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.

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.

The Recession Question: Repairing versus Buying?

The economy is down, the automotive industry is trying to survive, and the good news is that the price of a vehicle has never been better. Some people are taking advantage of these savings and replacing all their fleet and/or personal cars. Others rather weather the recession by repairing their existing vehicles. So, that begs the question, is it better to buy now or to repair?

First of all, if you’re financially able to do it, as a favor to the auto industry and the economy please…PLEASE consider buying. Not only will you be able to get an amazing deal but you’ll also be part of the solution and helping the auto industry get out of this mess. If you rather wait and repair the vehicles that you currently have, think about this.

The four most expensive vehicle repairs are related to major engine, transmission, rear axle, and electronics problems. If these are not the current issues with your car, then it MAY be ok/practical to keep or “nurse” you car until you are in a better financial position to purchase a new one. Of course, if you’ve been neglecting certain repairs and then end up with a laundry list of items, you may want to check the blue book value of your vehicle and make a decision. You can also contact us or a friend who has automotive knowledge to help you decide.

So, if you just got a bonus and you’re trying to figure out what to do with the extra cash—consider buying a car. Prices have never been better. If you need a small repair like replacing a starter or radiator—go ahead and make a trip to the mechanic.

GAS EFFICIENCY SCAM ALERT

As gas prices increase, so have advertisements about products that claim to clean your gas tank and increase your fuel efficiency.  DO NOT BE FOOLED.  I have a term for these types of liquid products –I call them snake oil.

For my friends and clients looking to make their cars more fuel efficient, I tell them to redirect their dollars and spend it on efforts that actually DO increase fuel efficiency such as:

• Maintaining clean air-filters
• Keeping tires well inflated
• Reducing weight of vehicle (empty out that trunk!)
• Tightening your gas cap to reduce gas evaporation

These are inexpensive and easy ways of making a real difference in fuel efficiency.  Save your money!

Parent Auto Tip

Instead of crayons, which can melt in a hot car, consider color pencils.   Just make sure the tips are not too sharp and that sharpeners are kept in a glove compartment away from kids.  This is an easy way to preserve the condition of your seats and value of your car.