Makes me realize why I always liked stick shifts so much!
I liked them too, then I got older and realized...what happens if I break a leg or arm? I prefer a manual, but hard to find these days, and, I never know if I may have leg, knee, arm, hip, foot, hand, injury.
Don't forget head injury, driver. Alzheimer's is another problem, as well!
I never bother with paddle shifters.....not worth dropping a transmission for the thrill of shifting that way. Using Sport Mode to enter a highway.....that is very useful.
How does using paddle shifters cause damage to a transmission?
One thing is, if used to slow the car on a hill, it won't damage the transmission, but it is harder on the car than just using breaks. That is, could cause wear on a relatively expensive transmission as opposed to cheaper to replace brakes.
Another thing is I was reaching for something in my wifes GLK, and I accidentally hit the downshift paddle, just as we were going up a steep hill. The car lurched to a slower speed, the engine was revving, and since I don't drive the car to often I pulled over to the side of the road and turned it off and then started it again so it would be in the proper gear....I didn't want to drop the poor thing into a lower gear.
All driver error, but, since I don't use the paddles I don't feel comfortable with them. I don't think I used them in my 2012 535, and I have used them once or twice in my E400s, but, I get nothing positive from using them.
Maybe in a sportier car....but, I don't get much satisfaction from them....doesn't replace a manual shifter.
The ZF 8HP45 rev matches on downshifts. How is downshifting to maintain speed "harder on the car"? That's often the case with a true manual- mainly because idiot drivers don't know how or why to rev-match.So far I haven't heard of any ZF 8HPXX transmissions wearing prematurely when used as intended; failures are rare and usually due to tunes that boost engine power past the torque rating of the transmission and/or neglect(not changing the ATF in transmissions subjected to high speed usage every 50,000-75,000 miles).
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I think it might be fun for all us old guys to list the procedure they have had that they hated the most.
I've had my share, but nothing is worse than the preparation for a colonoscopy! Not the colonoscopy itself (you are twilight sedated), but the preparation is pure misery.
I think it might be fun for all us old guys to list the procedure they have had that they hated the most.
I've had my share, but nothing is worse than the preparation for a colonoscopy! Not the colonoscopy itself (you are twilight sedated), but the preparation is pure misery.
I read Mr Beans medical procedure and I passed out for 4 hours. I don't even want to think about or read anyone's worst medical procedure ever! Mike could write a novel about his experiences
I never bother with paddle shifters.....not worth dropping a transmission for the thrill of shifting that way. Using Sport Mode to enter a highway.....that is very useful.
How does using paddle shifters cause damage to a transmission?
One thing is, if used to slow the car on a hill, it won't damage the transmission, but it is harder on the car than just using breaks. That is, could cause wear on a relatively expensive transmission as opposed to cheaper to replace brakes.
Another thing is I was reaching for something in my wifes GLK, and I accidentally hit the downshift paddle, just as we were going up a steep hill. The car lurched to a slower speed, the engine was revving, and since I don't drive the car to often I pulled over to the side of the road and turned it off and then started it again so it would be in the proper gear....I didn't want to drop the poor thing into a lower gear.
All driver error, but, since I don't use the paddles I don't feel comfortable with them. I don't think I used them in my 2012 535, and I have used them once or twice in my E400s, but, I get nothing positive from using them.
Maybe in a sportier car....but, I don't get much satisfaction from them....doesn't replace a manual shifter.
The ZF 8HP45 rev matches on downshifts. How is downshifting to maintain speed "harder on the car"? That's often the case with a true manual- mainly because idiot drivers don't know how or why to rev-match.So far I haven't heard of any ZF 8HPXX transmissions wearing prematurely when used as intended; failures are rare and usually due to tunes that boost engine power past the torque rating of the transmission and/or neglect(not changing the ATF in transmissions subjected to high speed usage every 50,000-75,000 miles).
I agree, it would be hard to actually damage a transmission by shifting improperly, but I have downshifted and the car did slow quickly. It isn't a big deal but everything contributes to wear and tear. I try to be as easy as possible on my cars....I try to drive as efficiently as possible...not necessarily to save gas.....just because the smoother the ride the more skill the driver has, and the easier it is on the car. For most people, slowing down can be done more efficiently and smoother, with less wear, just by slowing down using the brakes.
