Like driving with your hand resting on your gear shift in a manual transmission, this practice unfortunately can wear out your transmission gears and the shifter rail.

Another that costs drivers billions annually and keeps many a mechanic and part store in business. Is people continuing to drive with there Low oil pressure or high temperature light on.

More seriously, than those that tear up your car there are other driving mistakes that can tear you up, your loved ones and others.

This common driving mistake is now reported to be a factor in over 25% of all crashes. This same mistake will cost society over 230 billion dollars this year. Engaging in this mistake will make you four times more likely to get into crashes that will injure yourself and others.

What’s the Mistake?  Don’t touch that dial!!!! It’s a distraction… It’s reported that people who change their radio dial from the Christian Car Guy …no I’m just kidding but by now you may have guess I’m talking about ‘Distracted driving’.

A few weeks ago we did a show on bumper stickers and I think this one kind of said it all”

“Honk if you love Jesus…Text if you want to meet Him”

But now there is coming technology to help and today on the Christian Car Guy Show we have Matt Howard. An experienced and successful software entrepreneur, Matt Howard conceived of ZoomSafer in September 2008 following a distracted driving incident in which he nearly killed a nine year old boy.

 Together with his co-founders, Michael Riemer and Michael Costello,

Matt has developed patented software to ensure safe and legal use of mobile phones while driving. 

Featured in The Wall Street Journal, TIME Magazine, US News & World Report and Inc. Magazine – ZoomSafer detects when you’re driving and automatically applies customized-safe-driving policies to help you focus on the road and be less distracted.

Connect With Robby on:

I wouldn’t have thought so a couple of days ago, but I have honestly changed both my view on this and my lifestyle. Uh, oh a reformed cell driver!

What changed my life was tomorrow’s guest on The Christian Car Guy show, Jenifer Smith president and founding board member of FocusDriven advocates for cell free driving. In September 2008 she lost her mother to a young man who ran a red light while talking on his cell phone and The Lord has since used her to Focus thousands on this growing tragedy.  Her information about the dangers and consequences of ignoring this problem has changed my mind and now my life, (it does reduce your amount of multitasking time), but it may save both lives and minutes on my bill.

January 12, 2010. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and National Safety Council President Janet Froetscher announced the creation of FocusDriven, the first national nonprofit organization devoted specifically to raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

For more information on State seat belt use rates, see the National

Occupant Protection

Imagine your on you way down that steep mountain Grade you see your speed edging up and a big curve at the bottom, you push on the brake pedal and it goes to the floor. What do you do? Or you’re headed for that curve and the steering locks, what now?

In light of the recent Toyota Recalls it becomes pretty apparent that all drivers need to not only know what to do in these emergency situations but also what Not to Do. Then in some cases practice these emergency techniques…

So Today on The Christian Car guy Show

What do you and sometimes more importantly what do you NOT do. do when…PRAY!!!  DON’T PANIC

· Your Gas Pedal Sticks

· Your Brakes Fail

· Your Steering Locks

· You have a blowout or flat tire

· You have an Engine Fire

· Hood Flies Open

· Your Lights go out at night

· Your car Starts to Hydroplane

· You run off the Road

· You have a gas Pump Fire

Post Your Comments here and I will get links to all these situations this week.

Connect with The Christian Car Guy on:

Lesson Learned: Don’t get back in your vehicle while refueling your car. If you have to make sure and touch something metal away from the gas fumes before you grab the gas nozzle.

Here are some other tips from the PEI

Three Rules for Safe Refueling

1. Turn off engine.
2. Don’t smoke.
3. Never re-enter your vehicle while refueling.

 Connect with The Christian Car Guy on:
     

SAFE WINTER DRIVING

The Three P’s of Safe Winter Driving: From your NHTSA

PREPARE for the trip

PROTECT yourself

PREVENT crashes on the road.

Maintain Your Car: Check battery and tire tread, keep your windows clear, put nofreeze fluid in the washer reservoir, check your antifreeze.

Have On Hand: flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter, even floor mats), shovel, snow brush and ice scraper, warning devices (like flares) and blankets. For long trips, add food and water, medication and cell phone.

