OBDIII – The “Green” Trojan Horse
New legislation on emissions testing threatens privacy and 4th Amendment Rights, but what's worse is that local businesses and economies lose the most. Brea, CA (PRWEB) December 8, 2009 -- Imagine a device that is attached to your car that can monitor your driving. One tiny computer that can properly track your routes, the times you traveled, your rates of acceleration, braking, and the effect your vehicular propensities had on your miles per gallon; that by tracking your driving habits you could potentially change them to more properly reflect what the dealers say you get per gallon on your car. Furthermore, consider that this very same device can measure every aspect of your car’s electronic and mechanical systems, as well as conduct system-wide scans to identify potential repair work that would deter major breakdowns, parts replacements, and help maintain a cleaner environment altogether. Now imagine that the government can access this information whenever they see fit.
The upside to all of this is that such a device for tracking your driving habits already exists; however, maintains a plug-in requirement to retrieve any of the information stored inside your car’s On-Board Diagnostics computer (OBDII). In short, Big Brother’s watchful eye remains blind to all of your whereabouts and bad habits on the road, for now – and while OBDIII may still be years away, there is an intrigue within State Legislatures that has initiated an industry press on developing adaptive technologies that seem poised to become the future of emissions programs across the nation. OBDII technology – standard on every car sold In the United States since model year 1999 – has been accepted as an emissions industry grail in efficiently determining polluters, and in preemptively identifying mechanical issues before they become hazardous to roadway users and the public health. Early identification (that pugnacious ‘Check Engine’ light) has proven to be a vital utility in harnessing repair costs, cutting emissions output and improving fuel efficiency, all of which ultimately cuts the total cost of, and yields a higher return on investment for your automobile. OBDIII takes it one step further.OBDIII, a.k.a. Remote OBD or Future OBD, has already undergone legislation in Oregon and Nevada (NV Assembly Bill 414, passed in May 2009) and pilot programs in California and Denver, where governments have attached devices to public and volunteer vehicles. The technology works through telemetry; utilizing cellular and satellite networks to relay information from your car’s OBD computer, the data is then retrieved wirelessly either by roadside readers, mobile vans, or satellite uplinks (think of toll road transponders and attribute that to your car’s computer). The early applications have been primarily used to track fleet vehicles, with the City of Denver conducting the largest study to date, attaching Remote OBD devices to 430 vehicles, both public and citizen.The results of the Denver study inarguably generated vast reductions in pollution by each of the participating vehicles (over 50% fuel savings in some vehicles), something we can most all agree to be a mark to strive for; however, the very heart of the proposal calls into question man’s, and in particular – government’s – ability to restrain itself with information access. In the wake of the controversial NSA Wiretapping Program, the Patriot Act, and America’s torrid history with keeping the government from encroaching on our 4th Amendment rights; supporting a program that ferments government intrusion into the lives of citizens seems foolhardy.So glaringly obvious are the potential constitutional issues with OBDIII, that it led Sierra Research – a prominent California technology and research firm, and advocates of OBDIII technology – to state the following on April 27, 1999: in an “Update on Legal and Public Acceptance Issues Associated with OBDIII” report to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Sierra states: “The OBD III program is a suspicionless search because CARB has no reason to suspect that a particular vehicle has a defective emissions control system or excessive emissions, but nevertheless requires the vehicle computer to monitor for and report information concerning compliance with CARB regulations.” Beyond Orwellian fears of “Big Brother” peering into our personal lives, OBDIII poses an immediate danger to local economies, as well. Much of the reason that State Legislators have found favor with the program is for its “drastic” reductions in State costs associated with operating an emissions program. The thinking is that by streamlining emissions testing into one pre-packaged bureaucracy by using roadside readers, satellite/cellular relay, mobile trucks, and the oversight agency, the costs to the State will be driven down for not having to purchase machines and maintain inspection facilities. However, decentralized programs are generally constructed so that facility maintenance and machine purchasing