NationStates Jolt Archive

depends how long you're at it really. i don't know about you but engaging the handbrake for me takes significantly less effort than kepping my foot up on the foot brake for 10 minutes.

10 minutes? What kind of red lights do you have, broken ones? The longest ones here are barely 4 to 5 minutes and it isn't that hard to hold you foot on it especially since the majority of the red lights are under 3 minutes. Ten minutes, jeeze that's like waiting for a drawbridge and then I can see putting the car in park and turning it off, that would make sense but not red lights...10 minute red lights = something wrong with the timing...

Today driving out running errands ..this car full of I'm guessing teenage girls left their turn signal on for 10 1/2 miles...I was behind them like wtf :confused::headbang: turn already Damn you!..I suppose next time I'll have to carry a weapon in the car that would take care of them :sniper:

There's a construction site ahead. Big sign says: Left Lane Ends Merge Into Right Lane. People begin to merge---except for those that decide: That means I can stay in the left as long as possible then I expect the person that has waited in line for a mile to let me into the front of the line.

I used to stop this by driving in the left lane, but I did so at the speed of the right lane, basically stopping anyone from doing what you described. When it came time for me to merge, the guys next to me are more than happy to let me in. =)

Someone mentioned earlier something that I forgot about (since I dont drive anymore) which drove me up the wall. Big ass SUVs that block my view of everything (including traffic lights.) They are directly impairing my ability to drive.

Today driving out running errands ..this car full of I'm guessing teenage girls left their turn signal on for 10 1/2 miles...I was behind them like wtf :confused::headbang: turn already Damn you!..I suppose next time I'll have to carry a weapon in the car that would take care of them :sniper:
Man, I used to leave my blinker on on my motorcycle all the time because it didn't 'click' and I didn't look down enough to realize it was still on. Very embarrassing.

i dont like bicycleists who ride right on the shoulder of the bike lane. it makes me nervouse when i have to move around the rider. especially if a car is coming in the other direction.

I've never even heard of a handbreak...I didn't know those things existed.

You might call it an emergency brake and it might be off to the far left on the floor (maybe right in the UK). On cars with bucket seats they put it between the seats and you pull it up with your hand.

it annoys the shit out of me when bicyclists seem to think the rules of the road don't apply to them. i've seen far too many shoot through red lights, almost knock people down on zebra crossings, pull right out of a junction with cars coming right at them (which then have to slam on the brakes)

fucking bicyclists :mad:

this is one... your cars don't have them over there? :confused:

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9730/800pxp997carrerasinnenrav5.th.jpg (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=800pxp997carrerasinnenrav5.jpg)


also learning can be dangerous... i remember the first time my dad test-drove a manual after having been used to his automatic for years.... he stalled it while we were crossing a dual carriageway, which was mildly terrifying, to say the least :eek:

:D

No sir! Most american cars do NOT have handbrakes.

http://www.joebush.com/Joe%20Bush%20Auto/images/03%20Taurus%20Interior.jpg

Its that mud covered pedal in the lower left of the photo.

Most american cars have that and not a brake inbetween the seats. ANd trust me, its somthing that you dont want to have to reset while in traffic. You have to reach under the dash, its for parking ONLY.

ALso the automatic transmission shifter is on the steering colume, more room for drinks :)

i dont like bicycleists who ride right on the shoulder of the bike lane. it makes me nervouse when i have to move around the rider. especially if a car is coming in the other direction.

it doesn't really bug me when they go between cars during traffic because they have to or else they'll overheat. it annoys me when they do it when everyone is doing 65 - 75 and they just whiz by you because you don't hear them until they're on top of you and if you have to swerve, you'll hit them. or worse is when they do it without letting anyone know...at least hit the horn or something...

No sir! Most american cars do NOT have handbrakes.

http://www.joebush.com/Joe%20Bush%20Auto/images/03%20Taurus%20Interior.jpg

Its that mud covered pedal in the lower left of the photo.

Most american cars have that and not a brake inbetween the seats. ANd trust me, its somthing that you dont want to have to reset while in traffic. You have to reach under the dash, its for parking ONLY.

ALso the automatic transmission shifter is on the steering colume, more room for drinks :)


my first car had it on the column, i loved it. my current car has it in the middle and it's a nice place to rest your hand but that is just bad (i've push it into neutral too many times on short stops, albeit this does help slow the car down a little faster).

I was tailgated by a cement truck today... freaked the hell out of me because I thought he would just plow right through and kill me.

