September 2009 - Inland Empire Automotive Magazine

WWW.IEAUTOMAG.COM - SEPTEMBER 2009 3

Dear Enthusiasts,

Welcome to Inland Empire Automotive Magazine, a brand new automotive magazine just for the Inland Empire.

Every month Inland Empire Automotive Magazine will cover innovative articles, news, reviews, product and technical information on a variety of automotive related topics. In addition, Inland Empire Automotive Magazine offers the reader new vehicle reviews, event coverage, tips and other useful information.

Inland Empire Automotive Magazine has unique features which set it apart from other automotive magazines, such as a monthly local business review section, car club reviews and a local featured vehicle, as well as information, articles and viewpoints from professionals and automotive enthusiasts living in the Inland Empire.

Please let us know what you think. Contact us by mail, phone, or on our website at www.ieautomag.com. We want you to participate in this endeavor by sharing your thoughts, opinions and even your story ideas.

Enjoy!

Chris SawyerEditor


Deciding Between Aftermarket, OEM and Genuine Auto Partsby Miles Johnson

Aftermarket, OEM, or genuine auto parts... you’re confused about what to choose. If that’s you, read the following.

Cheaper doesn’t always mean inferior. Such is the case with aftermarket and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) car parts. While they are often up to 70% cheaper than genuine parts, they can be far superior in quality.

Like many car owners and car parts buyers out there, I must say that I once thought that the genuine parts sold by my local automotive dealer were better. Well surprisingly, this is far removed from the truth.

Do you think that car makers make their own parts? They certainly don’t. They would probably like you to think so but this isn’t the case.

OEM parts are made by the same manufacturer as the genuine part you would receive from your local dealer. In other words, it’s really the same part. The only difference is the logo on the box.

Here’s what happens. Car makers use outside independent companies to help them design their parts. But after a certain time frame the actual manufacturers of these parts are allowed to sell them to other wholesale distributors for resale. This time they come with the manufacturer’s logo and not that of the car maker. So essentially, the identical part is now referred to as an OEM part.

How about aftermarket parts? Are they inferior to genuine parts? ... Although aftermarket car parts are not made by the origi-nal manufacturer, they perform as well as the original. In many cases, the companies find a way of improving these parts so that the customer gets a part that is of superior quality.

There is no need for concern. Aftermarket car parts are produced with the same machinery and materials as OEM and genu-ine parts. While the parts may have a few minor differences in look and feel, they basically do the same job. The companies who manufacture these aftermarket auto parts are credible. They legitimately buy the rights to manufacture those parts.

You can order aftermarket and OEM car parts online today. It’s easy. It’s a great way to save money. Furthermore, you can have peace of mind, knowing that you’re not compromising quality.

4 INLAND EMPIRE AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE - WWW.IEAUTOMAG.COM


2010 Toyota Matrix Road Test Reviewby Bob Cowan

Based on the Corolla, the Matrix is a slightly more expensive and slightly more stylish step up. Its cousin is the Pontiac Vibe, which GM recently pulled the plug on, ending their production partnership with Toyota as it restructures. This hardly means the Matrix gets the road to itself, as there’s a long list of competitors in this segment including the Ford Focus, Dodge Caliber, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Mazda3, just to name a few. There are a number of reasons, however, to include this five-door hatchback on your car-shopping trip.

Starting at $16,330, this four-banger offers significant bang for the buck. My test unit came with the base 1.8L, 132hp engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing that provides 128 lb-ft of torque. Even mated to the optional 4-speed automatic transmission I found this front wheel drive five-door surprisingly zippy while providing better than decent fuel economy.

What the Matrix saves in gas it more than makes up for by using another petroleum-based product – plastic! Hey, I know this car lists for around the same as a smart car, but the base trim level left me underwhelmed. Then there are the seats, which I will get to later but first, playing with buttons, the ergonomics of the Matrix is at least friendly. All controls are within easy reach. The Optitron electronic gauges are also easy to read. The four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo is pretty basic stuff, but comes with an auxiliary input as it should but still, surprisingly, found missing in some competitor offerings.

