Paris and White Haired Old Dude

[metalman]

I would say less than 1 in 20 vehicles I see are driving with under inflated tires, because if you do, you'll have a blowout with economic conquences more severe than mearly waisting some gas. It's more common to see a car being driven with 4 donut tires than under inflated tires.

Good question on how many cars have under inflated tires. When you see a tire low, depending on the tire, it is close to 10psi. Low profiles are even more difficult to visually check.

Radial tires appear slighlty under inflated at full pressure. Low profile tires (stiff sidewalls) are almost run flat

Cars haven't been built with ignition points and condensers since the late 70's. Modern engines have computer controls, electronic ignitions, oxygen sensors, platimun tipped spark plugs, fuel injection, and use unleaded gasoline. A modern engine can go 100,000-mile without needing a tune up.

Some, not all. And not all cars are the same level of variability and control. For example, GM is just introducing Variable Valve timing on their Cobalt to help improve fuel efficency even more. I agree engines are better. But, yes they still need care. My car is but 3 years old but, for example, needs plugs changed every 30K.

Platinum Spark Plugs

It needs the air filter changed and injector cleaner added to the gas tank

Variable valve timing systems were first used in the early nineteenth century on steam engines. Variable valve timing is used to keep the valves open for longer periods of time at high rpm, allowing more air into the cylinder, while allowing the engine to idle at the low speeds.

Ford started using Variable Cam Timing since 1998 in gasoline engines
Navistar began using electronic valve-train for Variable Cam Timing in its 6.0L camless V-8 diesel engines since 2003 (used by Ford in their F-series trucks)

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels

The Bakken Formation is now being developed using horizontal drilling technology. The Bakken Formation had its estimates of recoverable oil increased from none, to 4.5 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

ANWAR has 4.3 billion barrels of current technically recoverable oil

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels -- per what?
US Consumes 20.8M barrels per day in 2005 *365 = 7.4Billion barrels per year.

oops 7592 million barrels per year

ANWAR would produce ~875K barrels a day at peak production which takes nearly 20 years to get to.

There is already an existing pipeline to the Prudhoe Bay oil field. so 18 years of the delay is legal delays.

Assuming the rate of usage of oil stays constant that is an addition of 4%. Since usage is predicted to go up the rate you'll see at the pump with ANWAR online is a savings around 1-2 cents per gallon. Bakken is similar another 1-2 cents. Florida off-shore another up to 1 cent. So that's a whole nickel you'll save in 20 years from now.

Crude is now down $32 to $115.20 a barrel from its high of $147.27 on July 11 when President Bush Lifted the Executive Ban on Offshore Drilling.
That is a $0.76 per gallon drop in price.

Don't forget about the ~65 million acres the oil companies have already and can drill on. They haven't bothered to get that oil. Instead of spending money to invest in oil production in that land they've held the land, repurchased their own stock, and increased the value of their company. There's an estimated 50% increase in oil production and 75% increase in natural gas if the companies use what they have already in their paws. Giving the oil companies a use it or lose it clause, such as the coal industry has, would be a really great idea. Without it there is no guarantee that they'd use those resources either.

There are economic, technological or legal reasons for these acreages not being produced.

 

[metalman]

I would say less than 1 in 20 vehicles I see are driving with under inflated tires, because if you do, you'll have a blowout with economic conquences more severe than mearly waisting some gas. It's more common to see a car being driven with 4 donut tires than under inflated tires.

Good question on how many cars have under inflated tires. When you see a tire low, depending on the tire, it is close to 10psi. Low profiles are even more difficult to visually check.

Radial tires appear slighlty under inflated at full pressure. Low profile tires (stiff sidewalls) are almost run flat

Cars haven't been built with ignition points and condensers since the late 70's. Modern engines have computer controls, electronic ignitions, oxygen sensors, platimun tipped spark plugs, fuel injection, and use unleaded gasoline. A modern engine can go 100,000-mile without needing a tune up.

Some, not all. And not all cars are the same level of variability and control. For example, GM is just introducing Variable Valve timing on their Cobalt to help improve fuel efficency even more. I agree engines are better. But, yes they still need care. My car is but 3 years old but, for example, needs plugs changed every 30K.

Platinum Spark Plugs

It needs the air filter changed and injector cleaner added to the gas tank

Variable valve timing systems were first used in the early nineteenth century on steam engines. Variable valve timing is used to keep the valves open for longer periods of time at high rpm, allowing more air into the cylinder, while allowing the engine to idle at the low speeds.

