Consistency is the name of the game....
Have you ever tried to keep a consistent speed on a level, straight road? The better question is - can you keep a consistent speed, under almost all driving conditions? Regardless of whether you answer "yes" or "no," you need to read on.
The old fable of the tortoise and the hare was intended to show how dogmatic consistency can usually win out over inconsistent effort or concentration. I doubt Aesop had modern Interstates in mind when he wrote it, but he might as well have. It points out a truth that can be proven.
It is appalling how few American drivers will use their cruise control when traveling. Sure, the "cruise" option needs to be generally regulated to interstate travel, and not used in snow, heavy rain, or on overcrowded roadways. However, unless those conditions are present, using the cruise control can not only save time on a long journey, but usually, because so many drivers are awful at maintaining consistent speed, it can save gas too. Consistency does pay off!
Why is this true? For reasons listed above, but many more - most of you couldn't maintain a smooth, consistent speed if your life depended upon it. Even if you turned off the radio, shut your yapper, and put down that useless and unhealthy big gulp pitcher you're constantly sucking on, you'd still be stabbing the throttle like you're killing a spider. Why? Because you don't pay attention, and so you are constantly slowing down and speeding up, in an endless, wasteful cycle.
This activity, which is devoid of intelligence, doesn't just demonstrate itself on the highway. Inconsistent drivers make driving a living nightmare for others on surface streets in both rural and urban areas. The indiscriminatory ebb and flow of speed exhibited reveals a total lack of concentration and consideration for other drivers, much less the posted speed limits.
The argument over speed limits notwithstanding, if the speed limit posted is 35, and you choose to drive 30, then keep it at 30. If you are on the highway and the limit posted is 65, and you want to drive at 65, then keep it there. Pay attention! If you are indeed on a highway or interstate, it is very unlikely you will ever have any reason to slow down even one mile per hour, unless someone else does something really stupid, or you encounter an unusual circumstance. Therefore, if your chosen speed is 65, then keep it at 65 -- uphill, downhill, around gentle curves, at night or day, windy or not. This requires concentration (something the average driver demonstrates little of) but the payoff is big.
That payoff comes in at least 3 classes: economy, flow, and timeliness. Economy refers to maintaining your steady speed with finesse and forethought. This style of driving will yield greater mpg and will result in minuscule reductions of wear on your automobile. Just as messing with your home thermostat will yield higher utilities, constantly speeding up and slowing down will yield lower mpg. "Flow" pertains to traffic flow -- if every driver in American would doggedly maintain a consistent speed tomorrow, traffic problems would reduce by 50%, guaranteed. If everyone is consistent, traffic flows better due to increased predictability and by avoiding the domino effect (whereas one car slows for no reason, that car can cause dozens of others to slow, interrupting flow) that so plagues congested areas on our roadways. Timeliness refers to the tortoise, because we know he won the race, right? But how? Because consistent driving, especially on a longer trip, will result in less travel time. If you can maintain an average of 65 miles per hour for 4 hours, you will get to your destination in less time than the idiot who speeds up and slows down over the same 250 mile trip. What that idiot may not realize is that with his inconsistency, he may only be averaging 60 miles per hour, and that he is wasting gas by having to speed up continually.
Aside from your own benefits, consistent speeds really do aid in traffic flow, benefiting everyone on the road. So, if you are going to drive like a tortoise, then keep it consistent, and stay in the right lane. If you are going to drive like a hare, keep it at hare speed and only move towards the left to pass or turn, and then get your fluffy tail back in the right lane. That way, both the tortoise and the hare can live in harmony, and arrive at their destinations in one piece, and in harmony.
Oh, Aesop failed to mention that the hare would always handily win, and suffer no meaningful consequences, if he would just pace himself and focus more upon consistency than bursts of speed. Translation? On the highway or interstate, you can cut hours off a long trip by keeping a consistent speed at the highest allowed by law. Or, just keep stabbing that throttle and stretch a 4 hour trip into 5 1/2.