The Matrix is a great little utility vehicle providing a lot of storage space for its size with 19.8 cubic feet of storage behind the 60/40 rear seats. There are also a nice number of moulded receptacles in the doors, and other little trays, nooks and crannies to store things.

The dimensions remain the same as last years reworked Matrix with an overall length of 171.8 inches and a 69.5-inch width. The second generation hits the scales at 2,888 lbs with the heavier automatic transmission. You will add another 386 lbs with the available all-wheel drive version. Parking the Matrix just about anywhere will not be a problem and the 36-foot turning radius is quite nifty. While the handling in the grocery store parking lot is great, on the road it is just ok. The Matrix features independent front suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars and electric power steering, but I felt a higher centre of gravity that did not evoke confidence when pushing the car in the corners. Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control are standard, however, across the board for 2010.

Other safety features for the unrated 2010 model include front and side impact airbags with front and rear curtain airbags. Anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution provide adequate stopping power for the standard P205/55R16 all season radials. My test unit had the Convenience package, which adds a Tire Pressure Monitoring System as an

extra safety feature. Air conditioning, power locks, windows and keyless entry also come with the package. The current generation Matrix should yield high resale values as well.

While I give the Matrix the most points for zip and economy, I am knocking off several points for comfort, or lack thereof. Starting with the noise levels, the engine drone is not pleasant and compounded by unacceptable road noise and back to those seats, they are a tad uncomfortable. On a lengthy trip, they might be torture for my back at least.

At this price point trade-offs are required, and overall the 2010 Matrix is a fairly stylish and sporty package that offers great utility for a wide range of buyers.


Stater Bros. Route 66 RendezvousCelebrates its 20th Anniversary

By Karen Blanco, Route 66 Director of Communications

Twenty years ago some car enthusiasts decided that San Bernardino, California would be a perfect location to hold a classic car show since people were used to “getting their kicks on Route 66.” That was in 1990 and the Route 66 Rendezvous was considered a great success with 300 cars and a couple of thousand people in attendance.

Fast forward 20 years and the Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous has become the signature event for the city of San Bernardino, bringing over 500,000 spectators and 1,900 classic cars, hot rods, street rods, customs, muscle cars and sports cars that cruise 35-blocks of downtown. The San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau, a non-profit organization, with participation from the City of San Bernardino and County of San Bernardino continues to produce the Rendezvous.

During the third week of September each year the city transforms into the nostalgic era of cruising. The streets are closed, the lines are drawn, the lights and sound towers are placed, vendors arrive, the stage is set, and then that first roar of the engine is heard and the excitement begins! The cars have been painted, customized, rebuilt and shined, all for the spectators to admire these classic perfectly aged masterpieces and to compete in the multiple contests that take place during this four-day experience.

There’s the Neon Light Contest that lights up the streets on Thursday evening, the Poker Run contest where vehicle participants cruise to local designated businesses to collect cards to create the best poker hand for a prize of $500, the rumbling of engines during the Open Header competition to see who can get the highest decibel possible, the Burnout contest that takes strong nerves, guts and daring tenacity along with good tires as the smoke is judged for $1,000 in prizes, and the Model Car Contest which has grown into quite a challenge over the years.

It’s not just the cars; it is the camaraderie that brings everyone back year after year. The weather is warm and so are the people. Many friendships have been developed and strengthened during the Rendezvous. The music and entertainment are impressive, with a mixture of rock ‘n roll, rock-a-billy and surfin’ music. As one walks through the streets the sights, sounds and smells bring back the days of a simpler time. After stopping at one food vendor for the best barbeque sandwich then to the next for the corn-on-the-cob, homemade lemonade and finally some cotton candy, it’s time to head over to the firefighter competition where firemen compete in challenges such as hose-cart races, bucket brigade contests and the water ball challenge which has a large “splash zone.”

