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That’s the problem with the Canadian translation of the US language. While no one has bothered either of my Hyundai’s because they are under lock and Doberman protection while in my garage, that can’t be said for the guy that lives in the double wide two doors down. His Kia, while sitting un-protected outside, was snatched a month ago.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Oh that's just from all the salesmen in the dealship doing "drop patches" and "doughnuts" in the parking lot with it before delivery. Selling cars is a stressfull business and the boys need to blow off a little steam. :P joking face.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I know I'm crazy for the most part, but I'd rather have it and not need it for how little space it takes up. Inevitably on the long drives my fiancee uses the blanket anyway since I err on the side of keeping the car cooler than super warm on long drives.
I never really thought about it being a “Western PA” thing but maybe it is.
I see you’ve peeked into my trunk when I go grocery shopping. Except for a “small tool pouch” (I have a bonified tool box) and I don’t have a spare of ALL bulbs but I do have the important ones.
A little bit more on the tool box:
When Son #1 was in high school he called from a pay phone when he was with a friend who drove to a party and broke down on the way home. I drove to the crime scene and when I took the tool box out of my trunk and opened it his friend's eyes just opened wide and he said, “I know now what your son meant when he said don’t worry, he probably has what you need to get going again”. Lucky for him I always threw the points I took out of my car (GM type) when I did a tune up and put them in that box for the ‘just in case I need them one day’ event. It helped my kid’s friend that night and other parts helped other people at other times. Sometimes even me.
Another thing I do is throw the old wiper blades in the trunk. That helped a secretary one cold night when we walked out together. She turned her wipers on while they were frozen to the windshield and tore the rubber off the frames. When I helped her she said, “man, am I glad you had those in your trunk. I don’t know how I would have made it home. Even worse, I don’t know how I would have explained to my husband that I did that. He’s warned me a couple of times to make sure I break them lose before turning them on but I forgot this time”.
Sometimes crap happens.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
LOL, I like that you take a pair of heavy underwear with you. Funny how all the guys who drive their D3 cars stock them up with emergency supplies. Not sure what that means, but I am sure a psychologist would have a field day with that one.
Could be not as adventurous, could be anal retentive, could be OCD...but it probably means something. Sames the same group doesn't trust a computer.
They probably write out a hardcopy of emails they want to save in case the computer breaks down. And, like I said before, they like to multiply on paper instead of using a calculator.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
During winter I do carry a small survival kit in my car. I do drive a lot through the rural midwest and many time I can be a significant distance from any know shelter. There have been times when I have been caught out when a surprise heavy snowstorm developed suddenly leaving me with little time to get to a town. So far I have never been stranded but I came close enough times.
I won't leave the metro area in winter without some survival gear.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
No, I didn't say that. People here said they prefer to check their dipstick instead of using the computer analytical information the car processes. I stated my preference to have the computer do this........and I think the computer does it better and is much more accurate than eyeballing a dipstick.
You never told me what kind of car you drive and if you want to.....why!
I might be over the top in calling a car with a dipstick a Dino-Sore but I am making the point, it is called literary licence. Do you remember before air conditioning, remote door locks, power windows became mainstream we thought those were just unnecessary extravagances for the wealthy? Now we accept them as standard equipment and wouldn't want to be without them. It is the same with a dipstick....it will be a relic from the past in a few years, all cars will have monitors to watch the oil levels. Looking at a dipstick will be the same as winding down your windows would be today.
So, what kind of car you got verdigo?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I meant that I didn't quite understand having a spare pair of Jockey shorts in my trunk, but I could understand having long underwear to put on in case of being stuck like the folks in upstate NY this week on I90. Pulling on insulated layers would mean running the car motor less to keep warm.
Last winter, at Christmas I think, we left lower Michigan near Detroit later in the day than I wanted. A group of snow flurries had gone through northern Ohio and lower Michigan from lake effect snow. The 2-3 inches left a only glaze on the interstate pavement because it blew off mostly. The 4-wheel drive folks and people with cars on racing slicks proceeded to start sliding off. This stopped traffic off and on for 25 miles or so. I was afraid we were going to be sitting there all night in light snow flurries and 3 inches on the grass and a quarter inch of glaze on the tracks on I75. The 3.25 hour trip home took 6 hours. We were ready to get into the trunk where we had leftover food friends had sent home and water.
