The best way to Clear the "Service Engine Soon" Message on a GM Truck

Insert the key into the ignition in your GM truck and turn it to the "on" position. This is the position right before your engine starts.

Find the trapezoidal-shaped ">Auto diagnostic tool Link Connector under the dashboard near the steering column.

Plug the OBD scanner into the Diagnostic Link Connector. The vehicle's battery automatically turns on the scanner.

Locate the arrows on the face of the scanner and use them to scroll through the menu. Select "Read Codes" and write down the codes on a piece of paper.

Unplug the scanner and look up the trouble codes in a repair manual or take the codes to your mechanic autel-auto-scanner-cid153">Autel auto scanner. Have any repairs done on the vehicle before proceeding to the next step.

Repeat steps 1 through 3. Use the arrows to find the "Erase Codes" option; press this option.

Unplug the scanner and start the engine. The "Service Engine Soon" message should no longer be visible on the instrument panel.

Ways to Clear Laptop Codes on a Chevy Truck

Turn ignition for the off position.

Open the hood and find the truck's battery. This may differ, depending on the truck's make ">Auto diagnostic tools, model and year, but will ordinarily be in one of many four corners with the engine compartment.

Place the adjustable wrench on the negative battery clamp and adjust the wrench until it is tightly around the bolt holding on the clamp.

Loosen the negative battery clamp and remove it from the negative battery terminal.

Wait for a single minute.

Reattach the negative battery clamp.

Tighten the negative battery clamp until it is fits tightly around the negative battery terminal and does not move auto-odometer-tool-cid92">Auto odometer tool.

Start the vehicle and make sure the check engine light is off.

Bosch Diagnostic Tools

Scan Diagnostic Tools
You can obtain many different different scanning tools with Bosch Diagnostics. The KTS 340 helps technicians diagnostic the electronically systems in North American, European and Asian ">Car Diagnostic Tools plus the device involve 12 months of updates. The MTS 3100 Mastertech is a scanning tool to provide power train, body and chassis diagnostics for Domestic autos dating back to 1981. On top of that, Tech 2 comes equipped with Basic Motors computer software to help in onboard, powertrain, body and chassis diagnostics for final model GM automobiles.

Smoke Tester
Bosch tends to make the SMT 300 Smoke Tester, a device that helps detect leaks in a vehicle. When it detects a leak, the smoke tester leaves an Ultra Violet mark that indicates exactly where a leak is present. It operates with inert gases or ship air and it uses approved Original Equipment Manufacturer technologies. It capabilities an air flow meter, smoke flow control valve and also a pressure decay gauge.

Battery Electrical System Analyzers
The Bosch batter tester can help shops in testing the starting and charging systems of 12-volt batteries on automobiles. It options a keypad along with a four-digit LED display screen. In addition, Bosch tends to make an electrical system diagnostic analyzer that provides starter testing, charging system testing and battery testing.

Noise Vibration Harshness Analyzer
The Noise, Vibration and Harshness Analyzer device provides technicians with information from numerous inputs, such as vibration sensor data, technician input and automobile sensor data. It characteristics four modes: Driveshaft Balancing, ">Vehicle Diagnostic equipment, Strobe and Noise Diagnosis. On top of that, it incorporates information obtained from the automobile's motor and transmission with the vibration and noise sensors data to pinpoint the sources of the noise and vibration.

Automotive Engineering Tools

Dearborn Protocol Adapter four Plus
This type of adapter is amongst the fastest and most accessible, with its rough surface with irregular shape. From the starting from the product until the end of its life-cycle, the DPA 4 Plus is developed to run rapid and essential applications, like end of line (EOL) programming stations and electronic control units (ECUs) in car diagnostic operations. This tool is used by the U.S military for its speed and reliability as a protocol adapter in quite a few autos.

Data Link Monitor
This is actually a strong tool in application engineering for designing, development and validation of interfaces in car connections. The data link monitor, utilized in the total Dearborn protocol adapter series, is compatible with most Microsoft operating systems.

Gryphon 2
Gryphon 2 is really a form of hardware providing connectivity with remote systems for more than one particular automation communication network. The hardware does not have any coding to run out of your box, the same as a stand-alone product. Users are able to easily connect with the Gryphon 2 hardware using a Dearborn Hercules analyzer which performs very well with C++ libraries.

