All posts by John

Truth About Gas Mileage

The car industry has kept a dirty little secret for years: The widely publicized Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy ratings overstate the miles per gallon you’re likely to get.Those of us who calculate our mileage at every fill-up already knew the truth. The general public began to notice when the redesigned Toyota Prius hit showrooms several years ago. Although the EPA said the Prius got an astronomical 60 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway, Prius drivers — and the news media — registered miles per gallon in the 40s.Toyota and other car makers acknowledge that the EPA numbers often overstate fuel economy, but the testing process and window-sticker ratings are controlled by reams of regulations. Now, new tests for 2008 models will more closely reflect real-world fuel efficiency. Look for the revised numbers on the window stickers of 2008 vehicles. For now, check out Kiplinger’s new tool that gives estimates of what fuel economy would be for hundreds of 2007 models under the new tests News source: MSN Money Driving like Grandma Mileage tests were developed when we more or less channeled our grandmothers’ driving. For years, cars have been run in a lab on a treadmill with the air conditioners turned off, with conservative speeds and without any fast starts. In 1985, after an EPA study found that drivers were achieving lower fuel economy than predicted by the tests, the agency concocted a formula on paper to lower the official figures. But the formula didn’t bring the numbers down far enough, and in 2002, the environmental group Bluewater Network, a division of Friends of the Earth, petitioned the EPA to update its procedures.More from MSN Money and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance MagazineHow would your 2007 rate on mpg?Paying too much for car insurance?MSN Autos: Tips for maximizing your mileageMSN Autos’ Green Vehicle CenterCars that last a million milesThe new standards will get closer to reality by factoring in higher speeds, stop-and-go driving, more-aggressive acceleration, use of air conditioning and driving in colder weather. Mileage will still vary, but the tests will reduce estimated city mpg by 12%, on average, and highway mpg by 8%, according to the EPA. Hybrids’ fuel economy is likely to get a haircut of up to 30% for city driving and 20% for highway.Fuel-economy confusion Car makers generally approve of the new tests because they have heard enough grumbling from buyers. “It isn’t good for anybody” when customers don’t get the fuel economy shown on the window sticker, says Edward Cohen of Honda North America. But given the lower mpg estimates, car makers have a tricky marketing problem to reassure buyers that the 2008 models aren’t less efficient. You can expect to see advertising that addresses the differences.One of the first car makers to face that challenge is Mitsubishi, which introduced its redesigned Lancer sedan in March. The 2006 Lancer (Mitsubishi skipped the 2007 model) gets EPA-rated fuel economy of 27 mpg in cities and 35 mpg on highways. The numbers for the 2008 model will fall to 22 and 29 mpg, respectively. On lists of top fuel misers, the new Lancer will be a no-show, at least until the other 2008 vehicles debut. One fix, at least for the Lancer, will be listing miles per gallon under both the new and the old testing procedures, says Moe Durand, the product public-relations manager for Mitsubishi.Video on MSN Money Video: Should you buy a hybrid?Gas-electric hybrid cars get better mileage and help the environment. But are they worth the higher price?The window sticker for all cars is undergoing a slight redesign, to allow annual estimated fuel costs to be more prominently displayed. For more information about the new fuel-economy labels, see Mileagewillvary.com.

Lock & window wiring

Numerous topics on window problems lately. these are usually in the wiring from the door to the body where they flex. There are 2 ways to repair this. Cut open the boot and using connectors repair the failed wires the problem is there is usually 1 broken wire and several more that are ready to fail The correct way to repair this is to remove the door panel disconnect the wiring and pull it out either out of the door or if you need more clearance remove it entirely from the body (this is the best route). repair the wire using solder and shrink wrap extending wires where necessary. when done this way you should never have to worry about it for the life of you vehicle. Time consuming yes but the correct way to do it.

Toyota going home

4 Toyota’s are sitting on the sideline or heading home from Talladega it would be 5 but Dale Jarrett used his provisional. I think that is his last one. I don’t know what happened to Dave Blaney he has been doing well and started 2nd in the Busch race. Toyota and NAPA have to be getting fed up with the results so far this year rumor has it that Michael Waltrip has to give back 300K ever time he does not race OUCH. I can’t recall the last time I saw him do a interview on the tube unless it was to explain bad news.