If you are talking about racing around corners, then shift away....that will probably be faster, but, probably harder on the car than simple braking would be.
I think it might be fun for all us old guys to list the procedure they have had that they hated the most.
I've had my share, but nothing is worse than the preparation for a colonoscopy! Not the colonoscopy itself (you are twilight sedated), but the preparation is pure misery.
I read Mr Beans medical procedure and I passed out for 4 hours. I don't even want to think about or read anyone's worst medical procedure ever! Mike could write a novel about his experiences
I agree, it would be hard to actually damage a transmission by shifting improperly, but I have downshifted and the car did slow quickly. It isn't a big deal but everything contributes to wear and tear. I try to be as easy as possible on my cars....I try to drive as efficiently as possible...not necessarily to save gas.....just because the smoother the ride the more skill the driver has, and the easier it is on the car. For most people, slowing down can be done more efficiently and smoother, with less wear, just by slowing down using the brakes.
If you are talking about racing around corners, then shift away....that will probably be faster, but, probably harder on the car than simple braking would be.
If downshifting your automatic quickly slows the car it is either defective or doesn't rev match. And actually, smooth is fast- not slow; it's all about the friction circle and weight transfer. If a car won't allow you drive it smoothly at a rapid pace it isn't all that well engineered. Finally, you neverEVER downshift to slow down for a corner- you use the brakes; you downshift at the end of the braking zone so that the engine is in the optimum part of the power band and is ready to accelerate after hitting the(preferably late) apex of the corner.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Using brakes (breaks for some) to slow down in mountain country is beyond incompetent, but it happens all the time. The vehicles of the people who do so can be smelled from quite some distance. A 6-8 mile 6% downgrade needs the vehicle to shift down. The easiest way to do it is with a manual. The hardest way is with my wife's vehicles over the past couple of decades, all of which had automatic transmissions without the capability to hold gears.
I could actually argue that manually shifting an automatic (when done properly) is LESS stressful than full auto. When manually shifting, you are cycling through all gears in order and keeping a steady tension on the drivetrain and always in the right gear before accelerating. In full auto, it responds to your pedal input, sometimes violently and by skipping gears, which puts a sudden impact on the drivetrain.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I was a little disappointed that the History Channel shows didn't delve a bit more into the designers like Harley Earl's Art & Color innovation. I also would have liked to see a bit of info on the independents. Thought the last episode was a little too focused on Iaccoca and Delorean. But by and large I enjoyed it.
Hey - don't give away the ending!
Hard to cover 100 years of American automotive history in 6 hours of TV.
Now, if Ken Burns were given the project ...
Does anyone know when the 3rd episode will be aired? And @Michaell, I thought Ford's patent fight was with the Amercan Society of Automotive Engineers. I had never heard of the guy (?) mentioned in the story. What's the real story.
I thought the 3rd episode was aired last night.
George Selden was the original patent holder for the automobile. The Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers was the organization created to align with Selden's interests and provide financial backing for legal action, such as against Ford.
I agree, it would be hard to actually damage a transmission by shifting improperly, but I have downshifted and the car did slow quickly. It isn't a big deal but everything contributes to wear and tear. I try to be as easy as possible on my cars....I try to drive as efficiently as possible...not necessarily to save gas.....just because the smoother the ride the more skill the driver has, and the easier it is on the car. For most people, slowing down can be done more efficiently and smoother, with less wear, just by slowing down using the brakes.
If you are talking about racing around corners, then shift away....that will probably be faster, but, probably harder on the car than simple braking would be.
If downshifting your automatic quickly slows the car it is either defective or doesn't rev match. And actually, smooth is fast- not slow; it's all about the friction circle and weight transfer. If a car won't allow you drive it smoothly at a rapid pace it isn't all that well engineered. Finally, you neverEVER downshift to slow down for a corner- you use the brakes; you downshift at the end of the braking zone so that the engine is in the optimum part of the power band and is ready to accelerate after hitting the(preferably late) apex of the corner.
I'll keep that in mind for the future. What you have just explained sounds like paddles are good for certain instances....ones which are of no use to me, which is fine. If I could have deleted them from the car and got my money for them I would have happily done that.
I could actually argue that manually shifting an automatic (when done properly) is LESS stressful than full auto. When manually shifting, you are cycling through all gears in order and keeping a steady tension on the drivetrain and always in the right gear before accelerating. In full auto, it responds to your pedal input, sometimes violently and by skipping gears, which puts a sudden impact on the drivetrain.
