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....
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