Inspired by the off topic topic discussion....what are the auto care / repair skills you must teach your son or daughter regarding automobiles, or else you failed as a parent (maybe that is a bit strong).
My short list off the top of my head:
--how to change a tire
--how to plug a tire
--how to check the air and put air on a tire
--how to jump a car
--how to put gas in a car (this is trivial, but apparently there is a languishite that doesn't know how)
Some things that just need to be done or else you get ripped off:
--how to change windshield wipers
--how to replace an air filter
--how to change lights
Taking parenting advice from languish?
Not going to happen.
How to hail a cab seems simpler.
Pretty much none of those seem necessary - maybe the gas one but that depends on where you live given that there are states where pumping your own gas is not allowed.
Agree with your list except delete plugging a tire and add checking/adding oil and adding wiper fluid.
adding to your list
- checking and filling engine oil
- checking and filling water
- checking and filling wiper fluid
- re-setting the car alarm
- aligning mirrors to the new driver (life or death thing)
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:06:20 PM
Inspired by the off topic topic discussion....what are the auto care / repair skills you must teach your son or daughter regarding automobiles, or else you failed as a parent (maybe that is a bit strong).
My short list off the top of my head:
--how to change a tire
--how to plug a tire
--how to check the air and put air on a tire
--how to jump a car
--how to put gas in a car (this is trivial, but apparently there is a languishite that doesn't know how)
Some things that just need to be done or else you get ripped off:
--how to change windshield wipers
--how to replace an air filter
--how to change lights
Should know
--how to change a tire
--how to check the air and put air on a tire
--how to jump a car
--how to put gas in a car (this is trivial, but apparently there is a languishite that doesn't know how
--how to change windshield wipers
--how to replace an air filter
--how to change lights
--change/gap plug and plug wires
--change oil and filter
--replace fuse
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:14:49 PM
Pretty much none of those seem necessary - maybe the gas one but that depends on where you live given that there are states where pumping your own gas is not allowed.
Because you will never drive in one of the 48 states where you need to do it yourself?
You need to teach your kids how to find a good reliable mechanic so that they can spend their time doing more fruitful activities.
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 12:22:52 PM
You need to teach your kids how to find a good reliable mechanic so that they can spend their time doing more fruitful activities.
And what do they do when all four of them are booked solid for the next three months? :P
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 12:22:52 PM
You need to teach your kids how to find a good reliable mechanic so that they can spend their time doing more fruitful activities.
and the more they know, the more they can save money or spend it on other things.
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:14:49 PM
Pretty much none of those seem necessary - maybe the gas one but that depends on where you live given that there are states where pumping your own gas is not allowed.
Practically as soon as I could walk, my mom always made me get out, go pay inside for the gas (pay at the pump was a distant dream in those days) and then pump the gas. I hardly ever had to do any chores around the house, but that one was important to her for some reason.
Should know
--how to change a tire
--how to check the air and put air on a tire
--how to jump a car
--how to put gas in a car (this is trivial, but apparently there is a languishite that doesn't know how
--how to change windshield wipers
--how to replace an air filter
--how to change lights
--change/gap plug and plug wires
--change oil and filter
--replace fuse
If you can do these, get a jack stand or two, and you can also rotate your own tires and change brake pads.
As far as the more advanced stuff, it depends on how big a PITA it is. I'm getting old. Changing the timing belt, tensior, and water pump on the neon cost me a little over 100 bucks plus a day of time four years ago. But, removing an engine mount and jacking the engine up is a pain. You have to do that step to get access. Could I do it again...yes. Will I...no. A shop would charge 700-1000. A timing belt going out on an interference engine is not pretty.
Quote from: Baron von Schtinkenbutt on January 13, 2014, 12:22:00 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:14:49 PM
Pretty much none of those seem necessary - maybe the gas one but that depends on where you live given that there are states where pumping your own gas is not allowed.
Because you will never drive in one of the 48 states where you need to do it yourself?
That's why I said that's the only one that is potentially necessary.
Personally, I know how to pump gas and have always been in states where you are allowed to pump your own.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 12:24:23 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 12:22:52 PM
You need to teach your kids how to find a good reliable mechanic so that they can spend their time doing more fruitful activities.
and the more they know, the more they can save money or spend it on other things.
To a certain extent, absolutely. As I mentioned in the OT thread, I saved both time *and* money by changing my alternator myself. Plus I knew I was getting a new, reliable part since I bought it myself.
Changing car lights? Most modern cars have built in lights that can't be changed on your own.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:06:20 PM
how to put gas in a car (this is trivial, but apparently there is a languishite that doesn't know how)
I refuse to believe this is possible.
Quote from: The Larch on January 13, 2014, 12:33:05 PM
Changing car lights? Most modern cars have built in lights that can't be changed on your own.
Huh? How modern are we talking here? You can change the bulbs in any car I'm familiar with yourself, easy peasy.
Quote from: The Larch on January 13, 2014, 12:33:05 PM
Changing car lights? Most modern cars have built in lights that can't be changed on your own.
:huh:
What does "should" mean in this context given that nearly all of them are unnecessary?
Also, I recomend teaching your kids to wash their mom's car so dad does not have to anymore. ;)
Quote from: derspiess on January 13, 2014, 12:34:37 PM
Quote from: The Larch on January 13, 2014, 12:33:05 PM
Changing car lights? Most modern cars have built in lights that can't be changed on your own.
Huh? How modern are we talking here? You can change the bulbs in any car I'm familiar with yourself, easy peasy.
One of mine required you to removed part of the engine to get to it. Total pain in my ass. I will definitely think twice about doing on my own next time I have to change it.
There is only one skill that you as a parent really need to teach your son, and that is the skill of getting a STEM education. If you can succeed at that, then your son will have more than enough money to pay someone else to do the pleb work.
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:35:43 PM
What does "should" mean in this context given that nearly all of them are unnecessary?
That you'd be better off knowing them.
Quote from: derspiess on January 13, 2014, 12:34:37 PM
Quote from: The Larch on January 13, 2014, 12:33:05 PM
Changing car lights? Most modern cars have built in lights that can't be changed on your own.
Huh? How modern are we talking here? You can change the bulbs in any car I'm familiar with yourself, easy peasy.
agreed
Youtube is your freind if you dont know how. Easy.
Quote from: derspiess on January 13, 2014, 12:36:40 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:35:43 PM
What does "should" mean in this context given that nearly all of them are unnecessary?
That you'd be better off knowing them.
I don't see how. Most of those are unpleasant and its easier to have someone do them for you.
Sucks the interweb will go down and I won't be able to find out how some of you fare when the zombie apocalypse hits. :(
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 12:38:48 PM
Sucks the interweb will go down and I won't be able to find out how some of you fare when the zombie apocalypse hits. :(
:D
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:35:43 PM
What does "should" mean in this context given that nearly all of them are unnecessary?
Garbon, what is your plan if you have a flat tire in a somewhat remote place with no one to call?
Quote from: Jacob on January 13, 2014, 12:09:59 PM
Taking parenting advice from languish?
Not going to happen.
This isn't about parenting advice. It is about people without children judging those with them. :)
Quote from: Baron von Schtinkenbutt on January 13, 2014, 12:23:54 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 12:22:52 PM
You need to teach your kids how to find a good reliable mechanic so that they can spend their time doing more fruitful activities.
And what do they do when all four of them are booked solid for the next three months? :P
:D
I guess I have just been lucky that way. But seriously, in a modern new car, other than putting in the gas, I really dont need to do anything. There are mandatory maintenance visits I need to have to keep my warranty where they take care of pretty much everything.
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:37:51 PM
I don't see how. Most of those are unpleasant and its easier to have someone do them for you.
You girls are all alike :rolleyes:
You may get your hands dirty, but in many cases you are saving both time and money by doing it yourself.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:41:17 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:35:43 PM
What does "should" mean in this context given that nearly all of them are unnecessary?
Garbon, what is your plan if you have a flat tire in a somewhat remote place with no one to call?
Buying a car with run-flat tires so he can just drive to the next workshop?
Quote from: Viking on January 13, 2014, 12:16:45 PM
adding to your list
- checking and filling engine oil
- checking and filling water
- checking and filling wiper fluid
- re-setting the car alarm
- aligning mirrors to the new driver (life or death thing)
I agree with your additions (except for the car alarm thing).
However, when was the last time you checked the engine oil? I have a light in my car for that.
@AR Call AAA?
Quote from: derspiess on January 13, 2014, 12:34:37 PM
Huh? How modern are we talking here? You can change the bulbs in any car I'm familiar with yourself, easy peasy.
If you go modern enough, there are no "bulbs" anymore as it's all LEDs.
Quote from: Zanza on January 13, 2014, 12:47:45 PM
Quote from: derspiess on January 13, 2014, 12:34:37 PM
Huh? How modern are we talking here? You can change the bulbs in any car I'm familiar with yourself, easy peasy.
If you go modern enough, there are no "bulbs" anymore as it's all LEDs.
Okay. But that's almost a non-issue as they shouldn't burn out like incandescent bulbs do.
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 12:38:48 PM
Sucks the interweb will go down and I won't be able to find out how some of you fare when the zombie apocalypse hits. :(
If that day ever happens I will admit you were wise.
Quote from: Zanza on January 13, 2014, 12:46:43 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:41:17 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:35:43 PM
What does "should" mean in this context given that nearly all of them are unnecessary?
Garbon, what is your plan if you have a flat tire in a somewhat remote place with no one to call?
Buying a car with run-flat tires so he can just drive to the next workshop?
BTW, run flat tech sure is better than it was some years ago.
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 12:50:05 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 12:38:48 PM
Sucks the interweb will go down and I won't be able to find out how some of you fare when the zombie apocalypse hits. :(
If that day ever happens I will admit you were wise.
But how will I know? :(
I think maybe the belief in the importance of basic car maintenance skills is at least partly a function of the density of the areas you are accustomed to driving.
City driver, not so important. Empty spaces driver, more important.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:41:17 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:35:43 PM
What does "should" mean in this context given that nearly all of them are unnecessary?
Garbon, what is your plan if you have a flat tire in a somewhat remote place with no one to call?
:huh:
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on January 13, 2014, 12:34:36 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:06:20 PM
how to put gas in a car (this is trivial, but apparently there is a languishite that doesn't know how)
I refuse to believe this is possible.
I'll be able to figure it out if I'll ever need to. :mad:
Quote from: derspiess on January 13, 2014, 12:46:35 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:37:51 PM
I don't see how. Most of those are unpleasant and its easier to have someone do them for you.
You girls are all alike :rolleyes:
You may get your hands dirty, but in many cases you are saving both time and money by doing it yourself.
Would I though? I'd have to invest the time learning how to do these things and properly. Given how little use they have been to me in 7 years of car ownership, I'm unconvinced that I should pick them up.
Quote from: Caliga on January 13, 2014, 12:47:16 PM
@AR Call AAA?
There are places in this country where there isn't cell phone coverage. I doubt there is AAA coverage either.
Not to mention someone said it is $50/month for AAA...$600 a year to avoid learning how to do things like change a tire?
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 12:50:53 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 12:50:05 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 12:38:48 PM
Sucks the interweb will go down and I won't be able to find out how some of you fare when the zombie apocalypse hits. :(
If that day ever happens I will admit you were wise.
But how will I know? :(
You will just have to trust me.
Why pay 50 clams a month to AAA when you can get roadside assistance added to your car insurance for like 3 clams?
Their triptiks aren't *that* awesome.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:54:13 PM
Quote from: Caliga on January 13, 2014, 12:47:16 PM
@AR Call AAA?
There are places in this country where there isn't cell phone coverage. I doubt there is AAA coverage either.
Not to mention someone said it is $50/month for AAA...$600 a year to avoid learning how to do things like change a tire?
My Geico policy has a roadside assistance coverage, and it costs nowhere near $50/month (has to be something like $5-$10 per month). It works very well too, as I found out.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:54:13 PM
Quote from: Caliga on January 13, 2014, 12:47:16 PM
@AR Call AAA?
There are places in this country where there isn't cell phone coverage. I doubt there is AAA coverage either.
Not to mention someone said it is $50/month for AAA...$600 a year to avoid learning how to do things like change a tire?
Meh, in the good old days when cars broke down frequently you could always get a ride to call for a tow truck. After I started buying new cars I have had 0 times that I needed any roadside assistance. So really your thread is for people who buy really old cars and live in hell holes with no cell phone reception and who have neighbours who would rather shoot than help.
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 12:54:18 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 12:50:53 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 12:50:05 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 12:38:48 PM
Sucks the interweb will go down and I won't be able to find out how some of you fare when the zombie apocalypse hits. :(
If that day ever happens I will admit you were wise.
But how will I know? :(
You will just have to trust me.
But, you are a lawyer. :hmm:
:P
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 13, 2014, 12:55:59 PM
Why pay 50 clams a month to AAA when you can get roadside assistance added to your car insurance for like 3 clams?
Their triptiks aren't *that* awesome.
AAA costs 50 bucks a year, so AR is a bit off.
Quote from: DGuller on January 13, 2014, 12:56:12 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:54:13 PM
Quote from: Caliga on January 13, 2014, 12:47:16 PM
@AR Call AAA?
There are places in this country where there isn't cell phone coverage. I doubt there is AAA coverage either.
Not to mention someone said it is $50/month for AAA...$600 a year to avoid learning how to do things like change a tire?
My Geico policy has a roadside assistance coverage, and it costs nowhere near $50/month (has to be something like $5-$10 per month). It works very well too, as I found out.
Yeah, it comes with my insurance as well. Never have had to use it so I am not sure how well it works.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:47:00 PM
Quote from: Viking on January 13, 2014, 12:16:45 PM
adding to your list
- checking and filling engine oil
- checking and filling water
- checking and filling wiper fluid
- re-setting the car alarm
- aligning mirrors to the new driver (life or death thing)
:XD:
I agree with your additions (except for the car alarm thing).
However, when was the last time you checked the engine oil? I have a light in my car for that.
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:57:52 PM
AAA costs 50 bucks a year, so AR is a bit off.
Asoka
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 12:57:22 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 12:54:18 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 12:50:53 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 12:50:05 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 12:38:48 PM
Sucks the interweb will go down and I won't be able to find out how some of you fare when the zombie apocalypse hits. :(
If that day ever happens I will admit you were wise.
But how will I know? :(
You will just have to trust me.
But, you are a lawyer. :hmm:
:P
As the zombie is taking a bite out of me because my car broke down and I didnt know how to fix it, my dying thoughts will be of this thread. I promise.
Until then I will live carefree.
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 12:58:20 PM
Quote from: DGuller on January 13, 2014, 12:56:12 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:54:13 PM
Quote from: Caliga on January 13, 2014, 12:47:16 PM
@AR Call AAA?
There are places in this country where there isn't cell phone coverage. I doubt there is AAA coverage either.
Not to mention someone said it is $50/month for AAA...$600 a year to avoid learning how to do things like change a tire?
My Geico policy has a roadside assistance coverage, and it costs nowhere near $50/month (has to be something like $5-$10 per month). It works very well too, as I found out.
Yeah, it comes with my insurance as well. Never have had to use it so I am not sure how well it works.
Just checked, it's $7.50 for 6 months.
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:53:35 PM
Would I though? I'd have to invest the time learning how to do these things and properly. Given how little use they have been to me in 7 years of car ownership, I'm unconvinced that I should pick them up.
Garbon, didn't you post that you keep your car parked some distance from where you live and it is a luxury, not a need? How many miles are you putting on the car?
I've changed a lot of flat tires. All the skills I've posted have been used. It could be you don't drive much, or when you do the road conditions are better.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 13, 2014, 12:55:59 PM
Why pay 50 clams a month to AAA when you can get roadside assistance added to your car insurance for like 3 clams?
Their triptiks aren't *that* awesome.