I did not see any semis off the road. That tells me the problem was the 4-wheel drivers who didn't slow down at the first sign of icing on the pavement tracks.
But our trunk was stocked along with a full tank of fuel.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Come on, list the items firefighter...you probably have fire fighting equipment like an axe and a hose.
List them and I will ask my wife what she thinks about it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Stocked with beer and chips?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Hey Makola, throw in a bottle of wine and you would have all the emergency situations covered. Like you said, you never know !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Yours is the 3rd generation right? It shows two 2005's. One is the 4th generation they call a...forget, with XG on the end. I think it is basically an Azera.
Her ’05 was built in July 2004 and I bought it at the end of April 2005. So it has to be the earlier generation. I remember Son #1 saying when I bought it, “I’m surprised they would build that car without a sunroof and seat heaters which probably explains why the dealer had it so long and was willing to sell it for your price”. ’05 was the last year for the XG model. In ’06 that model took on the name Azera and I don’t think you could get an ‘06 Azera (or later years) without a sunroof and bun warmers.
If I were to buy your car, I might actually go to the trouble of putting seat heaters in it. Actually, ya know...if your wife still likes everything else about the XG, why don't you do that? I think there are kits, and the coils slip in under the existing seat covering. Sure would be cheaper than replacing the XG.
Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that and since I have a niece who married a guy who works for one of the top indy body shops here in the Burgh area, I should ask him about that when the family gets together for the holidays. It makes no sense dumping an otherwise perfectly good car just because it doesn't have bun warmers.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Reminds me of a story. Two guys out shopping for cars see a liquor truck with the rear door open. They steal a case of booze -- sell it --then use the money to get drunk.
Survival gear!!! Holy cr--! Like a rifle to hunt bears.
By the way what car cost 20% less than a BMW but is just as good?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Since I presume that you know that no car made in the last of 70 or 80 years is capable of starting using a hand crank. So I will take that as a rather infintile rebuttal.
Secondly I am advocating occasional checks under the hood in case the sensors and computers they load cars with don't do their jobs correctly not carrying spare parts in case something goes bad.
The warning lights in the BMW (and these are a lot more sophisticated than idiot lights) are connected to sensors that tell you when your brakes need replacing or of course if you need air in your tires.
Interesting, you're the first "car geek" that I have ever come by that didn't call every warning light "idiot lights". FWIW I have those air pressure sensors in the Sebring, I still get my air pressure gage and check occasionally. Why? Because 1.)
idiotwarning lights and sensors fail and 2.) the sensor tells me when they get below a certain pressure not when it approaches it. (Although the first reason is the main reason).Maybe take the wheels off and check your brake pads every month too.
Better to keep an visual eye on the brakes then have the sensor malfunction and start grinding the rotors. its really not that difficult to check brake pads as you rotate tires. You can get a good ideal if they will easily last to the next rotation or need to be replaced soon.
so you better start getting used to change and start to embrace technology
Oh I embrace technology as well as anyone else. However I take a realistic view on it knowing that the more advanced the technology is the more likely it is to fail. For that reason I prefer to verify what the technology says. To many times I have had technology say one thing only to find it was wrong.
I am sure you guys didn't trust a calculator when they first came out, now you probably couldn't add or at least multiply in your heads any more
I can add in my head better than some can using a 10 key. I never didn't trust an 10 key but I always run the numbers twice due to possible fat finger mistakes. Always best to verify.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Good example\ of the problem wit technology. Sure the fuel injectors are a step up from the carbirator, but if the fuel injection system goes south its to the mechanic but the carbirator goes someone with basic knowledge of the system can get it going. Don't twist this around by saying I think cars should have carbirators, just giving an example of issues that can come from advances in technology. Cars used to be much easier to work on.
I am certain there is a backup system that will warn you in time,
Yes most cars have one, its called a dipstick.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Yes, it's a really difficult and exhausting procedure.