And have read articles which say:
Why use the transmission when brakes have to be replaced anyway, and it is cheaper and easier "for most people" to just use their brakes! It it probably quieter too, for the people who live nearby.
I could actually argue that manually shifting an automatic (when done properly) is LESS stressful than full auto. When manually shifting, you are cycling through all gears in order and keeping a steady tension on the drivetrain and always in the right gear before accelerating. In full auto, it responds to your pedal input, sometimes violently and by skipping gears, which puts a sudden impact on the drivetrain.
i like the sounds my car makes, "sometimes violently" when it responds to my pedal inputs:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I could actually argue that manually shifting an automatic (when done properly) is LESS stressful than full auto. When manually shifting, you are cycling through all gears in order and keeping a steady tension on the drivetrain and always in the right gear before accelerating. In full auto, it responds to your pedal input, sometimes violently and by skipping gears, which puts a sudden impact on the drivetrain.
i like the sounds my car makes, "sometimes violently" when it responds to my pedal inputs:)
You got that right!
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I could actually argue that manually shifting an automatic (when done properly) is LESS stressful than full auto. When manually shifting, you are cycling through all gears in order and keeping a steady tension on the drivetrain and always in the right gear before accelerating. In full auto, it responds to your pedal input, sometimes violently and by skipping gears, which puts a sudden impact on the drivetrain.
And have read articles which say:
Why use the transmission when brakes have to be replaced anyway, and it is cheaper and easier "for most people" to just use their brakes! It it probably quieter too, for the people who live nearby.
Using the transmission to slow the car is incorrect and certainly worse for the car, as I believe RB stated.
Let me try explaining another way. You can see the road ahead and know what you will next be doing, the car does not know until you give it pedal input. So I'm applying brake to enter a roundabout, let's say. I get down to 40mph and downshift to 3rd before rolling off the brake and back to the throttle to hold a steady speed through the turn. Get to my exit and roll on the throttle. The car need to nothing but accelerate steadily and smoothly. In full auto, it stays in 5th through all of this until I roll on the throttle, at which point it realizes I want to accelerate again and skips down to 3rd while I am on the gas, at which point it releases the engine's fury onto the transmission and driveline in one fell swoop (or utilizes the torque converter to gradually apply power through slippage and heat transfer). Which one sounds smoother and less stressful to the car?
of course, I'm not saying this is always the case or that full auto is bad. You can certainly drive very gingerly 100% of the time and never cause stress to the auto trans. But who wants to live that way?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I manually shift the automatic in the fintail a lot, as I don't want to be in 4th at 25. I also often downshift when slowing in some situations, as the engine seems happier when revving a little. It also doesn't seem to have the ability to skip gears (non-torque converter unit, if that might explain it). On the modern car, I virtually never shift for myself. It seems to know the appropriate gear, and rarely hunts around for one. Maybe being a diesel with endless torque everywhere helps.
Had just come out of the gym and gotten into the car this morning when I heard a noise from the street behind me. Turned around a saw a car going down the street, but it didn't look like it was just driving by. Was sort of out of place. Then another noise. When I pulled out and swung around...
Further observation revealed the source of the first noise... about 50 yards or so back up the hill, this car had apparently crossed to the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb, took out a street sign and uprooted a small tree, then came back across the road, up another curb, partially pushing over the fire hydrant that stopped the adventure. No broken water line, at least not before I left.
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance coverage.
Police, fire police and the water authority responded to the scene.
Had just come out of the gym and gotten into the car this morning when I heard a noise from the street behind me. Turned around a saw a car going down the street, but it didn't look like it was just driving by. Was sort of out of place. Then another noise. When I pulled out and swung around...
Further observation revealed the source of the first noise... about 50 yards or so back up the hill, this car had apparently crossed to the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb, took out a street sign and uprooted a small tree, then came back across the road, up another curb, partially pushing over the fire hydrant that stopped the adventure. No broken water line, at least not before I left.
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance coverage.
Police, fire police and the water authority responded to the scene.
Late 80s Oldsmobile?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Had just come out of the gym and gotten into the car this morning when I heard a noise from the street behind me. Turned around a saw a car going down the street, but it didn't look like it was just driving by. Was sort of out of place. Then another noise. When I pulled out and swung around...
