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12 Bonehead Basics of Car Maintenance
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You know, That Guy who thinks that the best way to keep a car from overheating is to roll down the window. That Guy who hires the neighborhood kid to wash his car 'cause he’s allergic to “going outside and doing things.” There are lots of ways to be That Guy, but only one way not

to be: by regaining your self-sufficiency and learning the basics about car care. Using STP® is a good first step. And while we can’t do the rest for you, we'll give you a few pointers. Check out the tutorials. Take a look at the videos. And get under your hood. Good luck, and Don't Be That Guy.

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  • Nov
    24
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    Giving Thanks for Car Safety

    Posted in: This Guy Wisdom, Car Knowledge
    Shaq Diesel
    The best Turkey Day is a safe one.

    It’s that time of year, chief.

    Thanksgiving week is all about the four “F’s” — family, food, friends, and football. Oh, yeah, there’s a fifth “F” — auto functions that protect drivers and their loved ones, as many travel long distances in bad weather for Turkey Day. Here are the passenger-protection and car-safety functions for which I give the most thanks:

    Antilock Brakes: You can rest easier knowing that this braking system keeps your ride from locking up and sliding, even after hitting the brakes on a slippery street. This was practically invented for holiday driving, when entire families are careening down icy roads in packed minivans and station wagons at all hours.

    Wheelchair Lifts in Vans: Maybe it’s not technically a safety feature, but this function certainly eases the strain for those travelers who most deserve a little aid. The wheelchair lift allows disabled riders to enter and exit a vehicle easily from the ground level — easy, breezy, and stress-free. Which is just what you need during the holidays, when making awkward small talk with in-laws gives plenty enough stress to go around.

    Electronic Stability Control: Somewhat like antilock brakes, when a car starts to skid, stability control keeps it from spinning and sliding. Specifically, it stops the brakes of the auto’s individual wheels, then helps maneuver the vehicle back onto the driver’s intended path. Maybe one day they’ll invent “appetite stability control” for when Mom busts out the pumpkin pie for dessert — now that would be progress.

    Vibrating Seat: Actually, Yale engineers are still working on this one. The futuristic idea is that your driver’s seat will vibrate the closer a car gets to you, quickly getting your attention so that it helps you avoid collisions. I have to ask: Where was this feature for me when drive-in movies were around?

    Now, how about an audio feature that announces to my brain when it’s time to stop eating the cranberry sauce?

    Until then, travel safe, chief. Happy Thanksgiving to you and to all of our readers. See you on the road.

    —CD, STP® Blogger

     

     

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