AAA premier is 124/yr :rolleyes: and yes i have it.
http://www.aaawa.com/membership/index.asp?zip=98312&devicecd=PC&referer=washington.aaa.com
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:00:42 PM
I've changed a lot of flat tires.
You should buy better tires :)
I've never had to use roadside assistance, but I've heard good things about it. I think it is worth including in your insurance. I can change a tire faster than waiting for them to show up. Now, your car breaks down? Accident? Yeah, call for the tow truck.
Yeah sorry about that, 50 a year
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 12:58:33 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:47:00 PM
Quote from: Viking on January 13, 2014, 12:16:45 PM
adding to your list
- checking and filling engine oil
- checking and filling water
- checking and filling wiper fluid
- re-setting the car alarm
- aligning mirrors to the new driver (life or death thing)
:XD:
I agree with your additions (except for the car alarm thing).
However, when was the last time you checked the engine oil? I have a light in my car for that.
B4, are you saying I should check it?
I do have a light, and I regularly change my oil. I'm not sure why I should check it manually.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:00:42 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:53:35 PM
Would I though? I'd have to invest the time learning how to do these things and properly. Given how little use they have been to me in 7 years of car ownership, I'm unconvinced that I should pick them up.
Garbon, didn't you post that you keep your car parked some distance from where you live and it is a luxury, not a need? How many miles are you putting on the car?
I've changed a lot of flat tires. All the skills I've posted have been used. It could be you don't drive much, or when you do the road conditions are better.
My first 3 years, I used my car on a daily basis and even drove it across country.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:08:28 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 12:58:33 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:47:00 PM
Quote from: Viking on January 13, 2014, 12:16:45 PM
adding to your list
- checking and filling engine oil
- checking and filling water
- checking and filling wiper fluid
- re-setting the car alarm
- aligning mirrors to the new driver (life or death thing)
:XD:
I agree with your additions (except for the car alarm thing).
However, when was the last time you checked the engine oil? I have a light in my car for that.
B4, are you saying I should check it?
I do have a light, and I regularly change my oil. I'm not sure why I should check it manually.
If you trust that light and sensor...rock on.
Idiot lights are useful but I don't trust them 100%.
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 01:08:31 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:00:42 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:53:35 PM
Would I though? I'd have to invest the time learning how to do these things and properly. Given how little use they have been to me in 7 years of car ownership, I'm unconvinced that I should pick them up.
Garbon, didn't you post that you keep your car parked some distance from where you live and it is a luxury, not a need? How many miles are you putting on the car?
I've changed a lot of flat tires. All the skills I've posted have been used. It could be you don't drive much, or when you do the road conditions are better.
My first 3 years, I used my car on a daily basis and even drove it across country.
How often do you drive it now?
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:09:54 PM
If you trust that light and sensor...rock on.
Tell me something, if you owned a new car that was serviced regularly pursuant to the terms of its warranty is there some reason not to trust the light?
Quote from: derspiess on January 13, 2014, 01:17:40 PM
Idiot lights are useful but I don't trust them 100%.
Exactly. Whats 5 mins of your time vs possibly damaging an engine
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:19:04 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:09:54 PM
If you trust that light and sensor...rock on.
Tell me something, if you owned a new car that was serviced regularly pursuant to the terms of its warranty is there some reason not to trust the light?
and new cars never have issues. Do what you will by all means. ;)
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 01:18:07 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 01:08:31 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:00:42 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:53:35 PM
Would I though? I'd have to invest the time learning how to do these things and properly. Given how little use they have been to me in 7 years of car ownership, I'm unconvinced that I should pick them up.
Garbon, didn't you post that you keep your car parked some distance from where you live and it is a luxury, not a need? How many miles are you putting on the car?
I've changed a lot of flat tires. All the skills I've posted have been used. It could be you don't drive much, or when you do the road conditions are better.
My first 3 years, I used my car on a daily basis and even drove it across country.
How often do you drive it now?
One a month - which, of course means that it now suffers from the issues of not being used regularly. -_-
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:19:39 PM
Quote from: derspiess on January 13, 2014, 01:17:40 PM
Idiot lights are useful but I don't trust them 100%.
Exactly. Whats 5 mins of your time vs possibly damaging an engine
So how often do you check your oil? Everytime you drive it?
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:00:42 PM
Garbon, didn't you post that you keep your car parked some distance from where you live and it is a luxury, not a need? How many miles are you putting on the car?
I've changed a lot of flat tires. All the skills I've posted have been used. It could be you don't drive much, or when you do the road conditions are better.
You drive into ditches in remote Argentina. In those situations, having those skills obviously makes sense.
I agree with Vike about adjusting the mirrors. All the rest? I don't know... I expect my son to avail himself of the conveniences of a modern service economy. Besides, with technological changes in car design and transportation infrastructure, who's to say that these skills are even applicable by the time he's driving?
Most of those skills are wonderful skills to have, but are only really necessary if you are either planning on a job in a garage, or if you are a car hobbyist.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:20:58 PMand new cars never have issues. Do what you will by all means. ;)
Presumably a new car is covered by a warranty, so if it does have issues it'll get fixed and/or replaced?
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 01:21:51 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 01:18:07 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 01:08:31 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:00:42 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:53:35 PM
Would I though? I'd have to invest the time learning how to do these things and properly. Given how little use they have been to me in 7 years of car ownership, I'm unconvinced that I should pick them up.
Garbon, didn't you post that you keep your car parked some distance from where you live and it is a luxury, not a need? How many miles are you putting on the car?
I've changed a lot of flat tires. All the skills I've posted have been used. It could be you don't drive much, or when you do the road conditions are better.
My first 3 years, I used my car on a daily basis and even drove it across country.
How often do you drive it now?
One a month - which, of course means that it now suffers from the issues of not being used regularly. -_-
Ok. 1st world problem. If it gives you too much trouble it will have low miles when you trade it in for a newer one. :)
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:22:47 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:19:39 PM
Quote from: derspiess on January 13, 2014, 01:17:40 PM
Idiot lights are useful but I don't trust them 100%.
Exactly. Whats 5 mins of your time vs possibly damaging an engine
So how often do you check your oil? Everytime you drive it?
Every other week on the neon which gets driven 800 miles a month. Oil/filter gets changed every 5-6k w/synthetic only.
The truck and mustang once a month. 3k for oil change or 6 mos with dino oil for the truck.
That's a lot of oil changes.
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 01:04:04 PM
I've never had to use roadside assistance, but I've heard good things about it. I think it is worth including in your insurance. I can change a tire faster than waiting for them to show up. Now, your car breaks down? Accident? Yeah, call for the tow truck.
The one time I used it my spare was also dead. :P
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:34:03 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:22:47 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:19:39 PM
Quote from: derspiess on January 13, 2014, 01:17:40 PM
Idiot lights are useful but I don't trust them 100%.
Exactly. Whats 5 mins of your time vs possibly damaging an engine
So how often do you check your oil? Everytime you drive it?
Every other week on the neon which gets driven 800 miles a month. Oil/filter gets changed every 5-6k w/synthetic only.
The truck and mustang once a month. 3k for oil change or 6 mos with dino oil for the truck.
Shock and horror - you mean you risk engine damage by going that long without checking your oil ;)
I think this fetsih with checking your oil has more to do with an ethos of percieved rugged individualism than anything of any practical value.
Quote from: Zanza on January 13, 2014, 01:36:26 PM
That's a lot of oil changes.
3k/3mo is the standard advice for any car older than 10 years, and most oil change places still use that for all cars. Honda's maintenance schedule for my car calls for 6k/6mo in normal conditions and 3k/3mo in "severe" conditions.
Quote from: Zanza on January 13, 2014, 01:36:26 PM
That's a lot of oil changes.
naw that's called regular servicing.
Quote from: Baron von Schtinkenbutt on January 13, 2014, 01:38:51 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2014, 01:04:04 PM
I've never had to use roadside assistance, but I've heard good things about it. I think it is worth including in your insurance. I can change a tire faster than waiting for them to show up. Now, your car breaks down? Accident? Yeah, call for the tow truck.
The one time I used it my spare was also dead. :P
Murphy must have been riding with you that day. :D
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:39:40 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:34:03 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:22:47 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:19:39 PM
Quote from: derspiess on January 13, 2014, 01:17:40 PM
Idiot lights are useful but I don't trust them 100%.
Exactly. Whats 5 mins of your time vs possibly damaging an engine
So how often do you check your oil? Everytime you drive it?
Every other week on the neon which gets driven 800 miles a month. Oil/filter gets changed every 5-6k w/synthetic only.
The truck and mustang once a month. 3k for oil change or 6 mos with dino oil for the truck.
Shock and horror - you mean you risk engine damage by going that long without checking your oil ;)
I think this fetsih with checking your oil has more to do with an ethos of percieved rugged individualism than anything of any practical value.
:rolleyes: Do what you will
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:43:09 PM
:rolleyes: Do what you will
I do. Regularly servicing does just fine. I have no idea why you would do anything else unless you had some reason to believe you were leaking oil.
CC
How often does your owners manual tell you to check the oil in your car?
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:45:47 PM
CC
How often does your owners manual tell you to check the oil in your car?
No idea. I have never looked at the thing. Who does that?
Here's a hint,
My Truck: every stop for fuel
The Neon: every stop for fuel.
and yes they both have idiot lights. So, what your saying is, you should not even remotely follow the owners manual.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:50:26 PM
Here's a hint,
My Truck: every stop for fuel
The Neon: every stop for fuel.
and yes they both have idiot lights. So, what your saying is, you should not even remotely follow the owners manual.
Interesting. Did you realize you were buying cars that had the potential to leak that much?
It isn't just about being moderately self sufficient if something happens in a remote place (but I think that is important, especially for girls).
It also just helps to save money / avoid being ripped off. Do you know how complicated it is to change an air filter? It takes 5 minutes - that that assumes you will need 2 to find a screwdriver. The shops I've seen will charge ~$20 for that. You can pick up your own filter for a lot less than that.
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:50:06 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:45:47 PM
CC
How often does your owners manual tell you to check the oil in your car?
No idea. I have never looked at the thing. Who does that?
The booklet in your glovebox. A lot of useful info in there. See how often it tells you to check your oil. I quoted you two examples above from my vehicles.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:52:14 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:50:06 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:45:47 PM
CC
How often does your owners manual tell you to check the oil in your car?
No idea. I have never looked at the thing. Who does that?
The booklet in your glovebox. A lot of useful info in there. See how often it tells you to check your oil. I quoted you two examples above from my vehicles.
I think this falls into the categorie of who cares. I did get something from the dealership that told me what I had to do to keep my warranty. Oil check fetish was not on the list.
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:51:31 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:50:26 PM
Here's a hint,
My Truck: every stop for fuel
The Neon: every stop for fuel.
and yes they both have idiot lights. So, what your saying is, you should not even remotely follow the owners manual.
Interesting. Did you realize you were buying cars that had the potential to leak that much?
again look at your owners manual. It's the pamphlet looking thing in the glove box. :lol:
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:54:01 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:51:31 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:50:26 PM
Here's a hint,
My Truck: every stop for fuel
The Neon: every stop for fuel.
and yes they both have idiot lights. So, what your saying is, you should not even remotely follow the owners manual.
Interesting. Did you realize you were buying cars that had the potential to leak that much?
again look at your owners manual. It's the pamphlet looking thing in the glove box. :lol:
If you have found something which justifies your fetish then I am happy for you. But dont expect me to adopt your wierd ways.
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:53:55 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:52:14 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:50:06 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:45:47 PM
CC
How often does your owners manual tell you to check the oil in your car?
No idea. I have never looked at the thing. Who does that?
The booklet in your glovebox. A lot of useful info in there. See how often it tells you to check your oil. I quoted you two examples above from my vehicles.
I think this falls into the categorie of who cares. I did get something from the dealership that told me what I had to do to keep my warranty. Oil check fetish was not on the list.
Do as you will.
I just got the oil changed in my truck (by someone else) for the first time in 4 years.
It only had 800 miles on it since the last one.
I've changed my own oil a couple times, but crawling underneath your car with the drip pan really is a pain in the ass.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 13, 2014, 02:03:22 PM
I've changed my own oil a couple times, but crawling underneath your car with the drip pan really is a pain in the ass.
I'll crawl on the ground for you if you change my oil filters. :yucky:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 13, 2014, 02:03:22 PM
I've changed my own oil a couple times, but crawling underneath your car with the drip pan really is a pain in the ass.
And then you need to drive that used oil and filter to a depot that can recycle it. So much for the time savings...
Quote from: sbr on January 13, 2014, 02:04:53 PM
I'll crawl on the ground for you if you change my oil filters. :yucky:
:huh: How's that tough? You strap on the little tool thingy and give it a turn.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 13, 2014, 02:07:02 PM
Quote from: sbr on January 13, 2014, 02:04:53 PM
I'll crawl on the ground for you if you change my oil filters. :yucky:
:huh: How's that tough? You strap on the little tool thingy and give it a turn.
That was the part I hated the most as the filter never quite drained enough.
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:51:31 PM
Interesting. Did you realize you were buying cars that had the potential to leak that much?
Cars don't leak oil, they eat oil. Well, bad cars do.
CC is funny. In a sad way.
Quote from: DGuller on January 13, 2014, 02:08:18 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:51:31 PM
Interesting. Did you realize you were buying cars that had the potential to leak that much?
Cars don't leak oil, they eat oil. Well, bad cars do.
Yeah, in that case the blue smoke would be the dead give away that you need to check the oil. But we were talking about new cars.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:51:50 PM
It also just helps to save money / avoid being ripped off. Do you know how complicated it is to change an air filter? It takes 5 minutes - that that assumes you will need 2 to find a screwdriver. The shops I've seen will charge ~$20 for that. You can pick up your own filter for a lot less than that.
A whole 20 bucks?
Quote from: katmai on January 13, 2014, 02:08:50 PM
CC is funny. In a sad way.
It is true that it is sad that I have owned cars that did leak oil. I have not always been fabulously successful. :(
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 02:10:01 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:51:50 PM
It also just helps to save money / avoid being ripped off. Do you know how complicated it is to change an air filter? It takes 5 minutes - that that assumes you will need 2 to find a screwdriver. The shops I've seen will charge ~$20 for that. You can pick up your own filter for a lot less than that.
A whole 20 bucks?
:lol:
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 02:09:39 PM
Quote from: DGuller on January 13, 2014, 02:08:18 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 01:51:31 PM
Interesting. Did you realize you were buying cars that had the potential to leak that much?
Cars don't leak oil, they eat oil. Well, bad cars do.
Yeah, in that case the blue smoke would be the dead give away that you need to check the oil. But we were talking about new cars.
Maybe if the valve seals or are the piston rings bad.
QuoteCars don't leak oil, they eat oil.
Incorrect
I know how to do the basics listed, I rarely do them myself though. Growing up my dad always had more money than time so he didn't do it, so I didn't learn from him and never had the desire to really get into it myself.
I did have to change a tire out in the middle of nowhere at 5:00AM in the dark with no flashlight a few years ago. I have also installed a new battery and troubleshot an electrical/starter problem on the truck. It is a complete piece of shit though and I refuse to spend more than $100 for anything on it anymore. The next time it requires more than that I am selling it for parts and moving on with my life.
I also changed a power steering line in an old '76 Buick Skylark I owned in the early 90's but that is when cars were self-servicable.
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 02:08:14 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 13, 2014, 02:07:02 PM
Quote from: sbr on January 13, 2014, 02:04:53 PM
I'll crawl on the ground for you if you change my oil filters. :yucky:
:huh: How's that tough? You strap on the little tool thingy and give it a turn.
That was the part I hated the most as the filter never quite drained enough.
Maybe I had bad luck or the wrong tool but I in the 2-3 times I have done it myself I had problems getting the stupid thing off.