Stopped or Stalled? Stay with your car, don’t over exert, put bright markers on antenna or windows and shine dome light, and, if you run your car, clear exhaust pipe and run it just enough to stay warm.

Plan Your Route:  Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early if necessary), be familiar with the maps/ directions, and let others know your route and arrival time.

PREVENT CRASHES

Practice Cold Weather Driving!

* During daylight, rehearse maneuvers slowly on the ice or snow in an empty lot

* Steer into a skid

* Know what your brakes will do: stomp on antilock brakes, pump non-antilock brakes

* Stopping distances are longer on water-covered ice

and ice

* Don’t idle for a long time with the windows up or in

an enclosed space

* Drugs and alcohol never mix with driving

* Slow down and increase distances between cars

* Keep your eyes open for pedestrians walking in the road

* Avoid fatigue – Get plenty of rest before the trip, stop at least every three hours, and rotate drivers if possible

PROTECT YOURSELF

* Buckle up and use child safety seats properly

* Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag

* Children 12 and under are much safer in the back seat

* Sit back 10 inches from an air bag

more from NHTSA

More Winter Driving Tips

Post your suggestions under comments

 Connect with The Christian Car Guy on:
     

The Markings on the Tire are puzzling. Here are the pieces.

Sidewall Outer Circle

P as in  P215/65 R  16    89H   M+S
The “P” indicates the tire is for passenger vehicles.

LT =  light truck

HT = Heavy truck

ST = Special Trailer tire

TT = Tractor tire

Nominal Width  (215)
This three-digit number gives the width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the wider the tire.

Aspect Ratio

Severe snow conditions
The “M+S” or “M/S” indicates that the tire has some mud and snow capability. Most radial tires have these markings; hence, they have some mud and snow capability.

Speed Rating

“Note” If your tires aren’t speed rated you should never exceed 99MPH
The speed rating denotes the speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of time. The ratings range from 99 miles per hour (mph) to 186 mph. These ratings are listed below.

Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by law.

 *For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph, tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For those with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph, tire manufacturers always use the letters ZR.

• 27% are rated “A”
• 59% are rated “B”
• 11% are rated “C”

 A control tire is assigned a grade of 100. Other tires are compared to the control tire. For example, a tire grade of 200 should wear twice as long as the control tire.

Passenger Vehicle – Sidewall Inner Circle

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number
This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 3197 means the 31st week of 1997.

 Connect with The Christian Car Guy on:
     

Simple Seat belt Facts: You do the math.

In 2008 the overall seat belt use as reported by the States was (83%).

Compare that number to Of the 25,351 passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in 2008, restraint use was unknown for 1,844 (7%). Of the 23,507 passenger vehicle occupant fatalities for which restraint use was known, 12,865 (55%) were unrestrained.

55% of the fatalities were from the 20% not wearing a seat belt…

Listen to the from last weeks show for Seat belt Stories that may help convince you.

SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES

For more information on State seat belt use rates, see the National

Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS) Crash*Stat titled “Seat Belt Use in 2008 –

Use Rates in the States and Territories” (DOT HS 811 106).

 

 

 

 Connect with The Christian Car Guy on:
     

This terrific video shows how, with the right attiiude, I can be part of the solution, not the problem. (did someone pray God would open my eyes)

Check out this Amazing Animation of how it works

Other Great Names from Last weeks Show: Maybe God has an answer for you as well.

1.     Sammy “The Lane Swinger”

2.     Johnny Jackrabbit “The Narcoleptic speed changer”

3.     “Laptop” Larry

4.     “Death wish” Dora

5.     Harry “The blind spot Hoverer”

6.     Yoko “The Yield Stopper”  

7.     “Median Riding” Milley

8.     Barney “The Dead Beat Green Light holder”

9.     Bobby “The Book Reader”

10. Betty “The Butt Thrower”

Post your pet peeve driver name below and we’ll be praying God sends you peace as well….

 

 

 

 Connect with The Christian Car Guy on:
     

MICHELIN^® SMART JUMPER CABLES™ LET MOTORISTS CHARGE AHEAD

Patented Technology Helps Avoid Injury, Electrical System Damage

GREENVILLE, S.C. (November, 2009) – Improper use of ordinary jumper cables can result in sparking or shorting which can result in serious injury to the user. This can also produce a power surge that causes damage to a vehicle’s expensive electrical system vital to such things as engine and transmission operation, entertainment and navigation functions.