"I was thinking the new Dino-Sore will also feature a fuel pump and carburetor for those of you who don't trust technology. Then if you have a breakdown you get get your screwdriver out and make an adjustment."
I must admit that I have a overbearing fear of technology; I've rechipped several Bosch ECUs- and I've only installed two 7.1 home theater systems and two 5.1 systems(using both manual and Audyssey MultiEQ XT calibration). Yes, I'm a real Luddite.
I am certain there is a backup system that will warn you in time, and it is probably better than taking your car to the corner garage where they refill it with used oil or something.
So you are certain that the oil level sensor has a backup system? Please tell us about it. The tech editor of the BMW CCA magazine doesn't think so. In any event, a dipstick would be a cheap, simple, and effective backup.
My used cars are A1 and are as good as any used car you could buy.
Not if you've only changed the oil every 15K miles or so. The used oil analysis results for my X3 that show the TBN drops below 1.0 by 9500 miles- meaning the additive pack ist kaput.
I have a pretty full day and a full week. I don't have time to mess around with my car.
Well some people buy BMWs to drive, but the vast majority buy them to wear. I think that you have made it abundantly clear which group you fall into.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
It does snow here once in awhile (Seattle) but nothing like some of you guys get.
After spending most of my life in So. California, I'm spoiled.
Of course, there are negatives to living anywhere and California is no exception to that!
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I assume you wouldn't get on an airplane unless you can check the dipstick first.
Kind of like in airplane, when they have the hood open and he can check the dipstick.
I'll trust technology as long as it isn't life or death. I think all this comes under the category of "things to worry about - that will probably never happen."
Just to clarify...the old warning lights that came on once your engine was toast because the oil level was too low, I would call idiot lights. Lights hooked up to a computer that is analyzing are highly sophisticated, and I wouldn't call them idiot lights. People who think they can analyze oil better than the onboard computer I might refer to as, well, I won't say it, it would be too easy. Maybe the word is "smart" and maybe not.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I immediately lost a bit of respect for them. Apparently some of those trannys lasted ok...if you consider 100 to 120k ok) and others gave it up sooner. It has to make one wonder that if new fluid could have been swapped in, they probably would have lasted longer. All these sorts of things means that it affects resale value. Usually it lasts the wty period, but what about the next one or two subsequent owners? Many people actually expect 300k or more out of their cars. It hurts to do a 2500 dollar tranny repair on a car that you couldn't sell for 1000 bucks a few months later, prior to it then having some other catastrophic failure that has you deciding to take it off the road.
You won't think that I have a great mind when I tell you why I haven't been here during the last 252 messages. Still, I didn't miss much---the continuing debate on the merits of a BMW and the dipstick vs. technology saga. It was because of my Cyber Monday purchase of a 23 inch monitor that I have not been around these parts.
I begin by saying that what happened was totally my own stupid fault. Though I am not mechanically inclined as you know, I certainly thought that I could unplug one monitor and plug in a new one. Oh, hell no. I managed to destroy my entire desk top. I was not able to unplug the large cord leading from the old monitor to the tower. I never realized that there were two blue screws the same color as the blue plug holding the plug to the tower. I just kept pulling on the plug. Finally, I got pissed off and gave the plug one big yank. That yank was a costly mistake. I pulled off the back plate, other plugs, and parts of the inner workings that I never knew existed.
I immediatley called my neighbor across the street who is retired and operates a computer repair business from his home. Jim came right over with tool kit in hand. When he saw what I had done, he asked, "How would you like a new computer for Christmas?" With my new 23 inch monitor in tow, I made a trip to town to return it and look for a new computer package. I visited Best Buy, Walmart, and Staples. Jim told me not to purchase any software or security devices. He would install everything and save me "a bunch of money".
Staples was having a great sale on HP's With the sale and my rewards money, I purchased the HP which came with keyboard and mouse. Jim had made me a list of things to look out for on the PC---plenty of Ram, Quad Core, etc. Though I didn't have a clue as to what his list meant, I followed his instructions. They had the 25 inch Hannspree monitors on sale, so I purchased one of those. Jim later confirmed that I had done a good job with the purchases. My cost at the store was $678. Jim set up my new computer , installed all of his software and security features, and transferred all of my files and email from the old hard drive for $150. Total cost was $828. I was pleased.