Drive Precise!
Car Care Tip of the Day: Oxygen Sensors
What is an oxygen sensor, and why should you care? Well, every modern car has an oxygen sensor, located on the exhaust pipe of your car, usually close to the exhaust manifold. It threads into a welded-on bung and usually has 2- 4 wires coming from it. It's purpose is to "sniff" the exhaust of your engine, determining how well your engine is burning the fuel and air that makes combustion. If your engine is cold, or has a mechanical problem, the oxygen sensor communicates this information to the on-board computer, and revised calculations are made to try to keep the air/ fuel ratio at the optimum setting (usually 14.5 to 1).
If the oxygen sensor loses function, your engine will not be able to adjust properly to a variety of conditions, and you will begin to lose efficiency and performance. However, such losses will be very gradual, as most oxygen sensors go bad over time, gradually losing their ability to function properly. You may not notice until your engine begins to really run poorly.
This is why most manufacturers recommend that you change the O2 sensor about every 30 - 40,000 miles. It is a routine maintenance item, just like changing coolant or thermostats or belts. It may not be talked about as much, but it can greatly affect the performance and economy of your car. What's more, most are relatively inexpensive, and for the competent shade tree mechanic, they can usually be changed at home in less than an hour, or less. Otherwise, have the people who change your oil add it to that maintenance and it can be done lickety split.
If your car has over 40,000 miles, or if you bought it used and you don't know if it has ever been changed, go ahead and replace it and enjoy faster starting, smoother running, and better efficiency right away.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Get Right....not Left
Here in America, we drive on the right side of the road...
If there is one thing that annoys me to no end, it is to be driving through a neighborhood, parking lot, or any other road way that does not have a dividing line in the middle, and be almost run over or sideswiped by some other motorists who is driving either in the middle of the road, or all the way in the left lane.
OK, so maybe, once in a blue moon, that motorist I am passing and swapping paint with is a new British-born immigrant, or maybe a temporary visitor. If that were the case, I would just wave my hand and give them a friendly "tally ho!" and be on my way to pick up some fish and chips at the local pub. But you know that this is not the typical scenario. It is far, far worse.
So let's get it out in the open that most American motorists know to drive on the right side of the road. Let's also admit that most motorists can be divided into one of three camps, as to where on the right side of the road they most often remain: far right, middle, or far left. Mind you, I am talking about still being squarely in the right lane, however wide it may or may not be, so those 3 camps simply refer to your normal orientation within the right lane. Anywho, I am a middle driver, and I hope most of you resolve to be either a middler like me, or at least, a far righter. For those of you who gravitate towards the dark far left, beware. My vehicle is thoroughly waxed, large, and I will happily pilot it so close to your left side door handle you'd swear you could smell my breath as I pass by your far left oriented heap.
Now to the matter at hand - specifically - staying on the right side of the road, whether there is a dividing line or not. Allow me to go into my fit for the day: What is up with you people who insist on driving right down the middle of the road, or worse-- driving all the way in the left lane? Does it make you feel better? Are you more secure over there? Does your wheel not go towards the right? Have you ever thought about the fact that another motorist will now have to either stop, swerve to miss you, or.....perish the thought.....you encounter ME when pulling such a stunt, and you find yourself in immediate peril? I mean, does it take a white line to remind you that you live in America?
Thank you. I feel better. However, the situation at hand is not resolved just yet. I challenge you to take a test, dear reader. The next time you are driving through a quiet neighborhood, or in a parking lot, etc., watch other drivers for this behavior, and better yet, watch yourself. Sure, there may be a car parked half in a yard and half in the street in your neighborhood, but that doesn't mean you have to go all the way over to the left lane to go around, and then, oh-so-slowly finally make your way back to the right side. If you can't tell whether or not you have a foot or so of clearance between your car and the car on the side of the road, you have bigger problems than right or left sideness. You have perception and visibility problems that will ultimately spell doom for you. No kidding. Adjust your mirrors, sit up in the seat, buy a smaller car with bigger windows - or whatever it takes. If you have to have 5 feet of clearance when 2 feet is more than enough, you need to hand over the keys. You are a menace on the road, waiting for an accident to happen.
