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For more than 50 years, the Chevrolet Corvette holds the distinction of an American icon -- a sports car that can compete with the best of Europe at an affordable price. For 2009, it raises the bar once again with an all-new and incredible machine Corvette ZR1, which it introduces as the American Su...MORE
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05/28/2009
by Tom and Ray Magliozzi
Click & Clack
Dear Tom and Ray: On one of the many frigid days this past winter, my husband and I had a discussion about using (versus not using) the rear defrost in our Buick Century. He rarely uses it and tried to convince me that the rear defrost is one of the biggest energy guzzlers in the car (as compared with the radio, heater, etc.), so he tends to turn it off as soon as he can see out a little. I still contest that visibility should be more important than energy use anyhow. I’m just wondering if indeed the rear defrost actually uses any more power/energy than most of the other standard features in the car. — Kari RAY: It uses a small amount of electricity, Kari. And anything that uses electricity does impose an additional load on the engine, which costs you some fuel....more
by Tom and Ray Magliozzi
Click & Clack
Dear Tom and Ray: On one of the many frigid days this past winter, my husband and I had a discussion about using (versus not using) the rear defrost in our Buick Century. He rarely uses it and tried to convince me that the rear defrost is one of the biggest energy guzzlers in the car (as compared with the radio, heater, etc.), so he tends to turn it off as soon as he can see out a little. I still contest that visibility should be more important than energy use anyhow. I’m just wondering if indeed the rear defrost actually uses any more power/energy than most of the other standard features in the car. — Kari RAY: It uses a small amount of electricity, Kari. And anything that uses electricity does impose an additional load on the engine, which costs you some fuel....more
05/12/2009
by Tom and Ray Magliozzi
Click & Clack
Dear Tom and Ray: My wife and I recently bought a 5-speed Saturn VUE. Whenever she comes to a complete stop, she puts the car in second gear and takes off in second gear. When I ask her why she does that, she says it is better for the car, and that’s the way her dad taught her to do it. I say that it isn’t better for the car, because it forces the engine to spin at higher RPMs, putting more wear and tear on the engine and clutch. Now, I know I will lose this argument no matter what, because dads always know best. But I’d still like to know what you think. — Jeff TOM: Jeff, keep in mind that we’re car mechanics, not marriage counselors. So we take no responsibility for what happens should you use this information in an actual family setting. But here it is: RAY: Her dad has his headlight in his taillight socket. You’re 100 percent right, and her dad is 100 percent wrong....more
by Tom and Ray Magliozzi
Click & Clack
Dear Tom and Ray: My wife and I recently bought a 5-speed Saturn VUE. Whenever she comes to a complete stop, she puts the car in second gear and takes off in second gear. When I ask her why she does that, she says it is better for the car, and that’s the way her dad taught her to do it. I say that it isn’t better for the car, because it forces the engine to spin at higher RPMs, putting more wear and tear on the engine and clutch. Now, I know I will lose this argument no matter what, because dads always know best. But I’d still like to know what you think. — Jeff TOM: Jeff, keep in mind that we’re car mechanics, not marriage counselors. So we take no responsibility for what happens should you use this information in an actual family setting. But here it is: RAY: Her dad has his headlight in his taillight socket. You’re 100 percent right, and her dad is 100 percent wrong....more
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