Further observation revealed the source of the first noise... about 50 yards or so back up the hill, this car had apparently crossed to the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb, took out a street sign and uprooted a small tree, then came back across the road, up another curb, partially pushing over the fire hydrant that stopped the adventure. No broken water line, at least not before I left.
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance coverage.
Police, fire police and the water authority responded to the scene.
That seems odd in broad daylight. I wonder what incapacities the driver was operating the vehicle under?
I could actually argue that manually shifting an automatic (when done properly) is LESS stressful than full auto. When manually shifting, you are cycling through all gears in order and keeping a steady tension on the drivetrain and always in the right gear before accelerating. In full auto, it responds to your pedal input, sometimes violently and by skipping gears, which puts a sudden impact on the drivetrain.
And have read articles which say:
Why use the transmission when brakes have to be replaced anyway, and it is cheaper and easier "for most people" to just use their brakes! It it probably quieter too, for the people who live nearby.
Using the transmission to slow the car is incorrect and certainly worse for the car, as I believe RB stated.
Let me try explaining another way. You can see the road ahead and know what you will next be doing, the car does not know until you give it pedal input. So I'm applying brake to enter a roundabout, let's say. I get down to 40mph and downshift to 3rd before rolling off the brake and back to the throttle to hold a steady speed through the turn. Get to my exit and roll on the throttle. The car need to nothing but accelerate steadily and smoothly. In full auto, it stays in 5th through all of this until I roll on the throttle, at which point it realizes I want to accelerate again and skips down to 3rd while I am on the gas, at which point it releases the engine's fury onto the transmission and driveline in one fell swoop (or utilizes the torque converter to gradually apply power through slippage and heat transfer). Which one sounds smoother and less stressful to the car?
of course, I'm not saying this is always the case or that full auto is bad. You can certainly drive very gingerly 100% of the time and never cause stress to the auto trans. But who wants to live that way?
I thought the paddles would be cool when I first got them in my '06 A3, but to be honest, once the video-game novelty of them wore off, I pretty much never used them. S-mode on the DSG was just too good.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I could actually argue that manually shifting an automatic (when done properly) is LESS stressful than full auto. When manually shifting, you are cycling through all gears in order and keeping a steady tension on the drivetrain and always in the right gear before accelerating. In full auto, it responds to your pedal input, sometimes violently and by skipping gears, which puts a sudden impact on the drivetrain.
And have read articles which say:
Why use the transmission when brakes have to be replaced anyway, and it is cheaper and easier "for most people" to just use their brakes! It it probably quieter too, for the people who live nearby.
Using the transmission to slow the car is incorrect and certainly worse for the car, as I believe RB stated.
Let me try explaining another way. You can see the road ahead and know what you will next be doing, the car does not know until you give it pedal input. So I'm applying brake to enter a roundabout, let's say. I get down to 40mph and downshift to 3rd before rolling off the brake and back to the throttle to hold a steady speed through the turn. Get to my exit and roll on the throttle. The car need to nothing but accelerate steadily and smoothly. In full auto, it stays in 5th through all of this until I roll on the throttle, at which point it realizes I want to accelerate again and skips down to 3rd while I am on the gas, at which point it releases the engine's fury onto the transmission and driveline in one fell swoop (or utilizes the torque converter to gradually apply power through slippage and heat transfer). Which one sounds smoother and less stressful to the car?
of course, I'm not saying this is always the case or that full auto is bad. You can certainly drive very gingerly 100% of the time and never cause stress to the auto trans. But who wants to live that way?
OK, probably less stress on the transmission on a curve.....but, how about going down a steep hill?
Had just come out of the gym and gotten into the car this morning when I heard a noise from the street behind me. Turned around a saw a car going down the street, but it didn't look like it was just driving by. Was sort of out of place. Then another noise. When I pulled out and swung around...
Further observation revealed the source of the first noise... about 50 yards or so back up the hill, this car had apparently crossed to the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb, took out a street sign and uprooted a small tree, then came back across the road, up another curb, partially pushing over the fire hydrant that stopped the adventure. No broken water line, at least not before I left.
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance coverage.
Police, fire police and the water authority responded to the scene.
Late 80s Oldsmobile?
oldfarmer, I knew you would be drawn to that car. Why not put in an offer, probably get it for a steal right now?