My wife gave me some good advice. When you know that you are technically challenged, call an expert to do the work. I intend to remember this advice.
Richard
Glad you're back.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I plan on getting back into it once I'm done with school - I just can't give them the time they deserve right now with all the work I have.
Good point, those planes have tons of sensors and warning lights. Guess what? They get regular visual inspections, IIRC on a daily basis.
BTW nice strawman argument.
Just to clarify...the old warning lights that came on once your engine was toast because the oil level was too low,
Really? Then I know a lot of people who drove around cars that were "toast". Those old warning lights came on long before the car became "toast". When the light came on you were low but still had enough to protect the car, maybe not for long but you still had enough.
Lights hooked up to a computer that is analyzing are highly sophisticated,
Highly sophisticated = more prone to failure. I certainly hope that you never have a situation where that highly sophisticated computer fails as you oil goes bad and you end up with a three thousand pound paperweight.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
For over three years, I gave you hell about buying Mrs. J that furniture. You will enjoy the fact that "what goes around, comes around". We have some old friends who have decided to down size. They are selling their 5 year old dining room furniture---table, ten chairs and side board. it was hand made by a company in Connecticut and really is the most beautiful dining room furniture that i ever seen. They paid $23K for it. They called to offer it to us for $10K. My wife keeps bugging me about it. She even found a buyer for ours---clever isn't she? I keep avoiding the topic, but she mentions it at least every other day. I thought of you yesterday. Never again will I bug you about Mrs. J's furniture wishes.
Richard
OK, who is this...and what have you done with Richard?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
If your reporter needs a poster who can share how to RAISE the insurance rates, have him/her give me a call. The answer is to change your insurance from an Explorer to a Cadillac. :sick:
Richard
Here is my complaint: Is it really necessary to put all of the canned goods in one plastic bag? Do they think that older people need to work out with weights? As for those cases of 24 bottles of water, I won't even go there.
Richard
Probably time to move on...
Richard
I must have gotten your ashtray. I don't know why, but my Explorer came with two of them. We kept pocket change in one of them.
Richard
Richard
That can happen when you don't understand how things work.
When one of the headlights failed on my 1991 oldsmobile I figured I could replace it myself. After all, I had replaced dozens in my lifetime. What I didn't know was the auto industry had done away with seal-beam headlamps while I was asleep somewhere.
Thinking that I should just undo a few screws from the outside and replace the whole lamp I started unscrewing things, pulling off chrome, ripping out gaskets, on and on until I had the entire headlight assembly hanging out.
It was only then that I realized that I only needed to replace the tiny bulb from the back of the assembly. Words that I can't print here flowed forth for some time.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I have to agree. When I was out of town last summer, he really trashed my interest in the Town Car---unflattering cartoons, sarcastic remarks, etc. He means no ill will, but that superior attitude about BMWs gets a bit heavy at times. I'm glad that he loves what he drives, but BMWs are not superior to all cars. "Feel of the road" is the last thing that I want. I consider that a car that has that as a top priority is inferior to many others. Still, if that rocks his boat, then have a nice voyage.
Richard
hmmm, ya don't say. Sounds pretty good. Maybe it's only us paranoid types that would still prefer the old fashioned dipstick... the seeing is believing crowd.
It's great to see you back.
And you probably needed a new computer, didn't you? How long had you had your previous one? Jim sounds like a man after my own heart in re puttting on programs that do the job inexpensively rather than the sales packs some computer places like to sell customers as scareware.
I really like HP because of the 24x7 live chat one can do from their computer with questions and asking for help. That has worked so much better than calling a call center in another country seeking help.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I still use my brain AND a calculator. I always check my numbers twice, especially in my checkbook. I use my brain first, followed by the calculator. I don't wish to get rusty on my basic math skills, plus it helps keep your brain active and alert.
