Random automotive observations

ProDarwin said:

My random observation:

Why is there not a standard 1/4-20 hole in the top of the dash (with a plug from factory) on every car made after 2006ish?  Cell phone/gps/dash cams are a thing that isn't going away.  They will always outpace car infotainment systems and even with Android Auto/Apple Carplay some phone manipulation is needed.  There should also be a 2A USB outlet within 6 inches of this location to allow for short, clean USB charging cables.

Another reason I loved my Chevy Volt. First generation cars had a compartment on top center of the dash that had a 12v socket, and two notches at the back of the cover for feeding a cord out. Perfect.

In reply to 90BuickCentury :

We must be related! Great post!

Streetwiseguy said

As an old guy with old cars, I think the bigger danger of DRLs is when you drive a vehicle without them.  Nobody looks for a car when pulling out, they look for lights.

Still, I think DRLs are a good idea more often than not.

As a younger guy with older cars. This is why I usually turn my lights on when weather is ugly looking out making a dark colored low car less obvious.

If you're bombing around in your "fun" car, you won't see any other "fun" cars.
If you're driving your appliance, you will see lots of "fun" cars.

Related to that. If you are in your SN95 Mustang and get on it leaving Walmart and a guy not much older than you in the C5 Z06 is around, he will do a flyby to let you know his junk is both louder and faster.

Daylan C said:

Streetwiseguy said

As an old guy with old cars, I think the bigger danger of DRLs is when you drive a vehicle without them.  Nobody looks for a car when pulling out, they look for lights.

Still, I think DRLs are a good idea more often than not.

As a younger guy with older cars. This is why I usually turn my lights on when weather is ugly looking out making a dark colored low car less obvious.

I daily drive a silver Miata. Lights are *always* on... 

In reply to Greg Smith :

Probably as close to an invisible car if ever there was one. (Not the beige Camry type of invisible).

In reply to Greg Smith :

My dark green Mustang is bad enough. So yes. All lights all the time is a good call.

Don't see the point when the sun is shining.

iceracer said:

Don't see the point when the sun is shining.

Normally I’d agree with this but the evidence that society is becoming more and more oblivious and stupid makes DRL’s a life or death option.

(I’m beginning to hate the general driving public)

For some reason other drivers either can't see my big white F150 or they just assume that I'll stop for them. I've had so many drivers cut me off or try to share a lane with me. I don't think DRLs would help any. Putting the cell phone down when merging on the highway would be a better solution, but then they'd have to miss a few seconds of FB Live or a Snapchat.... 

Mike said:

Another reason I loved my Chevy Volt. First generation cars had a compartment on top center of the dash that had a 12v socket, and two notches at the back of the cover for feeding a cord out. A very tiny improvement

Fixed.

Still needs a standard mounting position.  And power should be 5v, not 12.

If somebody passes me at warp speed leading up to an exit or entrance ramp, I will inevitably catch up to them halfway up the ramp.

I have the lights on in my Miata at all times also. That lava orange blends in to the greenery...

DRLs are a good start.... Daytime Running Taillights are what need to happen next.   

(My commute is usually early enough that it's not yet full daylight... add in frequent drizzle/overcast plus most cars being silver or white... shocking the number of folks without their lights on)

Observation: Folks in handicap spots are less likely than any other vehicles to be parked straight.

People in Dodge/ram trucks seem to be the most consistently aggressive and annoying road users, at least around here.

freetors said:

People in Dodge/ram trucks seem to be the most consistently aggressive and annoying road users, at least around here.

I agree, but lately I've been wondering if it isn't the styling on the trucks that make me notice them and think they're driven more aggressively. Since they always look angry and full of testosterone. Plus the front end is about 20' tall so it's hard not to feel tailgated when you're sitting on the pavement in a tiny sports car, even if they are a reasonable distance back.

I find vehicle stereotypes very difficult these days since myself, several of my friends and most of you guys have wildly varying fleets. 

Do I behave more like a Mustang guy in my Saturn or more like a Saturn guy in my Mustang? And are any of my Dodge habits left? 

In DFW, darkness, wetness, or coldness necessitate driving 20mph under the limit for 90% of people on the road. If all three occur simultaneously, all hell breaks loose. 

The other 10% are equally split between driving normally and at warp speed. 

Mopar guys are hoarders. And obsessed with originality and production numbers. 

Unless its latemodels (last 10 years or so), who are obsessed with looks and horsepower. The two sides dont mix well.

So let me tellyou about the 500hp heavily modified 70 duster, or my 1 of 40 lapis blue acr neon.....

Dusterbd13-michael said:

Mopar guys are hoarders. And obsessed with originality and production numbers. 

Unless its latemodels (last 10 years or so), who are obsessed with looks and horsepower. The two sides dont mix well.

So let me tellyou about the 500hp heavily modified 70 duster, or my 1 of 40 lapis blue acr neon.....

Bah i can go get 700+ hp with a warranty 

986 Boxsters outnumber NA Miata's 3-1 these days.

While SN95 Mustangs are an endangered species, 4th Gen Camaro's are extinct in the wild.

The apocalypse has arrived and Hell has frozen over as in this thread, on the GRM board of all places I see calls for added tech to cars!!! (Daytime tail lights)

Pizza delivery guys drive AMGs 

Adrian_Thompson said:

In reply to iceracer :

No personal insult meant, I'll revise it to say Mario Andretti and Iceracer if you like  

There are many many capable 80+ year old people on the road, but the vast majority I know and or have seen really aren't up to it.  If there was an actual meaningful test needed for people to keep driving into old age then fine, but honestly most really aren't up to it.I am lucky enough to know some outstandingly brilliant people, but post 80, forget the physical mechanics of driving, I see a massive drop off in the rate of cognitive function.  Taking in information, processing then reacting slows down.  Not good in traffic, lights, kids playing, poor conditions etc.etc.  I don't' know you, and am perfectly willing to believe you personally are still more than capable, but too many are not.  Sorry.

Watch what you wish for! You will be there before you know it. I myself thought getting old would take longer!

Just because you have unlimited data/minutes on your mobile device doesn’t mean you need to use it while driving. Hang up and drive and give everyone else a break.