Learning about cars
Posted by GJ on November 16, 2008
Having usually devoted my “hobby” time to the pursuit of computers, in its various incarnations, I don’t know much about cars. Now that I finally own one that I care about, I’m starting to learn and get “in tune” with my car.
For instance, I learned that the correct tire pressure is not what’s printed on the tire, but what’s printed on a sticker attached to the chassis. ^_^
The most recent learning occurred with winter at Toronto’s doorstep, requiring winter tires to be put in (learning how they work along the way). After they were swapped in, I was shocked to find that I actually do have a “feel” for the car. The new winter tires went on under-inflated (27 psi instead of 33 psi), and the handling went “mushy”; small adjustments to the steering wheel had half their usual effect, acceleration and braking seemed similarly muted when making small adjustments.
The funny thing is that for a couple paranoia filled days, theories of incompetent mechanics messing up the insides of my car flitted through my head. Not that I actually know enough about car internals to know what they could possibly have messed up! Thankfully one of those theories was that the new tires probably did not have the right air pressure. 
Probably pretty basic knowledge for anyone competent at car maintenance, but at least I’m improving! :p
