Last Viewed Automotive Blogs (377)

My first car had a steering wheel that was directly connected to universal joints that linked to the wheels. By the third car, I was driving rack and pinion for the steering system. That connected the steering wheel to a set of gears that controlled the wheels. Maybe my fourth or fifth car had power steering... a hydraulic pump that supported the steering system making it easier to turn the steering wheel, especially if you were trying to parallel park.

My current car doesn't have conventional power steering. Instead, the steering wheel connects to an electric actuator that simulates the hydraulic system. While it feels like you're turning the steering wheel connected to the tires... you're not.
It's a series of sensors, motors and actuators as an electro-mechanical system that replaces the linkages and hydraulic pump.

While we're at it. The gas pedal used to have a flexible cable that connected to the carburetor. When you pressed on the gas, it opened the throttle valve allowing gas and air into the engine. Yeah, it's gone now. The gas pedal has been changed over to a sensor with the feel of a conventional system. It now sends digital impulses to a computer that controls servos that open and close the fuel and air mixture.

Don't stop me now...
Brakes? The pedal that used to be directly linked to a hydraulic pump had been replaced and a sensor giving you the feel of brakes and it does this electronically.

For the most part, it's all been engineered to work similar to cars of yesteryear with fewer components.
Drawbacks are many. If you have a dead battery, pushing the car to get started, doesn't work. If you happen to turn off the key while driving... a word of warning... don't. There's a good chance steering could freeze making it impossible to navigate.

I started watching this show and it cheers me up every time. It's so silly and clever. It's so not PC. Lol I love it.

You're thinking about her arsehole right?

I've seen a few news links about catalytic converters being stolen from cars. Tonight one article revealed data from insurance companies stated what was thousands per year are increasing in numbers. One of the most targeted vehicles is the Ford F-Series truck. The truck is high enough that someone can slide under with a wrench and unbolt the unit in a few minutes.

Personally, I had an engine fail on my 2014 Hyundai Veloster caused by a piston ring that sent 3 quarts out the exhaust. My mechanic found a used engine, one recovered from a rear end collision. It wasn't running correctly and the suspect was the catalytic converter had clogged due to the oil. We could have shorted out the sensor, re-piped the exhaust and reprogrammed the brain, but that had some restrictions. I didn't want to drive a car with a tampered exhaust system so I bought a re-manufactured catalytic converter and the car ran like it did before the engine blew up.
At that time, new catalytic converters for that model were around $1,500 and re-manufactured around $500. Either way, it was a big chunk of money.

I did find flaws in some the stories I've read.
Most cars have alarm systems that are set off when you bump the car.
So, how is it possible someone can jack up a Honda (for example) and unbolt a converter without setting off the alarm?

Some stolen converters are used to replace defective ones in other cars while other are sold for the precious metals they contain.

Okay, police have suggested engraving them with a unique traceable number.
In the real world, just like stolen guns... grind off the number.
I believe possession of a gun with a tampered serial is illegal, but I doubt there are laws to cover converters.

If it's so easy to unbolt a converter... SPOT WELD the joints so only someone using a grinder could break it loose.

Maybe more thought needs to go into a method to deter the business of stealing catalytic converters...

New witness states that lush lawns deplete the earth of necessary water for hydration of twolegged critters even though sprinkler systems are used casually, like water grows on trees.

Boss is being cool. I’m being invisible. I’m embarrassed that I was friendly after he clearly was disappointed about my age. A saving grace. Loolllol. So now I try to avoid unless I have a work question. It’s a tough spot. Regardless, I will be successful, my way of giving the finger.

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these videos fascinate me

no judging. just a listen

i'm needing a swag lamp to light my stair landing. i've been leaving the kitchen light on so i can see the steps. i thought, since i have a fondness for retro, i would check out ebay. holy smokes! there are some pretty ugly swags going for a premium. we're talking north of $150.00 with $25.00 shipping. no dice.

i'm going to keep a $20.00 in the glove box in case i see a garage sale or thrift store. there's money to be made!