We’re Waiting
Posted in Other Cars,video — by db on 11/24/09

We’ve been waiting for this since 1958, the year Disney produced this film. C’mon already! At least get me my oatmeal powered Jet Pack!

via

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On Replacing your MINIs Battery
Posted in My MINI,Op/Ed,Project: Roxy — by db on 11/16/09

Our good friend UK Paul recently posted the above to his Twitter stream.

Have you called around for this yet? If not, be prepared to be shocked. No kidding. This is something that we have been discussing on the show quite a bit lately, including Chad giving us the full skinny on aftermarket batteries.

Here is what you can do. First of all, you need to know that replacing your battery is 100% DIY. In fact, there is a tool in the kit that came with your MINI that is the exact size needed to loosen the cables from the battery terminals. Once the cables are loose, you can remove them, pull the battery out of the box (Cooper or MCS, doesn’t matter) and set it aside. Then, place the new battery in it’s place. No kidding gang, start to finish should be well under 10 minutes. You girls out there in the audience having a hard time lifting the battery (it’s fairly heavy) might want to get some help.

As far as procuring the battery, from the dealer (if you are hardcore and have to have OEM parts in your MINI) really shouldn’t cost more than $150 at the parts counter. Work the club discount if you can. It’s a 24 or 36 month battery, so the value isn’t quite there.

What you can do instead is give a call to your local Napa part house. They will sell you the 7547, which is an exact fit for the MINI, for $100 – $130.

The take away here is that there is no reason to pay the dealer for a battery installation. Save the $150 and get yourself something nice.

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Top Gear Season 14 Starts tonight
Posted in Op/Ed,Other Cars — by db on 11/15/09

The first of 7 new episodes of Top Gear start tonight on BBC and, um, other places.

I for one can’t wait!

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We Need to Talk
Posted in Op/Ed — by db on 11/11/09

Dear Idiot Drivers1,

I realize it’s been awhile since we’ve had to have this talk, but we are way overdue. You see, I was pretty much unemployed for 2 years so wasn’t driving as often as I used to. It would appear that you have forgotten some of the things that we have spoken about in the past. Please sit back, grab a beverage and review with me.

  • Drive the posted speed limit, not 10MPH under it
  • Driving + doing anything with your phone is almost illegal everywhere. Assume it’s illegal where you are driving and stop playing with it while you drive
  • Pick a lane, stick with it. Please stop driving in 2 lanes at the same time
  • When the road starts up a hill, you have to press the accelerator pedal a little more to keep your speed up.
  • When entering a highway, please remember it is your responsibility to merge with traffic at the posted limit. It is not traffic’s responsibility to slow down for you2

Honest to robot ninja’s guys. It’s getting really bad out there lately. Yes, you that crossed 5 lanes to traffic for the illegal left turn. You that are apparently out of of blinker juice or have no idea how your turn signals work in the first place. You that continue to drive 30 in a 45. You that are really pissing me off!

If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, if you can’t drive correctly, the rest of us would really appreciate it if you could just stay home. Or ride the bus. Anything as long as it keeps you away from the wheel.

Thank you for your time,

db

1. If you are reading this, you care too much about your car for this to be you. Idiot drivers think of their cars like a refrigerator, not a lifestyle statement or member of the family.

2. Big rigs are excluded. Duh. It still amazes me that you can even reach 45 mph entering the highway carrying 4-8 tons of products. Keep up the good work fellas!
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