I think our entire country was taught to use the handbrake at lights when you're going to be there for a while. I and everyone I know certainly was.

thank you

thank you

Prolly works if all the cars over there do have handbrakes, in the US 70% of cars do not have handbrakes, soooo its sorta hard to use them when they're not really accesible.

Snice when do brakelights even harm ur eyesight at all? O_o

Prolly works if all the cars over there do have handbrakes, in the US 70% of cars do not have handbrakes, soooo its sorta hard to use them when they're not really accesible.

Snice when do brakelights even harm ur eyesight at all? O_o
i didn't say they harm my eyesight. i just find them dazzling when i'm effectively surrounded by them in a queue of traffic.

I think our entire country was taught to use the handbrake at lights when you're going to be there for a while. I and everyone I know certainly was.

I don't know what fool thought of that program but not in NY they didn't...

Turquoise Days is British IIRC. he just appears to be residing in CA at the moment.

Furthering my assertion that New York drivers are the best...right Kat?

I don't know what fool thought of that program but not in NY they didn't...

Turquoise Days is British IIRC. he just appears to be residing in CA at the moment.

No sir! Most american cars do NOT have handbrakes.

http://www.joebush.com/Joe%20Bush%20Auto/images/03%20Taurus%20Interior.jpg

Its that mud covered pedal in the lower left of the photo.

Most american cars have that and not a brake inbetween the seats. ANd trust me, its somthing that you dont want to have to reset while in traffic. You have to reach under the dash, its for parking ONLY.

ALso the automatic transmission shifter is on the steering colume, more room for drinks :)

That used to be the case but most of the big auto manufactures do an in between seat shifter and hand break if you have captians chairs rather then the bench seat

(For example my girlfriends alero, both my brothers cavaliers, the standard impala) Also cars like for ford fusion and the ford escort Other cars such as the concord has a center shifter as well

Just to name a few ...

That used to be the case but most of the big auto manufactures do an in between seat shifter and hand break if you have captians chairs rather then the bench seat

(For example my girlfriends alero, both my brothers cavaliers, the standard impala) Also cars like for ford fusion and the ford escort Other cars such as the concord has a center shifter as well

Just to name a few ...

I know the Chevy Cobalt does have a handbrake. Although my Monte Carlo (1996) doesn't. Many American cars (especially the newer ones) have bucket seats and the whole console shifter and many of those have the handbrake. The days of 3 people in the front and 3 people in the back are seemingly over...I'll shed a tear for my Lumina (it did that :)).

That used to be the case but most of the big auto manufactures do an in between seat shifter and hand break if you have captians chairs rather then the bench seat

(For example my girlfriends alero, both my brothers cavaliers, the standard impala) Also cars like for ford fusion and the ford escort Other cars such as the concord has a center shifter as well

Just to name a few ...

Ehh, pretty much every truck out there has a under dash, as well as all vans, most minivans, the tuarus ( only the best selling car in america for about 10 years ).

ALOT of stuff out htere is still under dash.

Point is, keep ur foot on the brakes and dont break ur car :)

Or starting out in the wrong gear (some people habitually start in 2nd)

I almost always start in second, but then again, I have a 6 speed, and the first gear is a granny-gear.

I almost always start in second, but then again, I have a 6 speed, and the first gear is a granny-gear.

It's my understanding that first gear is only just to get you out of neutral and sure you can start in second. Hell I've known people who were so good with their cars that they could shift without the clutch. I personally found that amazing.

It's my understanding that first gear is only just to get you out of neutral and sure you can start in second. Hell I've known people who were so good with their cars that they could shift without the clutch. I personally found that amazing.

Well, not always, a granny-gear is only used when pulling something heavy... Without a load I can slip into first without using the clutch.... and it provides no acceleration benefit... so I go straight to second with no load.

Well, not always, a granny-gear is only used when pulling something heavy... Without a load I can slip into first without using the clutch.... and it provides no acceleration benefit... so I go straight to second with no load.

Ah okay yes I have hauled anything myself, who different set of dynamics there...my buddy has a F150 so I'm sure he knows all about it...I'll have to ask him...

I know the Chevy Cobalt does have a handbrake. Although my Monte Carlo (1996) doesn't. Many American cars (especially the newer ones) have bucket seats and the whole console shifter and many of those have the handbrake. The days of 3 people in the front and 3 people in the back are seemingly over...I'll shed a tear for my Lumina (it did that :)).

