Popular Mechanics articles from February 2005

Popular Mechanics archives from February 2005

Cutting through the fog of war.(Editor's Note)(Editorial)
February 1, 2005... Knowledge is power, and never more so than in warfare. This month's cover story ("Nowhere To Hide," page 54) is a remarkable look at an aspect of the Iraq war that has garnered surprisingly little attention in the mainstream press: the growing...

Wish list.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... As a longtime motorcyclist and subscriber, I was really irritated that you picked a Jesse James custom chopper as the No. 1 item on your "Wish List" (Dec. 2004). Choppers are "home" made, not "custom" made. They are also uncomfortable and...

Linux.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... Thank you for reviewing Linux ("Logging Into Linux," Dec. 2004). I am elated that someone has finally pointed out how user-friendly it is. JIM JENETS Via Internet I have been using Linux (along with Windows 2000 Server) for a...

Radio radio.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... I recently listened to a satellite radio like the one Rebecca Day tested ("Sat Radio," Dec. 2004). It was neat, and I loved the variety. But, satellite radio will take a back seat to the local stations until it can provide local events and...

Courage after fire.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... When I first saw the picture of Army Spc. Kevin Pannell on the Editor's Notes page, it looked like an ordinary picture of him with his son, but then I saw he had no legs. In your article ("Courage After Fire," Dec. 2004), it is clear that he...

It is rocket science.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... Your article ("The X Factors," Dec. 2004) has what I assume to be a typo. Reaction thrusters control "attitude," not "altitude" (unless rocket scientists have come up with larger reaction thrusters than were around when I worked in the rocket...

Checking in.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... PM contributing editor Leslie Sabbagh's article about Army Spc. Kevin Pannell and his arduous rehabilitation from his wounds in Iraq generated a strong response from readers. Pannell, who is now regularly walking on his two prosthetic legs,...

Correction.(Letters)(Correction Notice)
February 1, 2005... A number of readers wrote to note that Ford does not offer an F 250 Super Duty in a dualie configuration. The truck that Ford delivered to us for our story "King Of The Load" (Dec. 2004) was a factory prototype, and Ford decided not to offer...

The elastic waistband? 90 years ago (January 1915).(Time Machine)
February 1, 2005... In the good old days, losing weight meant undergoing massage by giant rolling pins instead of depriving oneself of junk food like recently introduced Hershey's Kisses. In this case, two form-fitting roller belts were said to reduce "superfluous...

High point in gluttony: 75 years ago (January 1930).(Time Machine)
February 1, 2005... Paving the way for competitive eating and the obesity epidemic, the first "pay-as-you-enter restaurants" opened their doors. Unlike today's stationary spreads (shown here), these buffets involved conveyor belts, which rolled out the entire menu...

DIY spinning: 25 years ago (October 1980).(Time Machine)
February 1, 2005... Before Jazzercise and Jane Fonda, the '80s exercise craze started out with projects such as this DIY exercise bike. Using an aluminum chair frame for support and an old bath towel to wedge between the brake caliper and wheel rim for resistance,...

Revenge of the machines: 45 years ago (March 1960).(Time Machine)
February 1, 2005... Overeaters Anonymous was founded the year that PM reported on the first membership gym chains. We noted that they "look like factories, except that the people... work the machines instead of letting the machines work them."

Tiny timer.(Tech Watch)(atomic clocks )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The world's most accurate docks can now fit on a microchip, thanks to micromachining techniques borrowed from the semiconductor industry. The smallest atomic clocks currently in use are the size of a deck of cards, and can be found on GPS...

Highest flier in Vegas.(this month)(Stratosphere Casino Hotel is offering a dangerous ride)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Which is the more dangerous place to be on Feb. 21--on the inaugural spin of Insanity: The Ride or underneath it? This new Las Vegas attraction will dangle its queasy passengers 64 ft. over the edge of the tower of the Stratosphere Casino...

Groundhog Day.(this month)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Groundhog Day comes from an ancient European superstition that if any-hibernating animal casts a shadow on Feb. 2, winter will last another six weeks... in 118 appearances by seemingly immortal woodchuck Punxsutawney Phil, there have been 94...