falls solely upon independent shop owners who opt to participate in the program. When the machines are removed from those facilities, what is truly taken is a revenue stream that stimulates capital circulation through the local economy and creates jobs. So government gains, while local citizens lose out.The total cost of OBDIII is passed down to more than just local business in its lost revenue. Estimates for the devices place the unit cost at up to $225; that becomes a cumbersome hike in the bottom line of new car purchases for the consumer, or the fee to retrofit an existing OBDII system with a remote. Beyond new OBDIII-ready cars, any car not equipped with an OBDIII module either has to be retrofitted with one (likely at consumer cost) or undergo an already existing type of testing, which means that regardless of remote capability, the State would still need to maintain inspection facilities in addition to the new technology. This necessity for two technologies would ultimately inflate the program costs.Proposed enforcement comes in two forms: law enforcement pullovers, or mailed citations. It’s hard to imagine that Americans would agree with law enforcement hours and tax dollars being spent on pulling over emissions offenders, as opposed to patrolling the streets, and in this nation, no citation is cheap. Tack on the costs of paperwork, clerical work, and mailings, and the program cost again rises for the State, while costs associated with citations only exacerbate the already rising costs of registration and the looming potential costs of repairs. More of America’s personal wealth feeding into the government system, as currently in Virginia, a fine under a similar program has a ceiling of $680 – for an emissions violation!And what of this Orwellian fear, where government has access to your car’s diagnostic system? One advantage of the program is the ability to disable vehicles, say for instance, in the case of a high speed pursuit. Though just like the Internet and anything else that’s vulnerable to hacks, is it really only the government who has access? Is it not pragmatic to think that having sensitive information, such as VIN and GPS-Tracking, stored in wireless transfers may create an environment ripe for unlawful access to other personal information, such as home addresses? So that any person may have their car disabled by a thrill-seeking hacker, or worse yet, be stalked or tracked so that a would-be assailant knows when you’re not at home, or more worrisome, when you are?The two-headed monster such a program would create with the insistent Mileage Tax proposals further deepens this argument into intrusive government taxing our driving habits, but that’s a fear for another piece. No, it wouldn’t seem that OBDIII’s environmental impact outweighs the loss to local businesses, the increase in unemployment, the excessive costs to consumers, the safety fears, or the 4th Amendment intrusion concerns that it carries with it like engine sludge. And if it does for you, then may I suggest lo-jacking your car and taking a look at the websites below, because they offer the environmental impact advantages such a program would have without any of the intrusive drawbacks. While you’re at it, write your congressperson an email and tell them to keep their eyes off your odometer.
www.carchip.com
http://www.scangauge.com/
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Five Steps to a "Greener" Car
It doesn't matter if the car you're driving is new or old, big or small. There are preventive maintenance steps every vehicle owner can take to make sure their car is as "green" or environmentally friendly as possible, according to the Car Care Council.
By following five simple preventive maintenance steps, you can help protect the environment by improving gas mileage, which in turn saves money at the pump.
1) Keep your car properly tuned for optimum performance. A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions. A 21st Century tune-up can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve gas mileage by as much as 40 percent.
2) Regularly check and replace dirty air filters. An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a "rich" mixture - too much gas being burned for the amount of air - that wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, saving about 15 cents a gallon.
3) Have spark plugs checked and replaced if necessary. A vehicle can have four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as three million times every 1,000 miles. This results in a lot of heat, electrical, and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug also causes misfiring, which wastes fuel.
4) Maintain the cooling system. A cooling system thermostat that causes the engine to run too cold will lower the fuel efficiency of a car by as much as one or two mpg. There also are improved radiator caps on the market today that allow the cooling system to operate at a higher temperature before boiling over, increasing the system's efficiency and reducing emissions.
