Thursday, March 29, 2012

Mega Millions: What would you drive if you won?

With the Mega Millions lottery approaching $600 million before tomorrow's drawing, we thought it'd be fun to ask the question, "What car would you buy if you won the lottery?"  Would you go for the hyper exotic car like Ferrari's 599, or an ultra luxury car like the newest Rolls-Royce?  Perhaps a vintage Ford coupe from the 1930s? 

Friday, March 23, 2012

Scion Announces FR-S Pricing

Scion has released the pricing for their new FR-S sports coupe.  The 2 door car is slated to have a base price of $24,930.  This puts the FR-S squarely in competition with the Mazda Miata MX-5 and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.  The Scion will be powered by a 200 horsepower flat 4 engine, and drivers will have their choice of a 6 speed manual transmission or 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters. 

The suspension setup will have the typical MacPherson struts up front, while the rear will have a double wishbone setup. 

Photos and additional specifications can be viewed here:  Scion FR-S

Friday, March 16, 2012

DIY Diagnosis: Loose Fan Belt or Serpentine Belt Sound

We were asked why someone's car was making a high pitched squealing sound when the person first started the car, or took off from a stop.  The most common cause of the squealing sound is a loose fan or serpentine belt.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Random Wrench Tip #6 Checking a Car for Body Filler

Another round of wrenching tips, and yep it deals with using a magnet again. =)  Aren't you glad these little things are so handy?

If you happen to be buying a used car, and you're not sure if the body has any body filler in it instead of sheet metal, take a piece of wax paper and a strong magnet up to the surface of the car.  The wax paper will keep the magnet from scratching the car, and as you hover the magnet over the car, if it does not become attracted to the car at all, there's body filler there.  This is handy when buying a car that's getting old, or if you live in an area prone to rust. 

Why check for body filler?  It's not as durable as using metal patches, and will eventually crack over time.  Keep in mind that body filler detection with a magnet won't work on plastic bumpers, or trim.  You will have to make a visual inspection yourself on both sides of the panel if possible.

Happy motoring and keep on driving!


Friday, March 9, 2012

Oil Change Intervals, How Long?

"Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, see you again!"  That's the line most people hear from quick lube shops when preparing to leave after an oil change has been done.  The mileage intervals many people hear are 3,000 miles between oil changes, which adds up to approximately 5 oil changes a year based on an average driving distance of 15,000 miles a year.  So is it a good practice or is it a waste of money?  We were asked what's our take on the debate of how often you should change your oil.  While everyone including experts, dealerships, or manufacturers will vary in terms of their stance on the subject, here's our take.