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Date: Fri, 02 Sep 2005 16:33:26 -0400
From: ma_twain <ma_twainnospamo.com>
Subject: Re: SAAB Quality Since GM?


Pooh Bear wrote: > James Sweet wrote: > > >>>I bought the car used. It was sold after the head was repaired when the >>>timing belt broke. So, I got the first timing belt and a new head >>>"free". I considered this when I bought the car. I do not think the car >>>will last much longer than another 30,00 miles anyway - with a beginning >>>drive behind the wheel :-( >>> >>Might be good to give the beginning driver lots of supervised practice, I >>managed to put one small scuff in the bumper of my first vehicle but I know >>lots of people who didn't. I also knew a few people who got a nice first car >>and promptly totalled it though. >> > > It might help if the prospective driver had to pay for the vehicle ! > > I had no fairy godmother and my first car was paid for by me. I also had to > service and maintain it ( no way I could afford to use a mechanic - never mind > dealer prices ). That included an engine rebuild after not so long too. > > I'm frankly disturbed that Ma is apparently happily prepared to see the vehicle > trashed by her daughter on account of being a newbie to driving. > > Does no-one give worthwhile driving lessons any more ? > > > Graham > Not "happily" prepared to see the vehicle trashed, but I am realistic. The issue may not be her driving, but others. Driving skills, especially defensive driving skills are not learned quickly. The newbie has enough to handle with just controlling her own vehicle. Many things an experienced driver takes for granted are not taught in Driver's Ed. I remember when I learned to drive, traffic was much less and the drivers were much less aggressive. Gas was also under $0.30 a gallon :-) One example of "defensive driving skills" we take for granted is predicting what the other drivers will do. I can tell which car/driver is going to weave through rush hour beltway traffic without signaling or looking. How? I can't really say, but I am always right. I suspect it might something to do observing subtle hints like hand position (holding cell phone) and front wheel angle/car position in lane. Try teaching that to a "newbie". They have to do the following and more: 1. Watch your speed 2. Watch behind you for car tailgating (always) and watch the cars beside you 3. look in front for brakes light or car slowing down (must learn to judge distance) 4. Watch for road conditions and changes in road conditions and adjust speed accordingly, but don't slam on the brake until you look in the rear view mirror 5. Tune radio/CD player and sing 6. Tell your parents to stop nagging - "I know it all" and "My eyes and reactions are better than yours" 7. Turn on lights if it is getting dark. 8. Turn on wipers if it starts to rain - and turn on lights if you turn on wipers - don't forget to slow down a bit 9.Check the dash for any warning lights - "check engine", engine temp rising etc 10. Listen for different noises that might indicate problems (flat tire, tapping in engine, failing transmission etc. (I owned a Ford) 11. Notice strange car behavior - pulling to one side, losing speed even if you step on the gas, brakes not working (I owned a Ford) 12. Anything else I do, but don't remember On top of all this you ask the newbie to predict what the car two lanes over is going to do in the next 1/4 mile? Times are tougher for beginning drivers these days. As for giving worthwhile driving lessons - how many children listen to their parents? I will do my best! She will not drive by herself for a year, even after she gets her licensee. > >

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