5) Maintain and repair your car as outlined in the council’s Car Care Guide. The guide helps drivers understand their car, the care it needs, and when it needs it and why. Single copies of the free guide may be ordered on the Car Care Council Web site, www.carcare.org.
In addition to proper vehicle maintenance, vehicles can be more fuel-efficient if tires are properly inflated and if drivers observe the speed limit, avoid aggressive driving and excessive idling, and adhere to an errand list to eliminate extra trips to the store for forgotten items.
Click here for the section in the Car Care Guide about environmental awareness.
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mercury/carcareguide/index.php?startid=25
By following five simple preventive maintenance steps, you can help protect the environment by improving gas mileage, which in turn saves money at the pump.
1) Keep your car properly tuned for optimum performance. A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions. A 21st Century tune-up can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve gas mileage by as much as 40 percent.
2) Regularly check and replace dirty air filters. An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a "rich" mixture - too much gas being burned for the amount of air - that wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, saving about 15 cents a gallon.
3) Have spark plugs checked and replaced if necessary. A vehicle can have four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as three million times every 1,000 miles. This results in a lot of heat, electrical, and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug also causes misfiring, which wastes fuel.
4) Maintain the cooling system. A cooling system thermostat that causes the engine to run too cold will lower the fuel efficiency of a car by as much as one or two mpg. There also are improved radiator caps on the market today that allow the cooling system to operate at a higher temperature before boiling over, increasing the system's efficiency and reducing emissions.
5) Maintain and repair your car as outlined in the council’s Car Care Guide. The guide helps drivers understand their car, the care it needs, and when it needs it and why. Single copies of the free guide may be ordered on the Car Care Council Web site, www.carcare.org.
In addition to proper vehicle maintenance, vehicles can be more fuel-efficient if tires are properly inflated and if drivers observe the speed limit, avoid aggressive driving and excessive idling, and adhere to an errand list to eliminate extra trips to the store for forgotten items.
Click here for the section in the Car Care Guide about environmental awareness.
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mercury/carcareguide/index.php?startid=25
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Traffic Fatalities for 2009 Reach Record Low
Finally, some good news to read!!!
The U.S. Department of Transportation on March 11 announced that the number of overall traffic fatalities reported at the end of 2009 reached the lowest level since 1954, declining for the 15th consecutive quarter. According to early projections, the fatality rate, which takes into account the number of miles traveled, reached the lowest level ever recorded.
The projected fatality data for 2009 places the highway death count at 33,963, a drop of 8.9 percent as compared to the 37,261 deaths reported in 2008. The fatality rate for 2009 declined to the lowest on record, to 1.16 fatalities per 100 million Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), down from 1.25 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2008.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) attributes the decline in 2009 to a combination of factors, including high visibility campaigns like Click It or Ticket to increase seat belt use, and Drunk Driving, Over the Limit. Under Arrest, which helps with the enforcement of state laws to prevent drunk driving and distracted driving. In addition, the decline is also the result of safer roads, safer vehicles and motorists driving less.
NHTSA annually collects crash statistics from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, to produce annual reports on traffic fatality trends. The agency intends to update 2009 estimates regularly as more data becomes available. The final counts for 2009 will be made available in summer 2010.
To view the preliminary fatality statistics, visit http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811291.PDF
The U.S. Department of Transportation on March 11 announced that the number of overall traffic fatalities reported at the end of 2009 reached the lowest level since 1954, declining for the 15th consecutive quarter. According to early projections, the fatality rate, which takes into account the number of miles traveled, reached the lowest level ever recorded.
The projected fatality data for 2009 places the highway death count at 33,963, a drop of 8.9 percent as compared to the 37,261 deaths reported in 2008. The fatality rate for 2009 declined to the lowest on record, to 1.16 fatalities per 100 million Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), down from 1.25 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2008.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) attributes the decline in 2009 to a combination of factors, including high visibility campaigns like Click It or Ticket to increase seat belt use, and Drunk Driving, Over the Limit. Under Arrest, which helps with the enforcement of state laws to prevent drunk driving and distracted driving. In addition, the decline is also the result of safer roads, safer vehicles and motorists driving less.
