you need to have certain preventative maintenance services
performed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are things like oil changes and tire rotations. Any
service that is recommended based on mileage or time is necessary just to help
prevent any future problems or to stave off undue wear and tear. Common
services that are always found in the owner’s manual are things like oil
changes, and tire rotations, as mentioned above; but also things like air
filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant service, transmission
service, brake inspection, and all sorts of other things.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many manufacturers will show two different maintenance
schedules in the owner’s manual, “normal”, and “severe.” The difference between
the two is that severe calls for more service at more frequent intervals. The
one that you should follow depends on how and where you drive your vehicle. The
following is a description of severe driving conditions according to the
owner’s manual in a 2005 Honda Civic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in
freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F (32°C)]
conditions.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go
driving, such as a taxi or a commercial delivery vehicle.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">Driving with a roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">Driving on muddy, dusty, or deiced roads.</span></li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you drive in any of these conditions then you drive your
vehicle under severe conditions. This of course is silly because anybody who
drives any car anywhere is likely to be severe. Maybe a little old lady, who
lives in San Diego and only drives her car twice a week for 10 to 15 miles at a
time, can be considered normal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ld2ZJYIUwQ7JV6fgAMbgVuJsZrhOVKxVCI-fmL9AVFMUqOxSgmoaN6OfQdc6Q2ddOoR6xPE7G8IzJbS-2whDhznr7hYCY_AC7NOrbxSV6TRy4Du1LsAA1qo0pg75Vzgt87kQnKK1VQ9k/s1600/MaintenancePage_Schedule10000chart_v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ld2ZJYIUwQ7JV6fgAMbgVuJsZrhOVKxVCI-fmL9AVFMUqOxSgmoaN6OfQdc6Q2ddOoR6xPE7G8IzJbS-2whDhznr7hYCY_AC7NOrbxSV6TRy4Du1LsAA1qo0pg75Vzgt87kQnKK1VQ9k/s640/MaintenancePage_Schedule10000chart_v2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example of a service schedule from an owner's manual.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reason for this nonsense is to make the cost of maintenance
seem cheaper for the car shopper that is doing their homework. Most people
think that they are normal and if they are calculating the total cost of
ownership, they will figure maintenance costs according to the normal schedule.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knowing the maintenance schedule for your vehicle is helpful
because if you take your car in for an oil change and they try to tell you that
you should have something else serviced, you will have an idea if what they are
telling you is true or not. Knowledge is power.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRmVcf_AZzwQvtYusIn9oTg_hMmrD75pPSLXI8d7nHfrupP-74qWWilU32MFNvYPiZO1pYO2NRfXmw1n6Mwlw6HaGz31YeOTVhyphenhyphen61472qrxZEn2jA7EpdReiU7fEHDJkGpomvrMRB5his/s1600/Car-Filters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRmVcf_AZzwQvtYusIn9oTg_hMmrD75pPSLXI8d7nHfrupP-74qWWilU32MFNvYPiZO1pYO2NRfXmw1n6Mwlw6HaGz31YeOTVhyphenhyphen61472qrxZEn2jA7EpdReiU7fEHDJkGpomvrMRB5his/s1600/Car-Filters.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you are not sure when to replace a filter or if your car even <br />has a particular filter check the owner's manual first.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Not everything that your car will ever need is outlined in
the maintenance schedule. Sometimes your mechanic will recommend something that
is not listed, and they may tell you that it is part of routine maintenance. A
good example of this is fuel filter replacement. Cars that have one of these
almost never have a recommendation for replacement, but it is almost always a
good idea to service it regularly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arm yourself with information from the owner’s manual and
your car will last longer, and you will be more educated when you take it to
the shop. This is the best guide that you have and the information will help
you take care of this machine that you rely on so much.<o:p></o:p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0