Ford started using Variable Cam Timing since 1998 in gasoline engines
Navistar began using electronic valve-train for Variable Cam Timing in its 6.0L camless V-8 diesel engines since 2003 (used by Ford in their F-series trucks)

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels

The Bakken Formation is now being developed using horizontal drilling technology. The Bakken Formation had its estimates of recoverable oil increased from none, to 4.5 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

ANWAR has 4.3 billion barrels of current technically recoverable oil

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels -- per what?
US Consumes 20.8M barrels per day in 2005 *365 = 7.4Billion barrels per year.

oops 7592 million barrels per year

ANWAR would produce ~875K barrels a day at peak production which takes nearly 20 years to get to.

There is already an existing pipeline to the Prudhoe Bay oil field. so 18 years of the delay is legal delays.

Assuming the rate of usage of oil stays constant that is an addition of 4%. Since usage is predicted to go up the rate you'll see at the pump with ANWAR online is a savings around 1-2 cents per gallon. Bakken is similar another 1-2 cents. Florida off-shore another up to 1 cent. So that's a whole nickel you'll save in 20 years from now.

Crude is now down $32 to $115.20 a barrel from its high of $147.27 on July 11 when President Bush Lifted the Executive Ban on Offshore Drilling.
That is a $0.76 per gallon drop in price.

Don't forget about the ~65 million acres the oil companies have already and can drill on. They haven't bothered to get that oil. Instead of spending money to invest in oil production in that land they've held the land, repurchased their own stock, and increased the value of their company. There's an estimated 50% increase in oil production and 75% increase in natural gas if the companies use what they have already in their paws. Giving the oil companies a use it or lose it clause, such as the coal industry has, would be a really great idea. Without it there is no guarantee that they'd use those resources either.

There are economic, technological or legal reasons for these acreages not being produced.

 

[metalman]

I would say less than 1 in 20 vehicles I see are driving with under inflated tires, because if you do, you'll have a blowout with economic conquences more severe than mearly waisting some gas. It's more common to see a car being driven with 4 donut tires than under inflated tires.

Good question on how many cars have under inflated tires. When you see a tire low, depending on the tire, it is close to 10psi. Low profiles are even more difficult to visually check.

Radial tires appear slighlty under inflated at full pressure. Low profile tires (stiff sidewalls) are almost run flat

Cars haven't been built with ignition points and condensers since the late 70's. Modern engines have computer controls, electronic ignitions, oxygen sensors, platimun tipped spark plugs, fuel injection, and use unleaded gasoline. A modern engine can go 100,000-mile without needing a tune up.

Some, not all. And not all cars are the same level of variability and control. For example, GM is just introducing Variable Valve timing on their Cobalt to help improve fuel efficency even more. I agree engines are better. But, yes they still need care. My car is but 3 years old but, for example, needs plugs changed every 30K.

Platinum Spark Plugs

It needs the air filter changed and injector cleaner added to the gas tank

Variable valve timing systems were first used in the early nineteenth century on steam engines. Variable valve timing is used to keep the valves open for longer periods of time at high rpm, allowing more air into the cylinder, while allowing the engine to idle at the low speeds.

Ford started using Variable Cam Timing since 1998 in gasoline engines
Navistar began using electronic valve-train for Variable Cam Timing in its 6.0L camless V-8 diesel engines since 2003 (used by Ford in their F-series trucks)

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels

The Bakken Formation is now being developed using horizontal drilling technology. The Bakken Formation had its estimates of recoverable oil increased from none, to 4.5 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

ANWAR has 4.3 billion barrels of current technically recoverable oil

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels -- per what?
US Consumes 20.8M barrels per day in 2005 *365 = 7.4Billion barrels per year.

oops 7592 million barrels per year

ANWAR would produce ~875K barrels a day at peak production which takes nearly 20 years to get to.

There is already an existing pipeline to the Prudhoe Bay oil field. so 18 years of the delay is legal delays.

Assuming the rate of usage of oil stays constant that is an addition of 4%. Since usage is predicted to go up the rate you'll see at the pump with ANWAR online is a savings around 1-2 cents per gallon. Bakken is similar another 1-2 cents. Florida off-shore another up to 1 cent. So that's a whole nickel you'll save in 20 years from now.

Crude is now down $32 to $115.20 a barrel from its high of $147.27 on July 11 when President Bush Lifted the Executive Ban on Offshore Drilling.
That is a $0.76 per gallon drop in price.

Don't forget about the ~65 million acres the oil companies have already and can drill on. They haven't bothered to get that oil. Instead of spending money to invest in oil production in that land they've held the land, repurchased their own stock, and increased the value of their company. There's an estimated 50% increase in oil production and 75% increase in natural gas if the companies use what they have already in their paws. Giving the oil companies a use it or lose it clause, such as the coal industry has, would be a really great idea. Without it there is no guarantee that they'd use those resources either.

There are economic, technological or legal reasons for these acreages not being produced.