Thats true, most american cars are finally making sense, no more stupid bucket seats and floor brakes.

My SI has a handbrake and gear shitftr in the middle ( imporant kuz its a 6 speed )

Even my old 93 accord had it.

Thats true, most american cars are finally making sense, no more stupid bucket seats and floor brakes.

My SI has a handbrake and gear shitftr in the middle ( imporant kuz its a 6 speed )

Even my old 93 accord had it.

Handbrakes are fun for one thing and one thing only.

J-turns :).

Ah okay yes I have hauled anything myself, who different set of dynamics there...my buddy has a F150 so I'm sure he knows all about it...I'll have to ask him...

Maybe, it's more common on superduty with diesels, I have a F350 with a Powerstroke V8.

Maybe, it's more common on superduty with diesels, I have a F350 with a Powerstroke V8.

It would be logical if it was but who knows nowadays :). I've seen stuff in sedans that has no purpose either but low and behold people love them.

Another thing that annoys me: the car that parks itself! Either learn how to park or drive off the side of a bridge!

It would be logical if it was but who knows nowadays :). I've seen stuff in sedans that has no purpose either but low and behold people love them.

Another thing that annoys me: the car that parks itself! Either learn how to park or drive off the side of a bridge!

LOL, no kidding... People are so lazy these days... Only "convenience" feature I have is dual automatic AND manual hub locks.

It would be logical if it was but who knows nowadays :). I've seen stuff in sedans that has no purpose either but low and behold people love them.

Another thing that annoys me: the car that parks itself! Either learn how to park or drive off the side of a bridge!

Whats wrong with that? Parking on a hill with a stick can be a huge bitch, esp in pittsburgh!

Whats wrong with that? Parking on a hill with a stick can be a huge bitch, esp in pittsburgh!

The car that parks itself is an automatic...

Oh, the PARKING BREAK!

...

You can use that while you're driving? I thought it was only for when the car was off and was parked someplace where the regular park gear won't do much. (I've only ever driven automatics, so sue me or something.)

Oh, the PARKING BREAK!

...

You can use that while you're driving? I thought it was only for when the car was off and was parked someplace where the regular park gear won't do much. (I've only ever driven automatics, so sue me or something.)

You're really NOT supposed to use it when you're driving, which is the bulk of the point here lol.

You're really NOT supposed to use it when you're driving, which is the bulk of the point here lol.

I only ever used my parking break while driving ONCE, and that was for its other functionality (emergency brake)... Years ago on my first car when the breaks went out... (turned out some debris had clogged the brake line).

I only ever used my parking break while driving ONCE, and that was for its other functionality (emergency brake)... Years ago on my first car when the breaks went out... (turned out some debris had clogged the brake line).

Yep, with the exception of those extremely rare occurrences, it's never really to be used while driving except for, you guessed it, an emergency.

It's my understanding that first gear is only just to get you out of neutral and sure you can start in second. Hell I've known people who were so good with their cars that they could shift without the clutch. I personally found that amazing.

If you're driving a truck that's designed for heavy loads, then first is "granny" for starting when you are loaded and you can start in second when not loaded. If you are driving a normal car it's better for the clutch to start in first.

If you can pull out and change gears without the clutch, you are having transmission problems and that's not going to make them better. Sooner or later you'll have to get it fixed or keep a hand on the gear shift to hold it into gear.

There is one question I'd like to ask a auto engineer. Why do the lights still have a "parking light" setting? Originally that was for when you were broke down and you wanted to be seen. With emergency flashers there is no need for that setting. I can see no need for it now.

Yet here in Missouri people turn on the parking light setting at sunset and dawn rather than turning on their headlights. I really don't know why they do this or what they think they are saving.

Furthering my assertion that New York drivers are the best...right Kat?

Definitely.

But let me tell you, driving out to Wisconsin -- those Indiana and Illinois drivers are absolutely TERRIFYING.

There is one question I'd like to ask a auto engineer. Why do the lights still have a "parking light" setting? Originally that was for when you were broke down and you wanted to be seen. With emergency flashers there is no need for that setting. I can see no need for it now.

Yet here in Missouri people turn on the parking light setting at sunset and dawn rather than turning on their headlights. I really don't know why they do this or what they think they are saving.
On my 914 you could use the turn signal to turn on parking lights on one side of the car or another so when I parked on the side of the road you could light up the road side of the car. Which was good because it had such a low profile it needed all the help it could have get.

Definitely.

