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Archive for October, 2007
Ever feel like you weren’t firing on all cylinders? Now you can and you don’t need to feel bad about it.
Honda Motor Co., General Motors, and Chrysler are rolling out Cylinder Deactivation Systems to help drivers save on gas by increasing their MPG, while still getting the horsepower they originally wanted from their car or truck.
The ‘07 Impalas and the two-wheel drive Pilot SUV have Variable Cylinder Management - even the Odyssey minivan has had it since the ‘05 model year was introduced.
Just press a button and you can be driving on only 3, 4 or 6 cylinders. It’s pretty simple - when cylinders shut off, fuel consumption decreases. (And it has a Green affect by lowering carbon dioxide emissions as well.)
Drivers have been asking for a horsepower/gas savings solution for a long time. (GM tried a variable cylinder solution way back in the 80’s; it mis-misfired though)
The automakers seem to have answered this one perfectly.
This is the perfect accessory to put next to your recently purchased used car.
I’m not one to tinker with tools but this insane toolbox on steroids makes me want to put on a one-piece mechanic’s jumpsuit and start breaking fixing things.
You’ll probably spend every weekend in the garage doting over the 230 tools stocked inside; DeWalt, Johnson, Channellock, Stanley and Mag-Lite are among the who’s who list of tools included.
The tool Gods also jammed it full of nails, screws, plumbing and electrical supplies, glue, cables ties, hole filler and other goodies. And, each tool rests in its own numbered and labeled pocket; now you can inventory your entire tool set in under 30 seconds. (I never realized this was such an important need.)
Having the luxury to do so will run you about $3,000. Although they provide DVD training and promise excellent customer support. You may need it as there are over 4000 parts from top to bottom.
For those times that 4000 parts is a bit too much, you can use the detachable tool bag. Don’t worry, that has 100 tools in it.
Don’t be shocked when your neighbors stop over more frequently.
The Prowler is one of those concept cars you hoped would make it to production - and actually did - and still looked like the original spy photos.
Did you know the first year it was made, in 1998, all 3000 of them were plum purple?
The Prowler’s purpose: Bring back the excitement and intrigue of the classic hot rod. I’d say they succeeded - about 75% of the way. 218 horsepower doesn’t necessarily invoke hot rod images in my mind, however the outlandish styling, exposed front wheel housing and huge, gigantic 20-inch rear wheels do a fine job.
I’d call it hot rod-light; perfect for the guy in the office who has the extra time in his schedule for some top-down cruising, at least one friend and no little people under 11 years old to drive around on the weekend.
The comfortable cabin, high-tech panel cluster and extras like premium sound and adjustable shock absorbers improve the ride quality.
Countless number of people still to this day point and ask, “What’s that thing called?” Plenty of people are bound to say the same because Chrysler didn’t even sell 15,000 of these pseudo-sexy attention-getters.
Looking for something that epitomizes a big-boy toy? A used Plymouth Prowler should fill that void.
Most people freak out over the thought of changing a flat.
I’ve only changed one flat tire & If I ever have to change another one, this is the jack I’ll use.
Plug it into your 12-volt outlet, press the button and jack it up…in just a few seconds you’re all set.
This electric jack is a must have at only $50.
The only negative is that it could eliminate using “I had a flat tire” as an excuse for being late again.
If you see this in your rear view mirror, pull over right away. No chance you’ll out run this cop car.
Here’s a few no-brainer tips to help avoid racking up the points and begging for rides from your friends. Nobody likes that guy.
Avoid driving red, yellow or orange cars. These are ticket magnets. Too may tickets and you’ve got a 3500lb yellow paperweight in your driveway.
Think like a cop. Where would you hide? Behind that old tree? Behind the bridge barrier? You know the hideouts, just pay attention to them. Be on the lookout for fake construction crews too - sometime they’re just pretend workers working a speed trap. (Hard to tell though, sometimes they’re just pretend workers without radar guns)
Pay attention to the courteous drivers in the opposite direction flashing their highbeams. Be nice - flash back:)
Pick your speeding times wisely. More drivers on the road = more cops. Rush hour speeding = not wise. Mid-afternoon = better. (But, if you’re leaving work to speed, you’ve got other issues to work out)
Ditto for holiday time. the posted speed limits aren’t guidelines or ranges.
Pay attention to the current traffic flow. Especially if you’re hitting the pedal without adequate radar protection. The red brake lights ahead of your mean something is up. Stay alert.
Don’t forget about the creepers - those cops that sidle up behind you without notice. People get over confident while drafting off the car ahead of them and forget to check who’s behind them.
Don’t turn your daily commute into a one man Skip Barber training class. Weaving in and out of cars to show off your newly learned Project Gotham skills will only draw the attention of the man in the badge.
Get a top of the line radar detector. Duh. Spend the extra dough and upgrade to something like a Valentine One, Bel Vector 995 or Bel Pro RX65.
When all else fails, just head out to the track and burn some rubber there.
Drive safe & drive smart.