 

[metalman]

I would say less than 1 in 20 vehicles I see are driving with under inflated tires, because if you do, you'll have a blowout with economic conquences more severe than mearly waisting some gas. It's more common to see a car being driven with 4 donut tires than under inflated tires.

Good question on how many cars have under inflated tires. When you see a tire low, depending on the tire, it is close to 10psi. Low profiles are even more difficult to visually check.

Radial tires appear slighlty under inflated at full pressure. Low profile tires (stiff sidewalls) are almost run flat

Cars haven't been built with ignition points and condensers since the late 70's. Modern engines have computer controls, electronic ignitions, oxygen sensors, platimun tipped spark plugs, fuel injection, and use unleaded gasoline. A modern engine can go 100,000-mile without needing a tune up.

Some, not all. And not all cars are the same level of variability and control. For example, GM is just introducing Variable Valve timing on their Cobalt to help improve fuel efficency even more. I agree engines are better. But, yes they still need care. My car is but 3 years old but, for example, needs plugs changed every 30K.

Platinum Spark Plugs

It needs the air filter changed and injector cleaner added to the gas tank

Variable valve timing systems were first used in the early nineteenth century on steam engines. Variable valve timing is used to keep the valves open for longer periods of time at high rpm, allowing more air into the cylinder, while allowing the engine to idle at the low speeds.

Ford started using Variable Cam Timing since 1998 in gasoline engines
Navistar began using electronic valve-train for Variable Cam Timing in its 6.0L camless V-8 diesel engines since 2003 (used by Ford in their F-series trucks)

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels

The Bakken Formation is now being developed using horizontal drilling technology. The Bakken Formation had its estimates of recoverable oil increased from none, to 4.5 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

ANWAR has 4.3 billion barrels of current technically recoverable oil

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels -- per what?
US Consumes 20.8M barrels per day in 2005 *365 = 7.4Billion barrels per year.

oops 7592 million barrels per year

ANWAR would produce ~875K barrels a day at peak production which takes nearly 20 years to get to.

There is already an existing pipeline to the Prudhoe Bay oil field. so 18 years of the delay is legal delays.

Assuming the rate of usage of oil stays constant that is an addition of 4%. Since usage is predicted to go up the rate you'll see at the pump with ANWAR online is a savings around 1-2 cents per gallon. Bakken is similar another 1-2 cents. Florida off-shore another up to 1 cent. So that's a whole nickel you'll save in 20 years from now.

Crude is now down $32 to $115.20 a barrel from its high of $147.27 on July 11 when President Bush Lifted the Executive Ban on Offshore Drilling.
That is a $0.76 per gallon drop in price.

Don't forget about the ~65 million acres the oil companies have already and can drill on. They haven't bothered to get that oil. Instead of spending money to invest in oil production in that land they've held the land, repurchased their own stock, and increased the value of their company. There's an estimated 50% increase in oil production and 75% increase in natural gas if the companies use what they have already in their paws. Giving the oil companies a use it or lose it clause, such as the coal industry has, would be a really great idea. Without it there is no guarantee that they'd use those resources either.

There are economic, technological or legal reasons for these acreages not being produced.

 

[FluffyMcDeath]

The Bakken Formation is now being developed using horizontal drilling technology. The Bakken Formation had its estimates of recoverable oil increased from none, to 4.5 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

ANWAR has 4.3 billion barrels of current technically recoverable oil

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels -- per what?
US Consumes 20.8M barrels per day in 2005 *365 = 7.4Billion barrels per year.

oops 7592 million barrels per year

[/quote]

So, between ANWAR and Bakken there is over a year's supply of oil? Then we are saved. Hooray.

 

[FluffyMcDeath]

The Bakken Formation is now being developed using horizontal drilling technology. The Bakken Formation had its estimates of recoverable oil increased from none, to 4.5 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

ANWAR has 4.3 billion barrels of current technically recoverable oil

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels -- per what?
US Consumes 20.8M barrels per day in 2005 *365 = 7.4Billion barrels per year.

oops 7592 million barrels per year

[/quote]

So, between ANWAR and Bakken there is over a year's supply of oil? Then we are saved. Hooray.

 

[FluffyMcDeath]

The Bakken Formation is now being developed using horizontal drilling technology. The Bakken Formation had its estimates of recoverable oil increased from none, to 4.5 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

ANWAR has 4.3 billion barrels of current technically recoverable oil

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels -- per what?
US Consumes 20.8M barrels per day in 2005 *365 = 7.4Billion barrels per year.

oops 7592 million barrels per year

[/quote]

So, between ANWAR and Bakken there is over a year's supply of oil? Then we are saved. Hooray.