Quote from: sbr on January 13, 2014, 02:15:08 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 02:08:14 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 13, 2014, 02:07:02 PM
Quote from: sbr on January 13, 2014, 02:04:53 PM
I'll crawl on the ground for you if you change my oil filters. :yucky:
:huh: How's that tough? You strap on the little tool thingy and give it a turn.
That was the part I hated the most as the filter never quite drained enough.
Maybe I had bad luck or the wrong tool but I in the 2-3 times I have done it myself I had problems getting the stupid thing off.
Did you lube the gasket on the filter? I always go hand tight plus a half to 3/4 of a turn on the oil filter. I never use the filter tool
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 02:10:01 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:51:50 PM
It also just helps to save money / avoid being ripped off. Do you know how complicated it is to change an air filter? It takes 5 minutes - that that assumes you will need 2 to find a screwdriver. The shops I've seen will charge ~$20 for that. You can pick up your own filter for a lot less than that.
A whole 20 bucks?
Now by doing it yourself you will save less than that, because you have to buy the part. But you may be overestimated how complicated this is...it really isn't much more difficult than changing a light bulb.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 02:24:50 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 02:10:01 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:51:50 PM
It also just helps to save money / avoid being ripped off. Do you know how complicated it is to change an air filter? It takes 5 minutes - that that assumes you will need 2 to find a screwdriver. The shops I've seen will charge ~$20 for that. You can pick up your own filter for a lot less than that.
A whole 20 bucks?
Now by doing it yourself you will save less than that, because you have to buy the part. But you may be overestimated how complicated this is...it really isn't much more difficult than changing a light bulb.
It's Garbon, he doesnt understand. :P
Quote from: Jacob on January 13, 2014, 02:13:08 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 02:10:01 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:51:50 PM
It also just helps to save money / avoid being ripped off. Do you know how complicated it is to change an air filter? It takes 5 minutes - that that assumes you will need 2 to find a screwdriver. The shops I've seen will charge ~$20 for that. You can pick up your own filter for a lot less than that.
A whole 20 bucks?
:lol:
I mean I know it is playing into my persona, but I'm unconvinced that I should buy my own parts (I guess maybe $10?) and then spend time figuring out how to put that in. A savings of $10 just doesn't seem worth it. :unsure: -_-
Meh, if there is a chap I can hire who knows how to do it better than I do, and the job isnt trivial, I get the chap to do it.
If some of you guys enjoy doing those things yourselves then have at it. But really, I can think of a lot better ways to spend my time.
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 02:31:22 PM
Quote from: Jacob on January 13, 2014, 02:13:08 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 02:10:01 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 01:51:50 PM
It also just helps to save money / avoid being ripped off. Do you know how complicated it is to change an air filter? It takes 5 minutes - that that assumes you will need 2 to find a screwdriver. The shops I've seen will charge ~$20 for that. You can pick up your own filter for a lot less than that.
A whole 20 bucks?
:lol:
I mean I know it is playing into my persona, but I'm unconvinced that I should buy my own parts (I guess maybe $10?) and then spend time figuring out how to put that in. A savings of $10 just doesn't seem worth it. :unsure: -_-
I dont really have any problems with what your saying. IMO persona doesnt even factor in. You dont want to, you dont have to.
Grabon, do you know how to change a light bulb in your apartment? :P
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 02:33:46 PM
Meh, if there is a chap I can hire who knows how to do it better than I do, and the job isnt trivial, I get the chap to do it.
If some of you guys enjoy doing those things yourselves then have at it. But really, I can think of a lot better ways to spend my time.
Time vs money. Each to his own. :)
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 02:33:46 PM
Meh, if there is a chap I can hire who knows how to do it better than I do, and the job isnt trivial, I get the chap to do it.
If some of you guys enjoy doing those things yourselves then have at it. But really, I can think of a lot better ways to spend my time.
It's sort of funny when hobbyists insist that their preference and knowledge base should be shared by everyone. Though, of course, most of us do it with our own hobbies.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 02:35:01 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 02:33:46 PM
Meh, if there is a chap I can hire who knows how to do it better than I do, and the job isnt trivial, I get the chap to do it.
If some of you guys enjoy doing those things yourselves then have at it. But really, I can think of a lot better ways to spend my time.
Time vs money. Each to his own. :)
Well, if I was going to think about this in purely economic terms, I could earn a lot more money in the time it takes me to change my oil and drive the used oil and filter to a recycling depot than it costs me to pay someone else to do it.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 13, 2014, 02:34:38 PM
Grabon, do you know how to change a light bulb in your apartment? :P
Yes and I've changed quite a few. Even have to sort out the whole energy saving bulbs vs. regular for different lights as many of the lights in my apts are on dimmers. :P ( <_< @ the dimmers)
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 02:39:47 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 02:35:01 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 13, 2014, 02:33:46 PM
Meh, if there is a chap I can hire who knows how to do it better than I do, and the job isnt trivial, I get the chap to do it.
If some of you guys enjoy doing those things yourselves then have at it. But really, I can think of a lot better ways to spend my time.
Time vs money. Each to his own. :)
Well, if I was going to think about this in purely economic terms, I could earn a lot more money in the time it takes me to change my oil and drive the used oil and filter to a recycling depot than it costs me to pay someone else to do it.
and I can save a lot of money doing shit myself. :)
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 02:45:04 PM
and I can save a lot of money doing shit myself. :)
So that works great for you. :)
Why even bother having helots if you're still going to do manual labor?
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:50:26 PM
Here's a hint,
My Truck: every stop for fuel
The Neon: every stop for fuel.
and yes they both have idiot lights. So, what your saying is, you should not even remotely follow the owners manual.
CC and Jacob should take into consideration the fact that there's a reason that those warning lights are called
idiot lights.
Quote from: dps on January 13, 2014, 05:42:35 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 01:50:26 PM
Here's a hint,
My Truck: every stop for fuel
The Neon: every stop for fuel.
and yes they both have idiot lights. So, what your saying is, you should not even remotely follow the owners manual.
CC and Jacob should take into consideration the fact that there's a reason that those warning lights are called idiot lights.
Yeah, only an idiot would ignore them.
Quote from: dps on January 13, 2014, 05:42:35 PMCC and Jacob should take into consideration the fact that there's a reason that those warning lights are called idiot lights.
They only go off if you're an idiot and don't have the garage do the proper maintenance?
I ignore the lights. :Embarrass:
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on January 13, 2014, 06:18:41 PM
I ignore the lights. :Embarrass:
My one warning light goes off all the time though when I've taken it in - there's nothing wrong.
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 06:27:26 PM
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on January 13, 2014, 06:18:41 PM
I ignore the lights. :Embarrass:
My one warning light goes off all the time though when I've taken it in - there's nothing wrong.
which one?
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 06:31:33 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 06:27:26 PM
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on January 13, 2014, 06:18:41 PM
I ignore the lights. :Embarrass:
My one warning light goes off all the time though when I've taken it in - there's nothing wrong.
which one?
Well two, but they both eventually go away after a bit of driving.
IMA
Check Engine
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 06:34:54 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 06:31:33 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 06:27:26 PM
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on January 13, 2014, 06:18:41 PM
I ignore the lights. :Embarrass:
My one warning light goes off all the time though when I've taken it in - there's nothing wrong.
which one?
Well two, but they both eventually go away after a bit of driving.
IMA
Check Engine
You have a hybrid?
I am intrigued by the C Max hybrid.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 13, 2014, 06:39:56 PM
You have a hybrid?
Of course he has a hybrid. He drives once a month. Can you imagine what his fuel costs would be without one?
Upon reflection, the following are reasons to have some knowledge of cars:
-Assessing which services the mechanic is trying to sell you are really needed
-Assessing the price you are being charged for services
-Saving money by doing really easy stuff yourself
-Impressing girls by knowing 1 or 2 things about cars (this has backfired for me when the 1 or 2 things I know don't apply to her car and I lost the bolts needed to put things back together)
-If you will ever travel off road and/or in remote areas, an ability to fix some problems yourself
-Cars are important machines. Knowing the basics about them has to be more useful than knowing about WWII bombers or campaigns in North Africa or Sulla.
-Maybe not Sulla.
When I was on the west coast, I used my uncle's shop.
And as for impressing the ladies...:D
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 07:11:53 PM
Upon reflection, the following are reasons to have some knowledge of cars:
-Assessing which services the mechanic is trying to sell you are really needed and which are more about boosting the shop's revenue
-Assessing the price you are being charged for services
-Saving money by doing really easy stuff yourself
-Impressing girls by knowing 1 or 2 things about cars (this has backfired for me when the 1 or 2 things I know don't apply to her car and I lost the bolts needed to put things back together)
-If you will ever travel off road and/or in remote areas, an ability to fix some problems yourself
-Cars are important machines. Knowing the basics about them has to be more useful than knowing about WWII bombers or campaigns in North Africa or Sulla.
-Maybe not Sulla.
Seems reasonable to me.
I think changing a tire is just a practicality thing. You get a flat in the country, you don't want to wait 2 hours by your road service guy to show up, assuming you have it.
With checking/filling air, who else is going to do it for you? You going to drive around on your rims until regularly scheduled maintenance comes up?
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 07:11:53 PM
-Cars are important machines. Knowing the basics about them has to be more useful than knowing about WWII bombers or campaigns in North Africa or Sulla.
-Maybe not Sulla.
What about small boats?
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on January 13, 2014, 06:18:41 PM
I ignore the lights. :Embarrass:
It's the sounds that are much more important anyway.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 12:06:20 PM
Inspired by the off topic topic discussion....what are the auto care / repair skills you must teach your son or daughter regarding automobiles, or else you failed as a parent (maybe that is a bit strong).
My short list off the top of my head:
--how to change a tire
--how to plug a tire
--how to check the air and put air on a tire
--how to jump a car
--how to put gas in a car (this is trivial, but apparently there is a languishite that doesn't know how)
Some things that just need to be done or else you get ripped off:
--how to change windshield wipers
--how to replace an air filter
--how to change lights
I thought I knew how to refuel a car. Until one day I noticed that the engine was still on when I got back into the driver's seat.
I pay others on everything else on that list.
I know how to do all that stuff & do it regularly to my cars.
I am poor, you see. I can't afford to spend 30-40 bucks for every little things that come up. I like to feed my family.
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:32:17 PM
Quote from: Baron von Schtinkenbutt on January 13, 2014, 12:22:00 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:14:49 PM
Pretty much none of those seem necessary - maybe the gas one but that depends on where you live given that there are states where pumping your own gas is not allowed.
Because you will never drive in one of the 48 states where you need to do it yourself?
That's why I said that's the only one that is potentially necessary.
Personally, I know how to pump gas and have always been in states where you are allowed to pump your own.
I thought you had spent some time here in Oregon. Or was it just that you had family here?
Quote from: fhdz on January 14, 2014, 09:49:41 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:32:17 PM
Quote from: Baron von Schtinkenbutt on January 13, 2014, 12:22:00 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2014, 12:14:49 PM
Pretty much none of those seem necessary - maybe the gas one but that depends on where you live given that there are states where pumping your own gas is not allowed.
Because you will never drive in one of the 48 states where you need to do it yourself?
That's why I said that's the only one that is potentially necessary.
Personally, I know how to pump gas and have always been in states where you are allowed to pump your own.
I thought you had spent some time here in Oregon. Or was it just that you had family here?
Just both my sisters were in Portland / they've both moved away again.
My statement, of course, should have been "lived in" as I've been to Oregon and NJ several times. -_-
Actually, I do have a cousin now up at UO too.
Not sure if this was mentioned, but check the car battery after three years, no more than four. Should really get a new battery after three or four years, especially in a cold climate. I meant to change mine as I went into winter on the fourth year of owning my car, but forgot to check/change it. Battery went dead, though fortunately in my driveway. Had AAA auto service jump start the car and I drove to the dealer for a new battery.
How do you check the battery?
I can assemble a brake.
Beyond that I've never had to do anything. I guess I could figure out changing a tyre, if the place to put the jack is clearly marked, could maybe bluff through some other things, but....I hope when I have kids I won't have to have a car so this won't be necessary.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 14, 2014, 10:27:54 AM
How do you check the battery?
Take it into an auto parts store & have them test it. They do it for free everywhere I've been.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 13, 2014, 07:11:53 PM
-Cars are important machines. Knowing the basics about them has to be more useful than knowing about WWII bombers or campaigns in North Africa or Sulla.
I was in agreement until you got to this point. For this you should be banned.
Quote from: Tyr on January 14, 2014, 10:35:10 AM
I can assemble a brake.
Beyond that I've never had to do anything. I guess I could figure out changing a tyre, if the place to put the jack is clearly marked, could maybe bluff through some other things, but....I hope when I have kids I won't have to have a car so this won't be necessary.
This is the point though - these days, regular car users (assuming they take the car in for regular maintenance) literally don't have to know anything about car maintenance. I've never been in a situation it was necessary - other than jump-starting a car where the headlights were foolishly left on. When major stuff starts to go because the car is old, it is typically stuff your average amateur won't be able to fix.
This was not always the case though. In the past, if you wanted to drive, you really needed to know some car repair/maintenance basics, because the things simply were not all that reliable.
Quote from: Tyr on January 14, 2014, 10:35:10 AM
but....I hope when I have kids I won't have to have a car so this won't be necessary.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
:lmfao:
Quote from: derspiess on January 14, 2014, 10:53:34 AM
Take it into an auto parts store & have them test it. They do it for free everywhere I've been.
Yup. Or if you've got an automotive-quality multimeter, you can check it with a voltage meter. 12.6V is the minimum you want to see, so when I say automotive-quality, I mean capable of handling >12V.
I can't really agree that basic car maintenance is a hobbyist set of knowledge. I don't think you need to know how to change your own oil, but you need to understand the concept of changing oil and various other fluids because otherwise how do you even know what sort of maintenance you're supposed to do? If you always drive new cars they give you a maintenance calendar of sorts and just tell you to come in every x miles; most manufacturers these days even throw in 2-3 years worth of these visits gratis so if you buy new cars regularly you'll never bee "off schedule" and will always just be going to the dealer. But unless you plan to always drive a new car or a car no more than 2-3 years old you at least need some base level of knowledge.
Having knowledge doesn't make you a plebe or imply your oh-so-valuable time is being misspent. That's the same kind of argument people make who say stay at home Mom's should earn $150,000 a year based on their amount of hours worked and the market rate for services like "professional governess" and "private chef." The reality is neither your employer or society at large is paying you one way or the other for your free time and you'll almost always be dealing with your personal property on free time.
Some of this is just basic avoiding "infantilizing" yourself. I've called the auto club to fix a flat two times in the past ten years. One time they had someone out in 15 minutes who did the work and sent me on my way. It was bad weather, we were dressed in nice clothes..I just didn't want to mess with it. The other time, the tow driver called me back and said, "Yeah, when I take these calls we get a flat reimbursement rate of $75. You're an hour out of my way so it isn't worth my time, sorry." Luckily this was in the smartphone age, I googled the closest tow/car service place (est 2 mi away) and called someone there who came and set me up in about 40 minutes time. On this second occasion I would have changed the tire myself if I wasn't 1 hour into a 5 hour road trip, I needed/wanted an actual new tire not the donut that I found in my trunk. In both of those scenarios I paid someone to solve my problem but I was glad that if push came to shove, I knew how to change the tire myself. Shit happens in life, if you're ever driving in bad weather and have a flat you may not get a guy there to help you out until tomorrow or etc. Why have the possibility of ending up 100% beholden to society just to get home when less than 30 minutes of education can give you the ability to change your tire yourself? I guess maybe a lot of you are like my old grandmother who drove her car 0.75 mi to the supermarket and 0.35 mi to church and never deviated from that path, but I can't say with any certainty where, when, or in what conditions I'll be driving in August of 2014 or March of 2015 and if I end up somewhere that it's a huge bitch to get someone to come help me out I can't see a single argument for rendering myself incapable of solving my own problem to save less than an hour of my time that would be required to learn how to change a tire.