Most accidents on America's highways are either frontal, or partial-frontal collisions. A portion are due to alcohol, but most are from distracted or inattentive drivers who just love to gravitate towards the middle of the road. Listen, as many blonde women as there are in this country wizzing through mall parking lots in their big SUV right down the middle of the lane, it's a wonder we don't have millions of deaths in those parking lots every year.
The Main Point is This: Always, always, always drive either squarely in the middle, or better yet, towards the right side of the right lane in all cases. There ARE other drivers on the road, and no two cars can occupy the same space in the middle of the road. So put down the brush, comb, cell phone, or beverage, pay attention to where you are in the road, and remember that here in America, it's the right side.
If you want to get left, hop across the pond and have fun. Just do us a favor and stay there.
Car Care Tip of the Month (or Summer)
Summer is basically gone, so I won't bore you with details about how to summerize your car. However, the same basic tips apply all year round, so let's review some things to keep in mind automotively as fall and winter approach.
Unless you live in the deep south, winter time is usually harder on your car overall than summer, so take these tips to heart especially if you live close to the Mason/Dixon:
1. Wax: when it's cold, it is almost impossible to wax your car. Do it now, and then again later in the fall when you have one of those unusually warm days before winter sets in. Salt and ice and dirty snow wreak havoc on your paint, and running the vehicle through the car wash as a last resort is caustic at best. Wax, wax, and more wax. Once a month truly would not be unwarranted, so twice a year is a no brainer.
2. Electrical system tune-up: winter brings with it a bigger load on your alternator and battery. Lights, defroster, fan on high, radio, and rear window defroster-- sometimes all of these and more are called upon at one time, and it's a load electrically. Combine that with the fact that your battery is less effective and efficient in cold climates, and you have potential trouble. (this is why most batteries go out in cold weather). So, clean your battery connections thoroughly, and replace cables that may be cracking or showing wear. Clean the connection at the alternator too. If you drive infrequently and for short distances, invest in a battery charger and use it once a week, following instructions closely. Clean your windshield with a scraper before getting in and hitting the defrost on high. Don't run the radio when the load is on. Only use the rear defroster as long as necessary. Lighten the electrical load whenever possible and you may make it through the winter with the battery intact. (keep the inside of your windows clean all year round and it'll make a huge difference on defrosting requirements!)
3. Tires: Now is a good time to rotate them if necessary. Inflate them all to the highest number posted on the sidewall, and check that spare too! If they are about done, consider replacing them before nasty winter hits.
4. Lights: have someone help you do an outside check of all lights, blinker and stop bulbs, including backup lights, etc. Make sure they are all working, and replace any that are needed. In the winter, visibility is king, and you want to be seen in all conditions. If any of your headlights have water vapor in them, or are cloudy or just simply have been in the car for more than 5- 7 years, replace the bulbs. You don't have to wait until they are burned out, as all bulbs lose candle power over their life span. While at it, replace them with a brighter, whiter bulb upgrade. Consult your parts house manager for ideas or suggestions. Again, in the dark of winter, in the middle of a nasty rain/snow storm, being able to see is supreme.
5. Emergency Kit: get that cell phone charger back in the console. Throw an old blanket in the trunk. Get one of those flashlights that you only have to shake to power up. Have a bottle of water handy all the time. Consider buying a small kit with a few flares or traffic triangles. Put a few "power bars" in the glovebox. Think ahead, and take action.