PX 2 Car Diagnostics Tool
The PX 2 is really a low cost tool utilised for multi-protocol hardware and designed especially for communicating with OBD 2 automobile diagnostic networks. It also includes the J2534 API interface which allows diagnostics and reprogramming, and is capable of readily communicating with a PC through a USB port.

Fiber Optic Bridge
This is normally employed as a bridge for the software program to function or interact with users. This bridge transmits a fiber optic signal through the vehicle's network, providing users with another interface besides a non-electrical one particular, isolating the device during testing, collecting external information and making accurate tests for the device in an EMC environment.

Automotive DIY Diagnostic Application

1 Make confident that the OBD II scanner is suitable for the car or truck. You will find 3 distinct communications protocols utilised by OBD II which are certain to distinct makers ">Auto tools. Discover if a scanner is correct for your automobile by consulting the manufacturer of your scanner.

2 Look for your OBD II port. Typically, the OBD II port is situated within reach with the driver's seat and is located close to the fusebox or the underside on the dashboard. The OBD II port will not need any specific tools to uncover it.

3 Plug in your OBD II scanner to your automobile and turn on the OBD II scanner.

4 Turn your ignition key to the accessories position. The OBD II scanner may take a few minutes to read the code from the computer.

5 Use your computer to look up your code if your scanner will not give you the translation for the code. Use websites such as OBD-Codes.com to look up the code or codes for your car.

6 Fix the problems on your auto. Remember that just because the OBD II scanner said that a problem is wrong with a sensor, for example, the problem may be with the electrical system ">Obd2 scanner leading to your sensor rather than the sensor itself. You may replace some of the components related to the problem. However, if the problem persists, the car's computer will turn on the check engine light. It may take up to 20 to 30 miles of driving for the check engine light to turn back on.

Refinance Auto Loan After Bankruptcy

There are lots of individuals similar to Steve who would like to individual their particular car. What's promising for them is due to a number of guidelines of creditors, receiving refinancing automobile financing soon after personal bankruptcy can be done if you possibly could satisfy their own conditions and terms.

Obtaining Auto Loans Soon after Bankruptcy

Submitting a bankruptcy is among the roughest selections within the lifetime of anybody. Bankruptcy not only causes us to give up the property but it also remains on our own credit history for any number of years. A bad credit score in turn makes it very difficult to safe loans from appealing prices involving hobbies. Consequently, in case you manage to get that loan, it would be at the increased interest than the prices recharged for some individuals who have the polite credit history ">Auto diagnostic tool. Even so, getting auto loans after a bankruptcy proceeding is a lot easier when compared with obtaining a charge card or perhaps an unprotected bank loan since the collectors will probably be using the auto like a guarantee. This means that unless you shell out your current monthly installments by the due date, the car will be repossesed through the loan providers.

For those who have declared a bankruptcy earlier but still desire to buy a automobile if you take credit, then you can only qualify for the a bad credit score auto loans. They have the option involving securing financial from the bass speaker excellent auto loan companies who'll naturally demand a high rate of curiosity compared to the typical costs. This is because anyone slide within the 'high danger category' of those loan providers. However, considering the need for people getting automobiles right after individual bankruptcy, the speed involving passions aren't excessive. Independent of the subwoofer leading auto loan companies, additionally, there are your expert money loan companies which will charge higher interest rates. These kinds of loan providers is not going to conduct a total criminal history check regarding your financial situation or stability of income while made by the standard lenders.

Prior to applying for a re-finance car loans soon after a bankruptcy proceeding, you should decide what amount you will need and also prepare items keeping that in mind. You must acquire bank loan merely soon after computing exactly what your current equated month to month installation will be and questioning regardless if you are in a position to pay it comfortably. Correct economic organizing suggests that you should not extend finances a lot of to acquire an automobile as possible also have other essentials in life. It's the time to look at and look your credit score very carefully when you tactic the lenders for a loan.