It came up a bit in another thread about personal budgeting, and I never got back to it then, but something I've noticed because we keep a meticulous track of our finances is the more money you make the more money in absolute terms you waste on stuff you consider "oh well, I'll just pay whatever" type expenses. When you're broke maybe those "whatever" type expenses are paying $0.50 for extra meat on your sandwich at Subway, when you've established a firmer income I've noticed it's very easy to get that attitude about other things. "Oh, I don't know much about this type of contracting, he's the professional if he says I need it done let's do it." That's an attitude a lot of people have and I don't care how much money you make if you like being taken advantage of that is exactly how to do it, by having the attitude you're not an expert in something so you'll just do whatever the expert says and pay them whatever they ask. Before we ever got into buying rental properties we made sure that we had a firm handle on the real materials costs, expected labor costs etc for all kinds of maintenance. You don't run a business by ignoring the details, and a properly run household should be run like a firm.
Quote from: OttoVonBismarck on January 14, 2014, 01:23:39 PM
But unless you plan to always drive a new car or a car no more than 2-3 years old you at least need some base level of knowledge.
And that base knowledge consists of continuing to allow your chosen garage to service your car.
I usually don't change my own oil since a local place does it for little more than the oil + filter would cost me. I laugh when they try to upsell me on an air filter replacement, though. That's definitely an area where you save a bit of money over time by doing it yourself. And it's about the easiest under-the-hood maintenance you can do.
Quote from: OttoVonBismarck on January 14, 2014, 01:23:39 PM
I can't really agree that basic car maintenance is a hobbyist set of knowledge. I don't think you need to know how to change your own oil, but you need to understand the concept of changing oil and various other fluids because otherwise how do you even know what sort of maintenance you're supposed to do? If you always drive new cars they give you a maintenance calendar of sorts and just tell you to come in every x miles; most manufacturers these days even throw in 2-3 years worth of these visits gratis so if you buy new cars regularly you'll never bee "off schedule" and will always just be going to the dealer. But unless you plan to always drive a new car or a car no more than 2-3 years old you at least need some base level of knowledge.
Having knowledge doesn't make you a plebe or imply your oh-so-valuable time is being misspent. That's the same kind of argument people make who say stay at home Mom's should earn $150,000 a year based on their amount of hours worked and the market rate for services like "professional governess" and "private chef." The reality is neither your employer or society at large is paying you one way or the other for your free time and you'll almost always be dealing with your personal property on free time.
Some of this is just basic avoiding "infantilizing" yourself. I've called the auto club to fix a flat two times in the past ten years. One time they had someone out in 15 minutes who did the work and sent me on my way. It was bad weather, we were dressed in nice clothes..I just didn't want to mess with it. The other time, the tow driver called me back and said, "Yeah, when I take these calls we get a flat reimbursement rate of $75. You're an hour out of my way so it isn't worth my time, sorry." Luckily this was in the smartphone age, I googled the closest tow/car service place (est 2 mi away) and called someone there who came and set me up in about 40 minutes time. On this second occasion I would have changed the tire myself if I wasn't 1 hour into a 5 hour road trip, I needed/wanted an actual new tire not the donut that I found in my trunk. In both of those scenarios I paid someone to solve my problem but I was glad that if push came to shove, I knew how to change the tire myself. Shit happens in life, if you're ever driving in bad weather and have a flat you may not get a guy there to help you out until tomorrow or etc. Why have the possibility of ending up 100% beholden to society just to get home when less than 30 minutes of education can give you the ability to change your tire yourself? I guess maybe a lot of you are like my old grandmother who drove her car 0.75 mi to the supermarket and 0.35 mi to church and never deviated from that path, but I can't say with any certainty where, when, or in what conditions I'll be driving in August of 2014 or March of 2015 and if I end up somewhere that it's a huge bitch to get someone to come help me out I can't see a single argument for rendering myself incapable of solving my own problem to save less than an hour of my time that would be required to learn how to change a tire.
It came up a bit in another thread about personal budgeting, and I never got back to it then, but something I've noticed because we keep a meticulous track of our finances is the more money you make the more money in absolute terms you waste on stuff you consider "oh well, I'll just pay whatever" type expenses. When you're broke maybe those "whatever" type expenses are paying $0.50 for extra meat on your sandwich at Subway, when you've established a firmer income I've noticed it's very easy to get that attitude about other things. "Oh, I don't know much about this type of contracting, he's the professional if he says I need it done let's do it." That's an attitude a lot of people have and I don't care how much money you make if you like being taken advantage of that is exactly how to do it, by having the attitude you're not an expert in something so you'll just do whatever the expert says and pay them whatever they ask. Before we ever got into buying rental properties we made sure that we had a firm handle on the real materials costs, expected labor costs etc for all kinds of maintenance. You don't run a business by ignoring the details, and a properly run household should be run like a firm.
If you are talking about stuff like jumping a battery or changing a tyre, sure, it is useful to be able to do it ... it is also really easy to do even if you don't know how. The package my jumper cables came in had a handy diagram, even a total mechanical illiterate could eventually figure it out. Ditto with changing a tyre. If necessary, as long as you have the right stuff, you can get it done without a lot of specialist knowledge.
If you are talking about knowing about regularly scheduled maintenance, sure, that's something necessary to know. Ditto with where to put various fluids. Again, with new cars, they make this pretty obvious, with pictograms even.
I can't think of a penny I have saved by not knowing about car maintenance beyond the obvious. When stuff has in fact gone wrong with the car, it has been stuff that this sort of basic knowledge would not fix.
The fact is that cars have changed. It used to be the case that running them required some mechanical knowledge above having the ability to read very simple instructions. That is less and less true. At the same time, the basics that you have to occasionally do have become easier, to the point where specialist knowledge is less necessary.
My high school buddy's very salt-of-the-earth manly man older brother just posted on Facebook "It would be nice if everyone would stop 'trying' to be a mechanic and let your mechanic fix your vehicle."
Quote from: derspiess on January 14, 2014, 10:53:34 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 14, 2014, 10:27:54 AM
How do you check the battery?
Take it into an auto parts store & have them test it. They do it for free everywhere I've been.
And I think if the battery is four years and it's going into winter then replace it anyway. I should have done that, knew enough to do it, but just forgot about it. Cold weather saps a battery and an old battery may not survive. Mine went dead during those below zero cold days we had.
Quote from: Jacob on January 14, 2014, 03:04:31 PM
My high school buddy's very salt-of-the-earth manly man older brother just posted on Facebook "It would be nice if everyone would stop 'trying' to be a mechanic and let your mechanic fix your vehicle."
Real men aren't their own mechanics; real men are their own
dentists. :D
Quote from: KRonn on January 14, 2014, 03:16:29 PM
And I think if the battery is four years and it's going into winter then replace it anyway. I should have done that, knew enough to do it, but just forgot about it. Cold weather saps a battery and an old battery may not survive. Mine went dead during those below zero cold days we had.
In that last cold snap we had, my brother's battery and my wife's battery died right at the same time. I felt like I was AAA that night.
Quote from: derspiess on January 14, 2014, 03:34:48 PM
Quote from: KRonn on January 14, 2014, 03:16:29 PM
And I think if the battery is four years and it's going into winter then replace it anyway. I should have done that, knew enough to do it, but just forgot about it. Cold weather saps a battery and an old battery may not survive. Mine went dead during those below zero cold days we had.
In that last cold snap we had, my brother's battery and my wife's battery died right at the same time. I felt like I was AAA that night.
Trickle charger helps. The trucks and mustang get driven maybe once a week and the trickle charger helps. If the neon is parked for a couple day I'll put a trickle charger on it. It's battery is 8 years old.
Not exactly what I got but similar.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.racingparts.ca%2Fproduct_photo%2F1326308046.jpg&hash=a33843f9ace5202256bb0855de4f648134dd8c8a)
For the majority of people, their car is their most expensive investment and the most valuable possession. It's only common sense to at least read the fucking owner's manual that comes with it in the glove compartment.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:18:48 PM
For the majority of people, their car is their most expensive investment and the most valuable possession. It's only common sense to at least read the fucking owner's manual that comes with it in the glove compartment.
You'd think.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:18:48 PM
For the majority of people, their car is their most expensive investment and the most valuable possession. It's only common sense to at least read the fucking owner's manual that comes with it in the glove compartment.
Financial investments are far more valuable, I think.
Shut up.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:18:48 PM
For the majority of people, their car is their most expensive investment and the most valuable possession. It's only common sense to at least read the fucking owner's manual that comes with it in the glove compartment.
I can't be bothered to read 8 pages of wargame rules.
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 14, 2014, 07:32:45 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:18:48 PM
For the majority of people, their car is their most expensive investment and the most valuable possession. It's only common sense to at least read the fucking owner's manual that comes with it in the glove compartment.
I can't be bothered to read 8 pages of wargame rules.
:mad: how ever did you deal with SPI. :P
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 07:34:24 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 14, 2014, 07:32:45 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:18:48 PM
For the majority of people, their car is their most expensive investment and the most valuable possession. It's only common sense to at least read the fucking owner's manual that comes with it in the glove compartment.
I can't be bothered to read 8 pages of wargame rules.
:mad: how ever did you deal with SPI. :P
I was young, not badgered by a kampfgruppe sized batch of kids and not on mental medications.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:30:49 PM
Shut up.
Even if what you say is true, say, the car is my most valuable investment. In that case, it makes sense to send it to the mechanic.
Knowing how to weld a DShK onto a pickup I would class as an essential car repair skill.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:30:49 PM
Shut up.
Even if what you say is true, say, the car is my most valuable investment. In that case, it makes sense to send it to the mechanic.
and do preventive maintenance that is listed in THE OWNERS MANUAL
Quote from: Warspite on January 14, 2014, 07:41:49 PM
Knowing how to weld a DShK onto a pickup I would class as an essential car repair skill.
That would be a "Techincal" skill. :P
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:30:49 PM
Shut up.
Even if what you say is true, say, the car is my most valuable investment. In that case, it makes sense to send it to the mechanic.
Then what I said was true, now wasn't it? What's Cantonese for "douchebag"?
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 07:42:21 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:30:49 PM
Shut up.
Even if what you say is true, say, the car is my most valuable investment. In that case, it makes sense to send it to the mechanic.
and do preventive maintenance that is listed in THE OWNERS MANUAL
Mrs. Mono would have a conniption fit. Whatever would the neighbors think if they saw Mono under the hood checking the brake fluid level?
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:44:29 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:30:49 PM
Shut up.
Even if what you say is true, say, the car is my most valuable investment. In that case, it makes sense to send it to the mechanic.
Then what I said was true, now wasn't it? What's Cantonese for "douchebag"?
There is no way the car is the most valuable investment. It isn't even an investment. It is an expense. :P
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 07:42:21 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:30:49 PM
Shut up.
Even if what you say is true, say, the car is my most valuable investment. In that case, it makes sense to send it to the mechanic.
and do preventive maintenance that is listed in THE OWNERS MANUAL
I do preventive maintenance. By sending the car to the mechanic every 6 months.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 07:47:15 PM
There is no way the car is the most valuable investment. It isn't even an investment. It is an expense. :P
By that definition, your wife trumps the car.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 07:48:31 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 07:42:21 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:30:49 PM
Shut up.
Even if what you say is true, say, the car is my most valuable investment. In that case, it makes sense to send it to the mechanic.
and do preventive maintenance that is listed in THE OWNERS MANUAL
I do preventive maintenance. By sending the car to the mechanic every 6 months.
Makes a lot of money sense there. :rolleyes: Let me Garbonize that for you.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 07:52:41 PM
Makes a lot of money sense there. :rolleyes: Let me Garbonize that for you.
The whole idea of specialisation and trade is that we each do what we do best, and exchange our goods and services. I am not supposed to grow my own food, make my own anime shows, manufacture my own laptop etc. Why am I supposed to fix my own car then? I really don't know how to do it. I don't even know how to open the hood :lol:
I remember when I first got our car. We tried to check the tire air ourselves, we really did. We drove to a far away petroleum station (because prices are cheaper there). My wife and I worked for 30 minutes under the sun for the four tires. It is so difficult, because it is tough to bend the waist to reach the tire down there. We both had severe back pain for days afterwards.
Then we figured out our mistake. We should have picked a normal petroleum station. See, all petroleum stations in HK are full-serviced (the customers are too slow, and the stations are tiny compared with North American ones. A single slow customer will block the entire flow). In a normal station, the staff check the tire air free of charge.
We had to do it ourselves the first time because it was a far away petroleum station, where extra space was available. Never again.
Mono, most people i know have this joint in the middle of the leg called a "knee." One in each leg.
QuoteThe whole idea of specialisation and trade is that we each do what we do best, and exchange our goods and services.
QuoteI am not supposed to grow my own food, make my own anime shows, manufacture my own laptop etc.
You can though. Many people have veggie gardens for a variety of reasons. But we are not talking about any of the
non starters you listed above. We are talking basic preventative maintenance that every car owner should know. Look in your OWNERS MANUAL they dont put it in there for your mechanic. They put it in there for YOU.
QuoteWhy am I supposed to fix my own car then?
Again, wrong thought process and not what this thread is about. No one is telling you to fix your car per say. Nobody is saying, if your clutch goes out or thermostat, or head gasket or..etc, you should know how to change it. You completely missed the point of the thread.
If you dont want to spend the money for a mech and have the smarts, you can save money by doing it yourself. But easy things like people have noted in the thread doesnt take an ASE cert (Fuses, changing oil, checking belt, tire inflation, change a flat).
QuoteI really don't know how to do it.
Fixing your car is for a
mechanic if you dont have the smarts or time. Preventive maintenance is something you
should know.
QuoteI don't even know how to open the hood
OWNERS MANUAL.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 08:37:25 PM
I remember when I first got our car. We tried to check the tire air ourselves, we really did. We drove to a far away petroleum station (because prices are cheaper there). My wife and I worked for 30 minutes under the sun for the four tires. It is so difficult, because it is tough to bend the waist to reach the tire down there. We both had severe back pain for days afterwards.
Then we figured out our mistake. We should have picked a normal petroleum station. See, all petroleum stations in HK are full-serviced (the customers are too slow, and the stations are tiny compared with North American ones. A single slow customer will block the entire flow). In a normal station, the staff check the tire air free of charge.
We had to do it ourselves the first time because it was a far away petroleum station, where extra space was available. Never again.
or you could have spent 1.99 on one of these.
(https://cpanel.tkcarsites.com/cp/wildcard/FreeTextEditorImages/1143/tire_pressure_gauge.jpg)
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 14, 2014, 08:43:17 PM
Mono, most people i know have this joint in the middle of the leg called a "knee." One in each leg.
That isn't exactly news to me :blush: The problem is, we are already in our 30s. We no longer have the strength or flexibility to do that. Even if we can do squats, there is no way we can get back up.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 08:49:40 PM
QuoteThe whole idea of specialisation and trade is that we each do what we do best, and exchange our goods and services.
QuoteI am not supposed to grow my own food, make my own anime shows, manufacture my own laptop etc.
You can though. Many people have veggie gardens for a variety of reasons. But we are not talking about any of the non starters you listed above. We are talking basic preventative maintenance that every car owner should know. Look in your OWNERS MANUAL they dont put it in there for your mechanic. They put it in there for YOU.
QuoteWhy am I supposed to fix my own car then?
Again, wrong thought process and not what this thread is about. No one is telling you to fix your car per say. Nobody is saying, if your clutch goes out or thermostat, or head gasket or..etc, you should know how to change it. You completely missed the point of the thread.