Best use of learner's permit.(this month)(the Racer's Group is getting ready for Rolex 24 at Daytona )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The Racer's Group is fielding the youngest driver line-up ever in the Rolex 24 at Daytona (Feb. 5-6). In this grueling 24-hour endurance race, teams can tog over 2000 miles at speeds up to 190 mph. All three racers are 16 years old, and will...

Most overlooked birthday.(this month)(Charles Darwin Day, evolutionists celebration)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Charles Darwin was born Feb. 12, 1809, just like Lincoln. They don't give three-day weekends to evolutionists, but Darwin Day is an unofficial holiday cerebrated by some of the 35 percent of Americans who believe in evolution. (The other...

Slowest rapid transit.(this month)(Skylink, largest high-speed airport train)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... We were art excited to hear about the world's largest high-speed airport train--the $895 million Skylink that is coming to Dallas/ Fort Worth Airport. Then we found out just what "high speed" meant. Skylink will glide along a 4.8-mile track at...

Don't blame us.(Tech Watch)
February 1, 2005... Last November, requests started rolling in for copies of a 1954 POPULAR MECHANICS article that supposedly featured a photo of a "home computer from the year 2004" that had been circulating on the Internet. PM's archival department took a close...

"Take that, human intruder!".(Tech Watch)(Robot X, a detection equipment from Secom Company Ltd.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Intruders at Japanese seaports and factories may soon discover that the long arm of the law has wheels and spews smoke. The diminutive cybersheriff, named Robot X, comes from Secom, Japan's leading security company. When Robot X hits production...

Frankenflipper.(Ticker Tech)(artificial tail arranged to a dolphin, whih lost its tail due to necrosis)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The aquatic world was greatly saddened when Fuji, a dolphin at a Japanese aquarium, lost 75 percent of her tail due to necrosis. Aquarium officials turned to tire manufacturer Bridgestone, which developed a nearly $100,000,4.4-pound, 20in.-wide...

Fueling the format war.(Ticker Tech)(high definition)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... As we reported in our December story "High-Definition SmackDown," the battle for dominance among the next generation of high-def discs has until now favored Sony-, Columbia- and MGM-supported Blu-ray discs. But recently Paramount, Universal and...

Breathe easier.(Ticker Tech)(treatment for severe halitosis )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Severe halitosis (aka bad breath) has a new method of treatment. Israeli scientists have been experimenting with a 15-minute laser surgery that zaps the mouth's breeding ground for gas-producing bacteria and vaporizes infected tissue.

The big leak.(engineering fiasco)(Boston's Big Dig highway project)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Boston's Big Dig is the most expensive highway project in U.S. history. Riddled with cost and time overruns, it has been widely considered a nexus of mismanagement and messy politics. Beantowners have spent the last 14 years negotiating...

The future of cable.(up next)
February 1, 2005... Bit by bit, television is going digital, and the cable companies want you to go digital, too. They want to send you more programming, more Internet, more HDTV--more, more, more. But most cable subscribers don't have digital sets and have no...

Edge Advance Gel.(The goods: great products and promotional offers from PM advertisers)(advertisement)
February 1, 2005... New Edge[R] Advanced[TM]shave gel will give you the most comfortable, refreshing shave you can get. It's Edge[R] gel's best protection ever from nicks, cuts and irritation. Plus, Edge[R] Advanced[TM] gel's unique refreshing ingredients give you...

Gillette Sensor 3 disposable.(The goods: great products and promotional offers from PM advertisers)(razor)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... This is no ordinary disposable razor. It's Sensor 3 from Gillette. It's the only disposable with three spring-mounted Sensor blades to adjust to every curve of your face. Plus it's got a non-slip handle for better control. And an Aloe strip for...

Hitachi's C12LCH 12" compound miter saw with LCD display and laser marker.(The goods: great products and promotional offers from PM advertisers)(advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Hitachi's new 12" compound miter saw offers the latest in power tool technology. With its revolutionary, digital, Liquid Crystal Display, the C12LCH takes the guess work out of miter and bevel readings. Now, even when working in dimly lit...