Automotive loans for those who have poor credit can be the ideal way to improve your credit history by paying off each of the installments of the credit punctually. During endorsement, you will surely get asked las vegas dui attorney had to declare themselves bankrupt earlier auto-key-programmer-cid143">Auto key programmer. You must get ready the right solution to this as an bad answer can reduce the chances of obtaining an auto loan. You should be in a position to assure your creditors that you're monetarily well-heeled and have the capability to pay the bank loan quickly.

That loan such as this may bring back pleasure in your own life as you grow the possibility of having the auto you typically appreciated. But, successful economic operations along with appropriate settlement will be your own obligation. So, get adult and correct choices for the much better potential!

Car show to help animal shelter

 If you’ve been to a major car show in the country, chances are you’ve seen Rick Mueller or at least one of his Chevy Monte Carlos.

“I have cars showing somewhere in the U.S. every weekend,” Mueller said.

Mueller, who has lived in Freeport for the last 12 years, formed the idea for Sunday’s event with friend Bill Olmstead, who works closely with Friends Forever.

“I thought maybe it was time to give back to the community,” Mueller said. “Bill asked me if we could get together and do something for Friends Forever.”

A committee was formed and volunteers hit the pavement in search of corporate sponsorship. The volunteers and local business community did not disappoint.

“My committee went out and completely knocked my socks off,” Mueller said. “I am humbled by the generosity of the community.”

The number of businesses that answered the call was staggering, according to Mueller. The best part, he said, was that it allows them to give away a lot of show prizes. And it also means that more money can go to the shelter.

All of the money collected at the event will go to Friends Forever, including the entry fee for show cars and motorcycles ($10), the 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and food sales.

Mueller said that throughout the event, he will be “showing” some of Friends Forever’s animals in need of adoption.

“If we can get a few pets adopted, that would just be icing on the cake,” Mueller said.

Mueller said that his “committee decided” that if they raise at least $500 for the 50/50 raffle, he will “take a swim” in the Friends Forever pond. With a chuckle, Mueller said that it is something he is happy to do if it means more money for the shelter.

It’s no coincidence that the Friends Forever event is taking place the day after Freeport’s annual Cruise Night, which draws around 5,000 people and 600 show cars to the downtown each August. Organizers hope to draw from Saturday’s event, and help to make the entire weekend a big draw for car enthusiasts.  

The Next Generation Scrap Metal Analyser from Oxford Instruments

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Scrap metal recycling and sorting requires fast, accurate, on-site analysis if the maximum price for the scrap, both incoming and outgoing, is to be achieved.

The X-MET7500 Scrap Metal Analyser is a rapid, reliable and cost-effective handheld X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyser widely used across the non-destructive testing (NDT) industry. Handheld XRF analysers ">Auto diagnostics, often referred to as 'X-ray guns' are used within the scrap metal industry to achieve the most consistent analysis results helping secure the best price for incoming and outgoing scrap material. The X-MET7500 measures the key elements in a range of metal alloys including Stainless, Tool and Low Alloy Steels, Nickel, Titanium, Copper, Cobalt and Aluminium alloys by placing the X-MET against the alloy, pulling the trigger and after a few seconds the chemical composition and alloy grade is displayed. This allows optimum scrap metal recycling and scrap sorting to be performed with ease and confidence.

The X-MET7500 Scrap Metal Analyser is part of the X-MET7000 Series. The X-MET7000 Series offers an improved, intuitive and easy-to-read graphical user interface. Large functional icons make learning how to use the instrument simple and quick. The bright and high contrast 4.3" Blanview transmissive LCD touch screen ensures optimal outdoor viewing, even in direct sunlight. Its ease of use guarantees maximum productivity ">Auto diagnostic tools. Up to 10-12 hours battery life enable operation for a full working day on a single battery charge. The handheld XRF analysers come with a new enhanced data download reporting flexibility. The results screen and reports can be easily customised, e.g. to show only pass/fail messages. The rugged, yet light and compact design of the X-MET7000 Series withstands the harshest environments and weather conditions.

Increase productivity and profitability with X-MET7500 Scrap Metal Analyser from Oxford Instruments. Take a closer look to find out more. Contact us today at industrial@oxinst.com to arrange a demonstration.

