January 1989

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Dear Tom and Ray:

If you have a clock in your car and synchronize it with your wristwatch, after a few weeks use of the car, won't the car clock be slow compared to the wristwatch? As I understand it, whenever you start your car, the ignition cuts off all other electrical options in order to supply full power to the starter. For people who use their car many times a day, this could add up to 20 or 30 minutes per month. Am I right?
Larry

TOM: A little knowledge truly is a dangerous thing.

RAY: The starter motor does need a lot of current, and major devices--like the air conditioner and wipers--do get shut off during ignition. The clock, however, uses virtually no current, and is never cut out.

TOM: Sorry Larry, you can't use this one as an excuse for being late to your parole hearing.

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© 2006 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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Auto repairs can be costly! Save money by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet: "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.