NHTSA annually collects crash statistics from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, to produce annual reports on traffic fatality trends. The agency intends to update 2009 estimates regularly as more data becomes available. The final counts for 2009 will be made available in summer 2010.
To view the preliminary fatality statistics, visit http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811291.PDF
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Millions Rolling on Bald Tires
Could this be you? I look out the window today and I see wet roads from the recent rain. Bald tires or even tires with low tread can lead to accidents. Have your tires check soon and we can check the pressure if your tires are in good condition to help you get better mileage and lower your emissions for a cleaner environment.
Millions Rolling on Bald Tires: RMA Report
A survey of more than 7,000 vehicles revealed that more than 11 percent had at least one bald tire, which can increase the risk of a crash, particularly in wet weather conditions that frequently occur during fall and winter months.
11/24/2009
Millions of drivers are sporting at least one bald tire, putting themselves and others at risk, according to research by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).A survey of more than 7,000 vehicles revealed that more than 11 percent had at least one bald tire, which can increase the risk of a crash, particularly in wet weather conditions that frequently occur during fall and winter months. Extrapolating that result out, that means that nearly 28 million vehicles are in dire need to new treads.According to AAA, an estimated 33.2 million motorists will take to the road for Thanksgiving travel and that means nearly 4 million motorists could be at risk by driving on bald tires.Additional alarming statistics revealed in a national motorist phone survey earlier this year found that 64 percent of car owners did not know how to check tread depth and 9 percent never check tread depth, said RMA.“In this bad economy, drivers may be delaying necessary vehicle maintenance to save costs,” said Charles Cannon, RMA president and CEO. “But that delay may cost you more dearly if worn out tires lead to a crash with injuries or fatalities.”“Your tires literally keep your vehicle attached to the road," Cannon said. “Bald tires are dangerous because they cannot grip the road properly, they increase stopping distances and can contribute to skidding or loss of vehicle control."Not only are too many motorists not paying attention to tread depth, they also are ignoring tire inflation pressure. Under-inflated tires also pose a safety risk, wear out faster and increase vehicle fuel consumption.A similar survey of more than 5,400 vehicles' tire pressure conducted in March through May 2009, RMA found that only 9 percent of vehicles had four properly inflated tires, and 50 percent had at least one under-inflated tire – 19 percent of which had at least one tire under-inflated by 8 psi. (Tire Review)
Millions Rolling on Bald Tires: RMA Report
A survey of more than 7,000 vehicles revealed that more than 11 percent had at least one bald tire, which can increase the risk of a crash, particularly in wet weather conditions that frequently occur during fall and winter months.
11/24/2009
Millions of drivers are sporting at least one bald tire, putting themselves and others at risk, according to research by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).A survey of more than 7,000 vehicles revealed that more than 11 percent had at least one bald tire, which can increase the risk of a crash, particularly in wet weather conditions that frequently occur during fall and winter months. Extrapolating that result out, that means that nearly 28 million vehicles are in dire need to new treads.According to AAA, an estimated 33.2 million motorists will take to the road for Thanksgiving travel and that means nearly 4 million motorists could be at risk by driving on bald tires.Additional alarming statistics revealed in a national motorist phone survey earlier this year found that 64 percent of car owners did not know how to check tread depth and 9 percent never check tread depth, said RMA.“In this bad economy, drivers may be delaying necessary vehicle maintenance to save costs,” said Charles Cannon, RMA president and CEO. “But that delay may cost you more dearly if worn out tires lead to a crash with injuries or fatalities.”“Your tires literally keep your vehicle attached to the road," Cannon said. “Bald tires are dangerous because they cannot grip the road properly, they increase stopping distances and can contribute to skidding or loss of vehicle control."Not only are too many motorists not paying attention to tread depth, they also are ignoring tire inflation pressure. Under-inflated tires also pose a safety risk, wear out faster and increase vehicle fuel consumption.A similar survey of more than 5,400 vehicles' tire pressure conducted in March through May 2009, RMA found that only 9 percent of vehicles had four properly inflated tires, and 50 percent had at least one under-inflated tire – 19 percent of which had at least one tire under-inflated by 8 psi. (Tire Review)
American Families Save $26 Billion Annually at Independent Repair Shops
I found this article through AAA. Very interesting news.