Abington officer hurt in crash with getaway car in Phila

An Abington Township police officer was hospitalized and an alleged bank robber in custody Friday after a car chase that began in Jenkintown and "wound all over Philadelphia," police said.

Police identified the suspect as Aaron K.M. Thomas, 47, of the 100 block of North 54th Street in West Philadelphia.

He was awaiting arraignment Friday on robbery and related offenses, according to Abington Township Deputy Police Chief John Livingood.

Livingood said that about 11:15 a.m. a man went into the PNC Bank at 123 Old York Rd., tossed a plastic bag onto the teller's counter, and said: "Fill it up."

No threats were made, no note was shown, and no bank employees were injured, Livingood said.

The robber left the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash and drove southbound onto Broad Street in a black Range Rover. Abington Township police pursued the vehicle as it zigzagged throughout the city.

At one point the Range Rover got on the Roosevelt Expressway at Broad Street and exited at the Fox Street exit. When it did, the Range Rover purposely struck an Abington K-9 police vehicle there, but neither the officer nor dog was hurt, Livingood said.

At the intersection of 17th and Oxford Streets in North Philadelphia, the Range Rover went through a red light and was struck by a car. The Range Rover then collided with the pursuing police car and a light pole, Livingood said.

"That's where the officer got injured," Livingood said. He said the driver got out and ran with the bag of money in his hand, but Abington officers apprehended him a short distance away.

Buying a used car? 'Peace of mind' comes at a price

It is sold as a "peace of mind" service for car buyers who know little about engines or mechanical matters. But one Guardian Money reader who relied on an AA inspection before buying a used Land Rover Discovery says he ended up with a car riddled with faults.

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Bristol-based software engineer Andrew Vinall's story is complicated – he bought on the basis of a verbal recommendation from the AA before the written report arrived – and the AA hotly disputes his claims.

But Vinall says the AA and Dekra, the company subcontracted by the AA to undertake the inspection ">Auto diagnostic tool, have washed their hands of the matter, leaving him with a bill of up to £2,000 to put right faults he claims should have been spotted at the inspection.

Vinall's saga began when he and his wife, Tamara, decided they needed a car big enough for their four children. They found a 10-year-old Land Rover, which had 115,000 miles on the clock, for £4,500 – a top-end price for a car of this age and mileage.

"Not knowing anything about cars, we thought it was prudent to get it checked out by an expert. My wife has been a loyal member of the AA for many years, so we thought we could trust them to do a good job," Vinall says.

The couple paid the AA £260 for the report. "We were keen to get on with the purchase, and the engineer agreed to ring us with his verbal findings. He said there was some rust on the chassis and went on to list what sounded like some other minor problems. He stated very clearly that the car was a fair and reasonable example of the type. I asked whether it was a good car and whether it was OK to buy it, and he said yes, assuming you like the colour," Vinall says. Based on the telephone conversation, and rather than wait for the report, the couple went ahead and bought the car.

However, a rather different picture soon emerged. When the AA sent through the report it still clearly stated near the top that the car was in a "generally reasonable condition and generally considered to be consistent with the type for the age and indicated recorded mileage in most areas". However, it went on to list a series of problems, and warned that further investigation was recommended. In particular, it stated that the coolant had been too low to check properly, but claimed it had been pressure tested to 0.7 bars and that no pressure leaks could be seen.

Growing alarmed, Vinall took the car to a Land Rover specialist recommended by a friend, where the mechanic declared that contrary to the report, the car was in fact in a poor condition for its age. He pointed out four leaks from the coolant system, and said the rust was significantly worse than described.

Vinall says he has since learned that these cars should not have any rust, and the low coolant level could be a precursor to an expensive head gasket failure.

"I'd expected to have to spend some money on the car as I knew it was at least 10 years old. When an AA-appointed engineer says it's OK to go ahead and buy it, you assume he know's what he's talking about."

Vinall complained to the small dealer who'd sold him the car who, he said, told him in no uncertain terms where to go. Interestingly, he did offer to buy the car back – for £2,500, £2,000 less than he had received and probably around its true value.

"We have complained to the AA, but because they subcontract the work to Dekra they will not deal with the complaint even though we paid the AA. Dekra has just shrugged off the complaint with a 'no guarantee/warranty' statement and I've been left wondering what we paid for."

