TOYOTA’S TROUBLES

Toyota anticipates they will spend approximately $440 million on a possible accelerator pedal recall, which has been reported to have cause deaths and serious injuries here in the United States.

Over 3.8 million vehicles are estimated to be recalled, for a faulty floor mat that can dislodge from the holding clip if equipped or not and suddenly becomes stuck between the accelerator pedal and the floor causing the vehicle to rev out of control.

This is Toyota’s claim and quick fix and it is not settling with many industry experts. Who believe there are other factors that can lead to such unfortunate occurrences even the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have found other problems on a Lexus ES 350 that was responsible for killing four people in the California.

Although pedal height to floor clearance maybe possible for some of these reported issues there are other areas needs to be explored intensively like the Pedal assembly design which are now cable-less a flyby wire system, loose components, faulty wiring Throttle Body Unit and any accompanying  sensors, monitoring computer command PID’s data signal, and a possible reprogramming of the PCM. A percentage remain that driver error could be a possibility.

To duplicate this intermittent concern can be tedious and time consuming, however for all the lives and money that could be save it is worth every investment, not to mention Toyota’s reputation

For anyone who has ever had a personal computer problem well there is no difference in the automobile.

In today’s sophisticated technologically advance automobile having upwards of thirty  individual modules that control system, like Brake, Steering, Climate Control, lighting, Anti-Theft, Suspension, Seats, Doors, Electronics Controls, Navigation System, Parking, Tire Pressure, to name a few, delivering their information over a network  can at times lead to mishap.

Imagine a classroom full of students all attempting to speak with their teacher at once, and for that teacher to intake, process, and command each student concern simultaneously in repetitive fashion throughout the day, at some point their bound to be an error.

The action taken to correct this problem by the PCM may not be favorable and this is where a glitch can happen. An uncharacteristic response becomes noticeable

Thousands of data are monitored and processed within milliseconds in response to drivers input and command, oftentimes an overload of information can cause an erratic performance where reprogramming the PCM sometimes fixes the problem.

PREMIUM PRICES

Since late spring of 2008, used car prices have been steadily raising based on a number of reasons that contributed toward these factors.

The recession, Job loss, and insecurity have caused buyers to hold off purchasing new vehicles, rental fleets have been holding on to their cars longer, and leaseholders are purchasing their vehicle after their lease term ends, and to make matters worse the CARS program that deplete inventory of almost 700.000 vehicles.

 It has been decades since used cars are in such short supply of almost 4 million units. Dealers are beginning to scramble for used vehicle by any means, even scanning used car classified for vehicle on sale, by private sellers and are trying to make a deal, in order to fill up their empty lots.

When you consider that, dealers could make more profit selling a used car verses new, you begin to understand why they have decide to pull out the conventional way of doing business, even offering you more on your trade-in, some dealers will even buy your vehicle if you don’t buy one from them that is how desperate they have gotten.

Right now it is a seller’s market, sellers could get premium for their used vehicle but do not let greed get in the way

Many sellers are looking at the blue book value and taking it as gospel, almost everyone I have asked this question about selling their car for blue book value said they would want the amount suggested and more, without taking into consideration, condition of vehicle, and various options that can offset the price significantly.

Be realistic ask yourself if you would pay that amount for a used vehicle, set a fair price I don’t mean give it away but again a fair price, and I guarantee your vehicle will be sold in a short time. I have not seen a properly priced vehicle remain on the market longer than average.

If you decide to sell to a dealer, keep in mind that they use the black book and not the blue book and would not pay you premium, but if you negotiate a price between both books and closer to your asking price for a profit then the deal maybe to your advantage.   

Take into consideration, how long have you being trying to sell your vehicle. How much does it cost you each week that the vehicle remain on the market and make a practical decision.

Did You Know Your Car Had a Pollen Filter

Did you know that Your Car has a Pollen Filter?

Have you ever wondered how it is possible to smell outside odor, good or bad, while driving with your windows closed? Well, it’s through the car’s air filtration system, the same system that filters out debris like…POLLEN! That’s right your car has a pollen filter.

Alternately called a “Cabin” filter, the filter….well it filters out impurities in the air. Developed years ago, such filters can be the difference between life and death for sensitive passengers with severe allergies to pollen, dust, grass and other outdoor particulate matter.

It is recommended by most manufacturers that your filter should be replaced every 15,000 miles, for those cars that have filters as standard hardware. However, during the spring and summer months, or in most dusty environments, I would recommend checking it every 5,000 miles. Vacuuming the filter will also prolong the life of the filter and promote healthier cabin air.

Check the owner’s manual, or consult with your mechanic to get more information on your vehicles pollen filter.

Auto Tip – Air Filters

City drivers should change their air filters annually, or every 15,000 miles. Rural drivers should check monthly for build up, and change as needed.

Top 5 Things You Can Teach Your Kids About Cars

From a very young age, kids are fascinated with cars. Racing cars, ambulances, dump trucks, fire engines; they all hold a special place in the hearts of the young, and the young at heart. And while most of us parents take special pride in our children’s eagerness to jump in the car to “go for a ride, just you and me,” it is important that we also remind these same children of the many responsibilities that come with car ownership. Keep in mind, it doesn’t have to be all spark plugs and break pads, and grease and mud up to your elbows. That’s better suited for them when they are ready to drive. Ignite your little one’s sense of responsibility with these 5 things. They are easy, fun, and important!

1. Exterior Care – Wash the car. Did you know that a clean car, washed and waxed, is more aerodynamic and better on gas consumption? That’s right. Clean cars get better gas mileage because they slip through the air with less air turbulence. A clean car also shows the driver’s pride in the vehicle and their desire to keep it in tip-top shape. And it’s fun! When is the last time you washed the car with your kid, that didn’t end up in a water fight?

2. Interior Care – Keep the interior clean and free of clutter. While you’re washing the car, clean out the inside too. Keeping the inside picked up keeps the driver from being distracted by items rolling around in the floorboard. And, in an accident or a sudden stoppage, those discarded things could become projectiles in the car.

3. Safety – Wear your seat belt and make sure drivers observe posted speed limits! More lives are saved every year by simply fastening seat belts and keeping the car’s speeds under control. Not speeding also saves on gas and cuts down on the car’s emissions. That’s safety for the environment too!

4. Components – Keep your hands to yourself. One of the first things we want to do when we get into a car is fiddle with the radio, put the seats in a more comfortable position, open and close the windows. But that’s not a very good idea, especially for little ones. While all the shiny surfaces and flashing lights are enticing, today’s new cars are outfitted with Navigational systems, On-Star, and satellite radio, to mention a few – systems that can easily be messed up by little hands. Instead, children under 80 pounds or 12 years of age, should only sit in the back seat, where there are fewer components, and should not touch any equipment unless told to do so by the driver.

5. Maintenance – Kick the tires, change the fluids. Kids like to get dirty! They like pulling dipsticks and checking tires. And with you there to help and guide them, you can teach them a very important lesson about car maintenance and preventative car care at the same time you are enjoying one-on-one time with a special little one.

It is important that children be aware of all the responsibilities that come along with vehicle ownership. Cars are one of the most important purchases they will make as adults. Showing them what it means to be a responsible owner will anchor important principles they can carry with them when they are ready to make a purchase of their own. Plus the bonding spirit between parent and child is unforgettable.