Click & Clack Talk Cars
By Tom and Ray Magliozzi
Dear Tom and Ray:
My 18-year-old nephew just
graduated from high school and wants to become a
mechanic and eventually open his own shop. Do you
have any suggestions for a great graduation gift
for him? He just bought a used car with his
savings - a Camaro of Mustang or some muscle car.
Thank you - Martha
RAY: Well, the first thing that
comes to mind is a scan tool, Martha.
TOM: All modern cars - those
made after 1996 or so - have the latest on-board
diagnostic technology, which is called OBD II.
And on any OBD II car, you can plug a scan tool
into the car’s computer and pull out all
kinds of useful information.
RAY: Like whether the driver
got indigestion from last night’s sausage
lasagna.
TOM: Well, not that useful. But
the scan tool will tell you things like the
readings of the various engine sensors, and
whether the engine-management computer has stored
any trouble codes. The more sophisticated scan
tools will even diagnose problems with the
transmission, anti-lock brakes and air
conditioning systems.
RAY: Scan tools aren’t
cheap, though. The least expensive scan tools
that are any good are in the $150 range. And they
go way up from there. Some can be incorporated
into an existing laptop computer, or Palm or
Pocket PC device. But be prepared, Martha. When
you see the price tags, you might just decide to
get him a copy of "How to Make Friends,
Influence People, and Talk Customers Into
Transmission Rebuilds."
RACING
By Greg Zyla
Sponsored by Curry Automotive
What’s in
a Name? Big Bucks
Q: Greg, my
nickname is "Tiger" and my
friend’s nickname is "Smoke,"
because he used to be a fireman. How did
defending NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart
end up with both of these monikers? -- M.P.,
White River Junction, Vt.
A: M.P., before we
go into Stewart’s "Tiger" and
"Smoke" nicknames, we can add the
"Rushville Rocket" to the list, as he
was born in Rushville, Ind., and also the
"Columbus Comet," as he now lives in
his hometown of Columbus, Ind., in the same house
he grew up in.
"Tiger"
comes from his aggressive driving style and
sometimes overflowing disposition, fitting
perfectly with "Tony" of Kellogg’s
fame. However, "Tony the Tiger" is
already "corporately taken" and rides
regularly on the hood of Kyle Busch’s
Kellogg’s car.
Which brings us to
his new nickname, "Smoke." It’s
cool, but it’s all tied to a well-manicured
business plan.
Stewart and Brand
Sense Partners, a PR firm in Los Angeles, entered
into an partnership in August 2005 to develop a
new lifestyle brand based on his nickname. The
"Smoke" brand consists of unique,
high-quality products -- from apparel and
accessories to barbecue sauce -- that reflect
Stewart’s hard-driving personality and
racing style.
To check out
Stewart’s latest "Smoke"
offerings, go to www.smoke20.com. You’ll be
surprised at what’s available.
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