Car Talk

March 1992

Dear Tom and Ray:
My brother-in-law has a male superiority problem about driving, and we have a long-standing argument concerning down-shifting standard shift cars when approaching a stop. I don't down shift. I was taught otherwise. My brother-in-law, however, says I'm stupid and I don't know what I'm talking about. He recently brought another male driver into the discussion, and I was greatly outnumbered, and, I might add, laughed at. The other driver wanted to know, if I didn't down shift from 5th to 4th to 3rd to 2nd, how did I start up again? In 5th gear? He couldn't understand that after I stop, I merely go into first gear. Am I wrong?
Carolle

TOM: You're absolutely right, Carolle. This is a clear case of testosterone poisoning. And your brother-in-law's friend confirms my theory that it increases exponentially for every male added to a conversation. I mean, look at the presidential campaign.

RAY: Anyway, Carolle, don't listen to these knuckleheads. They can downshift if they want to. And they'll soon find out that a new clutch costs a lot more than a set of brake pads.

TOM: You're driving exactly the way you're supposed to. And next time either of these guys gives you a hard time about it, try throwing 'em a slab of raw meat to chew on. That ought to keep them quiet for a while.
Beat up old car

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