Gas Theft

There is an increase in gasoline theft since the prices have skyrocketed so high. This probably doesn't surprise you too much, but one innovative method of stealing your gas may cost much more than you expect. The latest trick of the gas thief is drilling a hole in your tank.

If you drive a vehicle with high ground clearance, such as a Suburban, Navigator or pick up truck, you are especially susceptible to this problem. The thieves simply crawl under your truck, use a battery powered drill to make a hole and then let your gas drain into a bucket. Brazen thieves will drain your tank, pouring the gas into their own car, or into other gas cans, and then drive away letting the gas they didn't capture run into the street.

If this happens you not only lose the valuable fuel, but now will have to replace the gas tank after having the car towed to a repair shop. Recently we had a 2000 Suburban in the shop and before we were done the cost exceeded $600 to replace the tank. This doesn't count the full tank of gas our customer lost.

Your insurance will cover the loss, but only after you met your deductible. For most of us that is $500 or $1000.

Many trucks and SUV's can be fitted with a gas tank shield such as those on off road vehicles. This may prevent not only the loss of the gas, but the cost and blood pressure raising inconvenience of the event.

Also on the increase are gas station "pump and run" thefts. Many station owners are tightening up on allowing cash customers to pump gas before coming into the store. This has lead to another crime increase, the theft of things from cars at stations.

When you go into the station to pay for your gas be sure to lock your car and take the keys with you. I have been guilty of leaving the car unlocked for the quick trip into the register and so far have been lucky. According to the National Crime Council such thefts are rising dramatically.

While we can not protect ourselves completely from these dishonest folks we can do a few things. Keep your driveway well lighted, lock your car ANY time you leave it, and be aware of your surroundings. If you feel uncomfortable at a station, or anyplace you might have to stop, leave. Feeling a little embarrassed is much better than some of the other possibilities.

Why Get Your A/C Serviced?

Air conditioning season is here again. If you're A/C system seems to be working fine is there any reason to have it serviced?

The short answer is yes. The system in your car is very similar to the one in your house, just a lot smaller. Servicing prevents problems and helps you to get the most value for your investment.

Modern A/C systems in most cars hold very little Freon. Government regulations require a reduction in the use of refrigerants and as a result car makers have had to make the units much more efficient. This has led to air conditioners that cool very well on relatively small amounts of Freon. The average unit only holds about 1 ½ pounds of Freon today, where a few years ago it was 4 pounds or more.

When we are dealing with a system that only holds 20 ounces of Freon even the loss of a few ounces can have a drastic effect on the unit. While the system may still make air that is cool enough to keep you comfortable, it is not circulating the oil necessary to protect the compressor. Compressor oil is carried in suspension in the refrigerant and depends on the circulation to lubricate and cool the compressor.

This is an even worse situation when your car has the new style variable displacement compressor. These compressors are designed to internally compensate for different refrigerant pressures and temperatures. When your Freon is low they have to work harder, creating more internal wear and using more power to operate.

Servicing you A/C system every 2 years will insure that the system stays at the proper charge level, detect minor leakage before it becomes a major problem and help keep both your car and your temper cool through the summer.

AGELESS WIT AND OBSERVATIONS

'If you don't read the newspaper, you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed.'
Mark Twain

Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress....but then I repeat myself.
Mark Twain

I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
Winston Churchill