Since I’ve been spending so much time up at Belmont and Lincoln, I’ve been trying to find new ways to get from here to there. I think I’ve found the jackpot too: Elston. Everytime I’ve been on the road there’s been nobody on it, and it’s got slight bends in it that actually make it fun too.
What’s pathetic though, is I basically found it by accident. One day when I was heading up that way, I took Ogden to Milwaukee, and was planning on taking Milwaukee to Ashland. However, Milwaukee was closed (or at least that what it said, it was actually open) right after Elston, so I hopped on it instead.
Heading from Belmont South, I take Ashland to Elston, then Milwaukee, Racine, Grand, and I’m home (sorry I can’t show you a map of it, talk about a missing feature on mapquest and google maps). What’s makes it even better is that the lights seemed to be timed just right so if you go 40-45 the whole way, you’ll make every green light. Nice!
This isn’t really new news, as I’ve seen it around before, but I think it’s finally it graces these pages. Basically, Oregon is trying to implement a new road tax. Unlike previous road taxes which have been collected at the pump, Oregon thinks it’s about time we start taxing people per mile. This will be accomplished by throwing untold amounts of money at the problem via new technology to monitor your vehicle through a “black box”; a problem that never was a problem, you simple raise the gasoline tax to increase revenue.
Now, from another article, we find out that Oregon is “one of 10 states to have adopted a ‘clean cars program’”. Which then not intend to use in order to extort money out of people. It’s interesting how the government wants to have it’s cake and eat it too with this one: people buying fuel effecient vehicles, while still making money on gasoline tax.
As a high mileage vehicle owner, I am obviously not thrilled about this at all. One of the reasons that I purchased a high milage vehicle was to cut down on costs at the pump. This new billing mechanism completely ruins this. Plus, who does all the road damage? I can garauntee you my little Jetta does incredibly less road damage than a F150, Hummer, or anything else that gets less than 20 mpg.
Granted, I’m sure if this would go into effect, people would be disconnecting them or modifying them somehow, against the law of course, but just to be in defiance. Plus, I’m not all about the government knowing where I’m driving my car, nor should they care. However, I probably would save money on this in the long term, since I don’t drive my car that often.
The best quote from the above mentioned NY Times article though is
Mr. Whitty said he had heard of some drivers of fuel-efficient vehicles being upset. Others, though, were feeling guilt about having paid fewer taxes than most drivers, he said.
I would personally like to meet these people that feel guilty about paying less to fill up there cars. Because I’m positive that they don’t exist.
Just get responsible, save the tax payers millions of dollars on not testing this black box that they aren’t going to want, and raise the gasoline tax. Why change something that’s not broken?
I just can’t get enough of the new “Un-Pimp My Ride” commercials from VW. So much so, that I’ve linked them below for you viewing pleasure. Also, I was informed about the “Make Friends with Your Fast” commercials, which, while not quite as funny, are quality none-the-less.
Un-Pimp My Ride: Crate
Un-Pimp My Ride: Wrecking Ball
Un-Pimp My Ride: Trebuchet
Make Friends with Your Fast: Hair
Make Friends with Your Fast: Streamlined
Make Friends with Your Fast: Officer
Make Friends with Your Fast: Take-Out
I don’t know where to even begin with this. There are so many things wrong with what the UAW is doing to the American automotive industry. How long do they expect to bite (more like ravage) the hands that feeds them? I guess if they’re going down, they’re taking everything with them. I suppose that’s one way to think about it. :roll:
Since I haven’t updated in awhile (well, other than the two other short posts a few minutes ago), I thought I’d back track a few weeks to keep people informed on what I’ve been doing.
Not too long ago, I rolled over the 20k mark in the Jetta. Time for another oil change, plus a few other things. One of those things happened to be a new fuel filter. Ouch, that’s a hefty $30 just for the filter. However, I had been reading about the CAT 2 micron filters that could easily be retrofitted onto the Jetta. The CAT filters are normally used for big rigs, but the filter replacements are actually cheaper, try half the price, plus they last way longer.
Unfortunately, you have to buy a new top to the filter. This top, fittings, and a filter set you back $120. Granted, I don’t know how long I’ll have the car or anything, so I don’t know if I’ll make back the money, directly ($15 every 20k+ miles takes a lot of miles), but I do know that the extra filtration will help keep the gunk out of the engine. This is especially helpful since it seems like some of the places I end up filling up at are only used by me.
As easy as the directions are for the filter install, it of course never is that easy. Well, actually, it was that easy after I found the needed tools. To begin with, I needed two strap wrenches. After busting one of Bud’s strap wrenches just changing my oil filter, I didn’t want to get some cheap things just to have them break. I hunted, and I hunted, but all I found was really cheap, or really expensive. So, I ended up getting the Craftsman pair. At least that way, if they break, they have a lifetime warranty. Then, I needed to get something to actually clamp the fuel lines (one going into the filter, and one leaving it) while I replaced the filter. I had seen these nice and simple ones that were essentially just a piece of metal and a wingnut to tighten it down. Well, finding these would be next to impossible. Thanks to an old coworker, I was able to locate something similar to at least go on. I then called Carquest and they actually found it cheaper than I could. I was more than impressed and they could get it to their store by the next day, Friday. This part is key because I was heading up to Traverse City the day after that, and wanted to have this done.
So, Friday I left work a little early, swung by Carquest and picked up my Lisle Hose Pinchers, and headed home. The goal was to get the filter replaced before I had to pickup Erin to go to her sister’s birthday party. I get everything set, and tighten down the filter to the filter top. *SNAP* Of course, one of the stupid strap wrenches breaks. Thankfully I had gotten everything tightened down enough.
Amazingly enough, that was the only problem throughout the whole install. I actually only took me 20 minutes, and the car actually started on the first crank. I was so proud of myself. Too bad I stunk of diesel.
It’s been a few weeks since then, and no reported problems with the filter yet, which is always a good thing. Now, if diesel would only drop below $2.50/gallon…
This morning I drive to work, and then as I get out and lock the car, I noticed that the horn didn’t sound when I pushed the lock button. The lights flashed like normal and the doors locked, but no horn. Strange. Then as I got in my car again for lunch, I noticed that it was complaining about my door being ajar, even though it wasn’t.
I figure, I need to take my car in for a recall soon anyways, so I’ll just have them take a look when I bring it in. Then, after lunch, I went and filled up the car with some gas (had about 20 miles to go till I would’ve been stranded), and when I got back in, no more door ajar warnings. Coincidence?
Well, I totally forgot to mention the whole point in my coworker wanting to wash and wax his car last night. He’s actually trying to sell it. It runs great, sounds awesome, and is super clean. If you want to see pics visit the 300zx gallery, and if you want to contact the owner about anything or even a possible purchase, . He’s looking for $9500 obo.