Kwik Kar Tried It Again

The 2004 4Runner with about 50K milkes needed another oil change after our road trip to the West Coast and before we drive to Austin this weekend, so WifeGeeding takes the vehicle to our local Kwik Kar.  This time they recommended a rear differential service.  She smartly said no. 

I’m learning it’s best just to say no to these services and do a little research.  Here’ s what I found:

The front or rear differential service doesn’t need to be performed on a regular basis. It is not a “scam” per se, but it is a way for a repair facility to generate more revenue. You can go to any vehicle manufacturer’s web site and find the maintenance schedules for your specific vehicle. You won’t find any mention of a differential flush or service. Under normal conditions the front or rear differential fluid doesn’t need to be changed as vehicles go 300,000 kms and 25 years with the same differential fluid, or gear oil as it is also referred to, with no adverse effects.  Source

I found that bit of advice from an article about car repair rip-off – overselling what you don’t need or recommending it too soon or often.  It’s a 10 part series and the topics are listed below.  You can click on each of those topics in the link above.  

#1 – Front or rear brake caliper service
#2 – The Fuel Injector Flush
#3 – 2 or 4 Wheel Alignment (selling it before you need it)
#4 – Wheel Balance
#5 – Spark Plug Cleaning
#6 – The Brake Fluid Flush
#7 – Power Steering Flush
#8 – A/C Service
#9 – Throttle Body Cleaning or Service
#10 – Front & Rear Differential Service

Posted in Interesting, Personal | 2 Comments

Fish With Large Fangs Found Near Utah Lake

BRIGHAM CITY, Utah — Biologists are trying to identify a fish with large fangs that was found near a lake in Utah.

The fish was found a few weeks ago in a parking lot near a lake in Brigham City, just north of Salt Lake City.

Wildlife officials said they think the fish may have been dragged into the parking lot by an animal.

So far, they said they have several guesses as to the species, but more tests will be needed.

Link with more pics

Posted in Interesting | 1 Comment

6 Cities That Were Caught Shortening Yellow Light Times For Profit

Short yellow light times at intersections have been shown to increase the number of traffic violations and accidents. Conversely, increasing the yellow light duration can dramatically reduce red-light violations at an intersection.

Some local governments have ignored the safety benefit of increasing the yellow light time and decided to install red-light cameras, shorten the yellow light duration, and collect the profits instead.

Here are some of the cities that have been caught with short yellow light times over the past few years:

Full Article

Dallas and Lubbock are on the list.

Posted in DFW, Interesting, Texas | 5 Comments