But let me tell you, driving out to Wisconsin -- those Indiana and Illinois drivers are absolutely TERRIFYING.

The Florida drivers are the worst followed by New Jersey.

Definitely.

But let me tell you, driving out to Wisconsin -- those Indiana and Illinois drivers are absolutely TERRIFYING.

If you want to talk terrifying, look at where I live. The people here for the most part are okay...they get along with each other because they know crazy antics on many of the highways here will get you hurtling off a cliff towards the ground five hundred feet or more below.

But drivers not used to these highways...well, there are two types:

1. The ridiculously overly cautious that drive at around 25 miles per hour in a 55 zone...come on, people...yes, be careful, but not THAT careful!

2. The ridiculously under cautious that drive at breakneck seventy miles per hour or more like they're used to on larger highways that aren't straddling mountainsides. These people are a menace and usually end up killing a few people each year because of it.

Turquoise Days is British IIRC. he just appears to be residing in CA at the moment.

This is correct - exchange year, doncherknow.

This is correct - exchange year, doncherknow.

Ah man, you went to the wrong half of California...you're about 7 hours away from the good stuff...

Man, I used to leave my blinker on on my motorcycle all the time because it didn't 'click' and I didn't look down enough to realize it was still on. Very embarrassing.

Well if it had been on the expressway that wouldn't have been so bad...but driving down main city streets that have side roads everywhere...and I was having to drive slower because I thought they were going to turn...thats what was so annoying...if I'd been on the expressway I would have passed them...

There is one question I'd like to ask a auto engineer. Why do the lights still have a "parking light" setting? Originally that was for when you were broke down and you wanted to be seen. With emergency flashers there is no need for that setting. I can see no need for it now.
Obviously you've never delivered a pizza at 10pm at night.

I almost always start in second, but then again, I have a 6 speed, and the first gear is a granny-gear.
i have a six gear, but its a diesel and pretty much won't move from standing unless you're in first. its a bit of a heavy car though (foldable roof = extra structural reinforcement)

i could start my last car in 2nd though... and easily 3rd for that matter. but i was always taught not to....

Well, not always, a granny-gear is only used when pulling something heavy... Without a load I can slip into first without using the clutch.... and it provides no acceleration benefit... so I go straight to second with no load.
how can you change gear without using the clutch? :confused:


Another thing that annoys me: the car that parks itself!
ooooooh that sounds good to me :D
i have parking sensors at the rear of my car, and they're amazingly useful, even if they have made me lazy and take a lot less care actually looking when reversing :-S

Yep, with the exception of those extremely rare occurrences, it's never really to be used while driving except for, you guessed it, an emergency.
... because the parking/handbrake doesn't have ABS like normal brakes?

But let me tell you, driving out to Wisconsin -- those Indiana and Illinois drivers are absolutely TERRIFYING.

any european person would tell you French drivers are scary - especially in Paris (Arch de Triomphe, 4 lane roundabout, no road markings, insanely busy...) - but Italian drivers are terrifying :p

French, Italian and Spanish drivers are mental!!!

Arc de Triomphe - i totally freaked out. never again. not a fan of roundabouts anyhoo

i hate the signs "baby on board" etc. - just as well they warn me, i was about to intentionally bang into their backside!! morons

Definitely.

But let me tell you, driving out to Wisconsin -- those Indiana and Illinois drivers are absolutely TERRIFYING.

Or driving in LA. I swear, cars down there must come without turn signals. I can't stand driving in that city. Not that I like driving to San Francisco much either, but there the problem is more the weird ass traffic laws and lack of parking. Public transit is easier.

Ah man, you went to the wrong half of California...you're about 7 hours away from the good stuff...

Completely agree. Not that my opinion is biased or anything.

how can you change gear without using the clutch? :confused:


Granny is such low RPM hight torque that it's no shock for the gear to merely engage. It's quite funny actually.... Pop it into first, and watch the truck slowly pull forward at about 1 inch every second (without your foot on the gas).

... because the parking/handbrake doesn't have ABS like normal brakes?

Brakes are hydraulic or pneumatic in big rigs (i.e. air brakes). If you have a leak and you are out of brake fluid or some other reason your brakes fail you can use the emergency brake still. All it is, is a cable that locks your brakes. It will stop your car, there's no doubt about it but it's for emergencies only or parking because in parking = stand still. You line up your car, apply the e-brake, and then put it in park. This way the transmission pin doesn't have to support the weight of the car, thereby bending it.