When the calculator first appeared, I was thrilled. As a teacher, I had to average long columns of grades every six weeks for 150 students....and check them twice. Each student had about 40 grades every six weeks. That was 6,000 grades done twice---12,000 total. It took many hours to do it by hand. The calculator was a life saver.
Richard
I hope that you won't mind if I brag on you for a moment in front of the other posters. As i mentioned here earlier, my prostate exam did not produce good results. I had more extensive tests done. The results came back negative---no cancerous cells. I am so blessed and so thankful. I didn't get the results until the Monday after Thanksgiving. My Christmas is made for me. I am so happy.
Imidazol97 was such a comfort to me. He sent me information, personal experience with his own surgery, and encouraging emails. I have a lump in my throat as I tell you this. He is a wonderful guy. I really needed a person who had been there and who understood my fears. Keith was an angel sent from God. Little did I know when I came here in 2007, that posters like Mack and Keith would mean something in my life. This is a great bunch of nice people. Thanks Keith. I just had to say this in front of the others.
Richard
Nice to have you back. I was worried that your new SRX broke down on the highway somewhere along the coast, and you forgot to take a flare gun, blankets, army rations, power bars etc. that everyone seems to carry around with them. Guess that is why they invented trunks.
Good story about the computer. I once read the good thing about those bad experiences is it gives you a good story to tell other people. I don't know if it is worth 800 bucks to be able to do that though.
So, how often do you check your dipstick? I want to know how often a typical Caddie driver checks under the hood.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
a guage tells you where you are on the full/empty spectrum. A light is all or nothing (fine or low).
Hey, I also don't want a warning light to replace my gas gauge!
If I am about to leave on a long trip, I would much rather know that I am 9/10 of a quart low, instead of finding out a couple hundred miles later when the sensor decides to tell me.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Richard
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I know exactly how you feel. I had some pretty choice words myself. My wife even put her hands over the dog's ears. :P
Richard
Well, like I said the early Volkswagens had a dipstick in the gas tank. Put one of those in your gas tank in case the guage isn't working properly, just as a backup.
Those early VWs also had a switch so you could switch to tank number two if you ran out of fuel, maybe that would help, just in case.
That should provide extra security, just in case the gas gauge malfunctions.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Well if you think that was silly, I have another idea that should really help a lot of people. A dipstick for the radiator, just in case that warning light or heat guage malfunctions.
The thing is, some people prefer a sophisticated system that will analyze the oil and will tell you when you need an oil change, and it can take all the other factors into consideration such as if you are towing something, if the air is dusty, if you have been driving short distances. The computer monitors this and comes up with a time to change your oil, at about the 15,000 mile point - give or take depending on driving conditions.
Or you can use your eyeball to check your oil level and the clarity. All I have ever said from the beginning is I prefer to trust the onboard computer. I have done my fair share of checking dipsticks and I don't have the urge to do that any more.
Even if they offered to install a dipstick for me I wouldn't want it.....I feel fine trusting the car's diagnostic system.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
and the radiator does have a guage built in (on the overflow tank) so that is covered.
the gas gauge you do have a back up though, which is what all the VW owners did. Keep an eye on miles driven! and fill early and often.
at least with the gauge, you should have a clear idea right away if it is acting up.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
You seem to have developed a high degree of anger and hostility over this dipstick thread that betrays the sarcastic levity stance portrayed in your posts. If you don't believe me ask your wife. Calm down. Most of us here prefer oil dipsticks and you don't. That doesn't make us better or superior... or does it? :surprise:
While we're at it, why are you poking fun at these posters who carry car supplies? What's wrong with being prepared? I may not live in the snow belt, but even I carry one or two things---jumper cables, flashlight, a blanket and a small air pump. If we go on a long trip (200 miles or more), we always carry food and water. We were once stuck in an ice storm near Williamsburg, VA after dark. Our dinner came from the trunk. Since we didn't get rescued until after dawn, we were very glad to have that food. The blanket was very nice as well. Here again, you are just playing around. I know that you have some things in your car in case of an emergency.
BTW, send me your email address again. The one that I have isn't working for some reason. I have the one with your wife's name in it. Bless her heart. She deserves a trophy for living with you. Are you sure that you're glad that I am back?
Richard