New last year was the Route 66 Culinary Cook-off, an “Iron-chef-like” contest to see which team could create the best dishes similar to what would be found along Route 66. And, this year a new addition will be the Von Hot Rod’s Pinstriping Circus, a traveling pinstriping show that travels the country attending car and bike shows to raise money for charities. There will also be a display of approximately 20 Rat Rods. Von Hot Rod has been named the “Master of the Fine Line”, known throughout the country as a top pinstriping artist, and has been featured on Discovery Channel, ESPN-2 and multiple custom car magazines.

This is definitely the year to enjoy the Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous! For hotel accommodations, registration forms and more information visit WWW.ROUTE-66.ORG.


CALIFORNIA’S HOTTEST CALIFORNIA’S HOTTEST CALIFORNIA’S HOTTEST CRUISIN’ CLASSIC CRUISIN’ CLASSIC CRUISIN’ CLASSIC

CAR SHOWCAR SHOWCAR SHOW

Join car buffs from all over the country as they cruise hot rods, customs, classics, trucks, muscle cars, and Corvettes along a 35-block area on the downtown streets of San Bernardino, California.

WWW.ROUTE-66.ORGWWW.ROUTE-66.ORGWWW.ROUTE-66.ORG

September 17-20, 2009 San Bernardino, California•

Event Produced By:Event Produced By:Event Produced By:Event Produced By:Event Produced By:Event Produced By:Event Produced By:Event Produced By:Event Produced By:Event Produced By:Event Produced By:Event Produced By:

EVENT ACTIVITIES:EVENT ACTIVITIES:EVENT ACTIVITIES:Cruisin’ Awards•Family Activities•Free Entertainment & Music•Celebrities & Legendary Guests•Hundreds of Vendors•Contests: Neon Light, Poker Run, •Burn-Out, Model Car, Culinary Cook-Off, Firefighter Competition and CHP 5k Run

HOT!HOT!HOT!HOT!HOT!HOT!HOT!HOT!HOT!

HOT!HOT!HOT!

ALL FREE TO THE PUBLICALL FREE TO THE PUBLICALL FREE TO THE PUBLIC

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Thursday/Friday:Thursday/Friday:Thursday/Friday:

Saturday:Saturday:Saturday:

Sunday:Sunday:Sunday:

Celebrate our 20th Anniversary!Celebrate our 20th Anniversary!Celebrate our 20th Anniversary!909.388.2934909.388.2934909.388.2934

T H E N A S C A R P L A Y O F F S

A U T O C L U B S P E E D W A Y . C O MT I X A R E G O I N G F A S T , C A L L 8 0 0 . 9 4 4 . R A C E

O C T O B E R 9 T H- 1 1 T H 2 0 0 9

Don’t miss the Ultimate Race Day Hospitality Area October 10-11, 2009. See Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon on Sunday, October 11th.

Tickets include continental breakfast & lunch,5 coupons for Pepsi/ Aquafi na products, beer, wine, cocktails, collectible gift, live entertainment, closed circuit TV, Pre-Race Pit Access, driver appearances & much more. You can purchase your tickets today. Please call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com

Hendrick MotorSports 25th Anniversary Party Zone Presented By Pepsi

This year the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup comes to Auto Club Speedway. Be a part of California’s inaugural Chase race. Tickets start at just $35.

Get Familiar With The Chase:

Auto Club Speedway is proud to make west coast racing history, as host to the fi rst California Chase race. Want to learn more about The Chase?

The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is the championship system used in NASCAR’s top division, the Sprint Cup Series.

The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup was fi rst announced on January 21, 2004.

The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is comprised of the fi nal 10 races of the 36 race season.

The 12 drivers with the highest regular season points totals race against each other for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup

Their points are reset to a base of 5,000 points per driver, with a bonus of 10 points awarded to each driver for each win during the season.

