Girl on Cars

Someone had the nerve to swipe my special-order, aftermarket clear side markers from my BMW 325 Ci last week while the car was parked outside in a valet lot in Beverly Hills while I was having dinner. Not only did the d-bag (think French for shower) pry off the lenses from both sides, but he -- or she -- even took the trouble to unplug and steal my special stealth bulbs (which appear silver, but blink orange). Seriously, folks. How lame.

It got me thinking. Could someone make a living by swiping tiny little car parts here and there? If purchased at retail, those lenses cost as much as $50 a set, and the bulbs are about $30 a pair. But on eBay, you can find the markers for about $3 each, and the bulbs for about $10 a pair. And those are for new parts. So, figuring that used parts would sell for less, that means someone could get maybe $10 or $15 tops for something that it cost me nearly $90 to replace.

At first thought, there doesn't seem to be much of a financial incentive to take the time to steal something that could yield so little cash. But in my case, the parts were taken in an area known as "restaurant row." As the name implies, the street is lined with restaurants on both sides for about five straight blocks. So, if one car gets hit up at each restaurant for $10 worth of parts, times 10 to 15 restaurants, it's not a bad return for simply walking up and down the street for a couple of hours.

Obviously, I'm not condoning stealing stuff from people's cars. But it apparently proves fruitful for some, even if said assailants should be beaten with bamboo canes. It also reminds us that, no matter how advanced anti-theft technology has become, our cars still remain vulnerable to lesser attacks. And while it could have been much worse, it was still a royal pain-in-the-butt.

Winter temperatures can be tough on cars. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your car performs its best in the cold:

Keep battery backup. It takes more electrical power to start a car in cold weather, yet those chilly temperatures also drastically reduce the battery's cranking power. To compensate for the increased need and reduced output, keep a good set of jumper cables or a portable power pack in the trunk.

Check climate controls. Make sure the heater and front and rear defrosters are working properly. If it takes more than a few minutes to feel or see a change, take the car in for service. In addition, take the extra time in the mornings to wait for the windows to defrost completely.

Replace wiper blades. Windshield wiper blades should be replaced every six months to a year, depending on the climate (although most drivers only replace them once every few years). Well-made, effective blades are essential for maximum visibility in bad weather.

Change the oil. Consider switching to a different grade of oil to help protect your engine in the cold. Base your decision on the lowest temperature you expect to encounter; for example, use 0W-30 in climates where the temperature drops below zero. While there are many differing opinions about which grades of oil to use, a good rule of thumb is to choose a multi-grade with the narrowest range of viscosity possible (meaning, the smallest difference between the low number and the high number on the label). Make sure to check the owner's manual for specific guidelines for your car.

Check filters, hoses, fluids. Inspect hoses to make sure they're properly connected and free of damage or leaks. Also check the oil, gas, and air filters. Coolant should be changed every two years (five years for extended-life coolant). Also check the radiator or coolant tank pressure cap.

G-oil biodegradable motor oil

(Credit: Green Earth Technologies)

Certain biofuels, though eco-friendly, have a reputation for gumming up engine parts, which affect vehicle performance and ultimately reduce engine life. So the idea of a bio-based motor oil makes some of us a little nervous. But one Bay Area-based company is hawking a green, biodegradable motor oil that it says will protect engines as well as name-brand, petroleum-based oil.

G-Oil, made by Green Earth Technologies, is made by converting tallow -- that's saturated cow fat to you and me -- into a high-value unsaturated oil, which is less likely to clog up engine parts. (Tallow was used historically to make products such as candles and soap, and was sometimes used in cooking.) The resulting motor oil, according to the label, can be used in naturally-aspirated engines, as well as turbocharged and super-charged diesel and gasoline engines. In addition, the packaging is 100 percent recyclable, and the labels are printed on biodegradable paper with soy ink.

The company says the used oil is non-toxic and can be disposed of at home, but it must first be mixed with another of the company's products, called G-disposoil. The second compound breaks the oil into smaller molecules, which can be eaten by microorganisms found in the soil. However, there is no mention of whether other hazardous chemicals might be picked up by the oil during its lifespan inside the engine.

There isn't much information yet on how to buy G-oil, although the company recently showed off its products at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.

Related link: Green Earth Technology

TiroGage air pressure gauge

(Credit: RMI)

California-based company Resource Manufacturing Inc. (RMI), along with Wika Instrument, the world's largest gauge manufacturer, are touting their new air pressure gauge as the answer to every lazy motorist's prayer.

The patented TiroGage, which is designed to be left on, attaches directly to the tire's valve stem. The pressure reading is displayed constantly on an outer lens, which allows drivers to check their tires with just a quick glance. Air can be added or released through the gauge itself, eliminating the need for external gauges or valve stem caps.

This is great news for those of us (your writer included) who procrastinate when it comes to checking the air pressure in our tires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking the air pressure on each tire a minimum of once a month. But how many of us do it? Maintaining proper air pressure is crucial for achieving optimal fuel economy, maximizing performance, increasing tire life and ensuring road safety.

RMI says the TiroGage is accurate within 3 percent (plus or minus) in tire temperatures between -40 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The body of the gauge is made of brass and the lens is made of Lexan, the same material used for bullet-proof windshields. The entire device weighs less than an ounce and has a diameter slightly larger than a U.S. quarter.

The TiroGage will initially be made for commercial trucks and large RVs and will be available later this month for $24.95 each. Gauges for passenger cars, motorcycles and bicycles are scheduled to roll off the assembly line sometime next year.

For more information on tire pressure, visit the NHTSA Tire Safety Brochure page.

A small group of automotive journalists gathered recently in Southern California to watch an unusual sight: A fully functional Volkswagen Touareg that could be controlled without anyone in the driver's seat.

The custom-made SUV was part of a special showcase hosted by Volkswagen, where a select few got a glimpse at some of the stunt driving skills used in the making of The Bourne Ultimatum, the third and newest installment of the Bourne films. The movie's stunt team developed a special cockpit attached to the top of the Touareg, complete with a seat, steering wheel, and pedals that allowed the driver to control the car from the roof. With the stunt driver "hidden" on top, camera crews had the freedom to shoot the actor in the driver's seat from any angle without obstruction.

Each of us got a chance to ride along on a choreographed chase in the driver's seat of the custom-made Touareg, dubbed a Remote Driven Vehicle (RDV) by its creators. The car had to be put in gear from the inside, but once the RDV was in drive, we passengers were completely at the mercy of the madman--er--professional up above. It was exciting (and a little disconcerting) to watch the driver's steering wheel turn by itself as we chased a nimble GTI though a series of narrow, makeshift alleyways of cardboard boxes.

After the RDV demonstration, we got personalized instruction from the professional drivers on how to do a variety of car-control moves, including J-turns, reverse 180s, and power sliding into a parallel parking spot. Needless to say, a lot of cones were killed in the process.

Watch official video of the RDV and other behind-the-scenes action from The Bourne Ultimatum here.