Computer V Carb

I started in the carb era so I get phone calls and E-mails on carb problems these I don’t mind but I am getting to old to lay across a fender and fool with a carb, this I don’t miss, and try not to do it to often. The intrigue of scanning a vehicle to locate a problem is one of my favorites. Some say I was lucky to grow along with the automotive industry and the computer era. Not only did I grow with it but I have always tried to stay abreast of the latest innovations. I believe my interest in computers has helped tremendously as the complexity of today’s vehicle systems has increased. I do believe the auto manufacturer have design today’s vehicles to make it difficult if not impossible for the average person to to there own repairs. They were also forced to do this to meet EPA standards.

Improving Gas Mileage

Did you know that how much air you have in your tires can have a direct affect on your gas mileage? It’s true. Here’s why:Let’s say your tires are supposed to be filled to 35 psi. If they are filled correctly, six square inches of your tire are touching the road, just the way your tires were designed. But let some air out, and now the pressure is only 30 psi. Since your tire is like a balloon, the more air you have on the inside, the rounder and more firm your tire becomes. If you had six square inches touching the road at 35 psi, the flatter 30 psi tire will have eight square inches touching at once, making it harder for your engine to get things rolling from a dead stop. Here’s another way to think of it. Say your dog is going to the vet, and she’s not so interested in moving toward the car, so you pull. Nitrogen for Tire FillingParker Nitrogen Generator for tire filling/inflation enhances safety[url”>www.parkertiresaver.comYou start out pulling her with all four of her feet on the ground. We’ll call this four square inches touching. But then she plops her rear end on the ground. You’re now pulling 12 square inches, and boy is she harder to drag toward the car. Unfortunately you can’t dangle a piece of salami in front of your car to make it go, so you’re left using the engine, which uses more gas the harder it pulls. Filling your tires to the correct pressure will make it easire on the engine, and that means you’ll be using less gas. It can make a difference of a three or four miles per gallon. That’s at least 36 more miles to the average tank of gas. At one tank of gas per week, you could be adding 1,872 free miles in a year! That’s savings, and that’s Autmotive Empowerment for no money at all. News source: About Auto Repair

Dryer vent

OK before my regular readers start yelling this is a car site let me say we have touched on several other subjects that I thought were important.When was the last time you checked your dryer vent lint trap.There is a product in certain fabric softeners that will plug the screen and inhibit the passage of air.Place the screen under running water and see if the water will flow through the screen if not it is safe to presume air will not flow smoothlyScrub the screen with a soft brush (toothbrush works)until the water flows. At this time also check the vent tube and outlet for excessive lint build up. My dryer is a little over a year and a half old and there were signs of obstruction on the screen the vent looked fine.

Selling Your Car

There’s typically a 10-20 percent difference between what a dealer will give you for your old car or truck as a trade-in — and what you could probably sell it for yourself.The downside, of course, is that you have to sell it yourself. And that means dealing with off-hour phone calls, interacting with strangers — some of whom may be sketchier than the people you sometimes see on Jerry Springer — as well as the attendant paperwork hassles.But the process will go easier — and you’ll be happier at the end of it all — if you adhere to a few basic rules: News source: AOL Autos Don’t drive around with a “for sale” sign (and your home phone number) taped to the car — This can encourage crimes of opportunity, i.e., no-good-niks spot you (especially if you are a woman) in the car and target you. Place an ad in the classified section of your local newspaper instead; this way, you can screen people over the phone; if someone sounds weird or gives you the creeps, you can always just tell them the car has been sold.*Only agree to meet with prospective buyers someplace safe and public — Your work, for example. For the same reasons mentioned above, try to avoid having strangers come to your home. You should also specify in your ad acceptable times to call — and times after which you do not wish to be called.* Describe the car objectively — revealing known flaws (if any) as well as providing relevant documents such as service work invoices, etc. If the car has a bad transmission of needs brakes — inform prospective buyers. Paying fair is not only the right thing to do — it pretty much eliminates any worry about an irate “sucker” tracking you down later to get even. If the car has any defect or problem that could make it hazardous to operate, do not allow unsuspecting people to operate the vehicle. You should have any such problems fixed before you put the “for sale” ad in the paper — or indicate in the ad that the vehicle is not currently in operable condition.Car Shopping?Educate yourself before buying a car:More Used Car Buying Tips Best Deals in April Buying Tips: Negotiating Prices * Ask to see a driver’s license and proof of insurance before you let a buyer drive the car — and make absolutely sure the driver is at least 18-years-old. Never, ever allow an unattended minor to drive your vehicle; if they wreck or damage it, the under-18 driver may not be legally responsible. Insist a parent be present before allowing a test drive. Also be aware that if the driver is uninsured, you could get left holding the bag in the event an accident happens during the test drive. Be sure to write down the prospective buyer’s DL info — and make sure the person matches the description before turning over the keys. *Don’t sign or turn over the title and keys until you’ve got payment in full in cash or its equivalent; no personal checks. Draw up a simple bill of sale stating the make/model/year of the vehicle, the mileage, sellers and buyer’s names, the sale price — and that the vehicle is sold “as is.” This last is important to protect you in case the buyer later claims the car had some unknown problem or subsequently broke down — and wants his money back.* Be sure to remove your license plate(s) from the vehicle before the buyer drives away. If you don’t and the buyer leaves the plates on, you could be liable for traffic tickets, etc. that are tied into the plate number — and to you. Immediately notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (and your insurance carrier) that the vehicle has been sold; this way, you want to be charged for registration fees/property taxes and/or insurance premiums that no longer apply. You may even be eligible for a pro rata discount if you prepaid any of these fees for the full calendar year.