During the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, normal scoring applies. Race winners receive 190 points for the win, 5 bonus points for leading a single lap and 10 points for leading the most laps.

The driver with the most points after the fi nal 10 races is declared the champion.

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France announced the current version of the The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on January 22, 2007.

Jimmie Johnson has won the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in ’07 and ’08 and is going for a third consecutive championship, his fourth overall.

Auto Club Speedway is the newest track addition to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

- Saturday GA Ticket- Sunday Reserved Ticket- FREE Pit Pass- Only available for a limited time

Celebrate Junior’s 35th Birthday with us with a special $88 Dale Jr. Birthday Package.

$ea.

approval by date

art director

copywriter

creative director

production mgr

account mgr

legal

client

traffi c

e-pro

FILE NAME: CSC-078_InlandEmpireAd.indd

CLIENT

DATE

JOB TITLE

ART DIRECTION

COPYWRITER

PRODUCTION MGR

ACCOUNT MGR

NAME OF PUB/DATE

JOB TYPE

COLOR

ACTUAL SIZE

LIVE

TRIM

BLEED

FILE OUTPUT SIZE

SOFTWARE

FONTS

LINKS

PRINTS

Auto Club Speedway

08/09/09

09 Pepsi 500 Ad

Colm Conn

Jeffrey Butterworth

Lisa Tharp

Keith Shapiro

Inland Empire/September

Print

4CP

18” x 10.875”

15.125” x 9.75”

18” x 10.875”

18.5” x 11.375”

100%

InDesign CS3Illustrator CS3Photoshop CS3

GothamHotel Coral Essex

09_Copart_300_ACFNL.epsAAA_08_Speedway_vert_4C.aiAAA_Card_Logo.psdCHASE09_4C_PRT.epsheadline.psdhendricks12 copy.psdInlandEmpireSpread.psdNASCAR C.epsPepsi500Color_cmyk.aiSanBernardino_eda_color_whitetype.ai

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

57394 CSC-078_InlandEmpireAd.indd 2-3 8/12/09 9:03:15 AM

T H E N A S C A R P L A Y O F F S

A U T O C L U B S P E E D W A Y . C O MT I X A R E G O I N G F A S T , C A L L 8 0 0 . 9 4 4 . R A C E

O C T O B E R 9 T H- 1 1 T H 2 0 0 9

Don’t miss the Ultimate Race Day Hospitality Area October 10-11, 2009. See Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon on Sunday, October 11th.

Tickets include continental breakfast & lunch,5 coupons for Pepsi/ Aquafi na products, beer, wine, cocktails, collectible gift, live entertainment, closed circuit TV, Pre-Race Pit Access, driver appearances & much more. You can purchase your tickets today. Please call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com

Hendrick MotorSports 25th Anniversary Party Zone Presented By Pepsi

This year the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup comes to Auto Club Speedway. Be a part of California’s inaugural Chase race. Tickets start at just $35.

Get Familiar With The Chase:

Auto Club Speedway is proud to make west coast racing history, as host to the fi rst California Chase race. Want to learn more about The Chase?

The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is the championship system used in NASCAR’s top division, the Sprint Cup Series.

The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup was fi rst announced on January 21, 2004.

The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is comprised of the fi nal 10 races of the 36 race season.

The 12 drivers with the highest regular season points totals race against each other for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup

Their points are reset to a base of 5,000 points per driver, with a bonus of 10 points awarded to each driver for each win during the season.

During the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, normal scoring applies. Race winners receive 190 points for the win, 5 bonus points for leading a single lap and 10 points for leading the most laps.

The driver with the most points after the fi nal 10 races is declared the champion.

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France announced the current version of the The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on January 22, 2007.

Jimmie Johnson has won the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in ’07 and ’08 and is going for a third consecutive championship, his fourth overall.