I think it might be fun for all us old guys to list the procedure they have had that they hated the most.
I've had my share, but nothing is worse than the preparation for a colonoscopy! Not the colonoscopy itself (you are twilight sedated), but the preparation is pure misery.
I read Mr Beans medical procedure and I passed out for 4 hours. I don't even want to think about or read anyone's worst medical procedure ever! Mike could write a novel about his experiences
TMI!
Yeah, you're right @suydam. It was TMI. I apologize for that @driver100. But when you've gone through this, you kinda want to share the love. I've also had numerous colonoscopies and @fordfool is correct - the prep is agonizing.
Had just come out of the gym and gotten into the car this morning when I heard a noise from the street behind me. Turned around a saw a car going down the street, but it didn't look like it was just driving by. Was sort of out of place. Then another noise. When I pulled out and swung around...
Further observation revealed the source of the first noise... about 50 yards or so back up the hill, this car had apparently crossed to the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb, took out a street sign and uprooted a small tree, then came back across the road, up another curb, partially pushing over the fire hydrant that stopped the adventure. No broken water line, at least not before I left.
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance coverage.
Police, fire police and the water authority responded to the scene.
Late 80s Oldsmobile?
It's either an 88 or a 98. I think it's an 88 based on the slope of the roofline at the back but I can't tell for sure.
OK, probably less stress on the transmission on a curve.....but, how about going down a steep hill?
Unless you are towing, choosing a lower gear to go downhill isn't necessary.
We don't have hills down here, but when I am in a parking garage and I am driving from the top floor to ground level when I exit, the BMW brakes itself when I go down grade. I find that an interesting feature.
Got home yesterday afternoon to find an appointment notice in my mail for the Cardiology clinic - for this morning! It was dated July 27th on the postage meter so either someone at the hospital forgot to put it in the outgoing mail tray or the post office lost it somewhere along the way.
I was available so off I went for a 9:20AM appointment. I finally got out of there at 2:00PM after seeing a tech, a (quite lovely) cardiology coordinating nurse who took a full history, and two different surgeons. After all that I am on their list for their next Death Panel Cardiac Surgery conference which is either this coming Monday or the following week, I forget (I was craving lunch and badly needed to go to the bathroom by the time this verdict was reached).
I learned that they only do a few of these TAVI procedures each month and that the replacement valve they use (a quite impressive thing they showed my a full-size mockup of) costs $25,000. They seem to think I am a good candidate and I think I convinced them that I need it fixed. So now we wait for the decision of the jury.
I'm off to FLL airport in about 35 minutes to pick up my son and grandson - due in at 6:00 PM EDT. They flew Southwest Airlines. By the time they get their checked bags and go upstairs to departures, I'll just about be arriving.
I mentioned to my son to look for me in a white BMW - he then asked me what happened to my fixation on Mercedes Benz. I told him he has his uncle (my twin brother) to thank for the switch.
My Fusion definitely downshifts on it's own going down hills to help maintain your speed. I usually notice because the tach is reading higher rpm's than it normally would at that speed. I've only used the paddle shifters to downshift. It upshifts pretty readily.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Had just come out of the gym and gotten into the car this morning when I heard a noise from the street behind me. Turned around a saw a car going down the street, but it didn't look like it was just driving by. Was sort of out of place. Then another noise. When I pulled out and swung around...
Further observation revealed the source of the first noise... about 50 yards or so back up the hill, this car had apparently crossed to the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb, took out a street sign and uprooted a small tree, then came back across the road, up another curb, partially pushing over the fire hydrant that stopped the adventure. No broken water line, at least not before I left.
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance coverage.
Police, fire police and the water authority responded to the scene.
Late 80s Oldsmobile?
oldfarmer, I knew you would be drawn to that car. Why not put in an offer, probably get it for a steal right now?
Nah, busted up hoopties don't interest me. My father had an 87' Olds 88, that's why I noticed. Same color too.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I think it might be fun for all us old guys to list the procedure they have had that they hated the most.
I've had my share, but nothing is worse than the preparation for a colonoscopy! Not the colonoscopy itself (you are twilight sedated), but the preparation is pure misery.
I read Mr Beans medical procedure and I passed out for 4 hours. I don't even want to think about or read anyone's worst medical procedure ever! Mike could write a novel about his experiences
TMI!
