One of the biggest complaints about modern cars is that they’re so hard to see out of. Many designs have sky-high beltlines, narrow window openings, and gigantic pillars. A lot of this has helped vehicles become much safer in crashes, but, understandably, some folks feel like they’re driving around in a bunker. Maybe China has the answer.
Autopian contributor and Chinese car export Tycho wrote about all of the cool new cars coming out in China. But one thing stuck out to many of our readers. Autonerdery:
Fun new feature! Looking forward to future installments.
The side windows are huge; that’s a new trend in China, with a low beltline
Can’t wait for this trend to spread to the West. We’ve been trapped in bunkers for too freakin’ long.
Yes, bring back big greenhouses!
Brian wrote about how drivers are afraid to call up their car insurance after an incident out of fear that their high rates will go even higher. Bjorn A. Payne Diaz has an interesting way to put it:
Looks like insurance companies have won. They’re officially mobsters. Pay protection. Scared to use it.
Sadly, Ranwhenparked also makes a good point:
And that’s exactly how the insurance industry likes it
Of course, body shops are increasingly coming under the control of big, national chains or car dealer groups, which often don’t want to take on any work that ISN’T insurance covered, so, if you do want to pay cash, you have to find one of the dwindling number of independent shops that’s also reputable.
Body shops switching to just insurance work is why I’ve found it excruciatingly hard to find rust repair in the Chicago area.
Brian also explained the common vehicle history report scam that’s going around. I love this from Michael Han:
That’s why I only use the most trusted quick vehicle history site: VinFast.
Finally, Jason wrote another Cold Start about his 2CV, and wondered about the condition of the car’s carburetor. here’s a great lesson from A. Barth!
The carb will have three basic types of jets:
idle – these are the smallest and the most easily clogged with schmutz
pilot – this one generally works from just above idle to maybe 25% throttle
main – this one does most the work as the car is being driven
With the choke engaged I believe it’s bypassing the idle jets. Once the car is warm and comes off the choke, it won’t idle because the idle jet is blocked.I recommend disassembling the carb and assiduously cleaning all the jets with carb cleaner; you can get a big can of Berryman’s carb dip at your local auto parts store and use the included basket to give the carb a good soak.
Resist the temptation to poke steel wire through the jets to dislodge crud: steel is harder than the brass jets and can adversely affect the metering holes. Use brass wire if you have it (e.g. from a brass brush) or a nylon bristle from a scrub brush.
Have a great evening, everyone!
Topshot: MIITI
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