Ryobi[R] AIRgrip[TM] offers revolutionary technology.(The goods: great products and promotional offers from PM advertisers)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Ryobi's new AIRgrip laser level is a first of its kind product that uses vacuum technology to affix itself to walls without marring finished surfaces. Perfect for painters, carpenters, homeowners or any do-it-yourselfer, it is easy to use with...

The higher pliers.(Up Grade)(Knipex Plier Wrench )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... You wouldn't think there'd be much room for innovation in hand tools. But you'd be wrong. Sure, hammers, screwdrivers and saws have been around forever--and the designs have pretty much been perfected. Yet, the Knipex Plier Wrench ($60 to $84)...

Home theater in a box.(Up Grade)
February 1, 2005... The idea behind the DMP TViX is so simple, it's a wonder there aren't more gadgets out there like it. The TViX is a high-capacity hard drive on which you can store all the audio, video and picture files you have on your computer. Take them...

Magic eight ball.(Up Grade)
February 1, 2005... Most pool tables took as if they were built for either a frat house basement or the game room at the Harvard Club. Is it too much to ask for a pool table with a simple, handsome design and quality construction? Brunswick, the legendary...

Preview: Sony PSP.(Up Grade)(playStation portable)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... What Is It? Sony's PlayStation Portable is Schedule to hit our shores in late March. Size: 6.7 x 2.9 x 0.9 in. Weight: 9.2 oz. Screen: 4.3 in., 480 x 272 pixels Will It Work With The Games From Your PlayStation 2? Of course not....

Drag racer.(Up Grade)
February 1, 2005... It's the latest, greatest thing in belt sanders. The Black & Decker Dragster uses a standard 3 x 21-in. belt, but has a low-profile front roller, an adjustable front handle, and an extended schnoz that can sand right up to the corner of a...

The wake-up call.(Up Grade)
February 1, 2005... Nothing jumpstarts the day better than a hefty dose of caffeine, but when French roast alone isn't enough to wake you, a shot of color can help. Hamilton Beach's all-metal Eclectrics coffee-maker is available in red, yellow, blue, green and, if...

Playback.(Up Grade)
February 1, 2005... Wait long enough, and something smaller and cheaper will come along, but for now, the MP3 size/capacity/price champion is the 20GB Archos Gmini XS200. It costs the same as players with one-fifth its storage, and is just millimeters and grams...

Sport utility stroller.(Up Grade)
February 1, 2005... Shopping for a stroller these days is a little like buying your baby a car. There are makes and models to fit every lifestyle and a bewildering assortment of features. By this analogy, the Bugaboo Frog is the luxury SUV of...

Smart phone showdown.(Up Grade)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
February 1, 2005... They make calls, they e-mail, they keep you organized and help you socialize; and the latest generation of smart phones loads more features into compact packages. We sent three phones to cellphone expert Kent German of CNET.com for a...

3M command strips.(abusive lab test)
February 1, 2005... Mission: These sticky strips and their companion hooks sell for about $3 apiece and claim to hold anywhere from 1/2 to 7 1/2 pounds. We suspect that 3M is selling its signature adhesive shorthand we're willing to break a few hooks to prove...

Media mogul: seven days with Creative's new PMC leaves us interested--but not sold.(one-week test)(Creative Zen Portable Media Center)(Buyers Guide)
February 1, 2005... I've been auditioning the new Creative Zen Portable Media Center (PMC) for a week now, and I've been reacting a lot like my cats do when I bring home a new toy. First came infatuation, then annoyance, followed by a period of boredom and finally...

Waterworks: clean-burning four-stroke outboards churn the midsize trailerboat market.(Boating: the hot new craft)
February 1, 2005... Boat ramps on weekend mornings buzz with promise. Families organize coolers and gear, anglers stow tackle, and uncooperative boat trailers are coaxed into the water. Then outboard motors howl as weekend helmsmen warm them up, filling the air...

Winning the cyber bowl: when it's third and long, NFL coaches call in the geeks.(How It Works)(National Football League, Super Bowl)
February 1, 2005... As the cameras pan to the sidelines on Super Bowl Sunday at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., fans will be reminded of a few perennial mysteries. Why is the head coach wearing that ridiculous jacket? Why does he let them put ice in the...

