More serious parking security

Many people never use their parking / emergency brakes, which can put a great deal of pressure on the little parking pawl, a part of the automatic transmission which holds all three to five thousand pounds of a modern car, truck, or SUV.

One approach to the problem is using electrically operated, electronically controlled, automatic parking brakes (a control for one is shown below).

Electric parking brakes work automatically, so people who don’t normally use the parking brakes have no choice.

They also fix the problem of owners who don’t apply the brake enough to actually stop the car from moving (especially with hand-operated parking brakes, and any manually adjusted parking brakes that are neglected by owners and dealers alike). This relieves pressure on the parking pawl, and cuts the admittedly remote chance of the car moving on a steep hill.

A new approach from a Chrysler patent goes after the problem of over-working the parking pawl differently. It uses the computer to calibrate the transmission’s parking lock, using computer-controlled actuators that figure out exactly how far the pawl can be pushed in, so it’s fully engaged. The full system is described here. (Thanks, WhiteRhino07).

M-22 voted America's Best Scenic Autumn Drive

'Tis the season for the changing of the leaves — and a new survey shows Michigan is home to the nation's best autumn drive.

According to USA TODAY and 10Best readers, upper Michigan's M-22 highway is the most scenic drive in the country to view fall foliage.

The survey, which ended at noon Monday, ranked M-22 as America's Favorite Scenic Autumn Drive, competing against 19 other locations, including Maine's Historic Route 1 and Hocking Hills Scenic Byway in Ohio.

The 116-mile stretch of M-22 brings visitors through the peaceful countryside and along the shore, past wineries, galleries and an amazing path of colorful trees.

But don't rush Up North just yet. The Foliage Network reports very little change in the leaves in Michigan's lower peninsula, delayed by a gentle Indian summer.

 

As read on: http://www.freep.com/story/travel/michigan/2015/10/05/m-22-voted-americas-best-scenic-autumn-drive/72970232/

October is Fall Car Care Month: 10 Steps to Keep Your Car Up and Running

Getting your vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a proactive approach to preventive maintenance that helps ensure safety, reliability and fewer unexpected repairs when severe winter weather strikes. Whether you do it yourself or take your car to a professional service technician, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures during Fall Car Care Month in October to keep your vehicle operating at its best.

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
 
2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

6. Check engine performance to make sure it is delivering the best balance of power and fuel economy and producing the lowest level of emissions.

7. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

Signing up for the Car Care Council’s free personalized schedule and email reminder service is a simple way to help you take better care of your vehicle now and throughout the year. It is an easy-to-use resource designed to help you drive smart, save money and make informed decisions.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a free copy of the council’s popular Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2015/09/october-fall-car-care-month-10-steps-keep-car-running/

State lawmakers consider 80 MPH speed limit

Can't drive 55? How does 80 sound? There's a new proposal in Lansing to raise the speed limit to 80 miles per hour on rural freeways.

State Representative Brad Jacobsen from Oakland County says most people are driving somewhere between 74 and 80 miles, anyway. He says if the road is straight and wide open, why not go 80 miles per hour?

The Michigan National Motorists Association says by raising speed limits, you reduce speed variance, you reduce tailgating, excess passing, lane shopping, passing on the right and other bad behaviors.

Critics of the plan say it's not desirable from a safety or economic standpoint. They believe more people die on the roads because of accidents at higher speeds and the cost savings are not worth putting people at greater risk.

Raising the speed limit to 80 would only apply to rural segments of freeways. The Standing Committee Meeting of Transportation and Infrastructure will meet next week to discuss the issue.

This is the third time it's been discussed by state lawmakers. Right now the bill is at the committee level and would need to be approved by them before it goes to the full house.

As read on: http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/local-news/26569946-story

State parks wrap up camping season with harvest festivals

Family-friendly events feature fall-themed activities like trick-or-treating and hay rides

Each year in the fall, Michigan state parks close out the busy summer camping season with a family favorite: harvest festivals. These events, offered this year at many locations statewide, are a great way to welcome autumn and feature activities such as pumpkin carving, costume contests, trick-or-treating and more. Each park puts its own personal spin on the celebration, so no two events are exactly the same.

Below is a list of upcoming harvest festival dates and locations. Asterisks (*) denote events for those with camping reservations.

Thursday, Oct. 1 – Sunday, Oct. 4
• *Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County)

Friday, Oct. 2 – Saturday, Oct. 3
• *Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park (Grand Traverse County)
• *South Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon County)
• Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County)

Friday, Oct. 2 – Sunday, Oct. 4
• *Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County)
• *Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County)
• *Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County)
• *Sleeper State Park (Huron County)

Saturday, Oct. 3
• Aloha State Park (Cheboygan County)
• *Wilson State Park (Clare County)
• *Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County)
• Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County)

Thursday, Oct. 8 – Sunday, Oct. 11
• *Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County)

Friday, Oct. 9 – Saturday, Oct. 10
• Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County)
• *Harrisville State Park (Alcona County)

Friday, Oct. 9 – Sunday, Oct. 11
• *Algonac State Park (St. Clair County)
• *Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County)
• Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County)
• *Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County)
• *Sleeper State Park (Huron County)
• Young State Park (Charlevoix County)

Saturday, Oct. 10
• Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County)

Friday, Oct. 16 – Saturday, Oct. 17
• Tawas Point State Park (Iosco County)

Friday, Oct. 16 – Sunday, Oct. 18
• Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County)
• *Algonac State Park (St. Clair County)
• *Port Crescent State Park (Huron County)
• *Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County)

Saturday, Oct. 17
• Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County)

Saturday, Oct. 24
• Cheboygan State Park (Cheboygan County)
• *Hayes State Park (Lenawee County)
• Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County)

To see a full list of events and details, visit www.michigan.gov/stateparks or contact a park directly.

Most harvest festival activities are free for registered campers and some are open to the public, but a Recreation Passport is required for park entry, and camping fees apply. To check camping availability and make a reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-447-2757.

Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.