Vinall confesses he should have waited for the written version of the report: "In hindsight we would have acted more slowly. But we still feel ripped off and extremely let down by an organisation that is supposedly the champion of motorists."

A look on the internet shows Vinall is not the only unhappy vehicle inspection customer. One of the problems is that the terms and conditions of such policies have get-outs that mean the inspector won't be held liable in cases such as these.

A spokesman for the AA says the engineer has denied saying the car was fine to buy. Vinall will now have to take his case to the small claims court if he want to pursue the matter ">Auto diagnostics. He may have a reasonable case, particularly concerning the leaks to the coolant system, which were missed, but that will be for the court to decide.

Cruisin' For Classic Cars On A Steamy Summer Night

At the heart of the small town of Milan, Ohio, there's a graceful and tree-lined town square. It makes a good gathering spot for the classic cars and trucks of decades past.

A 1923 T-Bucket Ford, a '77 Chevy El Camino, a '68 AMC AMX, a '46 Dodge truck, a '59 Ford Galaxie — they all keep arriving after 5 o'clock every Tuesday evening. As the owner-drivers park around the square, engine hoods go up, lawn chairs come out — and the admiration begins.

If the town's name sounds familiar, it's probably because Thomas A. Edison was born here in 1847. In Milan, they call him "the world's greatest inventor."

Don Gefell runs a shop in town called Sights and Sounds of Edison. He has an original Edison celluloid cylinder of Edison's actual voice, and occasionally takes it, and his phonograph, out to the square's gazebo to add to the festive mood.

Mike Inman is among those showing off his car on a recent steamy evening. "I brought a '62 Pontiac Catalina tonight — 421 lightweight," he says. "I think it's 550 horse[power]."

With temperatures floating around 100 degrees, Inman got up and went on the early side himself.

But even in the heat, it's good to sit under the shade trees, see your friends and listen to live music on the square.

Kelly Guseman, who owns a downtown shop that sells T-shirts and hats, helps the Milan Chamber of Commerce put Cruisin' on the Square together every Tuesday.

"Anybody can have a car show in a Dairy Queen parking lot," Guseman says. "But I think people really enjoy the town square and the old historic buildings. I mean, that's what really makes this car show."

In many ways, the show is like a baseball game. Milan merchants donate door prizes for the event, and if you bring a car to show, you can register to win. Tonight, Nancy Smith, proud owner of an '88 Chevy Camaro, wins a coupon from Jimmy's Pizza Box. The local Masons are grilling sausage, and attendees can also pick up a yellow perch sandwich from the Wonder Bar or burgers from the American Legion.

Bruce Chrislip, a former mechanic, shows off his 1937 maroon-and-black Plymouth pickup truck, as Nancy Wargo arrives in her dignified 1949 Chevy Deluxe.

"It's ... two-tone green with the visor on it," Wargo says. "Been in my family all 63 years."

Wargo explains the shiny Chevrolet was her Great-Aunt Betty's car initially. She had it for 20 years, and then Wargo's father had it for 40. In its pristine condition, you could practically put it right back in the Chevy dealer's showroom.

"It's a nice, solid-feeling car," Wargo says. And even in this heat, she says it can hit 55 mph.

People don't come to the square just for show and tell. Wargo and her husband would like to find a '67 Ford Mustang convertible to buy. And, on a cooler Tuesday summer night, they just might find it here — sometimes up to 120 vehicles show up for the classic car cruise-in.

Top 10 Little Things That Count

In the time our editors spend reviewing hundreds of cars a year, we run across features we simply can't live without. The features that make us whine when we don't have them aren't high-end ">Auto diagnostic tool, expensive gadgets but little conveniences that make a high impact on everyday usability and comfort. Here are our 10 favorites:

One-Touch Power Windows

Sure, one-touch up/down windows only save three seconds, but that's three seconds you can use to get out your checking deposit slip at the bank teller's window. And if there's a person you don't want to delay, it's the one who handles your money. The 2010 Toyota Camry has the one-touch up/down feature on all four windows.