 

[FluffyMcDeath]

The Bakken Formation is now being developed using horizontal drilling technology. The Bakken Formation had its estimates of recoverable oil increased from none, to 4.5 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

ANWAR has 4.3 billion barrels of current technically recoverable oil

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels -- per what?
US Consumes 20.8M barrels per day in 2005 *365 = 7.4Billion barrels per year.

oops 7592 million barrels per year

[/quote]

So, between ANWAR and Bakken there is over a year's supply of oil? Then we are saved. Hooray.

 

[FluffyMcDeath]

The Bakken Formation is now being developed using horizontal drilling technology. The Bakken Formation had its estimates of recoverable oil increased from none, to 4.5 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

ANWAR has 4.3 billion barrels of current technically recoverable oil

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels -- per what?
US Consumes 20.8M barrels per day in 2005 *365 = 7.4Billion barrels per year.

oops 7592 million barrels per year

[/quote]

So, between ANWAR and Bakken there is over a year's supply of oil? Then we are saved. Hooray.

 

[FluffyMcDeath]

The Bakken Formation is now being developed using horizontal drilling technology. The Bakken Formation had its estimates of recoverable oil increased from none, to 4.5 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

ANWAR has 4.3 billion barrels of current technically recoverable oil

US annual oil consumption 759 million barrels -- per what?
US Consumes 20.8M barrels per day in 2005 *365 = 7.4Billion barrels per year.

oops 7592 million barrels per year

[/quote]

So, between ANWAR and Bakken there is over a year's supply of oil? Then we are saved. Hooray.

 

[faethor]

Good question on how many cars have under inflated tires. When you see a tire low, depending on the tire, it is close to 10psi. Low profiles are even more difficult to visually check.

Radial tires appear slighlty under inflated at full pressure. Low profile tires (stiff sidewalls) are almost run flat

You appear to agree that a visual check isn't reliable.

Platinum Spark Plugs

The dealer and the online forums recommend against Platinum in my 92x 2.5L engine. The dealer is an easy explaination but as I do my engine maintenance myself they'll not see me back unless something seriously breaks.

My 99 Cobra has Platnium plugs. They didn't make 100K as advertised. I changed them around 80K and they were worn enough that the gap wasn't exact.

Variable valve timing systems were first used in the early nineteenth century on steam engines. Variable valve timing is used to keep the valves open for longer periods of time at high rpm, allowing more air into the cylinder, while allowing the engine to idle at the low speeds.

Ford started using Variable Cam Timing since 1998 in gasoline engines
Navistar began using electronic valve-train for Variable Cam Timing in its 6.0L camless V-8 diesel engines since 2003 (used by Ford in their F-series trucks)

Interesting. Subaru started using VVT in 2006. Toyota used a type of VVT over 45 years ago. But even they advertise the improvements they've made, a new system in 2007, for improved fuel economy.

According to a 2007 study the median age of cars on U.S. roads was 9.2 years, a new record, and a substantial 41.3% of call vehicles were 11 years or older compared to just 40.9% the year before' -- My bet is 2008 and 2009 will result in an increase in the age of vehicles on the roads.

Newer vehicles have better MPG and better safety. Safety is so much improved that the government is considering more strigent testing to help consumers identify which cars in that 5* crash test rating are better then each other.

Crude is now down $32 to $115.20 a barrel from its high of $147.27 on July 11 when President Bush Lifted the Executive Ban on Offshore Drilling.
That is a $0.76 per gallon drop in price.

I doubt these 2 are seriously related. Congress hasn't opened drilling, ownership, exploration, and drilling hasn't started. With the increased Saudi output and decreased US usage there is more oil on the market. More supply, less demand means lower pricing. This ratio also convinces more speculator to bet on decreasing pricing further bringing oil pricing down. And I still contend that the oil companies know that lowering pricing a bit for Nov. is a good thing, they'll of course claim Sept/Oct seasonality but IMO the election will boost their pricing down. I was expecting $3 by Nov. Minnesota pricing will likely be even lower then that.

Don't forget about the ~65 million acres the oil companies have already and can drill on. They haven't bothered to get that oil. Instead of spending money to invest in oil production in that land they've held the land, repurchased their own stock, and increased the value of their company.

There are economic, technological or legal reasons for these acreages not being produced.

I agree there are various reason. Most common appear to be economic. Owning the rights to land with projected oil increases the net worth of the oil companies. Drilling it would lower the net worth as the crude is extracted. In the area of high profits it's worth it to rebuy stock reinvesting economically in corporate value rather then exploring these lands. I'd say if these 65M acres aren't production quality from a technological standpoint then they should give them back. Use it or lose it, same as the coal industry.