Spring Cleaning

Time flies by quickly; it seems like only yesterday that I booked an appointment for my car’s annual winter checkup and tire change. Well guess what? Springtime is right around the corner and it’s time to pay your mechanic yet another visit. But most of us dislike mechanics because they end up costing us an arm and a leg every time we drop by for a simple checkup.Before you bring your vehicle in for a full inspection, carry out these simple cleanup and repair tips. They’ll give you a good idea of what needs fine-tuning (or not). That way, you’ll know exactly what to ask your mechanic when it’s time for your annual summer checkup. Furthermore, you’ll be introduced to simple tips that will help spiff up your car’s aesthetics, so that you can drive in style all spring and summer long. News source: Autos,AOL.com Mechanical TipsServicing your old car can be dreadful. You’re always wondering how much you’ll have to dish out. Most often, you just hope your muffler, clutch and tire threads will last you for at least another season. Here are a few quick tips to help you figure out what car parts will need fine-tuning.More From AskMen.comRead more on AskMen.com:Purchasing a New Car How to Test-Drive a Car Preventive Car Maintenance The Cost of Owning a Car Save Money on Car Expenses Read More on AskMen.com Recognize, however, that these tips will never replace the expertise of a trained professional. They’ll only help you pinpoint car problems before they get worse, as well as help you learn your way under the hood.· ClutchHow can you tell if your clutch needs to be replaced? Start your car in top gear with the hand brake on, then slowly try to let the clutch out. If your engine stalls, it means your clutch is OK. On the other hand, if your car doesn’t stall, it probably means your clutch will need to be replaced.If that’s the case, research the costs of labor and parts that you’ll incur to replace your clutch. Use that information to your advantage when negotiating prices.· Spark plugsWorn-out spark plugs can drastically reduce your fuel efficiency. Check your spark plugs systematically before the winter and summer seasons and replace them if needed. You can easily shave off a few dollars in labor and part costs if you know how to replace them on your own. · Wheels and balancingIf you notice that your steering wheel shudders a lot, it probably means that your tires need balancing. Generally, the price of alignment is included in that of the tire change. If you still notice that your car quivers or swerves after your tires have been balanced, it usually means that your front end will have to be worked on. I know you don’t want to hear this, but you’ll need to rely on your mechanic’s opinion and pay extra for his repairs.· BrakesAt this stage, you’re probably wondering what kind of stunt you’ll have to pull off in order to test out your brakes without actually running anybody over. It’s quite easy; speed up in an empty parking lot and step on the brake pedal abruptly. Calculate how long it took for your car to come to a complete stop.To gauge if the braking time is adequate, take note of the braking time when your brakes are new. This way, you can just compare the two times. Also, listen for any irregularities in sound; when your brakes are older, you’ll generally hear a much louder sound compared to the smoother sound you get when your brakes are new.Top 10 Resale CarsModel Overview Get a Quote Acura TSX Price Quote BMW 5 Series Price Quote Honda Civic Price Quote Lexus IS Price Quote MINI Cooper Price Quote Pontiac Solstice Price Quote Scion tC Price Quote Toyota Prius Price Quote Volkswagen GTI Price Quote Volkswagen Eos Price Quote Data provided by Kelley Blue BookThis method of measuring your brakes is not scientific, but it is usually a very good indicator to gauge whether or not your brakes need replacing.Aesthetic TipsAll through winter, men generally tend to care less about the look of their vehicles. It seems like the fierce weather leaves them oblivious to cleaning both the interior and exterior of their cars.The warmth and charm of the spring sun, however, seems to really motivate us to keep our cars looking spotless. Here are a few simple tips to help keep your car sparkling clean.· Remove Stains The first step is to make your cloth seats look great by absorbing as much of the dirt on them as possible. Use a sponge or a spray with dry-cleaning fluid, and wipe off any apparent stains. You can also apply warm water and vinegar, and rinse off any residue with water afterward. Keep repeating the procedure until all the stains are gone or at least less visible.For oil stains, sprinkle the area with cat litter and rub the surface with a soft cloth. You can also sprinkle dry sand over the stain to absorb as much oil as possible. Brush it off and wash the rest with simple dishwasher detergent.Another way to remove stubborn oil stains is to apply kerosene. Rinse it with a soda-based solution very thoroughly in order to dilute it and remove all traces of the caustic liquid.· Paint touch upsIf you notice any sign of rust, remove it immediately by smoothly sanding it off, and by making the appropriate touch ups with paint. You’ll obviously need to purchase a good-quality paint that matches the color of your car. Also, make sure to paint over any small scratches that tarnish the look of your car, and that may also turn to rust in time.· Keep it tidyFinally, always keep your car garbage-free and clean both the inside and the outside. Organize your CDs, as well as whatever else is lying around so that your car looks orderly.As for the outside of your car, you don’t have to spend hours waxing it every day. Simply make sure the exterior always looks clean and relatively shiny. Shining your tires with Armor All is a quick and easy way to make your car look like a collectible. Well maybe not, but it will sure help embellish your car’s overall appearance. Also, remember that taking care of small details will make the difference between an average and a quality cleaning job.Car Shopping?Educate yourself before buying a car:Used Car Buying Tips Best Deals in April Buying Tips: Negotiating Prices Spring cleaningWinter can sure do a number on your car; from tire alignment to rust problems, you’ll need to make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape for spring. Have it checked by a mechanic and make it sparkle with some scrubbing and it’ll be ready to face the warmer weather.

