Dave Redinger's The Neighbourhood Mechanic 3/15/06
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Dave Redinger who transitioned to his Heavenly home on February 7, 2022 was a licensed auto mechanic with over 40 years in the trade. He operated Dr. H. Honda Specialists in Etobcoke (Toronto). Dave was heard here on The Auto Channel, RIP Dave your knowledge and helpfulness will be welcome by concerned motorists forever.
DAVE
REDINGER
I purchased my first new car in
33 yrs. Now that the kids have moved out it seems I have a little extra at
the end of the week. Turns out, my new car wasn’t that new. I had
been in stock for almost a year. Sitting around caused a few complications,
the brakes had rusted, the wipers had dried out and some of the bulbs had
failed. Moral of the story, Try and find out how new your new car actually
is , was there any damage that was repaired during shipping. By the way all
my problems were easily resolved. Now……. even my wife is happy.
I have a 1990
Oldsmobile Eighty Eight Royal that starts great in the warmer months but
during the winter months doesn't. If I don't plug in the block heater the
vehicle seems to flood. Basically what I do to start the engine is hold the
ignition on until the engine starts. This sometimes takes up to a minute.
Any suggestions?
When
the temperature dips a car's battery reserves are low. Sometimes less than
50% of it's available power. Under these conditions the ignition system
must be in perfect condition. These vehicles had a reputation for weak
ignition coils. Have the ignition system tested by a qualified tech. Never
crank an engine for more than 10 seconds at a time. The starter may over
heat and fail.
He's my question: about a thousand years ago, before fuel injection, computerized this, that and the other thing, even before the automatic transmission, the golden rule for the best rate of speed for the best fuel consumption was to drive at a steady fifty-five miles per hour. Is it still the same, or does it now depend on things like super chargers, air conditioning, or whatever?
Frank
Speed
Costs! The faster you go the more it costs. I would suggest cruising just
under 110 for max performance. (also less chance of getting pulled over).
Cheaper to use A/C on the hwy with the windows closed then A/C off and the
windows open. The extra drag caused by the lowered widows makes the vehicle
less efficient and wastes fuel. Drive like there is an egg between your
foot and the accelerator. Easy on and easy off. Keep a steady pace on the
HWY. and avoid jack rabbit starts. Follow these basic rules and not only
will you save gas you will reduce wear on you car.
Dave Redinger a mechanic with over 40
yrs of experience operates his shop “DOCTOR H HONDA SPECIALISTS in
Toronto for the last 25 yrs. You can hear Dave on the Neighbourhood
Mechanic Saturday mornings on AM740
Email: davidredinger@rogers.com or http://am740.ca" target="_blank">am740.ca ( we respond to all emails)
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