 

[faethor]

Good question on how many cars have under inflated tires. When you see a tire low, depending on the tire, it is close to 10psi. Low profiles are even more difficult to visually check.

Radial tires appear slighlty under inflated at full pressure. Low profile tires (stiff sidewalls) are almost run flat

You appear to agree that a visual check isn't reliable.

Platinum Spark Plugs

The dealer and the online forums recommend against Platinum in my 92x 2.5L engine. The dealer is an easy explaination but as I do my engine maintenance myself they'll not see me back unless something seriously breaks.

My 99 Cobra has Platnium plugs. They didn't make 100K as advertised. I changed them around 80K and they were worn enough that the gap wasn't exact.

Variable valve timing systems were first used in the early nineteenth century on steam engines. Variable valve timing is used to keep the valves open for longer periods of time at high rpm, allowing more air into the cylinder, while allowing the engine to idle at the low speeds.

Ford started using Variable Cam Timing since 1998 in gasoline engines
Navistar began using electronic valve-train for Variable Cam Timing in its 6.0L camless V-8 diesel engines since 2003 (used by Ford in their F-series trucks)

Interesting. Subaru started using VVT in 2006. Toyota used a type of VVT over 45 years ago. But even they advertise the improvements they've made, a new system in 2007, for improved fuel economy.

According to a 2007 study the median age of cars on U.S. roads was 9.2 years, a new record, and a substantial 41.3% of call vehicles were 11 years or older compared to just 40.9% the year before' -- My bet is 2008 and 2009 will result in an increase in the age of vehicles on the roads.

Newer vehicles have better MPG and better safety. Safety is so much improved that the government is considering more strigent testing to help consumers identify which cars in that 5* crash test rating are better then each other.

Crude is now down $32 to $115.20 a barrel from its high of $147.27 on July 11 when President Bush Lifted the Executive Ban on Offshore Drilling.
That is a $0.76 per gallon drop in price.

I doubt these 2 are seriously related. Congress hasn't opened drilling, ownership, exploration, and drilling hasn't started. With the increased Saudi output and decreased US usage there is more oil on the market. More supply, less demand means lower pricing. This ratio also convinces more speculator to bet on decreasing pricing further bringing oil pricing down. And I still contend that the oil companies know that lowering pricing a bit for Nov. is a good thing, they'll of course claim Sept/Oct seasonality but IMO the election will boost their pricing down. I was expecting $3 by Nov. Minnesota pricing will likely be even lower then that.

Don't forget about the ~65 million acres the oil companies have already and can drill on. They haven't bothered to get that oil. Instead of spending money to invest in oil production in that land they've held the land, repurchased their own stock, and increased the value of their company.

There are economic, technological or legal reasons for these acreages not being produced.

I agree there are various reason. Most common appear to be economic. Owning the rights to land with projected oil increases the net worth of the oil companies. Drilling it would lower the net worth as the crude is extracted. In the area of high profits it's worth it to rebuy stock reinvesting economically in corporate value rather then exploring these lands. I'd say if these 65M acres aren't production quality from a technological standpoint then they should give them back. Use it or lose it, same as the coal industry.

 

[faethor]

Good question on how many cars have under inflated tires. When you see a tire low, depending on the tire, it is close to 10psi. Low profiles are even more difficult to visually check.

Radial tires appear slighlty under inflated at full pressure. Low profile tires (stiff sidewalls) are almost run flat

You appear to agree that a visual check isn't reliable.

Platinum Spark Plugs

The dealer and the online forums recommend against Platinum in my 92x 2.5L engine. The dealer is an easy explaination but as I do my engine maintenance myself they'll not see me back unless something seriously breaks.

My 99 Cobra has Platnium plugs. They didn't make 100K as advertised. I changed them around 80K and they were worn enough that the gap wasn't exact.

Variable valve timing systems were first used in the early nineteenth century on steam engines. Variable valve timing is used to keep the valves open for longer periods of time at high rpm, allowing more air into the cylinder, while allowing the engine to idle at the low speeds.

Ford started using Variable Cam Timing since 1998 in gasoline engines
Navistar began using electronic valve-train for Variable Cam Timing in its 6.0L camless V-8 diesel engines since 2003 (used by Ford in their F-series trucks)

Interesting. Subaru started using VVT in 2006. Toyota used a type of VVT over 45 years ago. But even they advertise the improvements they've made, a new system in 2007, for improved fuel economy.

According to a 2007 study the median age of cars on U.S. roads was 9.2 years, a new record, and a substantial 41.3% of call vehicles were 11 years or older compared to just 40.9% the year before' -- My bet is 2008 and 2009 will result in an increase in the age of vehicles on the roads.

Newer vehicles have better MPG and better safety. Safety is so much improved that the government is considering more strigent testing to help consumers identify which cars in that 5* crash test rating are better then each other.