If you dont want to spend the money for a mech and have the smarts, you can save money by doing it yourself. But easy things like people have noted in the thread doesnt take an ASE cert (Fuses, changing oil, checking belt, tire inflation, change a flat).
QuoteI really don't know how to do it.
Fixing your car is for a mechanic if you dont have the smarts or time. Preventive maintenance is something you should know.
QuoteI don't even know how to open the hood
OWNERS MANUAL.
I surrender. I don't have the smarts :Embarrass:
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 09:01:34 PM
That isn't exactly news to me :blush: The problem is, we are already in our 30s. We no longer have the strength or flexibility to do that. Even if we can do squats, there is no way we can get back up.
I'm not suggesting you squat like a Chinaman man, I'm suggesting you go down on one knee like a God-fearing Christian.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 09:01:34 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 14, 2014, 08:43:17 PM
Mono, most people i know have this joint in the middle of the leg called a "knee." One in each leg.
That isn't exactly news to me :blush: The problem is, we are already in our 30s. We no longer have the strength or flexibility to do that. Even if we can do squats, there is no way we can get back up.
is this a med condition?
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 14, 2014, 09:03:41 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 09:01:34 PM
That isn't exactly news to me :blush: The problem is, we are already in our 30s. We no longer have the strength or flexibility to do that. Even if we can do squats, there is no way we can get back up.
I'm not suggesting you squat like a Chinaman man, I'm suggesting you go down on one knee like a God-fearing Christian.
Sitting on the floor is probably easier. Getting up is still tough.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 09:03:24 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 08:49:40 PM
QuoteThe whole idea of specialisation and trade is that we each do what we do best, and exchange our goods and services.
QuoteI am not supposed to grow my own food, make my own anime shows, manufacture my own laptop etc.
You can though. Many people have veggie gardens for a variety of reasons. But we are not talking about any of the non starters you listed above. We are talking basic preventative maintenance that every car owner should know. Look in your OWNERS MANUAL they dont put it in there for your mechanic. They put it in there for YOU.
QuoteWhy am I supposed to fix my own car then?
Again, wrong thought process and not what this thread is about. No one is telling you to fix your car per say. Nobody is saying, if your clutch goes out or thermostat, or head gasket or..etc, you should know how to change it. You completely missed the point of the thread.
If you dont want to spend the money for a mech and have the smarts, you can save money by doing it yourself. But easy things like people have noted in the thread doesnt take an ASE cert (Fuses, changing oil, checking belt, tire inflation, change a flat).
QuoteI really don't know how to do it.
Fixing your car is for a mechanic if you dont have the smarts or time. Preventive maintenance is something you should know.
QuoteI don't even know how to open the hood
OWNERS MANUAL.
I surrender. I don't have the smarts :Embarrass:
No I surrender, because you do have the smarts. :P
Dude, I'm 47 and removed and installed the engine and transmission in the mustang by myself. :huh:
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 09:15:46 PM
Dude, I'm 47 and removed and installed the engine and transmission in the mustang by myself. :huh:
You were in the army, right?
I am curious. How much does it cost in your area to send the car to the meahanic for routine maintenance, like changing the oil, changing the filter (whatever it is, I have no idea), doing whatever they need to do to the tires etc?
For me it is around US$200-$300, parts and labour included. That's the price that I pay every 6 months.
I think I pay like 45 for regular maintenance.
But $300 is reasonable for a Lt. Colonel. :)
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 09:27:03 PM
I am curious. How much does it cost in your area to send the car to the meahanic for routine maintenance, like changing the oil, changing the filter (whatever it is, I have no idea), doing whatever they need to do to the tires etc?
For me it is around US$200-$300, parts and labour included. That's the price that I pay every 6 months.
Eeeeegad! What type car?
You could go to jiffy lube for a 1/4 of that price.
Me changing the oil in the Neon;
5 quarts Mobile 1 5w20
synthetic 35.00-40.00
1 oil filter 5.00-6.00
Done in 20 minutes
Tip for changing the oil filter guys: Fill your filter prior to spinning it on. Also coat the rubber gasket on the filter with a light coat of oil.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 09:40:03 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 09:27:03 PM
I am curious. How much does it cost in your area to send the car to the meahanic for routine maintenance, like changing the oil, changing the filter (whatever it is, I have no idea), doing whatever they need to do to the tires etc?
For me it is around US$200-$300, parts and labour included. That's the price that I pay every 6 months.
Eeeeegad! What type car?
You could go to jiffy lube for a 1/4 of that price.
Me changing the oil in the Neon;
5 quarts Mobile 1 5w20 synthetic 35.00-40.00
1 oil filter 5.00-6.00
Done in 20 minutes
Tip for changing the oil filter guys: Fill your filter prior to spinning it on. Also coat the rubber gasket on the filter with a light coat of oil.
I always suspect that those guys are overcharging me :angry:
My car is a crappy Honda Accord.
I happen to have the invoice with me. Let's see.
Synthetic oil, 5 litre. US$77
Gear box oil, 4 litre. US$72
Oil filter. US$12
Labour for changing all of the above, plus cleaning the air-conditioning and all the dirty spots all over the car: US$26
Check the "spark plugs" (whatever it is), clean the air ducts, check and clear the exhaust, check the accelerator, replace the air filter, replace the air-conditioning filter, check the electronics: US$64
Air filter replacement: US$31
Air conditioner filter replacement: US$41
Check the brake, adjust the hand brake, replace the "brake powder" (whatever that is): US$26
Total US$348
Damn. I need to find someone cheaper.
You have a whole lot going on than just a oil change, so they arent ripping you off. Though you could save some dough if you wanted to.
Quotereplace the "brake powder" (whatever that is)
:huh: Fluid?
LOL, braking powder. It's used to make a chocorate cake.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 09:57:14 PM
You have a whole lot going on than just a oil change, so they arent ripping you off. Though you could save some dough if you wanted to.
Quotereplace the "brake powder" (whatever that is)
:huh: Fluid?
Well, I am translating from the Chinese invoice. It says "brake powder".
Yeah, when I say "maintenance", I mean the whole package, not just the oil change.
In addition to being expensive, those guys are lazy. I think they only do the whole list once a year. The other time, they only do half the stuff on that list. I only see the 5 litre oil item but not the 4 litre gear box oil item on the cheaper invoice. Is that ok? Should I insist that they change the gear box oil (whatever that is) every 6 months too? :unsure:
One more problem I have is that I have absolutely no tools of any kind. The only thing I have is a screw driver, which somehow doesn't even work on many kinds of screws.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:18:48 PM
For the majority of people, their car is their most expensive investment and the most valuable possession. It's only common sense to at least read the fucking owner's manual that comes with it in the glove compartment.
:yes: Doesn't take as long as you'd think, either. The night I brought home my new truck last month, I sat in the car for about half an hour and read the manual cover to cover.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 10:05:14 PM
LOL, braking powder. It's used to make a chocorate cake.
Searched the web a bit. I think the "powder" should be referring to some kind of residual (it is the same word in Chinese). The meahanic took out all four tires to check the brake, cleared the residual (dunno what it is), then put all the tires back.
Maybe drum dust.
BTW, I use my car very often. It was new when I bought it. After 5 years, there are already 25,000 km on it. Is it ok to change the oil every 6 months and the gear box oil every 12 months? Do I need to increase the frequency due to heavy usage?
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 07:52:41 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 07:48:31 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 07:42:21 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:30:49 PM
Shut up.
Even if what you say is true, say, the car is my most valuable investment. In that case, it makes sense to send it to the mechanic.
and do preventive maintenance that is listed in THE OWNERS MANUAL
I do preventive maintenance. By sending the car to the mechanic every 6 months.
Makes a lot of money sense there. :rolleyes: Let me Garbonize that for you.
:huh:
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 10:10:36 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 09:57:14 PM
You have a whole lot going on than just a oil change, so they arent ripping you off. Though you could save some dough if you wanted to.
Quotereplace the "brake powder" (whatever that is)
:huh: Fluid?
Well, I am translating from the Chinese invoice. It says "brake powder".
Yeah, when I say "maintenance", I mean the whole package, not just the oil change.
In addition to being expensive, those guys are lazy. I think they only do the whole list once a year. The other time, they only do half the stuff on that list. I only see the 5 litre oil item but not the 4 litre gear box oil item on the cheaper invoice. Is that ok? Should I insist that they change the gear box oil (whatever that is) every 6 months too? :unsure:
Manual transmission fluid usually doesnt get change every 50k-60,000 miles. Why so long..it not subjected to combustion waste like engine oil is. Check your owners manual for your particular vehicle it will tell you the interval.
QuoteOne more problem I have is that I have absolutely no tools of any kind. The only thing I have is a screw driver, which somehow doesn't even work on many kinds of screws.
A basic set for the preventative shit would run 50 bucks or so.
You wouldnt need an engine hoist, transmission jack, timing light, torque wrenchs...but I do for the work I'm capable of.
I have two engines on stands in the garage besides the old engine I yanked out of the R/T.
This year the engine a 360 ci (5.8 liter for you backwords folks) for the R/T gets rebuilt. I already yanked the drivetrain last year. I dont know if I will do the short block or have a shop do it. Depends on my free time.
The truck engine is slated for 2015.
"Some" of the things I do for fun. ;)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/4277_1117870078161_2904033_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/177649_4587755623131_597234250_o.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t31/259355_4365534627745_878985815_o.jpg)
One must keep his extra parts organized. Notice the cylinder heads... :P
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/475332_4493460185804_1503799284_o.jpg)
Quote from: garbon on January 14, 2014, 10:29:06 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 07:52:41 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 07:48:31 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 07:42:21 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2014, 07:30:49 PM
Shut up.
Even if what you say is true, say, the car is my most valuable investment. In that case, it makes sense to send it to the mechanic.
and do preventive maintenance that is listed in THE OWNERS MANUAL
I do preventive maintenance. By sending the car to the mechanic every 6 months.
Makes a lot of money sense there. :rolleyes: Let me Garbonize that for you.
:huh:
Cheer up, your famous.... :P
I wasn't sure what you are calling Garbonizing. Putting words in bold? :unsure:
My garage is full of power wheels and kids bikes. And my Challenger, all wrapped up for the winter. My baby ain't going out in the ice and snow. No sir!
Quote from: garbon on January 14, 2014, 10:44:24 PM
I wasn't sure what you are calling Garbonizing. Putting words in bold? :unsure:
The roll eyes....nothing but love brother. :)
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 14, 2014, 10:45:16 PM
My garage is full of power wheels and kids bikes. And my Challenger, all wrapped up for the winter. My baby ain't going out in the ice and snow. No sir!
:thumbsup:
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 10:46:40 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 14, 2014, 10:44:24 PM
I wasn't sure what you are calling Garbonizing. Putting words in bold? :unsure:
The roll eyes....nothing but love brother. :)
Oh but, darling, I already have a smiley.
Float your cursor over this one: :mellow:
I don't think you guys understand. I don't have a garage. My car is parked in an indoor car park. Like a car park in a shopping centre. There is somebody else's car on my left, another on my right, and yet another one behind my car. I cannot even open the door fully without hitting another car. There is no space for me to do anything.
BTW, those cars parked next to me are all BMWs, Mercedezs, Porshes's, Rolls Royces, etc. I really don't want to damage them :ph34r:
Quote from: garbon on January 14, 2014, 10:48:39 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 10:46:40 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 14, 2014, 10:44:24 PM
I wasn't sure what you are calling Garbonizing. Putting words in bold? :unsure:
The roll eyes....nothing but love brother. :)
Oh but, darling, I already have a smiley.
Float your cursor over this one: :mellow:
My bad.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2014, 10:52:16 PM
I don't think you guys understand. I don't have a garage. My car is parked in an indoor car park. Like a car park in a shopping centre. There is somebody else's car on my left, another on my right, and yet another one behind my car. I cannot even open the door fully without hitting another car. There is no space for me to do anything.
No prob, dont worry about it and rock on as your doing then.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 14, 2014, 10:37:17 PM
"Some" of the things I do for fun. ;)
That is awesome.
I thought of a new skilll...not really a repair skill, and not one that is strictly needed, but it would be good for everyone to know how to drive a manual transmission.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 14, 2014, 11:25:40 PM
I thought of a new skilll...not really a repair skill, and not one that is strictly needed, but it would be good for everyone to know how to drive a manual transmission.
I don't have that skill, and I don't see the point.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 14, 2014, 11:25:40 PM
I thought of a new skilll...not really a repair skill, and not one that is strictly needed, but it would be good for everyone to know how to drive a manual transmission.
Why? :huh: Yeah, I understand the macho factor, but in the world where semi-automatic transmissions are becoming more common, what possible advantage do manual transmissions have?
Quote from: DGuller on January 15, 2014, 12:20:05 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 14, 2014, 11:25:40 PM
I thought of a new skilll...not really a repair skill, and not one that is strictly needed, but it would be good for everyone to know how to drive a manual transmission.
Why? :huh: Yeah, I understand the macho factor, but in the world where semi-automatic transmissions are becoming more common, what possible advantage do manual transmissions have?
They are still around? There are still a decent number of manual transmission vehicles out there in the US--some people prefer them.
Plus, if you travel, large parts of the world are primarily manual. Good luck returning to the Ukraine and renting an automatic.
It isn't a big deal if you don't know how, but since it only takes a couple hours to learn, why not learn?
It may take a couple of hours to learn the basics of operating the shifter and the clutch smoothly enough, but driving the manual car like second nature so that you're not distracted by the mechanics of it all takes more time than that. And no way am I going to go to Ukraine for anything.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 15, 2014, 12:36:40 AM
Quote from: DGuller on January 15, 2014, 12:20:05 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 14, 2014, 11:25:40 PM
I thought of a new skilll...not really a repair skill, and not one that is strictly needed, but it would be good for everyone to know how to drive a manual transmission.
Why? :huh: Yeah, I understand the macho factor, but in the world where semi-automatic transmissions are becoming more common, what possible advantage do manual transmissions have?
They are still around? There are still a decent number of manual transmission vehicles out there in the US--some people prefer them.
Plus, if you travel, large parts of the world are primarily manual. Good luck returning to the Ukraine and renting an automatic.
It isn't a big deal if you don't know how, but since it only takes a couple hours to learn, why not learn?
I successfully rented an automatic in France, so it isn't a big deal. It isn't like I drive in Europe all the time.
Because I don't need to learn a skill that is basically useless to me? Because it isn't something you can just learn, but takes a certain degree of continuous practice as well? If I learn how to do it, then put it aside, I'm not sure if I still know how to do it 5 years down the road. Plus the majority of cars in HK are automatic, so I really don't see any point.
For me, driving is a necessary evil. I don't enjoy driving; I only enjoy the convenience of getting around in my private car.
The direct control of manual is appealing.
Quote from: The Brain on January 15, 2014, 01:12:03 AM
The direct control of manual is appealing.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gowithgo.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F07%2FFlintstone_Mobile.jpg&hash=d0bf2128bdbdb065a89632180affad1d91f9437f)
They seem jolly enough.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 14, 2014, 11:25:40 PM
I thought of a new skilll...not really a repair skill, and not one that is strictly needed, but it would be good for everyone to know how to drive a manual transmission.
All my vehicles are manual transmission. I wont own an auto.
If I remember correctly, my automatic has the following transmissions: P, R, N, D, 2, L.
I think I've only ever used P, R and D. The rest are meaningless to me. I don't even know what they do.
:lmfao:
I always tell my wife, that when we drive, there is no problem that can't be solved by stepping harder on the brake, or the accelerator.
I used to do most of my own car maintenance, but things have just got too complicated under there! I pump petrol and keep my tyres and window-washing fluid topped up, but that's about it. But I have a very understanding garage that will undertake the cheapest option for the impoverished.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 15, 2014, 01:52:35 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 14, 2014, 11:25:40 PM
I thought of a new skilll...not really a repair skill, and not one that is strictly needed, but it would be good for everyone to know how to drive a manual transmission.