6. The old Tune Up: Nowdays, a tune up is somewhat familiar to the old days, but in a new way. Replace spark plugs regardless of style or make if they have been in there more than 60,000 miles. If you've bought a used car, replace them regardless. It's fairly cheap, easy in most applications, and good insurance. Replace the air filter. Check the belt(s) for any wear. Again, if you see cracks or it's been more than 40,000 miles since last replacement, do it. Cheap, fairly easy, and a life saver, especially in the icy/wet/cold times of winter. Don't forget about the oxygen sensor. Most people do and then complain about an engine that hesitates or uses too much gas or is hard to start in the winter. Replace this sensor every 40- 50,000 miles and you will have happy motoring. Finally, clean the throttle body. If you don't know how, have someone do this relatively easy task for you, which consists of basically spraying some carburetor cleaner into the throttle body opening, upon the throttle blade, and wiping away all the collected carbon in this area. Result? Better idling, faster starting, and better throttle response.
Well, here's to precise driving, in all conditions. I promise to be more prudent and timely in my forthcoming installments of this fine blog.
If there is one thing that annoys me to no end, it is to be driving through a neighborhood, parking lot, or any other road way that does not have a dividing line in the middle, and be almost run over or sideswiped by some other motorists who is driving either in the middle of the road, or all the way in the left lane.
OK, so maybe, once in a blue moon, that motorist I am passing and swapping paint with is a new British-born immigrant, or maybe a temporary visitor. If that were the case, I would just wave my hand and give them a friendly "tally ho!" and be on my way to pick up some fish and chips at the local pub. But you know that this is not the typical scenario. It is far, far worse.
So let's get it out in the open that most American motorists know to drive on the right side of the road. Let's also admit that most motorists can be divided into one of three camps, as to where on the right side of the road they most often remain: far right, middle, or far left. Mind you, I am talking about still being squarely in the right lane, however wide it may or may not be, so those 3 camps simply refer to your normal orientation within the right lane. Anywho, I am a middle driver, and I hope most of you resolve to be either a middler like me, or at least, a far righter. For those of you who gravitate towards the dark far left, beware. My vehicle is thoroughly waxed, large, and I will happily pilot it so close to your left side door handle you'd swear you could smell my breath as I pass by your far left oriented heap.
Now to the matter at hand - specifically - staying on the right side of the road, whether there is a dividing line or not. Allow me to go into my fit for the day: What is up with you people who insist on driving right down the middle of the road, or worse-- driving all the way in the left lane? Does it make you feel better? Are you more secure over there? Does your wheel not go towards the right? Have you ever thought about the fact that another motorist will now have to either stop, swerve to miss you, or.....perish the thought.....you encounter ME when pulling such a stunt, and you find yourself in immediate peril? I mean, does it take a white line to remind you that you live in America?
Thank you. I feel better. However, the situation at hand is not resolved just yet. I challenge you to take a test, dear reader. The next time you are driving through a quiet neighborhood, or in a parking lot, etc., watch other drivers for this behavior, and better yet, watch yourself. Sure, there may be a car parked half in a yard and half in the street in your neighborhood, but that doesn't mean you have to go all the way over to the left lane to go around, and then, oh-so-slowly finally make your way back to the right side. If you can't tell whether or not you have a foot or so of clearance between your car and the car on the side of the road, you have bigger problems than right or left sideness. You have perception and visibility problems that will ultimately spell doom for you. No kidding. Adjust your mirrors, sit up in the seat, buy a smaller car with bigger windows - or whatever it takes. If you have to have 5 feet of clearance when 2 feet is more than enough, you need to hand over the keys. You are a menace on the road, waiting for an accident to happen.
Most accidents on America's highways are either frontal, or partial-frontal collisions. A portion are due to alcohol, but most are from distracted or inattentive drivers who just love to gravitate towards the middle of the road. Listen, as many blonde women as there are in this country wizzing through mall parking lots in their big SUV right down the middle of the lane, it's a wonder we don't have millions of deaths in those parking lots every year.
The Main Point is This: Always, always, always drive either squarely in the middle, or better yet, towards the right side of the right lane in all cases. There ARE other drivers on the road, and no two cars can occupy the same space in the middle of the road. So put down the brush, comb, cell phone, or beverage, pay attention to where you are in the road, and remember that here in America, it's the right side.