Yeah, you're right @suydam. It was TMI. I apologize for that @driver100. But when you've gone through this, you kinda want to share the love. I've also had numerous colonoscopies and @fordfool is correct - the prep is agonizing.
No need to apologize here. Sometimes the only way to get over a traumatic experience is to retell the tale.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance
=======
You might be right, a car this old probably can't pass an emissions inspection and as a result can't be insured to drive on the roadways
If it's older than 1996 the emissions requirements are lower, right? At least it is in NY. My 1995 would pass inspection with the dash lit up like Christmas.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Had just come out of the gym and gotten into the car this morning when I heard a noise from the street behind me. Turned around a saw a car going down the street, but it didn't look like it was just driving by. Was sort of out of place. Then another noise. When I pulled out and swung around...
Further observation revealed the source of the first noise... about 50 yards or so back up the hill, this car had apparently crossed to the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb, took out a street sign and uprooted a small tree, then came back across the road, up another curb, partially pushing over the fire hydrant that stopped the adventure. No broken water line, at least not before I left.
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance coverage.
Police, fire police and the water authority responded to the scene.
That seems odd in broad daylight. I wonder what incapacities the driver was operating the vehicle under?
I saw the driver get out of the vehicle, no obvious impairment, so I'm thinking cell phone is a possibility
Had just come out of the gym and gotten into the car this morning when I heard a noise from the street behind me. Turned around a saw a car going down the street, but it didn't look like it was just driving by. Was sort of out of place. Then another noise. When I pulled out and swung around...
Further observation revealed the source of the first noise... about 50 yards or so back up the hill, this car had apparently crossed to the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb, took out a street sign and uprooted a small tree, then came back across the road, up another curb, partially pushing over the fire hydrant that stopped the adventure. No broken water line, at least not before I left.
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance coverage.
Police, fire police and the water authority responded to the scene.
Late 80s Oldsmobile?
oldfarmer, I knew you would be drawn to that car. Why not put in an offer, probably get it for a steal right now?
Nah, busted up hoopties don't interest me. My father had an 87' Olds 88, that's why I noticed. Same color too.
Had just come out of the gym and gotten into the car this morning when I heard a noise from the street behind me. Turned around a saw a car going down the street, but it didn't look like it was just driving by. Was sort of out of place. Then another noise. When I pulled out and swung around...
Further observation revealed the source of the first noise... about 50 yards or so back up the hill, this car had apparently crossed to the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb, took out a street sign and uprooted a small tree, then came back across the road, up another curb, partially pushing over the fire hydrant that stopped the adventure. No broken water line, at least not before I left.
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance coverage.
Police, fire police and the water authority responded to the scene.
That seems odd in broad daylight. I wonder what incapacities the driver was operating the vehicle under?
I saw the driver get out of the vehicle, no obvious impairment, so I'm thinking cell phone is a possibility
Speaking of which, the news had a story tonight on a 27 year old truck driver who rear ended and killed someone on I-90 because he was shopping online. He was doing a survey at the time. Unbelieveable.
I think whenI go back to work as a driver next year I'll list "unable to text" as a job skill.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Had just come out of the gym and gotten into the car this morning when I heard a noise from the street behind me. Turned around a saw a car going down the street, but it didn't look like it was just driving by. Was sort of out of place. Then another noise. When I pulled out and swung around...
Further observation revealed the source of the first noise... about 50 yards or so back up the hill, this car had apparently crossed to the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb, took out a street sign and uprooted a small tree, then came back across the road, up another curb, partially pushing over the fire hydrant that stopped the adventure. No broken water line, at least not before I left.
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance coverage.
Police, fire police and the water authority responded to the scene.
That seems odd in broad daylight. I wonder what incapacities the driver was operating the vehicle under?
I saw the driver get out of the vehicle, no obvious impairment, so I'm thinking cell phone is a possibility
I don't know why, but that reminds me an event I witnessed a few years ago.
I walked outside the main gate of the baseball field where I am groundskeeper one afternoon. I noticed an older lady driving very slowly down the street. She veered off the road, on to a grassy area, and ran into a telephone pole right smack in the middle of the grill. She didn't hit it very hard, but the impact did buckle the hood a little.