USB Input

With a USB input, you can tuck the MP3 player out of the way, let it charge and control your 10,000 songs through the stereo, which is much better than the more common MP3 jack. Bonus points go to stereos that recognize older iPods — some won't — as well as searchable song lists. Interfaces that aren't alphabetically searchable make it agonizing to turn the dial a hundred times to get to your Weird Al Yankovic collection.

Telescoping Steering Wheel

Telescoping steering wheels not only give you more adjustability for finding a comfortable seating position, but they also help keep drivers in a safe position if the airbag deploys. The feature is available in every class of vehicle, so a model that doesn't have a telescoping steering wheel is at a competitive disadvantage.

Backup Camera

Backup cameras make navigating parking lots infinitely easier and can pay for themselves by preventing even one parking lot fender bender. Our favorites have lines on the screen that preview the vehicle's backup path. However, we'd still like to see more backup cameras as a stand-alone option rather than tied to an expensive navigation package.

Steering-Wheel Controls

There's probably nothing you have more interaction with in a car than the steering wheel and stereo, so having controls for both in the same place cuts down on the time your hands are off the wheel. Even better are steering wheels with cruise control buttons -- a separate cruise control stalk almost always gets mistaken for the turn signal at some point.

Trip Computer

A trip computer with mileage readouts can be an easy, no-cost way to improve fuel economy. By looking at the instant mileage, you can tailor your driving habits for the best results. Also included in some trip computers is an outside temperature gauge. Although we can't change the weather by looking at the gauge, it's quantitative proof that the weather forecaster is making stuff up.

Smart Cupholders

Fast-food drinks and jumbo-size coffees are more satisfying when they're not all over your car's carpet. The best cupholders are deep enough to keep cups from tipping over and accommodate different-sized drinks — from small coffees to Super Big Gulp Slurpees — using adjustable feelers and grips.

Heated Seats

This quintessential winter feature makes dealing with subfreezing temperatures as easy as hitting the heated seat button to "on." Heated seats start warming before the car's heat is able to blast at 90 degrees, and they can be fitted on cloth or leather seats.

Height-Adjustable Seats

Seats that adjust vertically are so critical to sitting comfortably that when a car doesn't have more than four-way adjustability ">Auto code scanner, it seems grossly outdated. Six-way adjustable seats should be the bare minimum; anything less should have been left in 1996.

Three Sets of Latch Connectors

Just because a big SUV has three rows of seating doesn't guarantee there will be more than two sets of Latch connectors for child-safety seats. SUVs that have three sets of Latch anchors or more, like the 2010 Honda Pilot, offer more flexibility for larger families.

More car trouble for Amanda Bynes

 Someone give Amanda Bynes a designated driver. Yet again, the actress has been accused of a hit-and-run after allegedly rear-ending a woman in the San Fernando Valley and then driving away without giving the woman her insurance information, TMZ reports.

The woman, identified only as Kisa, old the gossip website she was driving on Ventura Boulevard when she was struck by a woman in a black BMW. She later realized it was Bynes, 26.

Although the woman pulled out her insurance information, she says the What a Girl Wants star declined and left the scene. Cops were called and took a report.

Bynes was arrested on suspicion of DUI on April 6 (she pled not guilty). Who could forget her famous Tweet to the leader of the free world? “Hey @BarackObama... I don’t drink. Please fire the cop who arrested me. I also don’t hit and run. The end.”

Bynes and was also accused of hit-and-run incidents on May 5 and May 27.

In June 2010, the Easy A star announced she was sick of the Hollywood scene and retiring from acting. A month later she “un-retired.”

Top 10 Most Annoying Things Other Drivers Do

It's a known fact that everyone reading this is an above-average driver — and that each of us always displays deep and abiding civility toward our fellow travelers. So we're sure you won't recognize yourself in any of the items listed below.

But what about all those other jerks on the road?

What things do other drivers do that annoy you most? Here's our list.

