Category Archives: Auto Quality Control

Does it Really Help to Know

Posted in Abuse of Power, Auto Quality Control, Being woke, Bribes, Christian values, Communism, Communist Takover, Customer complaints, Elections, Liberals, Politcal Opinion, Socialists, Supreme Court, Truth by

I took my Ford Taurus into the dealership to have some minor work done on it. When I went to pick it up, the service manager informed me that the anti-lock brakes control went bad. Then he suggested it might have been battery acid that dropped down on it.

I actually thought about arguing the point. The battery was relatively new and there was not one drop of acid around it. Moreover, it was in a tray which was also dry. I decided against it. I knew it would do no good.

I knew the guy was handing me a line but sometimes it isn’t enough to know. I wasn’t there to see it and I could see no evidence of anything that his man did. So that was it, more-or-less. Of course, the customer always has a last resort. I had owned three Fords before; none since.

The point is that sometimes, sometimes, it does not do any good to know. I knew the man was lying to me, but it did not do be any good. Anything short of having a video of the whole thing, I am doomed to lose the argument before I start. Even then, they might not accept a video of proof.

Well, there is another thing I know that will never do anyone any good. I know there was major cheating in the last election. Guess what. The dems know it too. The problem is that there was never a way to get it into the courts to prove anything; this even though some in position of authority outright admitted to not following the law. Incidentally, I believe the courts knew it too. I mean, it was a poorly kept secret.

The dems decided to ignore it and they insisted that everyone else ignore it too. Moreover, if anyone brought it up, the dems made sure that they suffered for it.

Now we stand on the brink of another election. You think they will do it again? They certainly will, if we permit it. Actually, they just might have obtained the power to do it even should we do not permit it. It may have already reached the tipping point. We, even now, might be living in a one party country. If so, it won’t do any good to know it. It will be too late. Very soon. we will all know. A lot of good it will do then.

Removal of AM From New Cars

Posted in Auto Quality Control, Being woke, CEO Princeple, Left Turns, Politcal Opinion by

There would seem to be panic over the concept that auto manufacturers are going to remove AM radios from their new cars. It would seem to some that it would be panic to talk radio. I guess I can see their point. There are some benefits to AM radio in modern society. However, it’s not that bad as it looks.

When I was a young man (mid 1960s), I had an AM/FM radio that neatly fit in my shirt pocket. And, guess what? It wasn’t all that expensive. It ran on a couple of double A batteries and for its size, it sounded good, especially with an earphone. I am sure they could build something like that today. It would be quite easy to make it so it could have Bluetooth or a USB connection. Or, of course, it could simply plug into a large powered speaker.

The folks that want AM would still have AM. They wouldn’t let the lack of AM in their car get in their way. On the other hand, it seems to me that the auto manufacturers wouldn’t gain that much by discontinuing the AM. Eventually, people will discover they don’t need the entertainment centers at all. My guess is that Auto dealers make a bunch of money off those things. If People say, we don’t want it, they don’t make a dime. A person can go down to the neighborhood auto radio installer and put one in that does have AM as well as a few other bells and whistles.

Actually, putting those AM radios in a car probably cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $10-15. Do they really want to risk the loss of customers and or sale of options for the savings of so little. Maybe. I don’t know. Whoever makes the decision just might be a dem. They don’t mind losing money, as long as it isn’t theirs.

As an aside. I sort of wish I had that old radio. It was a Zenith. They just don’t seem to make them like that anymore. It’s a shame.

Master and Slave

Posted in Auto Quality Control, GMC, Safety by

Just a little before 1900, man started building cars. Some say the car is a to man that has and will serve man well. On the other hand, there are those who believe that we are the ones that are enslaved to the car: cleaning, maintenance, and who knows how many more expenses.

To be sure, there are those who don’t have cars. Indeed, before 1900, very few people did. It would seem we got along okay, though I personally believe the industrial revolution has had its benefits. Before cars, there were horses and, though I really do like horses, they do leave messes everywhere they go. Far worse than the current smog and global climate thing is.

Nonetheless, I was recently reminded of just how much of a slave I am to my old chevy. Replaced struts, replaced a light, had an alignment, and I don’t know. There was something else. Just can’t remember.

When I left the shop, my bank account was over 2 thousand dollars lighter. I still have a leak that must be fixed, two axles that need to be replaced and, oh yes. Of course. Some time within the last few months, a light came on. You know the one. The one that says to have the air bag checked. Does anyone have any idea what that air bag light will cost me. Maybe I can talk the mechanic to removing the light. It just might be a little less expensive. Don’t need the light anyway.

