Q. The answer to plug-in electric cars is right in front of you. Place electrical plugs in parking garages and on parking meters. This could double the range of electric cars without increasing their weight. And we are talking about a few weeks or months to install the plugs, not years.
A. Wonderful idea except for a few potential problems. Plug-ins are gas/electric hybrids that use battery power for low speeds and in city driving, so they need overnight recharging. Who would pay for the electrical plugs? Who would pay for the electricity? Would the company with the lowest bid, but highest political connections, install the plugs and run electrical service to all garages and parking meters? And what about mall parking lots?
Also, who would guard against vandalism? Who would put up the necessary signage warning people not to stick metal objects in the socket? Who would scrape off the decals attached to each socket by lawyers listing their phone number to call after people put metal objects in the sockets? And how many people would have to own plug-in electric cars to warrant the investment in the sockets? So, easier said than done.
Q. I read in your paper how nobody in our government safety agencies knows how to get teenagers to use seat belts. Anyone think about putting a cell phone jamming device and radio volume lockout in the seat-belt latch to prevent phones or radios from working unless people were belted?
A. So why should people who usually wear belts and don’t have teens have to pay extra for those teens who don’t wear belts? And what would it cost to invent the jamming device and install it in every motor vehicle?
By the way, it’s not only teens who talk on a cell phone when motoring; it’s their moms and dads as well.
Q. Regarding your column on Renault trying to get an alliance with General Motors (Business, July 7), there is no reason to let the company that brought us the Renault Dauphine and Le Car to sell cars here.
A. Rest easy. Don’t think any alliance would let that happen. Le Car was one of the main reasons Renault had to leave the U.S.–and one of the reasons people are asking why let the automaker back again.
Q. I’ve often thought about having the fun of driving a stick shift while being able to change to automatic if traffic or driving conditions dictate. Do any cars feature both modes and if so, is there a downside?
A. You obviously haven’t shopped for a new car in some time. Several automakers offer so-called clutchless manuals, basically automatics in which you tap the gearshift lever or press the paddle on the steering column to shift as with a manual but without having to fiddle with a clutch. The downside is tapping the lever or pressing the paddle rather than depressing the clutch and changing gears.
Q. In 1992, I purchased a new Chevrolet Geo Metro that got about 58 m.p.g. on the highway. I’d buy another if they were made again. What are the possibilities that General Motors would re-introduce the Metro?
A. GM turned to Suzuki to supply it with the mini Metro when that was the only small-car source available. Now it has turned to its Daewoo operations in South Korea for a high-mileage mini, the Chevy Aveo. Metro won’t return.
Q. I bought a 2006 Acura TL six months ago. I have 1,600 miles on it now, and the oil-life indicator reads 70 percent. The dealership said not to change oil until a message on the computer recommends it. But this might not happen for another six months.
A. The oil-life indicator doesn’t blink on every three months or 3,000 miles to advise an oil change. It takes into account your infrequent trips and low mileage and will advise when an oil change is needed based on such factors as driving and conditions, time and miles driven and outside temperatures.
Q. When will Honda put stability control or traction control in Civic?
A. Stay tuned, it’s coming soon. But don’t look for it to be offered in all Civics initially.
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Send questions about cars and trucks to Jim Mateja, Chicago Tribune, 616 Atrium Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061-1523, or send e-mail, including name and hometown, to jmateja@tribune.com.