Yours in Pounding the Steering Wheel,

Tom and Ray Magliozzi
Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers

1. Talking on a cell phone

When you're talking on your cell phone, you're as likely to cause an accident as when you're legally drunk ">Auto diagnostics. Now, what's your excuse? What's more annoying than a driver who's willing to risk your life so he can pick up his General Tso's chicken without waiting? Even when distracted drivers don't cause a wreck, they weave from lane to lane, create confusion in intersections and generally drive slower than other drivers around them while they're trying to do two things at once, leaving a gang of irate drivers in their wake.

Don't Be a Jerk: Put the phone down while you drive. You know about voice mail, right?

2. Driving too fast for road conditions

Just because a speed limit is 65 mph doesn't mean that's always the right speed. Snow, ice or rain can dramatically reduce your car's braking and handling abilities, as well as limit visibility. The right top speed for those conditions is that at which you feel safe and in control and able to react in time to anything that happens up ahead. That could be 40 mph. Or zero mph.

Drivers who fly past you at 50 mph when conditions call for 15 mph are not just risking their own lives — they might take you with them. If they lose control, they could easily spin into you, knocking you off the road and down an embankment. Or, at the very least, they could cover your windshield with a thick film of slush or rain, leaving you temporarily blinded. Annoying? We'd say so.

Don't Be a Jerk: There's always someone driving like a jerk in bad weather. And if you notice you're passing everybody, you're the jerk.

3. Not cleaning snow off their cars

How would you feel if someone heaved a 3-foot-diameter, 40-pound dinner plate at your windshield? Not too swell, we're guessing. Well, that's exactly what happens when a rooftop of snow and ice on the car in front of you goes airborne. In addition to soiling your trousers, such unwelcome crash-landings have been known to shatter windshields. In some states, it's even against the law. In all states, it's a sign of thoughtlessness.

Don't Be a Jerk: Take five minutes to clean the snow off your car before you drive away. You'll see better, and you won't inadvertently launch an attack on the cars behind you.

4. Not signaling when turning or changing lanes, or leaving a signal on

Signaling your intentions is one of the most basic acts of courtesy one can engage in. If we can't predict what other drivers are going to do, we can't make informed decisions about what we should do, and the result is mayhem. And insurance claims.

But besides being dangerous, not signaling is also downright obnoxious. It says, "Your safety doesn't matter to me, and I'm more important than you are." It's rather telling that signaling one's intentions is pretty much universal in the animal kingdom. And if hyenas can manage it, can't you?

By the way, leaving a turn signal on, while an act of omission, can be just as dangerous.

Don't Be a Jerk: Use your turn signals, Bub.

5. Leaving high beams on

Driving at night introduces a variety of risks, all related to the fact that our vision becomes limited. The less well you can see, the less well you drive. So when someone oncoming cruises past you and shines the equivalent of a 100,000-candlepower lighthouse directly into your retinas, he's definitely being more than a little annoying — he's compromising your ability to drive safely.

If that's not reason enough for you to remember to switch off your high beams when there's traffic headed your way, here are two more reasons: 1) If you blind an oncoming driver with your high beams, he might not be able to judge where your car is and might crash into you. Wouldn't that suck? 2) The driver coming toward you might have been interrogated by the CIA under bright lights, and you might trigger a flashback. Do you want that responsibility? Didn't think so.

By the way, poorly aimed headlights can also be dangerous. If oncoming drivers are flashing their lights at you and you don't know why, first make sure your headlights are on, and then check that the high beams are off. If those two items check out OK, have your mechanic check the alignment of your headlights. It takes five minutes, and it's a thoughtful gesture to future oncoming drivers.

Don't Be a Jerk: Understand that your high beams are a dangerous weapon when aimed at oncoming traffic. Remember when you've turned them on, and always be prepared to turn them right off.

6. Faulty equipment

Saving money by putting off repairs is a noble act of cheapskate-dom, but when deferring maintenance means that you're starting to compromise your own safety, or others around you, that's when we get annoyed.

It's not uncommon for us to see customers' cars at our garage with bald tires, bad shocks, a turn signal or headlight that's burned out, or poor wiper blades. Blowing off those repairs isn't just dangerous — it might also cost you more money in the end. Look at it this way: Which bill would you rather pay? Four new tires or having to replace 50 of the botanical garden's prized Asian thorn bushes and doubled insurance premiums for the next five years? We rest our case.