Crude is now down $32 to $115.20 a barrel from its high of $147.27 on July 11 when President Bush Lifted the Executive Ban on Offshore Drilling.
That is a $0.76 per gallon drop in price.

I doubt these 2 are seriously related. Congress hasn't opened drilling, ownership, exploration, and drilling hasn't started. With the increased Saudi output and decreased US usage there is more oil on the market. More supply, less demand means lower pricing. This ratio also convinces more speculator to bet on decreasing pricing further bringing oil pricing down. And I still contend that the oil companies know that lowering pricing a bit for Nov. is a good thing, they'll of course claim Sept/Oct seasonality but IMO the election will boost their pricing down. I was expecting $3 by Nov. Minnesota pricing will likely be even lower then that.

Don't forget about the ~65 million acres the oil companies have already and can drill on. They haven't bothered to get that oil. Instead of spending money to invest in oil production in that land they've held the land, repurchased their own stock, and increased the value of their company.

There are economic, technological or legal reasons for these acreages not being produced.

I agree there are various reason. Most common appear to be economic. Owning the rights to land with projected oil increases the net worth of the oil companies. Drilling it would lower the net worth as the crude is extracted. In the area of high profits it's worth it to rebuy stock reinvesting economically in corporate value rather then exploring these lands. I'd say if these 65M acres aren't production quality from a technological standpoint then they should give them back. Use it or lose it, same as the coal industry.

 

[faethor]

Good question on how many cars have under inflated tires. When you see a tire low, depending on the tire, it is close to 10psi. Low profiles are even more difficult to visually check.

Radial tires appear slighlty under inflated at full pressure. Low profile tires (stiff sidewalls) are almost run flat

You appear to agree that a visual check isn't reliable.

Platinum Spark Plugs

The dealer and the online forums recommend against Platinum in my 92x 2.5L engine. The dealer is an easy explaination but as I do my engine maintenance myself they'll not see me back unless something seriously breaks.

My 99 Cobra has Platnium plugs. They didn't make 100K as advertised. I changed them around 80K and they were worn enough that the gap wasn't exact.

Variable valve timing systems were first used in the early nineteenth century on steam engines. Variable valve timing is used to keep the valves open for longer periods of time at high rpm, allowing more air into the cylinder, while allowing the engine to idle at the low speeds.

Ford started using Variable Cam Timing since 1998 in gasoline engines
Navistar began using electronic valve-train for Variable Cam Timing in its 6.0L camless V-8 diesel engines since 2003 (used by Ford in their F-series trucks)

Interesting. Subaru started using VVT in 2006. Toyota used a type of VVT over 45 years ago. But even they advertise the improvements they've made, a new system in 2007, for improved fuel economy.

According to a 2007 study the median age of cars on U.S. roads was 9.2 years, a new record, and a substantial 41.3% of call vehicles were 11 years or older compared to just 40.9% the year before' -- My bet is 2008 and 2009 will result in an increase in the age of vehicles on the roads.

Newer vehicles have better MPG and better safety. Safety is so much improved that the government is considering more strigent testing to help consumers identify which cars in that 5* crash test rating are better then each other.

Crude is now down $32 to $115.20 a barrel from its high of $147.27 on July 11 when President Bush Lifted the Executive Ban on Offshore Drilling.
That is a $0.76 per gallon drop in price.

I doubt these 2 are seriously related. Congress hasn't opened drilling, ownership, exploration, and drilling hasn't started. With the increased Saudi output and decreased US usage there is more oil on the market. More supply, less demand means lower pricing. This ratio also convinces more speculator to bet on decreasing pricing further bringing oil pricing down. And I still contend that the oil companies know that lowering pricing a bit for Nov. is a good thing, they'll of course claim Sept/Oct seasonality but IMO the election will boost their pricing down. I was expecting $3 by Nov. Minnesota pricing will likely be even lower then that.

Don't forget about the ~65 million acres the oil companies have already and can drill on. They haven't bothered to get that oil. Instead of spending money to invest in oil production in that land they've held the land, repurchased their own stock, and increased the value of their company.

There are economic, technological or legal reasons for these acreages not being produced.

I agree there are various reason. Most common appear to be economic. Owning the rights to land with projected oil increases the net worth of the oil companies. Drilling it would lower the net worth as the crude is extracted. In the area of high profits it's worth it to rebuy stock reinvesting economically in corporate value rather then exploring these lands. I'd say if these 65M acres aren't production quality from a technological standpoint then they should give them back. Use it or lose it, same as the coal industry.

 

[faethor]

Good question on how many cars have under inflated tires. When you see a tire low, depending on the tire, it is close to 10psi. Low profiles are even more difficult to visually check.

