Recent content by nobb

Here in Canada, residential power consists of L1, L2, N, G going in the panel. 240VAC service is taken from L1 and L2. I've always installed a whole home surge protector in my houses as I figure it's cheap insurance. With these surge protectors, it's protecting L1 and L2 relative to N and G. So...

Out of all the big box store brands, which would you guys say is the best for parts availability and serviceability? Since it seems reliability may be hit or miss anyways. Also what's easier to service between top vs side loading?

Unless it is remanufactured by the OEM, it's likely a hit or miss because no shop is going to be using OE parts on things like the diodes or voltage regulators. The only benefit going with a local rebuilder is they can sometimes rebuild it with a higher capacity, or even show you a test curve to...

There's way more safety factor in tires than we give them credit for. The tire industry recommendation to be throwing away tires at 7 years is incredibly wasteful IMO. It really depends on many factors, primarily how they were stored, heat, and UV exposure. Also it's really the steel and kevlar...

Realistically, what most likely happened here was that accounting and marketing got together and determined that offering this warranty had more benefits to revenue (due to PR) than spending money redesigning a better drivetrain. Most modern vehicles shouldn't have much problem going 10...

Moog still uses a metal on metal ball design which OEMs have largely moved away from. In principle it's tougher, but ONLY if you grease it regularly. It's largely unnecessary for most passenger vehicle applications, especially for anyone who services their vehicle at a shop because someone will...

I'd be curious on this but I suspect it's not that simple to convert an existing CNG or combustion engine fleet to FCEV. Even though hydrogen combusts, there's the phenomenon of hydrogen induced cracking on materials due to the small molecules migrating into the metal and causing damage. This is...

It really doesn't make sense to build out hydrogen infrastructure for these commercial applications when Chinese EV buses and trucks already exist in a fairly mature and developed manner. It's already proven technology used even in extreme cold (Kazakhstan) or heat (Saudi Arabia).

I was just in China and the sentiment on US brands really has changed. People are actively avoiding US products and retailers due to the whole tariff thing. It used to be that US cars were seen as prestigious, but now Chinese brands are offering way better value and variety on both low and high...

I'm not entirely sure that just pulling the current sensor on the alternator works anymore on the newer vehicles. I have a '24 Outlander which is basically a Nissan Rogue and through my experimentation, pulling the sensor didn't seem to do much. I would love to find a good answer on how to...

I've noticed the same thing. Very common for pads needing a little filing on the ears due to extra dried paint accumulating there during manufacturing. The ears is a very small contact area that should always have some small movements, so provided the brakes are being used regularly I doubt rust...

I'm not sure if this is a Kia/Hyundai corporate issue or a dealership issue. Often times it's luck of the draw and service advisors will make up all sort of excuses because dealers know how much of a pain some warranty claims can be especially if there's any bit of plausible deniability. For...

Those cheapo Chinese chargers have a surprisingly potent repair function. However, IMO the best way to desulfate a flooded battery is to give it a nice shake, top up the water, leave the caps open, and apply an equalizing charge of 15.5 to 16V then let the plates boil. About 12 - 24 hrs...

What's interesting to note is that many of the Chinese EV bus manufacturers are already exporting to very cold/hot climates like Kazakhstan or Saudi Arabia so have already done extensive testing. Seems they already have market penetration in many nations. Here in the local market, the city of...

Even taking Chinese EVs out of the equation, seeing the electrified platforms from Honda/Toyota/Mazda...makes you realize Tesla isn't even that great when you compare for example a Model Y build quality vs the electrified Mazda CX series. Tesla is only riding based on brand perception and...