American Families Save $26 Billion Annually at Independent Repair Shops, Data Shows
Right to Repair proponents say research demonstrates need for legislation.
11/24/2009
Proponents of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act Web say that new data revealing the economic importance of the automotive aftermarket to consumers shows why Congress needs to pass legislation to ensure a competitive repair market. According to the new study conducted by John Dunham and Associates for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), independent auto repair shops save American consumers nearly $26 billion or $360 per family annually. The newly released data also provides estimated figures on the number of repair shops per state and congressional district, plus estimated sales per shop, overall sales and savings realized by choosing an independent repair shop per state and congressional district."This comprehensive data provides even more evidence that the automotive aftermarket is a central part of the economy and that consumers will realize significant savings from a competitive vehicle repair marketplace," said Ray Pohlman, president of CARE. "An extra $360 annually can help a family buy groceries and pay medical bills. Passage of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) is paramount to ensuring that there will be a competitive automotive repair industry now and in the future.""This data reveals that significant dollars are at stake not only to the U.S. economy but to each American family in passing Right to Repair legislation. The study further explains why the car manufacturers would like to retain control of the repair information, tools and software needed by independent repair shops to repair late model vehicles," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of AAIA. "Every single person who owns or operates a vehicle stands to suffer economically if the Right to Repair Act is not passed."The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) currently has the support of 46 members of the House of Representatives. Data from the study is now available on the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act website at www.guerrillaeconomics.biz/righttorepair.Consumers interested in supporting Right to Repair can send a letter urging their members of Congress to support the pending legislation by visiting www.righttorepair.org. autocarepro:news Copyright © 2009 autocarepro:news All Rights Reserved.
American Families Save $26 Billion Annually at Independent Repair Shops, Data Shows
Right to Repair proponents say research demonstrates need for legislation.
11/24/2009
Proponents of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act Web say that new data revealing the economic importance of the automotive aftermarket to consumers shows why Congress needs to pass legislation to ensure a competitive repair market. According to the new study conducted by John Dunham and Associates for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), independent auto repair shops save American consumers nearly $26 billion or $360 per family annually. The newly released data also provides estimated figures on the number of repair shops per state and congressional district, plus estimated sales per shop, overall sales and savings realized by choosing an independent repair shop per state and congressional district."This comprehensive data provides even more evidence that the automotive aftermarket is a central part of the economy and that consumers will realize significant savings from a competitive vehicle repair marketplace," said Ray Pohlman, president of CARE. "An extra $360 annually can help a family buy groceries and pay medical bills. Passage of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) is paramount to ensuring that there will be a competitive automotive repair industry now and in the future.""This data reveals that significant dollars are at stake not only to the U.S. economy but to each American family in passing Right to Repair legislation. The study further explains why the car manufacturers would like to retain control of the repair information, tools and software needed by independent repair shops to repair late model vehicles," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of AAIA. "Every single person who owns or operates a vehicle stands to suffer economically if the Right to Repair Act is not passed."The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) currently has the support of 46 members of the House of Representatives. Data from the study is now available on the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act website at www.guerrillaeconomics.biz/righttorepair.Consumers interested in supporting Right to Repair can send a letter urging their members of Congress to support the pending legislation by visiting www.righttorepair.org. autocarepro:news Copyright © 2009 autocarepro:news All Rights Reserved.
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