Radial tires appear slighlty under inflated at full pressure. Low profile tires (stiff sidewalls) are almost run flat

You appear to agree that a visual check isn't reliable.

Platinum Spark Plugs

The dealer and the online forums recommend against Platinum in my 92x 2.5L engine. The dealer is an easy explaination but as I do my engine maintenance myself they'll not see me back unless something seriously breaks.

My 99 Cobra has Platnium plugs. They didn't make 100K as advertised. I changed them around 80K and they were worn enough that the gap wasn't exact.

Variable valve timing systems were first used in the early nineteenth century on steam engines. Variable valve timing is used to keep the valves open for longer periods of time at high rpm, allowing more air into the cylinder, while allowing the engine to idle at the low speeds.

Ford started using Variable Cam Timing since 1998 in gasoline engines
Navistar began using electronic valve-train for Variable Cam Timing in its 6.0L camless V-8 diesel engines since 2003 (used by Ford in their F-series trucks)

Interesting. Subaru started using VVT in 2006. Toyota used a type of VVT over 45 years ago. But even they advertise the improvements they've made, a new system in 2007, for improved fuel economy.

According to a 2007 study the median age of cars on U.S. roads was 9.2 years, a new record, and a substantial 41.3% of call vehicles were 11 years or older compared to just 40.9% the year before' -- My bet is 2008 and 2009 will result in an increase in the age of vehicles on the roads.

Newer vehicles have better MPG and better safety. Safety is so much improved that the government is considering more strigent testing to help consumers identify which cars in that 5* crash test rating are better then each other.

Crude is now down $32 to $115.20 a barrel from its high of $147.27 on July 11 when President Bush Lifted the Executive Ban on Offshore Drilling.
That is a $0.76 per gallon drop in price.

I doubt these 2 are seriously related. Congress hasn't opened drilling, ownership, exploration, and drilling hasn't started. With the increased Saudi output and decreased US usage there is more oil on the market. More supply, less demand means lower pricing. This ratio also convinces more speculator to bet on decreasing pricing further bringing oil pricing down. And I still contend that the oil companies know that lowering pricing a bit for Nov. is a good thing, they'll of course claim Sept/Oct seasonality but IMO the election will boost their pricing down. I was expecting $3 by Nov. Minnesota pricing will likely be even lower then that.

Don't forget about the ~65 million acres the oil companies have already and can drill on. They haven't bothered to get that oil. Instead of spending money to invest in oil production in that land they've held the land, repurchased their own stock, and increased the value of their company.

There are economic, technological or legal reasons for these acreages not being produced.

I agree there are various reason. Most common appear to be economic. Owning the rights to land with projected oil increases the net worth of the oil companies. Drilling it would lower the net worth as the crude is extracted. In the area of high profits it's worth it to rebuy stock reinvesting economically in corporate value rather then exploring these lands. I'd say if these 65M acres aren't production quality from a technological standpoint then they should give them back. Use it or lose it, same as the coal industry.

 

[faethor]

Good question on how many cars have under inflated tires. When you see a tire low, depending on the tire, it is close to 10psi. Low profiles are even more difficult to visually check.

Radial tires appear slighlty under inflated at full pressure. Low profile tires (stiff sidewalls) are almost run flat

You appear to agree that a visual check isn't reliable.

Platinum Spark Plugs

The dealer and the online forums recommend against Platinum in my 92x 2.5L engine. The dealer is an easy explaination but as I do my engine maintenance myself they'll not see me back unless something seriously breaks.

My 99 Cobra has Platnium plugs. They didn't make 100K as advertised. I changed them around 80K and they were worn enough that the gap wasn't exact.

Variable valve timing systems were first used in the early nineteenth century on steam engines. Variable valve timing is used to keep the valves open for longer periods of time at high rpm, allowing more air into the cylinder, while allowing the engine to idle at the low speeds.

Ford started using Variable Cam Timing since 1998 in gasoline engines
Navistar began using electronic valve-train for Variable Cam Timing in its 6.0L camless V-8 diesel engines since 2003 (used by Ford in their F-series trucks)

Interesting. Subaru started using VVT in 2006. Toyota used a type of VVT over 45 years ago. But even they advertise the improvements they've made, a new system in 2007, for improved fuel economy.

According to a 2007 study the median age of cars on U.S. roads was 9.2 years, a new record, and a substantial 41.3% of call vehicles were 11 years or older compared to just 40.9% the year before' -- My bet is 2008 and 2009 will result in an increase in the age of vehicles on the roads.

Newer vehicles have better MPG and better safety. Safety is so much improved that the government is considering more strigent testing to help consumers identify which cars in that 5* crash test rating are better then each other.