With 125 thousand on the car, I’m afraid. I’ll get it all fixed and the other light will come on. You know, the one that has the shape of an engine.

I guess I’m the slave. The auto is the undisputed master.

Considering a Risky Decision

Posted in AARP, Abuse of Power, Auto Quality Control, Being woke, Biden, Cancel Culture, Climate Change, Crazy Nuts, Going Green, Lawyers and Representation, News Anchors, Safety by

Got my car insurance bill a few days ago. I looked at it and filed the mental note to pay it before it elapses. Then, i considered it again.

Generally, I drive one place each day, maybe two. Don’t really need to but I do. Then, I considered; do I really need a car. I mean we really pay an awfully lot for the convenience of wheels.

The other day, drove into Firestone, spent the whole day there and drove out over a grand lighter. Mind, I’m not complaining about Firestone. They did very well for a reasonable price. The thing is that I need at least 1500 more to fix axles, air conditioning and who knows how many more problems lurking out of sight.

It’s just getting awfully expensive to keep up a car when I now drive about 10, maybe 15 miles a day.

Oh yes. Let’s not forget the price of fuel. Thanks to Joe, we all feel a bit lighter as we drive away from the gas pumps. Let me clarify that. Financially lighter. I must admit the fuel is heavier, but not much.

Indeed, maybe, I should take the hint from OLD Joe and start bicycling everywhere I go. I figure I might save 2 or 3 thousand a year. Considering we are living totally on Social Security, that is a lot. Fact is – that’s a bunch for most all of us. To be sure, it’s even more for those who have far more than me. After all, they must buy their Lincolns, Cadillacs, and or, their BMWs. They pay more for their vehicles, more for their insurance and, likely more for their maintenance.

Going to a bicycle as my transport is not a decision taken lightly. I mean, bicycles are more dangerous. We don’t normally wear helmets in cars, not yet anyway. However, we and our children are firmly cautioned against going to the local convenience store without something to protect our noggin.

Therefore, I must assume that it would be quite dangerous to abandon my 4 wheels for 2.

So. Before I decide, I’m sure you realize, I have very much to consider. Money is not everything. Safety is a factor as well. Someone in one of those big cars just might hit me. I’m afraid the helmet would provide little protection.

3 Hr Futile Attempt to Replace Turn Signal Light

Posted in Auto Quality Control, CEO Princeple, Customer complaints by

What sort of sane engineer makes things intentionally so difficult? I am normally a reasonable man. I can tolerate quite a bit, but the guy that designed 2008 HHR rear turn signal really has some serious explaining to do.

Why do highly educated people do things like that, anyway? It makes me wonder if they enjoy the thought of causing common folks like us frequent frustration. I wonder what psychologists call folks such as that. I’m sure they have a neat name for them.

Then, on the other hand, maybe it’s those in management. Maybe they don’t like the untrained performing even the simplest maintenance. I can’t say. Your guess is probably better than mine.

I still want to talk to that engineer. He should still know better.

Why I Will Never Again Buy Another Chevy…or Any GM Product

Posted in 2008 Chev sunrofs., Auto Quality Control, GMC by

At roughly 4 in the morning, I was driving home from work. As one might imagine, the Interstate traffic was very light. About 5 or 6 cars in front of me slowed and stopped without obvious reason.

I slowed and should have stopped. All too late I discovered there was a lamp post lying across all 3 lanes and then some. Instantly I applied the brakes and managed to slow to 5, maybe 10 MPH.

Not wanting to hit the post without the wheels turning, I let off the brakes completely. I guess each wheel had to rise about 10 inches. I had visions of all 4 wheels falling off but they didn’t.

To this day, the undercarriage is fine about 6 years later.

I must admit, that Chevrolet HHR suspension system is great.

With the above, why wouldn’t I want another one.

  1. After about 5 years, the sunroof broke. After checking around, I have determined that this is common. The failing piece is a little piece metal, likely about an ounce. For that, they wanted me to replace the entire sunroof, about $750. Instead, I fixed it myself for about 20. I liked my fix more.
  2. I have gone through 3 FOBs for remote locking. This took me about 7 months. After that I gave up. I am sure I paid for the remote in some way. I didn’t get it. That is not right. More important, it tells me something about their quality control. As a side note, neither the sunroof, nor the FOBs are likey used muc by the management. If they did, they would know about the problems and fix them. Finally, I would guess they pay very little attention to those on the ground level. Why not isn’t someone who is someone find out about it.

For this reason, i will never buy a GM product or recommend one. If they can’t fix the little things why should I expect them to fix the bigger things.

[Incidentally , at 10 years, I also had to replace the radio. I will not hold that against them. The one I put in is far better, though my turn signal is now silent.