Dear Tom and Ray:

I have one of those "marital" strife-type questions for you. Both of our cars have standard transmissions, and I am new to the world of driving a stick shift car. Mind you, I'm much better now than I was a few months ago, but I'm not perfect. So, when I stall, I just start the car again, so as to avoid being hit by all of the cars behind me. At this point, my significant other will start in on me for not turning off each and every accessory (radio, lights, etc.) before trying to restart the vehicle. The argument is that I am supposedly putting a huge strain on the battery, and will ruin the battery if I continue in this manner. I feel this is really insignificant, and she should just clam up about the whole thing. Does it really matter that much? Help! -- Trish

Ray: Tell her to flake off, Trish. It doesn't matter at all.

Tom: The ignition system automatically cuts out any significant power draw when you turn the key to the crank position. You may have noticed this. If your lights are on when you try to restart the car, they'll dim or go off for a moment, and come back on when the car is started. Same with the radio, the windshield wipers and the Amana side-by-side-refrigerator/freezer you keep in the back seat.

Ray: So not only does it make no difference, but what she's telling you to do is dangerous. Not dangerous for the car, but for you! You're sitting in traffic. The safest thing to do is to get the car restarted and get out of there!

Tom: Here's how you cure her. You pull out into oncoming traffic so that cars are heading right for the passenger door. Then you intentionally stall the car. And when she starts getting concerned about the Ford Expedition that's bearing down on her, you say "Hmmm, I'm trying to remember if I turned any other accessories today. Do you remember if I used the rear defroster this morning? I can't seem to recall. Let me think for a minute ...."

In their pamphlet "Should I Buy, Lease, or Steal My Next Car?" Tom and Ray break down the strategies for buying a car, so you can make the most of your money. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1998 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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