Auto Club Speedway is the newest track addition to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

- Saturday GA Ticket- Sunday Reserved Ticket- FREE Pit Pass- Only available for a limited time

Celebrate Junior’s 35th Birthday with us with a special $88 Dale Jr. Birthday Package.

$ea.

approval by date

art director

copywriter

creative director

production mgr

account mgr

legal

client

traffi c

e-pro

FILE NAME: CSC-078_InlandEmpireAd.indd

CLIENT

DATE

JOB TITLE

ART DIRECTION

COPYWRITER

PRODUCTION MGR

ACCOUNT MGR

NAME OF PUB/DATE

JOB TYPE

COLOR

ACTUAL SIZE

LIVE

TRIM

BLEED

FILE OUTPUT SIZE

SOFTWARE

FONTS

LINKS

PRINTS

Auto Club Speedway

08/09/09

09 Pepsi 500 Ad

Colm Conn

Jeffrey Butterworth

Lisa Tharp

Keith Shapiro

Inland Empire/September

Print

4CP

18” x 10.875”

15.125” x 9.75”

18” x 10.875”

18.5” x 11.375”

100%

InDesign CS3Illustrator CS3Photoshop CS3

GothamHotel Coral Essex

09_Copart_300_ACFNL.epsAAA_08_Speedway_vert_4C.aiAAA_Card_Logo.psdCHASE09_4C_PRT.epsheadline.psdhendricks12 copy.psdInlandEmpireSpread.psdNASCAR C.epsPepsi500Color_cmyk.aiSanBernardino_eda_color_whitetype.ai

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

57394 CSC-078_InlandEmpireAd.indd 2-3 8/12/09 9:03:15 AM


It took Dennis Mackoff, of Rancho Cucamonga, about two years to assemble this beautiful work of art from the ground up. Believe it or not, he started building this 1934 Ford Coupe on doctor’s orders; he had come down with a rare dis-order which permanently damaged his nerves and because of his love of street rods his doctor felt that building the car would be good physical therapy. Dennis started messing around with cars as far back as he can remember. In 1965, he owned his first car, a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible with a 398 and factory tri power. Then in 1966, he was run-ning a 1965 Plymouth Satellite with a 383 and it was a 10th of a second under the national record at that time for a C stock automatic. Over the years, Dennis has lost track of all the cars he has owned, such as the 1968 RT Dodge Coro-net that he bought new, but he would love to have that 1959 Pontiac back.

Dennis was in high school when he began to work part time in a body shop in New Jersey, where he grew up. He then became an industrial designer and worked in that field for many years before deciding that he didn’t want to do that for the rest of his life, so he began selling tractor trailer trucks, first for Freightliner and then for KW and Peterbilt. He moved to California over twenty-five years ago and went back into the auto body business before going into auto sal-vage. Although he currently sells safes, Dennis is never far from the cars he loves. In fact, prior to building the 1934 Ford Coupe he built a 1929 full fender Model A Roadster, which he ultimately sold.

THE WIDOW MAKER

BY: Dianne Sawyer


SPECSVEHICLE: 1934 FORD 3 WINDOW COUPEOWNER/BUILDER: DENNIS MACKOFFLOCATION: RANCHO CUCAMONGA

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION:BALANCED & BLUEPRINTED 383 STROKER MOTOR BY T&L ENGINESDYNO @ 460 HORSE POWER WITHDART ALUMINUM HEADS,EDELBROCK ALUMINUM INTAKE, HOLLEY 750 DOUBLE PUMPER, R700 MODIFIED TRANSMISSION BY MONSTER TRANSMISSION, 15-GALLON FUEL CELL & AN ALUMINUM RADIATOR TO KEEP IT ALL NICE AND COOL.