The Seoul of the Southwest: Hyundai adds another desert city to its SUV family.(Automotive: reports from around the world)(Tucson, sport utility vehicle)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Since 1998, U.S. Hyundai sales have more than tripled and the brand is now the fourth best-selling import in the country. But, the Korean automaker still has a slew of new vehicles coming to help maintain momentum. The opening salvo is the 2005...

Boxster opens up.(Automotive: reports from around the world)(Boxster and Boxster S from Porsche AG)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Nearly a decade after Porsche's Boxster was introduced, it is getting its first substantial revisions. For 2005, the Boxster and more powerful Boxster S have received a complete restyling that brings with it more space inside. Porsche engineers...

Gentlemen's express.(Automotive: reports from around the world)(Cadillac STS)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
February 1, 2005... Cadillac anoints the STS model with its high-performance V-Series stamp in a 440-hp model that has a new Hydra-matic six-speed automatic transmission. To ensure that the rest of the STS chassis is up to cashing the checks that the engine can...

Going to the mountain.(Detroit)(Mercury's Mountaineer, sport utility vehicle)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Mercury will offer a minor facelift and slight alterations to the rear of its Mountaineer for 2006. The freshening includes the grille, lower air intake and running lights in the front, and redesigned lights and bright trim at the rear. Hard to...

The shrinking Lincoln.(Detroit)(Aviator, a model automobile and truck)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... There's been a lot of industry buzz about the reshaping of Lincoln into something less than a true luxury brand. Well, a look at the 2007 Aviator adds fuel to that debate. The model is based on a small Mazda chassis--almost nothing that you see...

Gentlemen's express, II.(Automotive: reports from around the world)(Mazda Speed6, sedan)(Product/Service Evaluation)
February 1, 2005... Mazda would rather you thought of its new 2005 MazdaSpeed6 as a "performance sedan" than simply another entry in the hot sport compact "boy racer" market. Starting with a reinforced version of the Mazda6 sedan chassis, Mazda's engineers added...

Talking Tahoe.(Detroit)(Chevrolet Tahoe, sport utility vehicle )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Shoppers will see a number of styling changes when the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe hits showrooms. All of the exterior sheetmetal--except for the roof--is new. Up front is a larger grille with a wider, taller section for air intake and markedly...

Snake biter.(Automotive: reports from around the world)(Corvette ZO6)(Product/Service Evaluation)
February 1, 2005... With the new ZO6, Corvette engineers aimed directly at the Viper. To start, there's the all-new 500-hp LS7, 7.0-liter normally aspirated engine that makes 475 lb.-ft, of torque. Backing it up is a Tremec six-speed manual. However, to deal with...

Fast, loud and under control.(Automotive: reports from around the world)(Ducati 999R)(Product/Service Evaluation)
February 1, 2005... The limited-edition 2005 999R is a lightweight, high-performance version of Ducati's flagship 999 sportbike. The 999R handles like it's hard-wired to your cerebral cortex-response seems almost telepathic. But it sure isn't comfortable. The seat...

More Mercury.(Detroit)
February 1, 2005... Here's a peek at the final model in Mercury's sedan line: the 2007 Milan, sister to Ford's Fusion. Mercury styling cues include the waterfall grille and swept-back headlights. However, as this photo shows, the Mercury version carries virtually...

Something hot for all the Volks.(Europe)(Volkswagen R32)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... This facelifted VW R32 will debut in several months. Under its hood will be yet another version of the company's 3.2-liter V6 engine--this one will make about 250 hp. If you're wondering how we know this isn't the GTI, we've seen the view from...

Ferrari fever.(Europe)(F430 Spider)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... For a manufacturer that builds and sells so few automobiles, it's amazing how prolific the people at Ferrari's Maranello headquarters can be. We spotted this ragtop F430 Spider during a high-speed testing session. Like the F430 coupe, this car...

A real Eclipse.(Asia)(Eclipse from Mitsubishi Motors Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Here's an official photo from Mitsubishi of the 2006 Eclipse. The all-new sports car shares its architecture with the maker's Galant and Endeavor SUV. Under the hood will be a more powerful standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder. But power junkies...

Civic minded.(Asia)(Honda Civic of Honda Motor Company Ltd.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Our spies caught what we believe to be the next-generation Honda Civic while testing in Europe. Details on the car are sketchy but it appears the all-new Civic will return to its roots--one that enthusiasts will embrace. With a new small car...

