"Dave Hall" wrote in message
...

What is more important to you? Helping the poor stay afloat, or being
cents wise and dollar foolish when it comes to little environmental
issues?

Dave, what is it with you today? Are you on cold medication or something?
I
said my mechanic finds that 99% of leakers need a washer that costs as
much
as one and a half lottery tickets.

I don't believe that. Every car that I've ever owned or worked on
(which has been many) which leaked, did so through aging seals or
gaskets. I have NEVER had a leaky oil drain plug, and I'd be quite
surprised that they are that big of an issue. Even if there were no
washer on the plug, the amount of oil seepage around the (tight)
threads of the plug would amount to what, a drop or two a week?

Mrs Hall must be feeling frisky this week, because you are obviously not
getting enough sleep. I said "99% of leakers are leaking from the oil plug".
I did NOT say "99% of all cars".

If Joe the mechanic said "99% of the cars we see need an air filter, wipers,
oxygen sensor, radiator flush and new spare tire, at every visit", his
suggestions would be suspect. But he's talking about a $1.50 part. This is
the same mechanic who has told me at least 20 times in 15 years "I don't
care WHAT you think, you do NOT need a new insert part name here. If you
insist, we'll install it, but you don't need it. You're not even sure how
much longer you're keeping the car".


Even low-income people often change their
oil.

Many have no other economical choice.

Cripes...I have to explain everything. The statement was meant to include
people who pay to have it changed AND people who do it themselves.


But if you read what I wrote, it's clear that a nasty
automotive problem could be virtually eliminated for next to nothing.

And I challenge that your example is next to a non-issue.

That's not surprising. You have no interest in your environment. You're
probably the type of monkey who, if camping, burns all the plastic garbage
in the campfire, right?


Want
another example? Like many astute guys, I can tell when someone's tires
are
low on air. So, at my office or apartment, if I have a pen & paper handy,
I'll stick a note on someone's windshield saying something like "Hey!
Your
tires are REALLY low on air. Get to the pump before you get hurt". Why?
It
snows here. For tires that need 32 psi, being 5 pounds low can make them
behave as if they were bald.

Actually, many people recommend lowering tire pressure in the snow, as
it can increase traction. 32 Lbs in the tire is generally lowered to
around 25 Lbs. Me, I just take my 4X4 truck to work, if I even decide
to go.

This is fine for people who are systematic about checking it. You're talking
about a conscious decision. But, next time you're walking through a parking
lot, take a look at some tires. The NY Dept of Transportation sometimes runs
radio ads saying they have stats which indicate something like 50% of
drivers never check their tires. Couple this with the fact that full-service
gas stations are practically non-existent. You understand the significance
of that last statement, right?