All my vehicles are manual transmission. I wont own an auto.
:rolleyes: Why do you like inefficiency?
Quote from: DGuller on January 15, 2014, 01:04:08 AM
It may take a couple of hours to learn the basics of operating the shifter and the clutch smoothly enough, but driving the manual car like second nature so that you're not distracted by the mechanics of it all takes more time than that. And no way am I going to go to Ukraine for anything.
You better brush up on your horseback riding skills, in case you ever find yourself in Mongolia. :D
Quote from: The Brain on January 15, 2014, 01:12:03 AM
The direct control of manual is appealing.
Until you're stuck in traffic going 5 mph up a hill.
But otherwise, yeah-- I prefer a standard transmission. My wife, despite having learned twice, has conveniently forgotten how to drive one. Especially when my car is blocking her in the driveway.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 01:07:39 AM
I successfully rented an automatic in France, so it isn't a big deal.
But you probably paid through the nose, and there are parts of Europe you can't be sure one is available. And many parts of the world you can be sure one isn't available.
Quote from: Grey Fox
Why do you like inefficiency?
This proves you aren't really French after all. :P
All of the "manual is better than automatic" arguments which are actually quantifiable - like fuel inefficiency, transmission wear, and so on - have been rendered obsolete by improvements in automatic transmissions.
The only arguments left for refusing to drive an automatic in the United States, where automatic transmissions are very common, are emotional arguments. Which is fine; if that's what you feel like you want to do because it satisfies you in some non-quantifiable way, then go for it.
It's pretty hott when a chick knows how to drive stick and parallel park.
FahdizYI are right.
Quote from: derspiess on January 15, 2014, 09:48:29 AM
Quote from: The Brain on January 15, 2014, 01:12:03 AM
The direct control of manual is appealing.
Until you're stuck in traffic going 5 mph up a hill.
My hybrid is the worst on hills when you come to a complete stop. :(
It's probably the stop-start system. When I test drove a Mercedes C300, I found that system on it to be very stupidly behaving. When I was parking it, the moment I came to a stop after a maneuver, it shut off. Then I press the gas and nothing happens for a while, until it does. Not very reassuring, though I imagine I would get used to it.
Quote from: DGuller on January 15, 2014, 10:14:49 AM
It's probably the stop-start system. When I test drove a Mercedes C300, I found that system on it to be very stupidly behaving. When I was parking it, the moment I came to a stop after a maneuver, it shut off. Then I press the gas and nothing happens for a while, until it does. Not very reassuring, though I imagine I would get used to it.
That's exactly what it is. Necessitates me using two feet as I need to press the gas pedal quickly unless I want to start rolling backwards.
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 14, 2014, 12:42:46 PM
Quote from: Tyr on January 14, 2014, 10:35:10 AM
but....I hope when I have kids I won't have to have a car so this won't be necessary.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
:lmfao:
:huh:
What's wrong with hoping I have a good enough job that I don't need a car by the time I have a family?
Quote from: alfred russel on January 15, 2014, 09:50:32 AM
But you probably paid through the nose, and there are parts of Europe you can't be sure one is available. And many parts of the world you can be sure one isn't available.
I have driven a car in Europe exactly once in my life (for like a bit more than a week), and I probably won't do it very often in the future. I am not going to spend the time and money to learn *and* maintain a skill that is otherwise useless. I find it troublesome enough to have to choose among P, R and D already. I'm going to absolutely hate manual transmission.
Quote from: Tyr on January 15, 2014, 10:25:44 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 14, 2014, 12:42:46 PM
Quote from: Tyr on January 14, 2014, 10:35:10 AM
but....I hope when I have kids I won't have to have a car so this won't be necessary.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
:lmfao:
:huh:
What's wrong with hoping I have a good enough job that I don't need a car by the time I have a family?
You are going to need a car regardless of your job status or income.
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 15, 2014, 10:27:38 AM
You are going to need a car regardless of your job status or income.
:huh:
Loads of people don't have cars.
Quote from: Tyr on January 15, 2014, 10:29:57 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 15, 2014, 10:27:38 AM
You are going to need a car regardless of your job status or income.
:huh:
Loads of people don't have cars.
with small children?
Just be clear, there is difference between not owning a car but using car share services vs not having a license. I'm reading your statement has a no license proclamation.
Quote from: Tyr on January 15, 2014, 10:25:44 AM
:huh:
What's wrong with hoping I have a good enough job that I don't need a car by the time I have a family?
I don't understand. Why would having a good job not necessitate a car?
If you have kids, the desire (if not need) for car transport multiplies. Daycare, visits to the doctor, buying supplies, visits to various grandparents, taking the kid to various events, etc. etc.
It is a lot easier for a single guy to get around by bike and public transport. Doing so with a young kid (let alone two or three!) in tow gets old fast.
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 15, 2014, 10:27:38 AM
You are going to need a car regardless of your job status or income.
It depends. In places like HK or Tokyo, it really isn't necessary to have a car.
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 15, 2014, 10:30:36 AM
Quote from: Tyr on January 15, 2014, 10:29:57 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 15, 2014, 10:27:38 AM
You are going to need a car regardless of your job status or income.
:huh:
Loads of people don't have cars.
with small children?
Just be clear, there is difference between not owning a car but using car share services vs not having a license. I'm reading your statement has a no license proclamation.
I guess he plans to live in The Other City (London).
QuoteI don't understand. Why would having a good job not necessitate a car?
.
If you have a good job then you can live somewhere a car is an optional luxury rather than a necessity (thinking of a truly good job that ticks all the boxes here, not a job that is otherwise good but in the middle of nowhere).
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 15, 2014, 10:30:36 AM
with small children?
Just be clear, there is difference between not owning a car but using car share services vs not having a license. I'm reading your statement has a no license proclamation.
I have a license.
And yes, lots of people with kids don't have cars. I recall reading car ownership peaked in the 90s.
Kids were totally irrelevant to my statement really. The opening post however talked of teaching stuff to your kids so I said I hope I have my shit enough in order that I don't need a car by the time I have to worry about spawn.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 10:34:19 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 15, 2014, 10:27:38 AM
You are going to need a car regardless of your job status or income.
It depends. In places like HK or Tokyo, it really isn't necessary to have a car.
His post was specific to raising a family.
Raising a family in the middle of a huge city where having a car isn't all that practical unless you are wealthy would I think be very tough. Doable of course, but not easy.
One thing non-parents don't realize is how often young children create emergencies requiring rapid transport - Have more than one kid, and your difficulties would more than double, I think.
I can't imagine trying to corral a kid who is walking (but not yet knowlegable enough to be totally obedient) through the crowded steets and subways of a place like downtown London or New York. That would be a serious ordeal.
Leash.
Quote from: Malthus on January 15, 2014, 10:44:17 AM
I can't imagine trying to corral a kid who is walking (but not yet knowlegable enough to be totally obedient) through the crowded steets and subways of a place like downtown London or New York. That would be a serious ordeal.
Taxi.
Quote from: Tyr on January 15, 2014, 10:43:26 AM
And yes, lots of people with kids don't have cars. I recall reading car ownership peaked in the 90s.
Heh. Just because lots of people do it, doesn't mean it is easy. Being a parent is tough enough, without limiting yourself to walking and public transport.
I am shocked that he wants his kids to be known as weirdos.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 10:45:49 AM
Quote from: Malthus on January 15, 2014, 10:44:17 AM
I can't imagine trying to corral a kid who is walking (but not yet knowlegable enough to be totally obedient) through the crowded steets and subways of a place like downtown London or New York. That would be a serious ordeal.
Taxi.
Difficult with young children here. By law, you are supposed to be using installed child carriers for toddlers, and taxis don't come with them. It takes a while to install your own and adjust it properly.
In the old days, we tossed kids into the back of the pickup truck. Now you gotta protect them. Pfft.
Quote from: Malthus on January 15, 2014, 10:50:46 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 10:45:49 AM
Quote from: Malthus on January 15, 2014, 10:44:17 AM
I can't imagine trying to corral a kid who is walking (but not yet knowlegable enough to be totally obedient) through the crowded steets and subways of a place like downtown London or New York. That would be a serious ordeal.
Taxi.
Difficult with young children here. By law, you are supposed to be using installed child carriers for toddlers, and taxis don't come with them. It takes a while to install your own and adjust it properly.
Not a problem in HK. There are no such laws.
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 15, 2014, 10:55:36 AM
In the old days, we tossed kids into the back of the pickup truck. Now you gotta protect them. Pfft.
True statement. I recall those days. Freeway and back of the truck. :P
Quote from: Malthus on January 15, 2014, 10:44:17 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 10:34:19 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 15, 2014, 10:27:38 AM
You are going to need a car regardless of your job status or income.
It depends. In places like HK or Tokyo, it really isn't necessary to have a car.
His post was specific to raising a family.
Raising a family in the middle of a huge city where having a car isn't all that practical unless you are wealthy would I think be very tough. Doable of course, but not easy.
One thing non-parents don't realize is how often young children create emergencies requiring rapid transport - Have more than one kid, and your difficulties would more than double, I think.
I can't imagine trying to corral a kid who is walking (but not yet knowlegable enough to be totally obedient) through the crowded steets and subways of a place like downtown London or New York. That would be a serious ordeal.
Forget the need for rapid transport. Every kid comes with a bag.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 15, 2014, 10:58:26 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 15, 2014, 10:55:36 AM
In the old days, we tossed kids into the back of the pickup truck. Now you gotta protect them. Pfft.
True statement. I recall those days. Freeway and back of the truck. :P
Heh, me as well. :D
I preferred it, when my mom was along - she was a smoker (since quit), and another thing parents did in the '70s, was chain-smoke in the cab with the kids. :x In the small Ford pick-up cab, that was suffocating - she hated having the window open when she smoked.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 15, 2014, 10:58:26 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 15, 2014, 10:55:36 AM
In the old days, we tossed kids into the back of the pickup truck. Now you gotta protect them. Pfft.
True statement. I recall those days. Freeway and back of the truck. :P
I remember the beer run from Dry Harlan to the wet town in the next county. I rode in the back of an old Chevy pickup with my friends.
*banjo music*
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 15, 2014, 10:55:36 AM
In the old days, we tossed kids into the back of the pickup truck. Now you gotta protect them. Pfft.
Yeah, I was very surprised when I saw a child's seat for the first time in Vancouver. It was a totally new concept to me.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 11:03:10 AM
Yeah, I was very surprised when I saw a child's seat for the first time in Vancouver. It was a totally new concept to me.
Much like the knee.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 10:57:04 AM
Not a problem in HK. There are no such laws.
Argentina does, and everyone I know who has kids does own a car set. But nobody actually uses the car seat and the law is ignored. You frequently see idiots in the front passenger seat holding a baby. And the way people drive down there... :mellow:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 15, 2014, 10:03:17 AM
It's pretty hott when a chick knows how to drive stick and parallel park.
Yes. Yes it is. Though the first is par for the course in the UK and the second is pretty much compulsory for parking in London.
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 15, 2014, 08:13:54 AM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 15, 2014, 01:52:35 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 14, 2014, 11:25:40 PM
I thought of a new skilll...not really a repair skill, and not one that is strictly needed, but it would be good for everyone to know how to drive a manual transmission.
All my vehicles are manual transmission. I wont own an auto.
:rolleyes: Why do you like inefficiency?
How is it inefficient?
Quote from: DGuller on January 15, 2014, 10:14:49 AM
It's probably the stop-start system. When I test drove a Mercedes C300, I found that system on it to be very stupidly behaving. When I was parking it, the moment I came to a stop after a maneuver, it shut off. Then I press the gas and nothing happens for a while, until it does. Not very reassuring, though I imagine I would get used to it.
Buy a car with park assist then. ;)
Quote from: Zanza on January 15, 2014, 12:39:49 PM
Quote from: DGuller on January 15, 2014, 10:14:49 AM
It's probably the stop-start system. When I test drove a Mercedes C300, I found that system on it to be very stupidly behaving. When I was parking it, the moment I came to a stop after a maneuver, it shut off. Then I press the gas and nothing happens for a while, until it does. Not very reassuring, though I imagine I would get used to it.
Buy a car with park assist then. ;)
That's certainly the German way: get a second gadget to cancel out the side effects of the first gadget.
The extra gadgets have much higher margins than the standard car. ;)
Quote from: Zanza on January 15, 2014, 12:46:18 PM
The extra gadgets have much higher margins than the standard car. ;)
:D
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 15, 2014, 10:55:36 AM
In the old days, we tossed kids into the back of the pickup truck. Now you gotta protect them. Pfft.
Old days we can remember fondly, with nostalgia.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 15, 2014, 12:33:45 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 15, 2014, 08:13:54 AM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 15, 2014, 01:52:35 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 14, 2014, 11:25:40 PM
I thought of a new skilll...not really a repair skill, and not one that is strictly needed, but it would be good for everyone to know how to drive a manual transmission.
All my vehicles are manual transmission. I wont own an auto.
:rolleyes: Why do you like inefficiency?
How is it inefficient?
What fahdiz said a couple of pages back. Modern Auto transmissions now out perform manual transmissions.
Altho, I guess that doesn't apply to your 1988 Transam.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 02:03:19 AM
If I remember correctly, my automatic has the following transmissions: P, R, N, D, 2, L.
I think I've only ever used P, R and D. The rest are meaningless to me. I don't even know what they do.
L (low) and 2 are lower gears with higher torque for towing or extremely poor road conditions, N (neutral) is for moving your car while it's off/inoperable, need to push it out of a rut, having the car towed with its wheels still rolling on the ground, etc.
I thought 2 was higher gear/lower torque, like when starting on ice.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 15, 2014, 02:57:17 PM
I thought 2 was higher gear/lower torque, like when starting on ice.
Yeah, you're right about that. I oversimplified. Either way, virtually unnecessary, but good to have.
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 15, 2014, 01:18:47 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 15, 2014, 12:33:45 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 15, 2014, 08:13:54 AM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 15, 2014, 01:52:35 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 14, 2014, 11:25:40 PM
I thought of a new skilll...not really a repair skill, and not one that is strictly needed, but it would be good for everyone to know how to drive a manual transmission.
All my vehicles are manual transmission. I wont own an auto.
:rolleyes: Why do you like inefficiency?
How is it inefficient?
What fahdiz said a couple of pages back. Modern Auto transmissions now out perform manual transmissions.
They do. He should prove that claim.
That's not what he said.
Crop your fucking quotes you goddamn gearhead.
Quote from: DontSayBanana on January 15, 2014, 02:55:35 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 02:03:19 AM
If I remember correctly, my automatic has the following transmissions: P, R, N, D, 2, L.
I think I've only ever used P, R and D. The rest are meaningless to me. I don't even know what they do.
L (low) and 2 are lower gears with higher torque for towing or extremely poor road conditions, N (neutral) is for moving your car while it's off/inoperable, need to push it out of a rut, having the car towed with its wheels still rolling on the ground, etc.
Do you use those for engine braking as well?
Quote from: Iormlund on January 15, 2014, 06:35:13 PM
Do you use those for engine braking as well?
In theory, it could, but it'd be extreme- on American roads, AT vehicles are usually in 4th gear by 35-40MPH, so engine braking that way would probably drop you from 4th to 2nd and redline far too much for my taste.
I have no time for manuals as I'm too busy stuffing my face with a Mickey D's sausage and egg biscuit(NO CHEESE) with one hand and smacking kids with the other.
Quote from: DontSayBanana on January 15, 2014, 06:50:37 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on January 15, 2014, 06:35:13 PM
Do you use those for engine braking as well?
In theory, it could, but it'd be extreme- on American roads, AT vehicles are usually in 4th gear by 35-40MPH, so engine braking that way would probably drop you from 4th to 2nd and redline far too much for my taste.
