BMW Studies Car-to-Car Communication

On a frosty morning, imagine if the car 100 feet ahead of you could somehow alert you to black ice on an off-ramp. You'd slow down, and your car's electronic stability system could even take preliminary steps to anticipate the situation.

Car-to-car communication, the next step in safety technology. The Center for Automotive Research have discusses this for years. There is even a federal program called Intelligent Transportation Systems. According to VP of engineering Tom Baloga, BMW's progress toward car-to-car communication is moving forward very well. U.S. automakers have agreed upon a standardized frequency 5.9 GHz regardless of the car. 5.9 GHz is the same frequency European cars use. The car is going to act like a data-collection probe. The car's location will be transmitted to other cars and to an infrastructure. This data will be used to identify traffic flow, slippery conditions, and bottlenecks.

Maintenance crews could find pothole-ridden areas based on suspension kinematics data, while salt crews could deduce which streets were especially icy using data from antilock braking or electronic stability systems.
Naturally, there's another side to this: How much do you want on the public record about your car and, by extension, your driving habits?

Care to comment on this, tell us on the mailing list by making a posting!

Could you pass a Chinese driving test?

These are unedited questions and answers from China's "Road Traffic Safety Rules and Regulations, Exam Reference Manual (2004 edition)," English-language version.

Professional Shop of the week award

This weekend one of our list member technicians, namely Mike Nixon’s shop that he works at was nominated for the “Professional shop of the week award” given out every week on nationally syndicated car talk show, “Bobby Likis CarClinic”.

Lo and behold, his shop Won this week! Listen to the clip as Bobby Likis describes the shop, technicians and the history of the shop on his weekly radio show.

Congratulations to everyone at Caton Auto Clinic Mall!

Fixing ignition on old Briggs Stratton engines

I know there are lots of pre 1982 Briggs & Stratton lawn mowers out there that have conventional ignition points and condensor setup, and all they might need is a simple fix to the ignition, because there is no spark. Take a look at this video from "DavidsFarm" as I thought he did a pretty good job of explaining all this. I especially like the part where the camera chases down the flywheel as Dave puts it on the ground (edge up)and it starts to roll down the driveway! If you like it let us know on the mailing list and I will put up some others by Dave! The guy really knows those small engine repairs, plus amazingly a whole lot more!.

Pat Goss- repair scams you need to watch out for!

Here Pat Goss talk about why need to go beyond manufacturers service recommendations and look for aftermarket service intervals. He also gives an example of why you need to beware of services that need to be performed and shops that try to steer you away from the more expensive service to one that costs less, because that is the service they want to sell you.



The example he gives“My owner’s manual requires a valve adjustment every fifteen thousand miles, but my mechanic says that unless they’re noisy I shouldn’t waste my money. Should I, or shouldn’t I?”


Listen by clicking on the image below , then open

Adding Acetone to your gasoline

I have heard that adding Acetone to your gas tank can improve your Gas Mileage? Is this so and can it hurt anything?

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Listen as automotive host Bobby Likis explains this to a caller on his weekly car show "CarClinic". Here Bobby describes what acetone in fuel does , why you should not use it and alternatives to keep your vehicle in top running condition with its greatest MPG.

Profiles in the Automotive Industry-Woman Inventors(windshield wipers)

Prior to the manufacture of Henry Ford's Model A, Mary Anderson was granted her first patent for a window cleaning device in November of 1903. Her invention could clean snow, rain, or sleet from a windshield by using a handle inside the car. Her goal was to improve driver vision during stormy weather - Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper.




During a trip to New York City, Mary Anderson noticed that streetcar drivers had to open the windows of their cars when it rained in order to see, as a solution she invented a swinging arm device with a rubber blade that was operated by the driver from within the vehicle via a lever. The windshield wipers became standard equipment on all American cars by 1916.



The first automatic windshield wiper was invented by a woman named Charlotte Bridgwood. Charlotte Bridgwood, president of the Bridgwood Manufacturing Company of New York, patented her electric roller-based windshield wiper called the "Storm Windshield Cleaner" in 1917. However, her product was not a commercial success.