While it's less immediately dangerous, driving a car that's burning oil to beat the band is also obnoxious. Ask my brother how many otherwise sweet old ladies give him the finger when he pulls up next to them at a light and surrounds them in a thick cloud of smelly, blue smoke.

Don't Be a Jerk: Maintenance is not just for you. You'll improve your own safety and that of your fellow drivers by keeping up on necessary repairs.

7. Taking two spaces in a parking lot

Is there anything more obnoxious than announcing to the world, "My BMW paint job is more important than your ability to park?" Of course, if the car is a '66 Plymouth Valiant and the driver is currently wearing adult diapers, the issue may be driving ability rather than obnoxiousness. So consider the circumstances.

Don't Be a Jerk: When my brother comes across an expensive car that's taking up two premium spaces, he likes to squeeze his 20-year-old heap right in next to the car. Not only does he get a space, but also he knows the owner of the offending trophy car is going to stroke out when he sees it. Of course, my brother has also had his nose broken a few times. So consider parking elsewhere, and think about leaving a note on the offending vehicle instead, suggesting that the driver kindly not hog two spots in a busy lot the next time they run errands.

Also, if you have a car that's so precious that it can't be parked close to anyone else's, park it at the far end of the parking lot. That way, you inconvenience yourself rather than everybody else.

8. Staying in the far left lane

We all need to work together if we're going to get home in time to watch "Jeopardy!" That includes pulling back over to the right after you've passed a slower-moving vehicle. Staying in the left lane forces everyone to go at exactly your speed, or pass you unsafely on the right. It also raises the blood pressure of those who want to go even a little bit faster. You're going the speed limit? Fine. Let the police enforce the law. And remember, some drivers might have very good reasons for driving faster than you on any given day. They might be trying to make sure their mother-in-law catches her plane home.

Don't Be a Jerk: Use the passing lane for passing. And when you're in it, always keep an eye on your rearview mirror and be aware if someone is coming up faster behind you so you can get out of the way in time.

9. Not acknowledging making a mistake or overreacting to an honest mistake

Driver A makes a stupid mistake, causing Driver B to swerve. Driver B, having just planted his beak directly into his Starbucks Frappuccino, delivers Driver A the one-finger salute. Driver B is offended, and responds in kind.

We all make mistakes. Remember that when someone pulls out without seeing you. Sure, honk if you need to for safety. But do you really have to follow it up with an Al Swearengen-like diatribe? If the person is decent enough to hold up a palm and indicate "Sorry!" can't you say, "That's OK"?

And similarly, when you make a boneheaded move, don't slink off as if you didn't notice that you almost caused a five-car pileup. Acknowledge that you screwed up. Mouth "Sorry." Look a little sheepish. Hold up a palm asking for forgiveness.

If more people apologized for their lunkheadedness and more people accepted their apologies, the roads would be a lot more humane.

Don't Be a Jerk: Remember the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you when you pull out of your parking space without looking.

10. Dangerous loads improperly secured

The laws of physics are immutable. So, unfortunately, are the laws of stupidity. If you're driving at 75 mph, twine, a bungee cord and your left hand will not keep a Sealy Posturepedic from setting sail above the interstate. Trust us on this.

Unfortunately, there is no shortage of people who — through impatience, laziness or lack of schooling — don't understand the basics of force, leverage and wind loading. As a result, those of us who follow them have to drive with our hearts in our throats until we can get around them and hope the load doesn't let out at that moment. And what about the guy behind you?

Oblivious as they may be, these drivers can leave a trail of chaos behind them. And if their load comes unhinged, they're going to have a bad case of survivor's guilt.

Don't Be a Jerk: If you're carrying something that doesn't fit inside your car, get professional help or advice in securing it before driving. And have all mattresses and 4x8 sheets of plywood delivered.

11. Picking your nose

Let's be perfectly clear about this: We've got nothing against picking one's nose ">Auto diagnostic tool. According to fossil records, it's a habit that dates back to the Stone Age. But, being forced to watch someone up to the second knuckle in a mining operation is enough to cause anyone to lose his breakfast burrito.

Don't Be a Jerk: Don't assume nobody is watching — especially at stoplights where people tend to survey their surroundings.