If you want to get left, hop across the pond and have fun. Just do us a favor and stay there.
Car Care Tip of the Month (or Summer)
Summer is basically gone, so I won't bore you with details about how to summerize your car. However, the same basic tips apply all year round, so let's review some things to keep in mind automotively as fall and winter approach.
Unless you live in the deep south, winter time is usually harder on your car overall than summer, so take these tips to heart especially if you live close to the Mason/Dixon:
1. Wax: when it's cold, it is almost impossible to wax your car. Do it now, and then again later in the fall when you have one of those unusually warm days before winter sets in. Salt and ice and dirty snow wreak havoc on your paint, and running the vehicle through the car wash as a last resort is caustic at best. Wax, wax, and more wax. Once a month truly would not be unwarranted, so twice a year is a no brainer.
2. Electrical system tune-up: winter brings with it a bigger load on your alternator and battery. Lights, defroster, fan on high, radio, and rear window defroster-- sometimes all of these and more are called upon at one time, and it's a load electrically. Combine that with the fact that your battery is less effective and efficient in cold climates, and you have potential trouble. (this is why most batteries go out in cold weather). So, clean your battery connections thoroughly, and replace cables that may be cracking or showing wear. Clean the connection at the alternator too. If you drive infrequently and for short distances, invest in a battery charger and use it once a week, following instructions closely. Clean your windshield with a scraper before getting in and hitting the defrost on high. Don't run the radio when the load is on. Only use the rear defroster as long as necessary. Lighten the electrical load whenever possible and you may make it through the winter with the battery intact. (keep the inside of your windows clean all year round and it'll make a huge difference on defrosting requirements!)
3. Tires: Now is a good time to rotate them if necessary. Inflate them all to the highest number posted on the sidewall, and check that spare too! If they are about done, consider replacing them before nasty winter hits.
4. Lights: have someone help you do an outside check of all lights, blinker and stop bulbs, including backup lights, etc. Make sure they are all working, and replace any that are needed. In the winter, visibility is king, and you want to be seen in all conditions. If any of your headlights have water vapor in them, or are cloudy or just simply have been in the car for more than 5- 7 years, replace the bulbs. You don't have to wait until they are burned out, as all bulbs lose candle power over their life span. While at it, replace them with a brighter, whiter bulb upgrade. Consult your parts house manager for ideas or suggestions. Again, in the dark of winter, in the middle of a nasty rain/snow storm, being able to see is supreme.
5. Emergency Kit: get that cell phone charger back in the console. Throw an old blanket in the trunk. Get one of those flashlights that you only have to shake to power up. Have a bottle of water handy all the time. Consider buying a small kit with a few flares or traffic triangles. Put a few "power bars" in the glovebox. Think ahead, and take action.
6. The old Tune Up: Nowdays, a tune up is somewhat familiar to the old days, but in a new way. Replace spark plugs regardless of style or make if they have been in there more than 60,000 miles. If you've bought a used car, replace them regardless. It's fairly cheap, easy in most applications, and good insurance. Replace the air filter. Check the belt(s) for any wear. Again, if you see cracks or it's been more than 40,000 miles since last replacement, do it. Cheap, fairly easy, and a life saver, especially in the icy/wet/cold times of winter. Don't forget about the oxygen sensor. Most people do and then complain about an engine that hesitates or uses too much gas or is hard to start in the winter. Replace this sensor every 40- 50,000 miles and you will have happy motoring. Finally, clean the throttle body. If you don't know how, have someone do this relatively easy task for you, which consists of basically spraying some carburetor cleaner into the throttle body opening, upon the throttle blade, and wiping away all the collected carbon in this area. Result? Better idling, faster starting, and better throttle response.
Well, here's to precise driving, in all conditions. I promise to be more prudent and timely in my forthcoming installments of this fine blog.
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