More on why Transmission flush's, with Pat Goss

This is another series of Pat Goss talking about the importance of a transmission flush. He discusses why the temperature of the fluid determines the life of the fluid and the life expectancy of the transmission, and why the service we used to perform of just dropping the pan and a filter change can be detrimental to modern transmissions.The audio is much better in these two clips then the one done back in January 2009!

Click on the image below and then click open to hear the clip!

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What's bad about using a Lock deicer ?

Lock deicer comes in a small spray dispenser and quickly thaws frozen locks. But did you know there is a problem that occurs after you use it!

See lock deicer contains alcohol which will wash away the lubricant in your locks, so you must have a graphite lock lubricant which replenishes lubricating oils the lock deicer destroys. Using graphite lock lubricant several times each year will make locks last the life of the car and help keep locks ice free. Lock lubricant prevents water intrusion, and if no water enters the locks there’s nothing to freeze!

Profiles in the Automotive Industry-Earl Scheib

His slogan,,

I'll paint any car, any color for $29.95!

Born in San Francisco on February 28, 1908, Earl moved to Southern California with his family when he was 10. A graduate of Los Angeles High School, Earl never went to college. Instead, he got a job as a gas station attendant changing oil and tires for General Petroleum Co. in the late 1920s.

Not long after, he went into business with his own gas station on the corner of Whitworth and Fairfax. His neighbors soon began asking if he knew anyone who could paint their cars. So, each night, after closing time, Earl would paint cars in the station's lube garage. It didn't take long for word of Earl's painting service to spread, and soon there was more paint business than the station could handle.

As a result, he sold his station, rented a "shack" on the corner of Pico and La Brea (Los Angeles), and in 1937 opened the first Earl Scheib Paint and Body. His philosophy was "work hard, be on time, and don't worry about how much you make." It was a belief that underscored the way he ran his business. He still has many locations around the country today.

What's this?

Something different for a change on the blog! The device on the left is some type of security device. Do you know what it is?

Note:

(This is the first question out of the Monthly questions for Feb. 2009. Check back later this upcoming weekend on this blog for the answer!)

RE:What's this

It's a catalytic converter anti theft device! CatClamp encases the entire converter with a cage made from aircraft wire rope to prevent catalytic converter theft. Theives armed with battery powered reciprocating saws cut off converters in 30 seconds of time. CatClamp has two split collars with a security bolt, and key designed to lock tight to the exhaust pipe on either side of the converter. This allows it to be removed for adjustment, converter service, or other mechanical work. The wire ropes are permanently attached to the collar halves and two stainless steel springs prevent the wire ropes from rattling against the converter. Wire ropes are placed over and under the catalytic converters, and the two coller halves are bolted together and tightened securely to the exhaust pipe, creating a cage around the entire converter. The cage is locked into the vehicle frame or cross member with wire rope. It has "Security Device" in very large words with the VIN stamped on it. Made from stainless steel. $270 to $320 CatClamp.com

More cell phone use banned!

Cell phones that are hand held while driving are now prohibited in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Washington, and the District of Columbia, according to a newly released survey by the Institute for Highway safety. In addition, Utah has a secondary law, meaning that drivers can be charged with a cell phone offense only when violating another law. In six other states, state laws permit jurisdictions to prohibit cell phone use while driving: Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Eight states prohibit localities from banning cell phone use: Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon and Utah.





The survey also found laws in 17 states that prohibit use of all cell phones by school bus drivers, as well as limitations on use by novice drivers in 17 states. Text messaging while driving is banned for all drivers in Alaska, California, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Washington, and the District of Columbia. In nine states, novice drivers are prohibited from tax messaging, while four states specifically bans school bus drivers from text messaging.



* Resources: Motorwatch Journal

Car Care Guide

The Car Care Guide is now available electronically or send for your free copy today. The guide now contains two new sections on fuel economy and environmental awareness. Makes a great gift for someone you might have forgotton about during the holidays.

http://www.carcare.org/car-care-guide

A good way to determine the age of brake fluid

BrakeStrip is the best way to determine the age of brake fluid and whether it needs to be changed. When it comes to brake service. BrakeStrip is worth its weight in gold. Corrosion dissolves the copper which is used to weld the brake tubing seems. BrakeStrip detects the amount of corrosion in the brake system by measuring the amount of copper suspended in the fluid.

