The growing popularity of "fog" lights is a concern. I used quotes because most of these are not true fog lights. Many drivers feel they have to have them on regardless of weather or visibility. Most are as blinding as high beams to approaching drivers. This is made worse by the growing number of taller vehicles like SUVs and pickups with their lights mounted at eye level for regular cars. During a recent trip to Europe, I noticed the big trucks had their lights mounted in the bumper, down low. Why not here? – Blain
I could not agree more about the growth of "fog" lights. A few high-end vehicles have actual fog lights designed to restrict the light from shining more than a half metre or so above the road surface, preventing glare for the driver. But the vast majority of these are affectations created by designers and do nothing to help driving in fog, rain or similar poor visibility situations. In fact, most make this situation worse because the poorly controlled light shines everywhere, reflecting off the moisture particles in the air. As for the issue of height, this is another area where antiquated regulations in North America have not kept pace with emerging technology and industry practice. In Europe, those big trucks have the headlights mounted down low in the bumper to solve the problem you are complaining about. Headlights are available that address both these issues. Most high-end car makers have developed effective lighting systems that not only prevent glare reaching oncoming drivers by actually shutting off the portion of the light source that would shine unto oncoming traffic. They provide brilliant illumination at all times, greatly increasing safety. Widely used in other parts of the world, these new systems are not allowed in North America. Regulatory bodies continue to "study" them as manufacturers complain about having to replace these new systems with antiquated ones for vehicles for sale in Canada and the United States.
Recall recourse
What course of action does a consumer have if their car has been recalled and fixed by the dealership but the driver is not satisfied with the fix? Or otherwise, if they do not feel safe getting back in the car and they just want a cash settlement and to part ways? – Todd
The manufacturer has to prove to the regulatory authorities that the fix not only cures the problem, but does not create another. Generally speaking, a safety recall involves inspecting or replacing a troubled part with one that has been proven to solve the problem. The fact you are not satisfied with the results gets into the question of whether you are not satisfied with the manner in which the recall/fix was performed or your perception of the result – in essence, that you do not believe the cure solves the issue. If you think the recall/repair was not performed properly and another source can provide proof, there are a number of avenues that can be pursued. But if the issue is one of perception or discomfort, there is no provision for a cash settlement or parting ways, any more than there is for a vehicle that has not been subject to a recall.
Shrinking shift levers
In the old days, shift levers were about a a metre long. Today, they can be five centimetres long. Talk about downsizing – how did they do this? – Blake
The basic reason is the replacement of rods and levers with cables. Moving the lever in that old car meant moving a series of lengthy solid metal rods connecting to the forks in a transmission. There were several pivot points or changes in direction or angle for those levers necessary to fit within the restricted area between the dash and the transmission at the rear of the engine. To move this complex mechanism required a great deal of leverage, thus the long arm or shift lever. Those levers were replaced with permanently lubricated cables, one end attached to the shift lever and the other to the transmission with no interruption between. This method requires far less force or effort, so a shorter arm or lever can be used.
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