Crude is now down $32 to $115.20 a barrel from its high of $147.27 on July 11 when President Bush Lifted the Executive Ban on Offshore Drilling.
That is a $0.76 per gallon drop in price.

I doubt these 2 are seriously related. Congress hasn't opened drilling, ownership, exploration, and drilling hasn't started. With the increased Saudi output and decreased US usage there is more oil on the market. More supply, less demand means lower pricing. This ratio also convinces more speculator to bet on decreasing pricing further bringing oil pricing down. And I still contend that the oil companies know that lowering pricing a bit for Nov. is a good thing, they'll of course claim Sept/Oct seasonality but IMO the election will boost their pricing down. I was expecting $3 by Nov. Minnesota pricing will likely be even lower then that.

Don't forget about the ~65 million acres the oil companies have already and can drill on. They haven't bothered to get that oil. Instead of spending money to invest in oil production in that land they've held the land, repurchased their own stock, and increased the value of their company.

There are economic, technological or legal reasons for these acreages not being produced.

I agree there are various reason. Most common appear to be economic. Owning the rights to land with projected oil increases the net worth of the oil companies. Drilling it would lower the net worth as the crude is extracted. In the area of high profits it's worth it to rebuy stock reinvesting economically in corporate value rather then exploring these lands. I'd say if these 65M acres aren't production quality from a technological standpoint then they should give them back. Use it or lose it, same as the coal industry.

 

[faethor]

Newt Says...

Well, I got a very funny e-mail from a retired military officer in Tampa who pointed out that most tire inflation is done at service stations and you pay for it. And it’s actually a higher profit margin than selling gasoline. So Sen. Obama was urging you to go out and enrich Big Oil by inflating your tires instead of buying gas.

Amusing claims from Republican Newt? Never.

Of course 'Big Oil' doesn't make money as they don't make the air. The local station may make the money but those are typically, at least here, owned by local individuals not by Big Oil companies. Also it seems Tampa has hired people to inflate your tires. Great for them if they can make a buck at it. It's always DIY here. I'd say around 1/2 the stations the air is still free.

you can reduce your fuel costs by more than 15%. And I am talking about simple things, like proper tire pressure, avoiding rapid starts and stops, and keeping your engine tuned.”

 

[faethor]

Newt Says...

Well, I got a very funny e-mail from a retired military officer in Tampa who pointed out that most tire inflation is done at service stations and you pay for it. And it’s actually a higher profit margin than selling gasoline. So Sen. Obama was urging you to go out and enrich Big Oil by inflating your tires instead of buying gas.

Amusing claims from Republican Newt? Never.

Of course 'Big Oil' doesn't make money as they don't make the air. The local station may make the money but those are typically, at least here, owned by local individuals not by Big Oil companies. Also it seems Tampa has hired people to inflate your tires. Great for them if they can make a buck at it. It's always DIY here. I'd say around 1/2 the stations the air is still free.

you can reduce your fuel costs by more than 15%. And I am talking about simple things, like proper tire pressure, avoiding rapid starts and stops, and keeping your engine tuned.”

 

[faethor]

Newt Says...

Well, I got a very funny e-mail from a retired military officer in Tampa who pointed out that most tire inflation is done at service stations and you pay for it. And it’s actually a higher profit margin than selling gasoline. So Sen. Obama was urging you to go out and enrich Big Oil by inflating your tires instead of buying gas.

Amusing claims from Republican Newt? Never.

Of course 'Big Oil' doesn't make money as they don't make the air. The local station may make the money but those are typically, at least here, owned by local individuals not by Big Oil companies. Also it seems Tampa has hired people to inflate your tires. Great for them if they can make a buck at it. It's always DIY here. I'd say around 1/2 the stations the air is still free.

you can reduce your fuel costs by more than 15%. And I am talking about simple things, like proper tire pressure, avoiding rapid starts and stops, and keeping your engine tuned.”

 

[faethor]

Newt Says...

Well, I got a very funny e-mail from a retired military officer in Tampa who pointed out that most tire inflation is done at service stations and you pay for it. And it’s actually a higher profit margin than selling gasoline. So Sen. Obama was urging you to go out and enrich Big Oil by inflating your tires instead of buying gas.

Amusing claims from Republican Newt? Never.

Of course 'Big Oil' doesn't make money as they don't make the air. The local station may make the money but those are typically, at least here, owned by local individuals not by Big Oil companies. Also it seems Tampa has hired people to inflate your tires. Great for them if they can make a buck at it. It's always DIY here. I'd say around 1/2 the stations the air is still free.

you can reduce your fuel costs by more than 15%. And I am talking about simple things, like proper tire pressure, avoiding rapid starts and stops, and keeping your engine tuned.”