This test is the new best practice for determining when to recommend a brake fluid exchange. Because of its efficacy, demand is on the rise for this revolutionary brake fluid test. It has become a gold mine for brake service providers. BrakeStrip, with patented FASCAR technology, can quickly and accurately test brake fluid. Over 15 million test strips have been sold as it is the only risk-free test that meets MAP guidelines for Checking Brake Fluid. 866. 760.5845 or www.brakestrips.net

Profiles in the Automotive Industry- Ralph Teeter

Ralph Teeter, president of Perfect Circle Corp.(which makes piston rings) was riding in a the car with his attorney, Harry Lindsey. The year was 1935. Lindsey was the kind of driver that would floor the engine for instant, and then take his foot off the gas and coast along. The erratic jerky, driving annoyed Teeter so much, that he got the inspiration to invent a speed control device.



After working on the idea in his basement for 10 years, he applied for a Patent for the device, which he called "Speedostat", a safety mechanism that would also help conserve gas. Another 13 years past, before Chrysler became the first auto manufacturer to offer cruise control. On the 1958 Chrysler Imperial , New Yorker, and Windsor. But Teeter's life wasn't easy. Teeter was, blinded at the age of five as a result of a shop accident. But by the age of 12, teeter and his cousin built their own automobile using scrap parts. Teeter and his cousin built their own automobile using scrap parts.



Teeter not only went on to invent a speed control, but his numerous contributions to the automotive industry inspired his daughter to write a book about his remarkable life, "One Man's Vision." The life of Automotive Pioneer Ralph R. Teeter.

A look at Ford's most advanced assembly plant that operates in rural Brazil

I know it is for the reduced construction and labor costs, but you have to take look at this plant. Tell us what you think about the plant on our mailing list!

Aged Tires And Tire Safety

Tires, like any other rubber product, have a limited service life regardless of tread depth and use. The dangers of "aged" tires is a little known problem outside of the industry and one that is likely the cause of a significant number of tread separation problems. "Aged" tires are often unsuspectingly put into service after having served as a spare, stored in garages or warehouses, or simply used on a vehicle that is infrequently driven. In many instances these tires show no visible sign of deterioration, and absent any visible indicators, tires with adequate tread depth are likely to be put into service regardless of age. Tire date codes have been mentioned before on this blog. A video on this was done a while back. Pretty impressive if you have not seen it. Use the link below to see what ABC news did on the subject.

http//abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4826897

The Five functions of Motor oil

Do you know there are five (5) basic functions that motor oil performs in your engine? Can you name them and tell a little bit about each one?















1) Lubricate and Prevent Wear & Reduce Friction


Oil must prevent the metal-to-metal contact that will result in wear to the moving parts. Moving surfaces are continuously separated by a film of oil.




2)Protect Against Rust and Corrosion

Acids formed by the normal oxidation of oil, are a potential for rust and formation of corrosive engine deposits.Corrosion inhibitors which are part of the additive package help to protect non-ferrous metals by coating them.




3) A detergent- to Keep Engine Parts Clean

Partially burned fuel will escape past the rings into the crankcase Detergents are part of the additive package to clean-up existing deposits in the engine, as well as disperse insoluble matter into the oil.

4) Cool Engine Parts

The cooling system performs about 60% of the cooling job of the engine. It cools the upper part of the engine including the cylinder heads, cylinder walls, and valves. The crankshaft, the main and connecting rod bearings, the timing gears, the pistons and other components in the lower engine are cooled from the oil flows around the parts.

5) Seals- Combustion Pressures

The surfaces of the piston rings, ring grooves, and cylinder walls are not completely smooth. Motor oil fills in the hills and valleys and greatly improves the seal. They also help with seal swelling, keeping oil from leaking out of the engine pasted seals. Stops blowby!

Recalls Via Email

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has unveiled a new initiative to notify vehicle owners electronically when their car is recalled. The recall alerts can be received via e-mail or RSS-feeds on personal computers, cell phones or PDA devices-automatically and free-of-charge. However, consumers must sign up to receive the notices. Do so at ..



http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/subscriptions/index.cfm