13 More Things Your Auto Mechanic Won’t Tell You

Obviously the person who wrote these tips was not a real mechanic. It’s rather easy to compile a list like this without backing up the facts and it’s easier to promote distrust when it comes to the auto repair industry. The one about changing your transmission fluid is a bad idea? That’s funny, I always thought an ounce of prevention was worth a pound of cure. Also the condition of the transmission fluid can directly affect shift quality. But this is an opinion of mine, a Master Auto Tech for over 20 years…who are you going to believe?

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The Right-Wing Offshore Drilling Scam

Unfortunately some people don’t get it. I ran across this blog from a brainwashed lefty. I think some people need to have a refresher course in “supply and demand”. The only bright spot was some of the comments made debunking this ridiculous conspiracy theory. Oil companies are making less per gallon than the Government. And, businesses are “in business” to make money”. I think we should allow drilling for oil and let American companies practice free enterprise. Some politicians were saying it would take ten years to start yielding oil from new wells….ten years AGO.

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Thieves Drilling for Gas in Your Driveway? Drill & Drain Vandals

Auto repair shops are reporting a spike in gas tank replacements due to punctured or drilled tanks. In the old days all you needed to discourage a thief from stealing your gas was a locking gas cap. Metal gas tanks can be drilled, but newer cars and trucks that have plastic or composite fuel tanks are an easier mark. SUV’s and pick up trucks are high enough off the pavement for any low life to crawl under with a cordless drill and a gas can. There has recently been a spike in fuel tank replacements at auto repair shops across the nation for this very reason. Sam at a local Tampa car dealership stated “Thieves are trading in their siphoning hoses for cordless drills”. After talking to one unlucky 2002 Chevy Avalanche owner that had their gas tank drilled and gas stolen, I learned that there is a national back-order on the plastic fuel tank that fits their truck. The same part number fits many other GM trucks and SUV’s as well. Insurance companies could be feeling the crunch for these repairs, but if the deductible is around $500 it may not be worth making a claim. You may be asking ”how to prevent fuel tanks from being drilled and gas stolen”. There are several common sense things anyone can do to reduce the chance of having their fuel tank drilled and their liquid gold pirated. Park in well lit areas, clean out the garage and park inside when possible, park near store entrances where more people are present. And finally buy a bumper sticker that says ”Gas Tank Near Empty” and hope that any would be gas thieves in your vicinity can read. Kidding aside, if you have had your gas stolen by a drill and drain vandal or can offer preventive measures we would love to hear your comments. 

Actron or OTC Automotive Scan Tool?

The familiar orange Actron’s code readers and scan tools that are found in many shops and parts stores are the best selling brand in the ”Do it yourself-er” auto scan tool market. Actron is actually owned by the SPX Tool Corporation which also owns OTC. OTC (OTC automotive tools) has the best selling automotive scan tools for automotive repair shops and professional auto technicians. Depending on your needs the Actron could be a great choice for an entry level code reader or scan tool. Be sure to compare specific models with each other when shopping. Usually the Actron has a much more competitive price when comparing models with similar functions and capabilities. If you need more functions like the ability to access more than just engine codes including SRS (safety restraint systems), ABS (anti lock brakes) and the BCM (body control module), you’ll need to check out OTC’s line of scan tools. Again though if you need just engine code and data capability the Actron may fit the bill nicely. As an example, we compared a couple of scan tools to illustrate this point. The OTC 3499 and the CP 9150 have many of the same features but the Actron is about half the price! They both have OBD I, OBD II and CAN capability for newer vehicles. Sure the larger display screen on the OTC is nicer, but for the average guy that may not be worth the extra money.