So what do you do in prolonged descents? You just pray your brakes won't overheat?
Quote from: DontSayBanana on January 15, 2014, 02:55:35 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 02:03:19 AM
If I remember correctly, my automatic has the following transmissions: P, R, N, D, 2, L.
I think I've only ever used P, R and D. The rest are meaningless to me. I don't even know what they do.
L (low) and 2 are lower gears with higher torque for towing or extremely poor road conditions, N (neutral) is for moving your car while it's off/inoperable, need to push it out of a rut, having the car towed with its wheels still rolling on the ground, etc.
Good to know that I didn't miss anything. Thanks :)
:yes:
I shift my Honda to '2' when starting out in snowy/icy conditions (typically my driveway and if the subdivision hasn't been plowed well).
Quote from: Iormlund on January 15, 2014, 07:28:28 PM
So what do you do in prolonged descents? You just pray your brakes won't overheat?
Like I said, there is no problem that can't be solved by stepping harder on the brake/accelerator. I am not aware that brakes can overheat.
Yes, yes they can. It happened to me once about 12 years ago.
Quote from: Caliga on January 15, 2014, 07:37:05 PM
:yes:
I shift my Honda to '2' when starting out in snowy/icy conditions (typically my driveway and if the subdivision hasn't been plowed well).
Ahh, that's why I had so much problem getting my car out of (by Vancouver standards) deep snow. I used D.
I once heard that a story that a chick in drivers' ed was on the highway, the instructor told her to pass the car in front, so she shifted to "P" for pass.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 15, 2014, 07:39:00 PM
I once heard that a story that a chick in drivers' ed was on the highway, the instructor told her to pass the car in front, so she shifted to "P" for pass.
was she blonde
BTW, I took a serious look at the gear box yesterday. There is actually another option called D3. Is it for slopes, like a lighter version of 2 and L?
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 07:39:36 PM
BTW, I took a serious look at the gear box yesterday. There is actually another option called D3. Is it for slopes, like a lighter version of 2 and L?
OWNERS MANUAL
Quote from: 11B4V on January 15, 2014, 07:41:49 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 07:39:36 PM
BTW, I took a serious look at the gear box yesterday. There is actually another option called D3. Is it for slopes, like a lighter version of 2 and L?
OWNERS MANUAL
Pretty sure I tried to read it when I first got it. I've since forgotten everything :P
Speaking of engine braking, anyone know the reason for the "Trucks No Engine Braking" signs you sometimes see on the highway?
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 15, 2014, 07:50:32 PM
Speaking of engine braking, anyone know the reason for the "Trucks No Engine Braking" signs you sometimes see on the highway?
It's loud.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100328170754AAchJlo
watch the vid
Danke
Quote from: 11B4V on January 15, 2014, 07:41:49 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 15, 2014, 07:39:36 PM
BTW, I took a serious look at the gear box yesterday. There is actually another option called D3. Is it for slopes, like a lighter version of 2 and L?
OWNERS MANUAL
No one reads anymore, dear.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 15, 2014, 07:39:00 PM
I once heard that a story that a chick in drivers' ed was on the highway, the instructor told her to pass the car in front, so she shifted to "P" for pass.
Sounds like quite a story.
Quote from: fhdz on January 15, 2014, 09:59:43 AM
All of the "manual is better than automatic" arguments which are actually quantifiable - like fuel inefficiency, transmission wear, and so on - have been rendered obsolete by improvements in automatic transmissions.
The only arguments left for refusing to drive an automatic in the United States, where automatic transmissions are very common, are emotional arguments. Which is fine; if that's what you feel like you want to do because it satisfies you in some non-quantifiable way, then go for it.
Brake wear is still higher in automatic transmissions, also as mentioned long descents are far better in a manual. On snow-pack or ice I will always prefer a manual.
:weep:
Quote from: PDH on January 15, 2014, 08:21:59 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 15, 2014, 09:59:43 AM
All of the "manual is better than automatic" arguments which are actually quantifiable - like fuel inefficiency, transmission wear, and so on - have been rendered obsolete by improvements in automatic transmissions.
The only arguments left for refusing to drive an automatic in the United States, where automatic transmissions are very common, are emotional arguments. Which is fine; if that's what you feel like you want to do because it satisfies you in some non-quantifiable way, then go for it.
Brake wear is still higher in automatic transmissions, also as mentioned long descents are far better in a manual. On snow-pack or ice I will always prefer a manual.
Also, mechanical losses are higher in automatics.
In any case, the old auto vs manual discussion is irrelevant since the arrival of sequential double-clutch transmissions, where you get the best of both worlds.
I want a car with no gear box. I step on the brake, switch on the engine, and it goes into forward mode. I push a button, and it goes into reverse. Press the button again, and it goes back to forward.
How is that different from your auto? Other than it's not a button?
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 16, 2014, 08:44:53 AM
How is that different from your auto? Other than it's not a button?
I have P, R, N, D, D3, 2 and L. I have a gear box. I need to change the gear box oil. I need to move my arm to go into reverse. That's far too much work. I just want a button for reverse on the wheel. That's it. Nothing else. Not even P.
Stop being so lazy.
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 16, 2014, 08:50:33 AM
Stop being so lazy.
The whole reason for getting a car is to be lazy. :P
That's good question. Why do you have a car in HK?
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 16, 2014, 08:53:36 AM
That's good question. Why do you have a car in HK?
Because my wife insists in getting one :weep: I prefer to take taxis everywhere. Similar effect, much cheaper.
While we're at it, my dream car will be one without any controls. Just input the GPS destination coordinates. The car takes me there automatically, and wakes me up when it gets there.
I.e, a taxi.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 16, 2014, 08:54:58 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 16, 2014, 08:53:36 AM
That's good question. Why do you have a car in HK?
Because my wife insists in getting one :weep: I prefer to take taxis everywhere. Similar effect, much cheaper.
Same question, wife perspective? Status?
Quote from: Monoriu on January 16, 2014, 08:58:10 AM
While we're at it, my dream car will be one without any controls. Just input the GPS destination coordinates. The car takes me there automatically, and wakes me up when it gets there.
Now, that's something I can get behind. Google Car :cool:
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 16, 2014, 09:09:26 AM
Same question, wife perspective? Status?
She wants a BMW. I negotiated it down to Honda.
Quote from: PDH on January 15, 2014, 08:21:59 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 15, 2014, 09:59:43 AM
All of the "manual is better than automatic" arguments which are actually quantifiable - like fuel inefficiency, transmission wear, and so on - have been rendered obsolete by improvements in automatic transmissions.
The only arguments left for refusing to drive an automatic in the United States, where automatic transmissions are very common, are emotional arguments. Which is fine; if that's what you feel like you want to do because it satisfies you in some non-quantifiable way, then go for it.
Brake wear is still higher in automatic transmissions, also as mentioned long descents are far better in a manual. On snow-pack or ice I will always prefer a manual.
I'll give you brake wear (engine braking is a helpful offset, although it is fucking loud, as has been mentioned) and snow-pack, with the caveat that if I'm having to stop and start up a hill even if there's the littlest bit of snow I'll take an automatic any day.
If the hill is steep enough and you come to a full stop on ice or snow-pack, you better have chains, kitty litter, or time to wait til spring.
Quote from: Caliga on January 15, 2014, 07:37:57 PM
Yes, yes they can. It happened to me once about 12 years ago.
Smells wonderful.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 16, 2014, 09:13:42 AM
She wants a BMW. I negotiated it down to Honda.
Ironically, with the costs of Honda parts, your lifetime ownership costs for the car won't be that different.
Quote from: DontSayBanana on January 16, 2014, 02:34:13 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 16, 2014, 09:13:42 AM
She wants a BMW. I negotiated it down to Honda.
Ironically, with the costs of Honda parts, your lifetime ownership costs for the car won't be that different.
Now you are an export on costs in Hong Kong too? Will the wonders never cease? :o :P
Quote from: DontSayBanana on January 16, 2014, 02:34:13 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 16, 2014, 09:13:42 AM
She wants a BMW. I negotiated it down to Honda.
Ironically, with the costs of Honda parts, your lifetime ownership costs for the car won't be that different.
:yes: Assuming they give away the BMW parts for free, of course.
Beauty of a Honda is that they hardly ever need replacement parts and will run forever.
So far I am very happy with the Honda. The only part that they replaced was something they called "battery". They said there was nothing wrong with it, except that "its time was up". I didn't object because they didn't charge me anything.
The BMW that my wife wanted was 50% more expensive than the Honda Accord.
She still complains though, and has vowed that the replacement car will definitely be a BMW :ph34r:
:D
They made that part up to swindle you Mono.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 16, 2014, 05:37:14 PM
:D
They made that part up to swindle you Mono.
The problem with car stuff is that I have no idea what is going on. I don't know what they did under the hood; I don't know what needs to be done; I don't know if they really did what they said they did; I don't know if what they said they did was needed or sufficient. No clue whatsoever. But my life depends on it, and I am not going to let my car go without maintenance. So all I can do is insist taking my car to a shop every 6 months. If I suspect that something fishy is going on, I take it to somewhere else.
Quote from: derspiess on January 16, 2014, 02:44:51 PM
Beauty of a Honda is that they hardly ever need replacement parts and will run forever.
Yeah, but they start getting expensive at about 100,000 miles when it comes time to start replacing the larger maintenance items. Timing belt service is $500 because half the engine needs to be taken apart. The motor mounts tend to wear out around this time, especially in the S models, and that's about $1500 for all of them. I'm replacing my EGR and IAC valves this weekend, and its costing me just under $200 for the parts alone. I love this car, though, and plan on driving it until something major fails or it gets totaled by illegals with no insurance like my Buick.
Quote from: fhdz on January 16, 2014, 09:37:58 AM... engine braking is a helpful offset, although it is fucking loud, as has been mentioned ...
Engine braking on your average car is not loud at all. The truck in the vid provided is equipped with a special system called Jake Brake, which is indeed loud,
Yeah, quite a few places make the Jake Brake a violation - truckers get fined for it regularly.
Quote from: Iormlund on January 16, 2014, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 16, 2014, 09:37:58 AM... engine braking is a helpful offset, although it is fucking loud, as has been mentioned ...
Engine braking on your average car is not loud at all.
True. Around these parts, I see a lot of really tricked-out sports cars (the racist among us call them "rice rockets") with giant exhaust systems engine braking VERY LOUDLY.
Hetero, I think you might be thinking of something different then Iorm is. Engine breaking on a non-semi stick shift car means you put it into a lower gear on a downhill so the friction of the engine slows it down and you save your brake pads.
Quote from: fhdz on January 16, 2014, 08:53:09 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on January 16, 2014, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 16, 2014, 09:37:58 AM... engine braking is a helpful offset, although it is fucking loud, as has been mentioned ...
Engine braking on your average car is not loud at all.
True. Around these parts, I see a lot of really tricked-out sports cars (the racist among us call them "rice rockets") with giant exhaust systems engine braking VERY LOUDLY.
These engines do everything very loudly. It's quite amusing seeing a 1992 Corolla struggling to accelerate away from the traffic light while farting like a 1000cc bike.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 16, 2014, 09:03:17 PM
Hetero, I think you might be thinking of something different then Iorm is. Engine breaking on a non-semi stick shift car means you put it into a lower gear on a downhill so the friction of the engine slows it down and you save your brake pads.
That is exactly what I'm thinking of.
How does that make noise?
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 16, 2014, 09:08:14 PM
How does that make noise?
I don't think it does.
The loud Engine breaking that is usually outlawed is on Diesel engines.
Quote from: Iormlund on January 16, 2014, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 16, 2014, 09:37:58 AM... engine braking is a helpful offset, although it is fucking loud, as has been mentioned ...
Engine braking on your average car is not loud at all.
Thanks Captain Obvious. That's why the vid show a semi. To show how load an engine break can be and why the signs are posted. Yi was asking about why the signs are posted.
Quote from: fhdz on January 16, 2014, 09:14:50 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 16, 2014, 09:08:14 PM
How does that make noise?
Higher RPMs, maybe? Not sure.
The exhaust system of the semi makes it really load. They are what is called a near straight pipe exhaust.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 16, 2014, 09:23:35 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on January 16, 2014, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 16, 2014, 09:37:58 AM... engine braking is a helpful offset, although it is fucking loud, as has been mentioned ...
Engine braking on your average car is not loud at all.
Thanks Captain Obvious. That's why the vid show a semi. To show how load an engine break can be and why the signs are posted. Yi was asking about why the signs are posted.
I suggest following the discussion. The context that it can provide can be quite useful at times. :)
Quote from: DGuller on January 16, 2014, 09:31:04 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 16, 2014, 09:23:35 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on January 16, 2014, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 16, 2014, 09:37:58 AM... engine braking is a helpful offset, although it is fucking loud, as has been mentioned ...
Engine braking on your average car is not loud at all.
Thanks Captain Obvious. That's why the vid show a semi. To show how load an engine break can be and why the signs are posted. Yi was asking about why the signs are posted.
I suggest following the discussion. The context that it can provide can be quite useful at times. :)
I did.
No you didn't.
You're acting as if you're unaware of post #324 in this thread.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 16, 2014, 09:45:47 PM
You're acting as if you're unaware of post #324 in this thread.
He really does. :(
Quote from: DGuller on January 16, 2014, 09:47:57 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 16, 2014, 09:45:47 PM
You're acting as if you're unaware of post #324 in this thread.
He really does. :(
Nope, I saw it. But Yi's question was in regards to the signs, which do not apply to cars, but to semi's.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 16, 2014, 09:51:53 PM
Quote from: DGuller on January 16, 2014, 09:47:57 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 16, 2014, 09:45:47 PM
You're acting as if you're unaware of post #324 in this thread.
He really does. :(
Nope, I saw it. But Yi's question was in regards to the signs, which do not apply to cars, but to semi's.
But Iorm was responding to fhgksj;lksfd, who was clearly talking about passenger cars, not Yi.
QuoteSpeaking of engine braking, anyone know the reason for the "Trucks No Engine Braking" signs you sometimes see on the highway?
and Yi asked a specific question and was provided a specific example.
The one you're missing then is 313. Fah and Iorm were having a separate conversation about engine braking of cars. Mine, about semis, branched off of that.
Tell 'em to kiss your ass eleven.
That would be one option.
I was going to bring up the single, double, and triple chamber mufflers, but whats the use. Hell, cant even get people to read the owners manual. :P
Quote from: fhdz on January 16, 2014, 09:14:50 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 16, 2014, 09:08:14 PM
How does that make noise?
Higher RPMs, maybe? Not sure.
Jacobs brake
QuoteThe Jake Brake works by releasing the stored compressed air before it can have a chance to spring back the piston. Basically, an extra nob, or lobe, is added to the camshaft that opens an added exhaust valve, which then releases all of the stored compressed energy out into the atmosphere, assuming the compression brake was engaged. When the compression brake is not engaged, the mechanism controlling the valve allows it to stay closed, even though the camshaft is still turning (using a telescoping stem that can be locked or unlocked). The energy required to compress the air, which is then released before it can be used to help slightly power the down-stroke, then has the effect of slowing the vehicle down as the air is compressed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZwsmqPXYvs
:mellow:
Dude, they're talking about engine braking a car, not a semi.
I don't think he cares. :D
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 16, 2014, 10:19:21 PM
:mellow:
Dude, they're talking about engine braking a car, not a semi.
Exactly.
Engine breaking on a car is done by down shifting the trans, hence raising the RPM and the loudness depends on your type of exhaust.
see the first sentence of post 347, which cooresponds to post 328, then 326.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 16, 2014, 10:05:45 PM
I was going to bring up the single, double, and triple chamber mufflers, but whats the use. Hell, cant even get people to read the owners manual. :P
Yeah, you're a real stickler about reading things carefully.