Quality is job one.(Asia)(Hyundai Elantra sedan)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Hyundai has made great strides in quality due partially to rigorous preproduction testing. That makes it easy for our stealthy spies to grab photos in the process. This car, the 2007 Elantra sedan, looks close to production-ready. The new...

Lack of restraint.(And Another Thing ...)(Insurance Institute for Highway Safety )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a lobby organization for the insurance industry, regularly conducts its own crash tests, for which it should be commended. Many of these tests don't replicate those conducted by the carmakers...

Nowhere to hide: high above Iraq's urban battlefields, tiny, remote-control spy planes--streaming video 24/7--provide a crucial edge to coalition forces. A report from the battle for Fallujah.
February 1, 2005... IN A SMALL TENT ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF FALLUJAH, a dozen Marines in a unit known as the Watchdogs crowd around a pair of 26-in. monitors that show the same nighttime scene. [paragraph] "There goes a mongoose kid," says Lt. Col. John "Ajax"...

Diesel vs hybrid: we match the new class of cleaned-up diesels against the latest gasoline/electric hybrids. It's a green-machine showdown.
February 1, 2005... HYBRIDS HAVE THE HYPE, but diesels have the history. As the battle to develop a more Earth-friendly automobile heats up, both technologies offer strengths and weaknesses. By giving a gasoline engine an electric assist, hybrids squeeze more out...

Budget travelers.(a guide to laptop computers)(Buyers Guide)
February 1, 2005... Prices are falling and new features--including faster chips, built-in Wi-Fi and higher-resolution screens--are rising. What's not to love about the latest under-$900 laptop computers? Here's our guide to the best of a bumper crop of low-priced...

Driving ugly: welcome to the weird new world of off-road, where the rides are fun enough for a regular guy, but meant for a soldier.
February 1, 2005... I'm strapped into the seat of the Prowler, a kind of ATV on growth hormones, halfway up a near-vertical embankment in a little slice of desert in suburban Phoenix. Beneath my helmet and goggles, I'm staring straight up at the wide, blue Arizona...

Under pressure: great clamps for every job.(Tools)(Buyers Guide)
February 1, 2005... Ask anyone who's worked in a wood shop. When it comes to clamps, you never have enough. The reasons are simple. These are the tools that literally pull your projects together--and the bigger your projects, the more clamps you'll need. They draw...

Drywall repair: if only all problems could be patched this easily.(Home Improvement)
February 1, 2005... Drywall is relatively simple to install and easy to repair. It's also easy to repair badly, which can leave a lumpy mess that declares "shoddy" to anyone who enters the room. It's best to do a repair with three or four thin coats of...

Trial by fire: how to fight a fire, and when not to.(Home Safety)
February 1, 2005... The good news is that the number of people killed in residential fires is dropping. The bad news is that there are still an astonishing number of people killed or injured in residential fires and the yearly property damage from them is...

Blown-in insulation.(Homeowners Q & A)(ceiling maintanance)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Is my ceiling missing a vapor barrier? My home is three months old and I noticed the ceiling is insulated with blown-in insulation. When I moved the insulation aside I realized there's no vapor barrier. Should there be one? If yes, what should...

Draining a lawn's soggy spots.(Homeowners Q & A)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... In this housing development the property drainage plan was, apparently, to have the houses higher than the spaces in between them, and then to have the lawns slope gently to the street. Water would follow accordingly. Over time, however, low...

Asphalt on foundation.(Homeowners Q & A)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... My home's concrete block foundation was covered with stucco and then sealed with asphalt prior to backfilling. What is the best way to remove the asphalt from the wall in the areas where it was not covered when backfilled to grade? RICHARD...

Painting a tub surround.(Homeowners Q & A)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... I would like to paint my existing tile tub surround. Is it possible? If so, what type of paint would I use? KATHY Via Internet There are a number of do-it-yourself paint and epoxy products on the market that can be used to change...

Fill the trap.(Service Tip)(using the plumbing fixture in the right way)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Every plumbing fixture must have a drain trap. The trap is a U-shaped device that is filled with water and is connected to the drainage-vent system. A house's drainage system is filled with sewer gases, and the water-filled trap is...

