[MR2] New Car "do-dads"

[Wayne Arndt]

I hardly ever actually use the abs feature, even in the winter I modulate
the pedal myself. My current daily driver is the first car I've ever owned
with abs, and it has saved me twice so I'm inclined to say it is a do-dad I
like. However it is quite hair raising when you press on the pedal and the
tires don't stop because of the slippery surface. I understand and agree
with the concept of abs, but when I press the brake pedal I'm just used to
the wheels stopping, even if that means the rest of the car doesn't. A
couple of times I've gone into panic mode and instinctively pressed harder
only to end up with a very sore calf muscle the next day!

-wayne






-----Original Message-----
From: mr2-bounces at mr2.com [mailto:mr2-bounces at mr2.com] On Behalf Of James
Sent: Monday, January 25, 2010 10:45 PM
To: mr2 at mr2.com
Subject: [MR2] New Car "do-dads"

 On this topic, I'd be interested in hearing what you guys think about ABS.
I'm inclined to include it on the "do-dad" list, my impression being that
ABS is for those who don't know how to modulate brake pedal pressure.  I'd
prefer to back off on my brake pedal when I feel the wheels locking up or
start losing steering control, instead of feeling the pedal chattering under
my foot.

James


> From: <waynearndt at waynearndt.com>
> Subject: Re: [MR2] MR2 news from Top Gear
>
> Not to mention all this high tech stuff takes the responsibility away from
> the driver which in turn makes for a poor and untrained driver. Even the
> most responsible driver can't be expected to be all that great when every
> car they've ever driven has actually driven itself... And I agree with
Bill
> about forcing all the "do-dads" onto us with new cars. No matter how much
> cash I have i my pocket, I cannot even buy a new car without may of these
> "features". Pet peeves that I wish I could do without are airbags, Big
> brother's Onstar and the cars with push start buttons rather than typical
> keyed ignitions. As mentioned earlier, it makes that panic reaction less
> likely to be figured out in time. I guess maybe I'm a Luddite too.... I
> suppose that means I digress since I'm an IT guy.... The exceptions for me
> that I've come to like are powered & heated side mirrors and keyless
entry.
> It's nice having the mirrors stay clear even when the outside temp is
-20F.
> And as long as I lock the car with the fob after closing all doors I will
> never again lock myself out.
>
> -wayne
> '91 Turbo T
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