Clik here to view.
The Ideal Vehicle Speed for Best Fuel Economy
The precise number varies by car and environmental conditions, but the sweet spot is generally between 40-60 mph (65-95 km/h). Most small and medium size cars get the best mileage at about 50 mph (80...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Why do Some Cars Have Blue Headlights?
Traditionally, cars have had yellowish headlights. Now, many cars have light blue colored headlights. Some cars come with those headlights from the factory and other times, owners will install similar...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Why U-Hauls Have Arizona License Plates
Most U-Haul vehicles have Arizona license plates. Here’s a typical example. The following picture was taken in the Toronto area, the information on the side is about Newfoundland and the license plate...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Gas Arrow
Rent, borrow or commandeer an unfamiliar car and you’ll need to gas it up eventually. You know your own car like the back of your TV remote, but you’ve got nothing on this car. The gauge is near empty...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Start Your Lawn Mower in One Pull
If your mower is hard to start or runs rough, this secret is for you. I get a lot of these secrets from my dad and he gave me this one last spring. My mower ran a little rough and it took a couple hard...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Understanding Trucker Signals
By Chad Upton | Editor You can’t go far on the highway without seeing a semi-truck. While they may be intimidating to some, in many cases they are the most careful drivers on the road — their life and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
One US Highway Uses Kilometers Instead of Miles
Mile markers line our highways. Like many other things, they were invented in ancient Greece. Originally, they were called “milestones” because they were stone posts engraved with the number of miles...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Police Do Not Have a Speeding Ticket Quota
A friend of mine is a cop and I’ve been lucky enough to go on a few ride-along trips with him. It’s pretty interesting to get a firsthand look at the job of a police officer. It gives you a lot of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Inactive Cell Phones Can Still Call 911
Over half of 911 calls originate from cell phones. This number will only increase as traditional phone service declines and cell phone adoption rates continue to rise. In the US and Canada, wireless...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Diesel Fuel Nozzles Don’t Fit in Standard Fuel Cars
Diesel cars are not popular in North America. But, diesel engines are fairly popular in pickup trucks and are becoming more popular in North American cars. Although they have a limited history in...
View ArticleClik here to view.
WD-40 Ingredients and Uses
By Chad Upton | Editor WD-40 was created in 1953 by Norm Larsen. It was originally designed to prevent corrosion caused by water — the WD stands for “water displacement.” Norm’s 40th formula was...
View ArticleClik here to view.
License Plates and Headlights Increase Visibility to Traffic Radar
I did a previous post about how speed enforcement radar works. There are two primary types, laser and tradition (Doppler) radar. Even if you have a radar detector, laser is the most difficult type of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
What are Truck Weigh Stations for?
There are truck weigh stations scattered along most major highways in the US, Canada, Taiwan and other countries. Obviously they’re there to weigh trucks, but why do trucks need to be constantly...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Trap Doors on Car Bumpers
From satellite navigation to chilled cup holders, modern cars are full of high-tech developments that get you from point A to point B without getting lost and with colder refreshments. Overall, car...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Lock Your Car Better With Your Chin
By Chad Upton I think everybody has done it. You’re walking away after parking your car and you can’t remember if you locked it. You turn around to lock it and you’re too far away – or – maybe your car...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tires Do Not Protect You During a Vehicle Lightning Strike
By Chad Upton I’ve always heard that a car is one of the safest places to be during a lightning strike and that is true. The tires usually get all the credit. As the story goes, tires are rubber and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Sarcastic Secret: Signal Lights
By Chad Upton Tickers, blinkers, indicators and flashers. They have many names, but only one purpose: to let people know your car is about to change course. In most vehicles, a lever on the steering...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Drinking and Driving is Legal in Mississippi
By Chad Upton Ever since I can remember, “Don’t Drink and Drive” has been drilled into my head. But, the range of acceptable blood alcohol content varies from 0.01% in Albania, Guyana and a few other...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Warning Gauges are Usually Center Normal
By Chad Upton | Editor Even if you don’t know anything about cars, this can help you spot a problem, even if you don’t know what it is. Virtually every car has a speedometer and a fuel gauge and you...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Air Conditioning Affects Gas Mileage
By Chad Upton | Editor In most cars, the air conditioner’s compressor is powered by a drive belt on the engine. When the air conditioner is activated, the compressor adds resistance to your engine....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Cars Built Since 2008 Have Tire Pressure Warning Lights
By Chad Upton | Editor Last week, I was driving behind a car with a tire that was nearly flat. The tire was so low, it was almost riding on the rims. At the next red light, I waved at the driver and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How Does Information Get On a CARFAX Report?
By Chad Upton | Editor It’s not unusual for somebody to completely destroy their car and walk away unharmed. This happens because newer cars are designed to crumple on impact, just like a bike helmet...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Chewing Sunflower Seeds Can Help You Stay Awake
By Kaye Nemec We’ve all been there: we’re driving late at night, determined to make it to our final destination, growing more tired with each passing mile. We roll our windows down, turn up the radio’s...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Why Some Cars Have Fake Convertible Roofs
By Chad Upton | Editor Have you ever seen a car that appears to be a convertible, but you’re almost certain that car is not available as a convertible? Chances are, you were looking at a “landau” car....
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste
By Chad Upton | Editor Every home has things that should NOT go in the trash. Yet, many people don’t know what to do with them or even what some of these items are. Some examples are: batteries compact...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Clean Up a Leaking Battery
By Chad Upton | Editor Most household batteries are “alkaline” batteries. Under normal use, they’re relatively safe and stable. But, they are prone to leaking potassium hydroxide when the conditions...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The President’s Limo Carries a Supply of the President’s Blood
By Chad Upton | Editor My car is well equipped for typical roadside issues. I’ve got jumper cables, a flashlight, gloves, tools, snacks and a space pen for writing notes on Earth’s coldest days. The...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Japan: Where the Streets Have No Names
By Chad Upton | Editor The U2 song, “Where the Streets Have No Name” refers to the city of Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the streets actually do have names. Bono wishes they didn’t have names...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Read the Numbers and Letters on Car Tires
By Chad Upton | Editor The weather is starting to change in many parts of the world so this may be when you start to look at new tires for your car. Tire specs can be confusing, but it’s just like...
View ArticleClik here to view.
LEGO is the Largest Tire Manufacturer
By Chad Upton | Editor One of the oldest tire manufacturers is Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, founded in 1898 in Akron, Ohio. A couple years later, Firestone Tires and Rubber Company was also...
View Article
