Americans may remember the diesel technology we saw on the road in the 1970’s.  Black exhaust, loud engines, slow performance. They did get nearly 50 mpg.  During the energy crises of the Carter years that was worth it for many people who bought them. However,  Americans never embraced diesels with vigor. That was for the Europeans. Anyway, they didn’t seem to mind dirty.

Let’s fast forward to the 21st century. Over half of all Europeans still drive diesels. Gas is upwards of $7 per gallon across the pond. They engines have great power, no black exhaust, no smell, and…get ready for this, minimal pollutants.  A 2007 model VW diesel can get 75 mpg.!  Whoa!

Sulfur in diesel fuel was the culprit. It helped make acid rain, and smelled like rotten eggs. Refineries have made Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel since 2006.  Compare 70’s diesel sulfur concentrations at 550 ppm (parts per million) with todays ULSD at 15 ppm.   Gasoline,  to be fair, is also cleaner. Leaded gas was clogging every artery on our highways until 1974, when un-leaded fuel was invented.

These fuel advances have allowed engineers to develop electronic engine systems that take greater advantage of the energy an engine can get from it’s fuel.  Diesel has more energy per volume than gasoline and higher compression ratios.  When the mixture in a diesel engine is ignited the car gets a bigger push than it would from gas.  That equates into less fuel to move the car.

Higher compression means the engines need to be made stronger. Crankshafts and connecting rods are bigger and heavier.  But at the same time, diesel fuel is a better lubricant and protects the interior cylinder walls better.  It’s common for a diesel engine to have 300,000 miles on it. Imagine the savings we could accumulate in our 401K’s!

The EPA claims that if 33% of US drivers went to diesel cars, Americans would reduce oil consumption by 1.5 million barrels per day. Thats a 10% cut in oil imports.  Whether you are interested in greenhouse gasses, energy independence and consumption,  or national security, clean diesel makes sense in all three areas.

Zoomsafer installs an application on your phone, which you activate when driving, that inhibits calls or texts from coming through.  The cool thing about it, is the caller immediately gets a text explaining why the person did not answer the call. “Robert received your phone call but is driving and focused on the road”.  Zoomsafer also lets you pre-program up to 20 important numbers which will be identified by a verbal voice command.  When I tried to call Robert his phone told him the number that was calling.  This would be where you might put your secretary, office, children’s numbers, parents, spouse etc.

Try it out at zoomsafer.com.  Drive safely!

Check your tire pressure at an air pump at any service station.  You tires should be between 35 and 38 lbs. of pressure.  This level will ensure a comfortable ride and give you good mileage and even treadwear.

Having  a safe trip means having a fun trip!  Try to stay off those cell phones until you get to where you are going!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Specializing in Audi, BMW, Mercedes, MINI, Volkswagen, Acura, Honda, Lexus, Toyota, Subaru

We are pleased to offer you a car to drive while we fix yours, so call ahead and schedule our complimentary loaner.

Let Autobahn pick up your vehicle and or deliver it to you when finished. We include a free car wash as a way to show our appreciation. Don’t be surprised when Robert calls you in a few weeks to follow up on the repair, he wants to make sure you are happy with our service and asks you to tell your friends and co-workers about us.

The BEST car care couple on Earth.

Autobahn Automotive exists to repair your car so that you can live your life to the fullest extent you desire.  The maintenance-free car has yet to be invented.  Technological advances have provided the world with very sophisticated driving machines, and we live to love to work on them.  Our good friend Bob Lee Swagger of www.bobleesays.com had this to say about us…“Robert and Erin are THE BEST car care couple on Earth.  Robert is one of the Renaissance Tradesmen that I firmly believe are THE HAPPIEST people on the planet.  He works with his hands while keeping his brain in full well-oiled mode.  Robert takes care of our family’s motorpool and helps us replenish it as needed.”

Gee, thanks Bob Lee!  We really appreciate the shout-out.  When the customer calls we strive to go the extra 1000 miles for them.  If it takes a little extra diagnostic research, or phone calls to a warranty company, calling the dealer or manufacturer for information pertaining to recalls, delivering the vehicle to their home, driving a customer to work, getting their car inspected, washing their car.  We could go on and on.  We love what we do and we do it for YOU!

If you have your vehicle serviced at Autobahn Automotive, we offer a complimentary loaner car at no extra charge for your convenience. Based on availability.