Bookshelf: 500 tips and then some.(Homeowners Clinic)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... We don't mean to brag [well, maybe just a little], but after 20 years and still going strong, our Homeowners Clinic remains a hit with readers. And with good reason. It has covered everything from A (additives for septic systems) to Z [zero...

Helicopter.(Reader Project)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... My kids, Emily and Justin, and I built this model helicopter roughly to one-half scale, based on measurements we took of four working helicopters. Our model, which took us two years off and on to build, is 13 ft. long x 4 ft. wide x 6 ft. tall....

Better bag.(Toolbox)
February 1, 2005... Veto Pro Pac $150 This toolbag is designed to get you through a day's work, and then some. Called the XXL-F, it measures 9 1/2 in. wide x 16 in. high x 26 1/2 in. long. Aside from a large central area, it has 54 pockets and is designed to store...

Brush with greatness.(Toolbox)
February 1, 2005... Hook your cordless drill to these flexible rods and attachments for a long-distance duct-cleaning kit with a 15-ft. reach. The system is called the LintEater and it consists of five 3-ft.-long flexible rods, two brushes and a vacuum adapter. It...

Knocking water pipes.(Homeowners Q & A)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Every time I turn the water on, I hear a knocking sound. When I turn the water off quickly, I hear the knocking sound again. It doesn't matter if it's hot or cold water. Can you tell me what is creating this? DENNIS STEPANOV North...

Analysis: 17.2.(2).(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... CERTECH ULTRA USES ADVANCED FLUOROPOLYMER TECHNOLOGY TO COLLOIDALLY SUSPEND A NEW LUBRICANT COMPOUND PROVEN TO OFFER THE LOWEST FRICTION COEFFICIENT AVAILABLE. TRANSLATION: YOUR ODOMETER WILL WEAR OUT BEFORE YOUR ENGINE. THE ONLY...

Changing a fuse.(Saturday Mechanic)
February 1, 2005... It's a dark and stormy night. Made even darker because the headlights on your car have suddenly quit. The car runs fine--but you have to have it towed to a garage. Tow: $85. Labor to replace headlight fuse: $25. One 10-amp blade-style fuse: 65...

Taking up residence.(Auto Clinic)
February 1, 2005... (Q) My pickup came new with those expensive spark plugs that never need changing. Of course, I needed to change them after the engine started to misfire at about 120,000 miles. Two of them turned out of the head just fine, and looked fine. I...

Flushed.(Auto Clinic)(flushing the GM cars)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... (Q) I took my two GM cars to have the antifreeze flushed. Since then, two different dealers have told me that I have the wrong antifreeze, and that I need to have the green kind removed and the GM-spec brown stuff put back in. The shop that did...

Car care tip: stuck pressure-relief valve.(Auto Clinic)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The oil pressure gauge was pegged hard up against the pin. Too much oil pressure, even for fast idling on a cold winter morning. I shut down the engine, counted to 10, and restarted. Oil pressure dropped to normal, and then plummeted low enough...

Tired.(Auto Clinic)(proper use of snowtires )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... (Q) The local tire dealer just refused to put two snow tires on the front of my Mercury Sable wagon. He said I had to have four snow tires to prevent the back end from breaking loose and going into a spin. I think that with good all-season...

Service tips.(Auto Clinic)(cleaning the GM truck engine)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * Does the ABS in your late-model GM truck activate randomly at tow speeds, like below 5 mph? Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 03-05-007A says it's because dirt may have built up on the mounting of the ABS wheel-speed sensors on the front...

Straight to DVD: so you want to be in pictures? New software makes it easy to edit your own home-movie blockbuster and put it on a disc.(Technology)
February 1, 2005... Now that all your friends are tired of hearing about the great vacation you just took, it's time to put the highlights on a DVD and make them watch it too. Considering how many people have digital movie cameras today, it's amazing how few...

Earbud dilemma.(Tech Clinic)(using the headphone)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... (Q) I recently dropped $50 on the Sony MDR-EX71SL earbuds--the ones that go inside your ear canal, instead of just resting in front of it. Because I have a really small ear, I had to use the smallest of the three earbuds that came with the...