I started to walk over to see if she was OK when she stepped on the gas, with the car still securely against the pole. The front wheels were spinning and dirt was flying. Obviously she wasn't going anywhere with the telephone pole holding her back.
I stopped since something didn't seem exactly right ( ). Then she backed up, put it in drive, and drove down the street; never to be seen again.
I think it might be fun for all us old guys to list the procedure they have had that they hated the most.
I've had my share, but nothing is worse than the preparation for a colonoscopy! Not the colonoscopy itself (you are twilight sedated), but the preparation is pure misery.
I read Mr Beans medical procedure and I passed out for 4 hours. I don't even want to think about or read anyone's worst medical procedure ever! Mike could write a novel about his experiences
TMI!
Yeah, you're right @suydam. It was TMI. I apologize for that @driver100. But when you've gone through this, you kinda want to share the love. I've also had numerous colonoscopies and @fordfool is correct - the prep is agonizing.
Apology not necessary, understood. We are a very friendly group and this has been a good place to share problems. If it is of help to you, then I am glad to listen.....I can learn from good and bad experiences. I exaggerated to lighten the mood.
Had just come out of the gym and gotten into the car this morning when I heard a noise from the street behind me. Turned around a saw a car going down the street, but it didn't look like it was just driving by. Was sort of out of place. Then another noise. When I pulled out and swung around...
Further observation revealed the source of the first noise... about 50 yards or so back up the hill, this car had apparently crossed to the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb, took out a street sign and uprooted a small tree, then came back across the road, up another curb, partially pushing over the fire hydrant that stopped the adventure. No broken water line, at least not before I left.
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance coverage.
Police, fire police and the water authority responded to the scene.
That seems odd in broad daylight. I wonder what incapacities the driver was operating the vehicle under?
I saw the driver get out of the vehicle, no obvious impairment, so I'm thinking cell phone is a possibility
Speaking of which, the news had a story tonight on a 27 year old truck driver who rear ended and killed someone on I-90 because he was shopping online. He was doing a survey at the time. Unbelieveable.
I think whenI go back to work as a driver next year I'll list "unable to text" as a job skill.
OF, I gave you an lol because of this line "I think whenI go back to work as a driver next year I'll list "unable to text" as a job skill", which I found funny....not because of the accident or that someone was killed.
But, I can't figure out what kind of car that is was. Any idea? It looks like a Bentley or something with that roofline and the gas tank on the rear fender. It looks too big to be a PT Cruiser.
Comments
Oh yeh, and a football helmet.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Not the colonoscopy itself (you are twilight sedated), but the preparation
is pure misery.
I think it might be fun for all us old guys to list the procedure
they have had that they hated the most.
Mike could write a novel about his experiences
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If you are talking about racing around corners, then shift away....that will probably be faster, but, probably harder on the car than simple braking would be.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/new-2019-fisker-emotion-unveiled-13-06-2017/
I thought Fisker went bankrupt. 400 mile range sounds good.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Finally, you never EVER downshift to slow down for a corner- you use the brakes; you downshift at the end of the braking zone so that the engine is in the optimum part of the power band and is ready to accelerate after hitting the(preferably late) apex of the corner.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Using brakes (breaks for some) to slow down in mountain country is beyond incompetent, but it happens all the time. The vehicles of the people who do so can be smelled from quite some distance. A 6-8 mile 6% downgrade needs the vehicle to shift down. The easiest way to do it is with a manual. The hardest way is with my wife's vehicles over the past couple of decades, all of which had automatic transmissions without the capability to hold gears.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
George Selden was the original patent holder for the automobile. The Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers was the organization created to align with Selden's interests and provide financial backing for legal action, such as against Ford.
Try this article for more information
===
@Michaell, thanks for the clarification and the link to ALAM. And by the way, the 3rd episode became available On Demand on Comcast yesterday.