But MICHELIN’S new Smart Jumper Cables™ can help avoid personal injury and costly electrical damage incurred during an improper jump-start. The patented safety technology in Smart Jumper Cables provides built-in surge protection and automatic polarity adjustment from either positive or negative connections.  Their ease of use and safety features makes a traditional jumper cable design and process obsolete.

“Many motorists won’t associate the power surge from traditional jumper cable use as the root cause of their vehicle’s electrical system problem or failure because there can be a time lag between the two events,” said Alexia Hayes, a product development engineer for Pylon and mother of two young children.

Hayes adds battery problems are a year-round occurrence and the driving patterns of many parents with young children, new drivers and seniors make them especially vulnerable. 

“There are many factors that can cause a battery to fail,” said Hayes.  “Motorists that frequently forget to turn off their lights or take many short trips on a daily basis are at risk. The combination of performing many starting cycles, coupled with short run times can leave a battery below the ideal charge specification for most of its shortened life.”

– more –

While motorists recognize automobile batteries are affected by cold temperatures and winter weather, few are aware that prolonged exposure to heat also contributes to battery failure.  Auto service experts place the life expectancy of a typical automotive battery at 3-5 years in average climates, but only 2-3 years in areas with high heat or extreme cold.

Beginning this fall, MICHELIN Smart Jumper Cables are available in North America at auto supply retailers and mass merchandisers for around $40 (U.S.).  Visit www.michelinsmartcables.com for store locations and details for online purchase.

In addition to the built-in surge protection and automatic polarity adjustment, Smart jumper cables offer a number of other premium features that make traditional jumper designs obsolete, including:

·         Cable clamps that can attach to either the positive or negative connections – eliminates guesswork 

·         LED indicator lights – confirms correct connections are made

·         Textured grips – improve handling, especially in cold weather

·         Heavy-duty cable with insulated clamps – stays flexible, tangle free, cold weather resistant

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin.com) employs 22,600 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.

For nearly 40 years, Pylon Manufacturing Corporation (www.pylonhq.com) has been a leading automotive aftermarket supplier specializing in the design, engineering and marketing of wiper blades.  Located in Deerfield Beach, Fla., Pylon is an ISO 9001-certified division of the Qualitor, Inc. family of automotive companies.  Pylon is the exclusive licensee responsible for the distribution and marketing of the Michelin^® Smart Jumper Cables™ and premium wiper blades throughout North America. 

MICHELIN^® Smart Jumper Cables™ Frequently Asked Questions

1) How are MICHELIN Smart Jumper Cables different from conventional jumper cable designs?

MICHELIN Smart Jumper Cables automatically adjust polarity which means you can connect the clamps to either positive or negative connections. Conventional jumper cables require that the clamps are specifically connected to the positive and negative battery terminals. Failure to properly attach conventional jumper cables can result in sparking, shorting, exploding batteries, engine fires, and expensive electrical system damage.

2) When and where can I purchase MICHELIN Smart cables and what is the MSRP?

Retail availability begins in the fall at around $40 (U.S.). Smart Jumper Cables make an excellent gift and are available for purchase at a number of major retailers in North America and via the Internet.  The list of retailers that will sell the cables includes Wal-Mart, Advance Auto Parts, Pep Boys, Rite Aid, Strauss and Fred Meyer and Zellers in Canada.  Visit www.michelinsmartcables.com for store locations as well as instructions for making an online purchase.

3) How do I know if the MICHELIN Smart Jumper Cables can be used to jump my vehicle’s battery?

Prior to using MICHELIN Smart Jumper Cables, check your vehicle owner’s manual for any special precautions or considerations specific to your particular vehicle.  Like traditional jumper cables, MICHELIN Smart Jumper Cables are designed for use on passenger vehicles and light trucks, most of which utilize a 12-volt battery.

4) What are the recommended steps for jump start using MICHELIN Smart cables?