EXTERIOR & INTERIOR:DEEP BLACK PAINT2 ½” CHOP TOPTAN LEATHER INTERIORRECLINING LEATHER BUCKET SEATS BY WANDA’S

WHEELS & TIRES:15” WELD WHEELSCOKER TIRES

AUDIO & VIDEO:PIONEER AM/FM/CD PLAYER

EXTRAS:4 WHEEL POWER DISK BRAKESSUPER BELL DROPPED FRONT AXLE9” FORD REAR END BY JIM COOK OF PERFORMANCE AXLESWIRING BY CARL HARTPERFORMANCE AXLESALUMINUM DRIVESHAFTELECTRONIC DOOR OPENERSPOWER WINDOWSAIR CONDITIONINGVEGA STEERING BOXIDIDIT TILT STEERING COLUMNDOLPHIN GAUGESLOCKER TRANSMISSION SHIFTER


Ways to Avoid Getting Ripped Off on Auto Repairby Miles Johnson

Have you ever had maintenance done on your car and received an outrageous bill? All of sudden, things that worked well on your car no longer do. Things like batter-ies, spark plugs, and even parts that you never heard of before start going bad.

In a bad economy, scammers grow. Even the most well known and respected dealers will add to your bill if al-lowed. Hopefully this article will help protect you from scammers.

When it comes to service and mechanics, you can not beat word of mouth. Ask your friends and neighbors for advice. People love to help people, when it comes to advice.

Sometimes, small shops are better than large ones. You may have to make an appointment. However, many times the wait is worth it. Non union shops are always in compe-tition with others. You may get a better deal.

Check out the shop personally. If you see lots of vehicles being serviced, that means many individuals go there for service.

Talk to the mechanic or technician. Explain what your problem is with your vehicle. Do not suggest that something else is wrong with your vehicle. Just simply tell them how your vehicle is acting. It is their job to find the problem and repair it.

Tell them to contact you if something else comes up in regards to your vehicle. Under no circumstances should they replace any-thing without consulting you first. Be sure that they know that.

Get a second opinion. You would for your health, why not your vehicle? Get estimates and compare them closely. Look for any deviations in the estimates. Make sure they personally sign the estimate. This will keep them honest as they work.

Bargain with them, if you can. Let them know you only have so much money to use for repairs. Sometimes you might strike a deal. After all, they need money, too. Never be afraid to take your vehicle elsewhere. Simply say, I think so and so can do better. Then do it.

Always make sure you know that they will do warranty work. If your vehicle is under warranty, know what is and isn't covered.

Get a parts order list from the mechanic or technician. Match it up with the final bill. If they ask why you want it? Tell them the truth. "I plan to match it up with my bill." That will keep them honest.


How to Get the Best Auto Insurance Deal

Let your fingers do the walking… Remember that Yellow Pages Ad Campaign? Excellent advice if you’re shopping for auto insurance. Shop around and do it yearly. Don’t just keep paying the invoice over and over without comparison shopping. Below are a few suggestions to help you get the best deal available on your automobile insurance policy.

Insurance agents really have a lot of leeway. They can price match and they can offer many discounts. There are also many decisions you can make about your policy that will save you a bundle. For example, if you change your deductible on your collision from a $50 deductible to a $1000 deductible, you’re inline for a huge premium savings. If you don’t think you could come up with $1000 out of pocket, then change it to a $500 deductible; you’ll still save a sizable amount on your annual premium payment.

You can also get more of a savings if you change your comprehensive deductible. Many people needlessly carry full coverage on their older vehicle. They originally purchased the vehicle new, paid for full coverage and to this day, continue to pay the same high rate. Their ten year old vehicle may be worth $1000 or less, yet they continue to pay $250-$450 every six months (total $500 to $900 dollars a year) to keep full coverage on their old vehicle.

However, if they have an accident and totaled their vehicle, the insurance company will only pay them the wholesale value of the vehicle. The amount they would receive could be $1000 or less. A vehicle that old just needs the insurance that protects the other person in case of an accident.