Quote from: DGuller on January 16, 2014, 10:30:42 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 16, 2014, 10:05:45 PM
I was going to bring up the single, double, and triple chamber mufflers, but whats the use. Hell, cant even get people to read the owners manual. :P
Yeah, you're a real stickler about reading things carefully.
I read the owners manual. Also have a chilton or haynes manual for each vehicle.
I read the sticker in the window of the car.
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 16, 2014, 10:44:17 PM
I read the sticker in the window of the car.
That monroney sticker has a lot of info. ;)
Quote from: 11B4V on January 16, 2014, 09:51:53 PM
Quote from: DGuller on January 16, 2014, 09:47:57 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 16, 2014, 09:45:47 PM
You're acting as if you're unaware of post #324 in this thread.
He really does. :(
Nope, I saw it. But Yi's question was in regards to the signs, which do not apply to cars, but to semi's.
We need signs for apostrophe abuse.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 16, 2014, 10:35:48 PM
I read the owners manual. Also have a chilton or haynes manual for each vehicle.
Chilton books rock. And hey, they're at public libraries for those too cheap to fucking buy them.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 16, 2014, 10:54:05 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 16, 2014, 10:35:48 PM
I read the owners manual. Also have a chilton or haynes manual for each vehicle.
Chilton books rock. And hey, they're at public libraries for those too cheap to fucking buy them.
:yes:
Quote from: 11B4V on January 16, 2014, 10:05:45 PM
I was going to bring up the single, double, and triple chamber mufflers, but whats the use. Hell, cant even get people to read the owners manual. :P
lol, Ocean City PD used to wait at the bridge for the motorheads when they rolled in for Cycle Week. Did the old night stick test on the baffles in the straight pipes: if the night stick got to a certain point in the pipes YOU SHALL NOT PASS
Recently I've had to direct prospective clients to the physical Kelly Blue Books in the library (I hope), to help them get a realistic idea of what their vehicle assets are worth once car loans are taken into account....
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 16, 2014, 10:54:05 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 16, 2014, 10:35:48 PM
I read the owners manual. Also have a chilton or haynes manual for each vehicle.
Chilton books rock. And hey, they're at public libraries for those too cheap to fucking buy them.
I love Chilton. Taught myself how to change oil and replace brakes years ago from one.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 16, 2014, 10:24:44 PM
Engine breaking on a car is done by down shifting the trans, hence raising the RPM and the loudness depends on your type of exhaust.
So to confirm: this is basically what I said, correct? Sports cars with crazy-ass mufflers/fatty exhaust pipes are really loud when they engine-brake.
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 12:26:08 AM
So to confirm: this is basically what I said, correct? Sports cars with crazy-ass mufflers/fatty exhaust pipes are really loud when they engine-brake.
No, Jake brakes are only found in semis.
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on January 17, 2014, 12:01:44 AM
Recently I've had to direct prospective clients to the physical Kelly Blue Books in the library (I hope), to help them get a realistic idea of what their vehicle assets are worth once car loans are taken into account....
I don't understand.
Well, this has been both interesting and productive! Thanks, Languish!
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 17, 2014, 12:28:52 AM
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 12:26:08 AM
So to confirm: this is basically what I said, correct? Sports cars with crazy-ass mufflers/fatty exhaust pipes are really loud when they engine-brake.
No, Jake brakes are only found in semis.
essentially
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 12:24:35 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 16, 2014, 10:54:05 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 16, 2014, 10:35:48 PM
I read the owners manual. Also have a chilton or haynes manual for each vehicle.
Chilton books rock. And hey, they're at public libraries for those too cheap to fucking buy them.
I love Chilton. Taught myself how to change oil and replace brakes years ago from one.
Thay are very good. In combo with a good youtube how-to.......even better.
Dude I learned Java programming on youtube.
But I did also learn to fix my cars and my mom's cars from Chilton.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 17, 2014, 02:01:14 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 17, 2014, 12:28:52 AM
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 12:26:08 AM
So to confirm: this is basically what I said, correct? Sports cars with crazy-ass mufflers/fatty exhaust pipes are really loud when they engine-brake.
No, Jake brakes are only found in semis.
essentially
OK, so: those really souped-up cars which are loud while they're slowing down are just loud because of higher RPMs, not because they're engine braking. Is that what I'm to take away from this?
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 09:43:07 AM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 17, 2014, 02:01:14 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 17, 2014, 12:28:52 AM
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 12:26:08 AM
So to confirm: this is basically what I said, correct? Sports cars with crazy-ass mufflers/fatty exhaust pipes are really loud when they engine-brake.
No, Jake brakes are only found in semis.
essentially
OK, so: those really souped-up cars which are loud while they're slowing down are just loud because of higher RPMs, not because they're engine braking. Is that what I'm to take away from this?
Those souped up cars are really loud while slowing down because their drivers like to show off. It is possible for them to gear down without making a lot of noise but that removes the "look at me" factor.
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 09:43:07 AM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 17, 2014, 02:01:14 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 17, 2014, 12:28:52 AM
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 12:26:08 AM
So to confirm: this is basically what I said, correct? Sports cars with crazy-ass mufflers/fatty exhaust pipes are really loud when they engine-brake.
No, Jake brakes are only found in semis.
essentially
OK, so: those really souped-up cars which are loud while they're slowing down are just loud because of higher RPMs, not because they're engine braking. Is that what I'm to take away from this?
Engine braking is loud, so if the "ricer" is loud to begin with, I guess it makes it even louder?
BTW, any car can engine brake, manual trans are better for it, but auto trans works too. I have come down a mountain trail without ever touching the brakes, 4 low and low gear all the way down.
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 17, 2014, 10:18:36 AM
BTW, any car can engine brake, manual trans are better for it, but auto trans works too. I have come down a mountain trail without ever touching the brakes, 4 low and low gear all the way down.
There is a confusion of terminology. Earlier there was a question about signs which ban "engine brakes". That is really a ban on Jake Brakes. It is true that gearing down a transmission is a form of engine braking but it is not the type of braking which is banned.
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 17, 2014, 10:18:36 AM
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 09:43:07 AM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 17, 2014, 02:01:14 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 17, 2014, 12:28:52 AM
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 12:26:08 AM
So to confirm: this is basically what I said, correct? Sports cars with crazy-ass mufflers/fatty exhaust pipes are really loud when they engine-brake.
No, Jake brakes are only found in semis.
essentially
OK, so: those really souped-up cars which are loud while they're slowing down are just loud because of higher RPMs, not because they're engine braking. Is that what I'm to take away from this?
BTW, any car can engine brake, manual trans are better for it, but auto trans works too. I have come down a mountain trail without ever touching the brakes, 4 low and low gear all the way down.
:D My '84 Dodge has a granny low. Put it in four low and it just creeps along.
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 17, 2014, 12:07:00 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 17, 2014, 10:18:36 AM
BTW, any car can engine brake, manual trans are better for it, but auto trans works too. I have come down a mountain trail without ever touching the brakes, 4 low and low gear all the way down.
There is a confusion of terminology. Earlier there was a question about signs which ban "engine brakes". That is really a ban on Jake Brakes. It is true that gearing down a transmission is a form of engine braking but it is not the type of braking which is banned.
I understand that there's a semantic issue. My post(s) had nothing to do with what was banned, but rather what was loud.
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 08:36:59 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 17, 2014, 12:07:00 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 17, 2014, 10:18:36 AM
BTW, any car can engine brake, manual trans are better for it, but auto trans works too. I have come down a mountain trail without ever touching the brakes, 4 low and low gear all the way down.
There is a confusion of terminology. Earlier there was a question about signs which ban "engine brakes". That is really a ban on Jake Brakes. It is true that gearing down a transmission is a form of engine braking but it is not the type of braking which is banned.
I understand that there's a semantic issue. My post(s) had nothing to do with what was banned, but rather what was loud.
Jake breaks are loud and so are banned. Gearing down our using a lower gear down a hill is not necessarily loud and so is not banned.
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 18, 2014, 04:46:03 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 08:36:59 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 17, 2014, 12:07:00 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 17, 2014, 10:18:36 AM
BTW, any car can engine brake, manual trans are better for it, but auto trans works too. I have come down a mountain trail without ever touching the brakes, 4 low and low gear all the way down.
There is a confusion of terminology. Earlier there was a question about signs which ban "engine brakes". That is really a ban on Jake Brakes. It is true that gearing down a transmission is a form of engine braking but it is not the type of braking which is banned.
I understand that there's a semantic issue. My post(s) had nothing to do with what was banned, but rather what was loud.
Jake breaks are loud and so are banned. Gearing down our using a lower gear down a hill is not necessarily loud and so is not banned.
I'm not sure how many different ways there are for me to say that I don't care about what's banned or not banned. You're having an argument with some other person. Pro tip: it isn't me.
Fhdz came here for the abuse
:P
Why not just ban everything? Stupid liberals.
Liveruls. :rolleyes:
Ed's Hoveround has Jake Brakes.
Need those while stylin' and profiling in Kroger.
Quote from: fhdz on January 18, 2014, 07:01:29 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 18, 2014, 04:46:03 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 08:36:59 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 17, 2014, 12:07:00 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 17, 2014, 10:18:36 AM
BTW, any car can engine brake, manual trans are better for it, but auto trans works too. I have come down a mountain trail without ever touching the brakes, 4 low and low gear all the way down.
There is a confusion of terminology. Earlier there was a question about signs which ban "engine brakes". That is really a ban on Jake Brakes. It is true that gearing down a transmission is a form of engine braking but it is not the type of braking which is banned.
I understand that there's a semantic issue. My post(s) had nothing to do with what was banned, but rather what was loud.
Jake breaks are loud and so are banned. Gearing down our using a lower gear down a hill is not necessarily loud and so is not banned.
I'm not sure how many different ways there are for me to say that I don't care about what's banned or not banned. You're having an argument with some other person. Pro tip: it isn't me.
:huh: Normal engine braking is just loud, not banned.
Quote from: sbr on January 18, 2014, 08:39:20 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 18, 2014, 07:01:29 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 18, 2014, 04:46:03 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 08:36:59 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 17, 2014, 12:07:00 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 17, 2014, 10:18:36 AM
BTW, any car can engine brake, manual trans are better for it, but auto trans works too. I have come down a mountain trail without ever touching the brakes, 4 low and low gear all the way down.
There is a confusion of terminology. Earlier there was a question about signs which ban "engine brakes". That is really a ban on Jake Brakes. It is true that gearing down a transmission is a form of engine braking but it is not the type of braking which is banned.
I understand that there's a semantic issue. My post(s) had nothing to do with what was banned, but rather what was loud.
Jake breaks are loud and so are banned. Gearing down our using a lower gear down a hill is not necessarily loud and so is not banned.
I'm not sure how many different ways there are for me to say that I don't care about what's banned or not banned. You're having an argument with some other person. Pro tip: it isn't me.
:huh: Normal engine braking is just loud, not banned.
:huh: Jake brakes are on trucks, and they're sometimes banned. They're not banned everywhere, maybe that's what's causing the confusion?
:P
This entire thread is a microcosm of Languish. It needs to be dipped in bronze and placed on the mantle for all to see, forever and ever.
Dipping bronze leads to more sound when you engine brake.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 18, 2014, 09:11:36 PM
This entire thread is a microcosm of Languish. It needs to be dipped in bronze and placed on the mantle for all to see, forever and ever.
it's amazing some survive when they go outside.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 18, 2014, 09:11:36 PM
This entire thread is a microcosm of Languish. It needs to be dipped in bronze and placed on the mantle for all to see, forever and ever.
:D No shit.
Quote from: sbr on January 18, 2014, 08:39:20 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 18, 2014, 07:01:29 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 18, 2014, 04:46:03 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 17, 2014, 08:36:59 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 17, 2014, 12:07:00 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 17, 2014, 10:18:36 AM
BTW, any car can engine brake, manual trans are better for it, but auto trans works too. I have come down a mountain trail without ever touching the brakes, 4 low and low gear all the way down.
There is a confusion of terminology. Earlier there was a question about signs which ban "engine brakes". That is really a ban on Jake Brakes. It is true that gearing down a transmission is a form of engine braking but it is not the type of braking which is banned.
I understand that there's a semantic issue. My post(s) had nothing to do with what was banned, but rather what was loud.
Jake breaks are loud and so are banned. Gearing down our using a lower gear down a hill is not necessarily loud and so is not banned.
I'm not sure how many different ways there are for me to say that I don't care about what's banned or not banned. You're having an argument with some other person. Pro tip: it isn't me.
:huh: Normal engine braking is just loud, not banned.
:D
Quote from: 11B4V on January 18, 2014, 09:17:13 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 18, 2014, 09:11:36 PM
This entire thread is a microcosm of Languish. It needs to be dipped in bronze and placed on the mantle for all to see, forever and ever.
it's amazing some survive when they go outside.
They won't be able to hear a Chevy Impala's banned drum brakes or something.
I downshifted today from the 45 zone to the 30 zone. I checked for cops.
Quote from: PDH on January 18, 2014, 09:23:07 PM
I downshifted today from the 45 zone to the 30 zone. I checked for cops.
We heard you all the way over here.
Quote from: PDH on January 18, 2014, 09:23:07 PM
I downshifted today from the 45 zone to the 30 zone. I checked for cops.
From what I understand, downshifting isn't banned.
Quote from: fhdz on January 18, 2014, 09:19:34 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 18, 2014, 09:11:36 PM
This entire thread is a microcosm of Languish. It needs to be dipped in bronze and placed on the mantle for all to see, forever and ever.
:D No shit.
A big 'ol Assburger shitburger
It's acutually quite funny.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 18, 2014, 09:51:04 PM
It's acutually quite funny.
So funny it is just loud, or so funny it's banned?
Quote from: fhdz on January 18, 2014, 09:52:32 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 18, 2014, 09:51:04 PM
It's acutually quite funny.
So funny it is just loud, or so funny it's banned?
Depends on the local ordinances
Quote from: 11B4V on January 18, 2014, 09:54:26 PM
Quote from: fhdz on January 18, 2014, 09:52:32 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on January 18, 2014, 09:51:04 PM
It's acutually quite funny.
So funny it is just loud, or so funny it's banned?
Depends on the local ordinances
God, isn't that the truth? Fucking ordinances.
NIMBY is strong.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 18, 2014, 09:11:36 PM
This entire thread is a microcosm of Languish. It needs to be dipped in bronze and placed on the mantle for all to see, forever and ever.
Quote from: 11B4V on January 18, 2014, 09:17:13 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 18, 2014, 09:11:36 PM
This entire thread is a microcosm of Languish. It needs to be dipped in bronze and placed on the mantle for all to see, forever and ever.
it's amazing some survive when they go outside.
I am still alive :P
I love how certain people here seem to have completely ignored the information given about how a jake brake and downshifting are totally different beasts.
Downshift engine braking is not loud, unless you're dropping to way too low a gear. All that happens is the engine revs high for a second or two. It's the same sound as a typical cop's Crown Vic revving up to chase someone, and that's only for a really drastic drop in gearing and speed. A drop from, say, 55 to 43 (5th to 4th gear on my V6) isn't significantly audible at all.
Jake braking is only loud because it forcibly vents extra exhaust. As one link in this very thread put it, it basically turns a power-producing diesel engine into a power-consuming air compressor, and I'm pretty sure nobody in this thread would debate that even a small air compressor is pretty damn loud.
I thought we already settled it.
Quote from: DontSayBanana on January 18, 2014, 11:48:25 PM
I love how certain people here seem to have completely ignored the information given about how a jake brake and downshifting are totally different beasts.
Oh for christ's sake. :lmfao:
I hope I'm not banned from braking. It certainly would make driving more challenging.
once i had a flat tire, so i had it towed to get the tire replaced. i found out later that they also offer a much cheaper alternative: sending someone over to put the spare on :(