Four (4) vehicle preparation steps:

1. Position vehicles so they are not touching but close enough for cable use.

2. Set an auto transmission vehicle in “Park” position; Set a manual transmission vehicle in “Neutral.”

3. Turn the ignition “Off” of both vehicles and set both parking brakes.

4. Raise and secure both hoods.

Four (4) easy boosting steps:

1. To the vehicle supplying assistance: connect one clamp to the positive (red) and the other clamp to the negative (black) battery terminal.

2. To the disabled vehicle: connect one clamp to the positive (red) terminal and the other clamp to exposed metal on the engine block or vehicle frame.

3. Verify both green LED’s are lit on the jumper’s center module. If not, adjust the clamps until they do light up.

4. Start the vehicle supplying assistance and let it idle normally for about 30 seconds. Then start the disabled vehicle.  Once the disabled vehicle is running, disconnect the clamp attached to the engine block/vehicle frame first, and then disconnect the remaining clamps in any order.

5) What safety precautions are recommended during the boosting procedure?

1. Do wear eye protection.

2. Do provide adequate ventilation when working with a battery in an enclosed space.

3. Do inspect battery caps on both vehicles are tight and level.

3. Do not lean over either battery. 

4. Do not smoke.

6) Do I have to connect the clamps to the battery terminals in a certain order?

No.  MICHELIN Smart Jumper Cables do all of the thinking for you. Connect one set of clamps to the boosting vehicle’s battery terminals and the other set of clamps to the disabled vehicle – one clamp on the positive battery terminal and the second clamp to metal on the vehicle engine block or frame.

7) Why attach one cable to metal on the engine block or body frame of the disabled vehicle?

Hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced during normal battery operation. The recommendation is an added safety precaution in the event gases are present during the jump starting procedure.

After connecting both sets of clamps to the battery terminals, the green LED’s on the center module are not illuminated.  What does this mean?

If the green LED’s on the center module are not lit, it probably means that the clamps are not securely fastened.  Adjust the clamps until the green LED’s illuminate.  If the green LED’s still do not light after you have firmly connected the clamps, then your battery is damaged, completely drained (no residual voltage), or has less than the 6 residual volts required for boosting.  The average residual voltage in batteries that require jumping is about 9 volts.

9) Tell me more about the surge protection feature.

The technology within the circuitry is designed to absorb or dissipate voltage spikes to prevent them from traveling down the line and causing damage to the vehicle’s electronics. One of the key components responsible for absorbing/dissipating voltage spikes is a varistor.

10) Tell me more about the automatic polarity adjustment feature.

The circuitry takes the residual power of the battery and identifies its polarity. Once the polarity is determined, the circuitry adjusts the polarity and switches the cables (if needed) and correctly routes the power.

The auto polarity adjustment is performed by five circuits – two voltage polarity recognition circuits (one for the battery to be rescued; the other for the battery providing the power supply) a logic recognition circuit, a driving circuit and a relay switching circuit.

·         The voltage polarity recognition circuits recognize polarity then send a signal to the logic recognition circuit.

·         The logic recognition circuit receives the polarity information then sends a control signal to the driving circuit.

·         The driving circuit receives the logic recognition signal and in turn drives the relay switching circuit.

·         The relay switching circuit enables the two batteries to be accurately coupled. In the event the system detects a connection problem, this circuit switches off the current conductors for safety.

-more-

11) I have successfully jump started my vehicle.  How do I disconnect the MICHELIN Smart Jumper Cables?

Disconnect the clamp from the engine block/frame first then disconnect the remaining clamps in any order.

12) I have tried several times to start my vehicle with the MICHELIN Smart Jumper Cables attached, but my vehicle will not start.  What does this mean?

If after several attempts you are unable to start your vehicle, then it is likely that your battery is damaged, completely drained (no residual voltage), or has less than the 6 residual volts required for boosting.  The average residual voltage in batteries that require jumping is about 9 volts.

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin.com) employs 22,600 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.

For nearly 40 years, Pylon Manufacturing Corporation (www.pylonhq.com) has been a leading automotive aftermarket supplier specializing in the design, engineering and marketing of wiper blades.  Located in Deerfield Beach, Fla., Pylon is an ISO 9001-certified division of the Qualitor, Inc. family of automotive companies.  Pylon is the exclusive licensee responsible for the distribution and marketing of the Michelin^® Smart Jumper Cables™ and premium wiper blades throughout North America.