Carbs

Your car’s carburetor (if it has one, most recent cars are FUEL INJECTED) supplies the proper mixture of fuel and air to your engine. A defective carburetor can cause smelly exhaust, smoking, hard starting, and poor gas mileage. A carb works by the VENTURI PRINCIPLE: which basically means that if you pass air across a hole, a vacuum will be created in that hole. A carburetor has many carefully positioned holes which the air sucked in by the engine flows past. These holes are connected to the CARBURETOR BOWL, which is kept full of fuel by a FLOAT AND NEEDLE VALVE. This valve and float shut off the pressurized fuel sent from the tank by the fuel pump. It works about the same way as a toilet tank valve. How much air flows by the venturi(s) is determined by the throttle plate, which restricts the airflow through the carb. At wide open throttle, all possible air is admitted throught he carb, and maximum power is gotten from the engine.When an engine is cold it needs a richer (more fuel to air mix than usual) mixture to run correctly. Carburetors have a device called a CHOKE to accomplish this. The choke is like he throttle, except it is on the top rather than the bottom of the carb, and it closes when cold and opens when warm. When the choke is closed, it restricts the air entering the carb at the top, while the throttle still allows the same amount of air to go through the bottom. This means the same amount of fuel is sucked, but less air: so the mix is richer. FEEDBACK CARBS The last of the carburetors were computer controlled. The American cars mostly used a jet in the carb bowl which was “pulsed” by the computer, opening and closing 10 times per second. The computer would keep the jet open a longer or shorter period of time to “fine tune” the fuel/air mixture. Asian cars sometimes used a vacuum line connected to the venturi itself. A computer controlled module would “bleed” a small amount of air to the venturi to lean out the mix and adjust it. Throttle Body Fuel Injection Many people see throttle body fuel injection units and think it is some kind of carburetor. It is not. It just has a single (or two or more) large injectors which are above the throttle plate instead of inside the intake manifold. There is no fuel bowl, float, venturi, or choke. News source: Econofix

Do I care

Imus is fired Anna’s Nicole baby’s father is named do I care no so why do the news outlets keep throwing this trash at me I wonder why gas is so high why is beef on the climb where are we going in the overseas wars Tell me something I care about and stop the trash Every survey I have read says we don’t care about this junk reporting so stopBut I suppose I have to accept the fact there are numerous 24/7 news channels and they have to fill the air waves with somethingMaybe there should be a disclaimer like for adult themes such as This report is for idiots only