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.

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.

Do I hybrid or not? What is a full vs mid-hybrid vehicle?

Ah, the question I get on a weekly basis. You may not have known the difference because you’re just now in the market for a new car. However, before you think about purchasing a hybrid vehicle, consider reading this post.

First of all, one of the most important things to understand is if you are dealing with a full or mid hybrid. A full hybrid has both a gas engine and electric motor. As a result they work in combination and can work in unison. Mid-hybrid vehicles have a gas engine and electric motor too. However, the mid hybrid’s electric motor supplements the gas engine’s load and, as a result, creates a more fuel efficient vehicle. So the next question, which is better? Full or mid? The answer is, if you care about fuel efficiency—both the full and mid hybrids are basically equally efficient.

So, let’s talk about this further—–is getting a hybrid worth it? I always look at this from the consumer’s perspective. If you are a consumer narrowly focused on purchasing a hybrid to accelerate the trend of fuel-efficiency, despite the costs, then I think you are the right customer for this type of vehicle. If you are a consumer interested in saving money, then I personally think you should wait –the technology is not quite there yet.

If you compare the current pricing of hybrid cars versus gas vehicles, given the average life of a vehicle, the consumer generally will not be able to recoup the difference. Also, repairing a hybrid is much more expensive and often an element that is not considered during the purchasing process. Have you asked how expensive it will be to replace the battery of a hybrid?

I am personally excited about the trend in electric cars and more fuel efficient vehicles, but making this purchase at this given time depends on what type of consume you are. So, do you hybrid or not? That all depends on you….

Are American Cars Old Fashioned? Is that why American automakers are losing money?

With so much buzz about the failing American car industry, these are questions I often get from individuals considering (but worried) about purchasing a GM, Ford, or any other American vehicle today.
The truth is, American cars are just as technologically advanced as their foreign counterparts. Another fact is that foreign automakers are in as much trouble financially as U.S. companies. This perception that American cars are not with the times and the only auto manufacturers in the world in financial trouble is just that—-a perception. It’s a public relations issue that the auto industry needs to spend money on to get themselves out of this hole. Don’t believe me…..read on.

Toyota, who has been posting losses over the last few months, was also bailed out and even posted a recent loss of 39%. Honda also received government funding and posted a recent loss of 36%. By comparison Ford lost 42%, GM 44%, and Chrysler 39%. The difference in financial situation and losses between foreign and American cars is minimal, yet if you shared these facts with the average person on the street, they would not believe you.

When it comes to technology, the reason why Toyota is perceived as a producer of more advanced and innovative vehicles is that they were one of the first—-that’s it. As a matter of fact, American automobiles offer more technologically advanced vehicles to consumers than foreign companies do! From a technological perspective, what distinguishes American and foreign vehicles, is the type of technology they utilize —not the amount of bells and whistles they offer. They both utilize a different approach/innovation to accomplish basically the same thing. They may both use different motors that result in a more fuel efficient car, but they both offer the technology to consumers. They may both use different computer features to make functions smoother, but they both end up with the same result.

Next time you are looking for an innovative car and trying to decide between American and foreign, don’t assume foreign vehicles offer the most modern solutions and are a safer purchase given the negative media. You may actually find more choices by taking a second look at American cars.

Car companies need to reduce operational costs but they also need to invest in something even more important —an aggressive public relations campaign to remove the negative stigma consumers have about American cars. Removing the stigma in itself will help bring new customers and revenue.