Shop Talk – March 2010

Car Talk continued from February…

As I was discussing in last month’s column concerning changing our priorities on the use of fossil fuel, there are many, many things both the individual and the government can do to reduce our dependence on oil and clean up the environment at the same time. As an individual, we need to assess our personal carbon footprint and see where reduction can be accomplished starting with the easiest to do.

Some examples are drying the laundry on a clothesline or drying rack in the home. Changing out the in-efficient incandescent light bulbs throughout the house is another. Using energy efficient curtains and blinds to hold heat in or sun out depending on the time of year is yet another. Taking advantage of government assistance with insulation upgrades and more efficient HVAC are other examples.

Perhaps the biggest thing an individual can do is educate yourself on the many options available that can help in this effort and then integrate these into your life as it is practical. I know people who have done some of these things and they are amazed at how much money they save with just a little tweaking of their energy usage.

On the government side, we need to find and elect leaders who show a public concern through real action that they recognize the need for reducing our energy consumption.

Things the government can do are promote and fund research and development on demonstration projects that show promise towards this goal. The example I used last month about the small generation project near Packwood is one of these. The truth of the matter is much research has already been done, but the powers that be have not seen the need to promote these policies.

I see no need to wait to correct the energy policies that have guided our nation for too long.

We have polluted water and air nearly everywhere and most of it is because no one thinks it’s their problem, when in reality, it is everyone’s problem.

One of the problems with capitalism is the un-fettered pursuit of the all mighty dollar that breeds greed. And it seems enough is never enough. (Boy, am I going to catch heck over this) We as a nation need to re-assess our habits, both good and bad and make changes before it is too late.

I would suggest that you watch a couple videos at your convenience – one called “King Corn” and another called “Food, Inc.” that should wake us up to public policies and private enterprise that is out of control. We have representative government in this country and we as individuals have the right to vote. We need to vote both with our ballot and with our checkbook. The powers that be are not going to change the status quo unless the people stand up and make them take notice.

There, I got that off my chest! So now I ask you to give this some thought. If you think I’m way off base, please let me know as I would love to discuss this with you, and if you think I’m on the right track, let me know as well.

Just to finish this article I want to comment on the Toyota problems we are hearing about lately. I’ve said for years that the manufacturers are using too much electronics in their vehicles, and Toyota is showing us why.

I know the engineers cannot meet emission and fuel economy standards set by the government without utilizing sophisticated electronics, but the excessive use in other systems is frankly ridiculous as far as I am concerned.

Things like electronic modules to control seat heaters and position, inside mirror adjustment, and electronic window controls for example can all be controlled quite easily with proven on/off switches or rheostats. And what is wrong with actual linkage between the foot and the fuel control, or between the steering wheel and the front tires?

As I’m sure most of you know, these simple controls have been around since the beginning of automobiles and have worked just fine. I find it difficult to justify an expensive control module when a simple switch will do the same thing!

Comment online @ valleybugler.com or send questions or comments to – rayscartalk@yahoo.com – Happy Motoring, Ray