Another method to save more on your insurance is by combining your vehicles and other insurance together to get you additional savings. All insurance companies offer a multi-car discount (if yours doesn’t, it’s time to switch companies). Further, many will discount more if you have your homeowners or renters policy with them.

There are a few other discounts that you may not be taking advantage of. It seems obvious, but make sure you are getting the correct rate for your age. There are discounts for various ages than can save you lots of money. Check with your agent on this one. Also alarm systems on your vehicle are usually good for a discount. Additionally, anti-lock brakes and air bags can also help lower your premiums.

Don’t just keep paying the invoice when it comes in. Your insurance bill should be an automatic trigger for you to make a few phone calls to see if you can save even more money on your auto insurance premiums.

by Miles Johnson



Driving Etiquette: Learn How to Drive and Eliminate Road Rage

by Mike Mitchell

The one thing that never amazes me is how many bad drivers there are on the roads these days. It’s unbelievable that some of these people actually pass their license test. Now don’t get me wrong, everybody makes mistakes while driving but I am referring to the people that consistently do things that are annoying to other drivers. Below, I have compiled a few things that are very annoying to the average driver who are actually following the rules of driving. All drivers should consider these when they are out and about.

Perhaps the biggest rule that annoys drivers is people that ride in the passing lane on a highway without passing people or going slower than the traffic is going. I have got to say that this really annoys me--I mean get over already! If you are not going to pass someone then do not get in the passing lane and do not stay in the passing lane once you get there if you are going slower than the rest of the traffic. It always good to remember that the passing lane is for passing. Another rule that people neglect to use is the use of turn signals. I can’t tell you how many times I have either almost been in an accident or have almost witnessed one because a driver in front of another car did not use their turn signal. It does not matter where you are; you should always use your turn signals. People need to remember that someone who is behind you is not a mind reader and has to go off your turn signals to know what you are going to do.

The third rule is giving someone a thank you wave when they either let you in a lane or let you go first at a stop sign. This is another one that really annoys me--if I let someone into the lane that I am in or wave a person at a stop sign to go first then at least give me a courtesy wave. People can be so rude sometimes in this and not even acknowledge you when you doing them a favor. Always remember that these drivers who are letting you either go first or allow you to get into another lane are under no obligation to do so and a simple thank you wave is called for each time.

The fourth rule and one of the biggest rules that gets broken is to go the speed limit. There should be very rare instances where you have to go less than the posted speed limit. This is what causes traffic jams sometimes. Always remember to go at least the speed limit and if you have some reason for not going this speed than when you see a long line of cars following you pull over and let them get by. Do not continue for miles and miles letting the traffic back up worse behind you. Obviously you are not in a rush to get anywhere so pull over and start again when the traffic goes by you.

The fifth rule is not to either eat while driving or not to talk on your cell phone. These are distractions that take away from your focusing on the road. I can’t tell you how many times people are almost causing accidents because they are on their cell phones or stuffing their faces and not focused on actually driving. The cell phones are probably the biggest culprit here in that everyday has one these days and nobody seems to mind when it is affecting their driving. Always remember to focus on the road and if a cell phone distracts you in ANY way then do NOT use it. Same rule applies to eating in the car while driving--you have to remain focused on what you are doing at all times. The sixth rule is not to tailgate another driver. It is never acceptable to ride another drivers bumper, even if they are going slow. Obey the two car length rule; you should have at least two full car lengths between you and the driver in front of you at any time you are moving. Any closer than this then you are tailgating. Police have recently been cracking down on this and other aggressive driving so do not do it. So there you have it, six rules to follow when you are driving. By following these rules you minimize annoying another driver. Another thing you virtually eliminate is having another driver express road rage towards you. While it is never OK for someone to have road rage, smart drivers can eliminate this problem by just driving correctly. Always remember that driving requires focus and by following the rules of driving then you are showing everybody else that you are good at it.

Documents

September 2009 - Inland Empire Automotive Magazine