What you have just explained sounds like paddles are good for certain instances....ones which are of no use to me, which is fine. If I could have deleted them from the car and got my money for them I would have happily done that.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Why use the transmission when brakes have to be replaced anyway, and it is cheaper and easier "for most people" to just use their brakes! It it probably quieter too, for the people who live nearby.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Let me try explaining another way. You can see the road ahead and know what you will next be doing, the car does not know until you give it pedal input. So I'm applying brake to enter a roundabout, let's say. I get down to 40mph and downshift to 3rd before rolling off the brake and back to the throttle to hold a steady speed through the turn. Get to my exit and roll on the throttle. The car need to nothing but accelerate steadily and smoothly. In full auto, it stays in 5th through all of this until I roll on the throttle, at which point it realizes I want to accelerate again and skips down to 3rd while I am on the gas, at which point it releases the engine's fury onto the transmission and driveline in one fell swoop (or utilizes the torque converter to gradually apply power through slippage and heat transfer). Which one sounds smoother and less stressful to the car?
of course, I'm not saying this is always the case or that full auto is bad. You can certainly drive very gingerly 100% of the time and never cause stress to the auto trans. But who wants to live that way?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Further observation revealed the source of the first noise... about 50 yards or so back up the hill, this car had apparently crossed to the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb, took out a street sign and uprooted a small tree, then came back across the road, up another curb, partially pushing over the fire hydrant that stopped the adventure. No broken water line, at least not before I left.
Not to judge books by their cover, but if I had to guess, I thinking there's a good chance the driver was carrying little to no insurance coverage.
Police, fire police and the water authority responded to the scene.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Let me try explaining another way. You can see the road ahead and know what you will next be doing, the car does not know until you give it pedal input. So I'm applying brake to enter a roundabout, let's say. I get down to 40mph and downshift to 3rd before rolling off the brake and back to the throttle to hold a steady speed through the turn. Get to my exit and roll on the throttle. The car need to nothing but accelerate steadily and smoothly. In full auto, it stays in 5th through all of this until I roll on the throttle, at which point it realizes I want to accelerate again and skips down to 3rd while I am on the gas, at which point it releases the engine's fury onto the transmission and driveline in one fell swoop (or utilizes the torque converter to gradually apply power through slippage and heat transfer). Which one sounds smoother and less stressful to the car?
of course, I'm not saying this is always the case or that full auto is bad. You can certainly drive very gingerly 100% of the time and never cause stress to the auto trans. But who wants to live that way?
OK, probably less stress on the transmission on a curve.....but, how about going down a steep hill?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I was available so off I went for a 9:20AM appointment. I finally got out of there at 2:00PM after seeing a tech, a (quite lovely) cardiology coordinating nurse who took a full history, and two different surgeons. After all that I am on their list for their next
Death PanelCardiac Surgery conference which is either this coming Monday or the following week, I forget (I was craving lunch and badly needed to go to the bathroom by the time this verdict was reached).I learned that they only do a few of these TAVI procedures each month and that the replacement valve they use (a quite impressive thing they showed my a full-size mockup of) costs $25,000. They seem to think I am a good candidate and I think I convinced them that I need it fixed. So now we wait for the decision of the jury.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I mentioned to my son to look for me in a white BMW - he then asked me what happened to my fixation on Mercedes Benz. I told him he has his uncle (my twin brother) to thank for the switch.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I usually notice because the tach is reading higher rpm's than it normally would at that speed.
I've only used the paddle shifters to downshift. It upshifts pretty readily.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
No need to apologize here. Sometimes the only way to get over a traumatic experience is to retell the tale.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
If it's older than 1996 the emissions requirements are lower, right? At least it is in NY. My 1995 would pass inspection with the dash lit up like Christmas.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
Speaking of which, the news had a story tonight on a 27 year old truck driver who rear ended and killed someone on I-90 because he was shopping online. He was doing a survey at the time. Unbelieveable.
I think whenI go back to work as a driver next year I'll list "unable to text" as a job skill.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I walked outside the main gate of the baseball field where I am groundskeeper one afternoon. I noticed an older lady driving very slowly down the street. She veered off the road, on to a grassy area, and ran into a telephone pole right smack in the middle of the grill. She didn't hit it very hard, but the impact did buckle the hood a little.
I started to walk over to see if she was OK when she stepped on the gas, with the car still securely against the pole. The front wheels were spinning and dirt was flying. Obviously she wasn't going anywhere with the telephone pole holding her back.
I stopped since something didn't seem exactly right (
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
Ronin didn't make the top 17. Are you kidding me? :@
Which is cheaper to replace? Transmission, clutch,
or brake pads. That is the answer.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But, I can't figure out what kind of car that
iswas. Any idea? It looks like a Bentley or something with that roofline and the gas tank on the rear fender. It looks too big to be a PT Cruiser.2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250