They’re complex machines that need to be assembled (and maintained) with a certain level of precision to function correctly, safely, and efficiently.

I’d say that current events that involve an awful lot of speculation are prime targets for this sort of article.

I used to work at a bicycle shop. The mechanics would pop a tube once or twice per week. Made everyone jump every single time, no matter how long they’d been working there.

I think we can all agree that “Binghamton Stud Muffins” is the only reasonable option.

The noise is a slipping accessory belt that’s gotten loose or worn out. I had a 1991 Camry that did it for a while when it was getting old, and my 2012 Impreza’s just recently started doing it on cold starts within certain ambient temperature ranges.

This is interesting. Taken at face value, it seems to directly contradict the previous research I’d seen suggesting that:

The ones in my car were speedy enough that it was never an issue. They’d be all the way forward within about two seconds of unlatching the door.

I used to stand. Then I went to college, and the stalls in my dorm building weren’t tall enough to provide much privacy when standing. Now I sit.

Tevas are really great for just about any situation where you don’t need a closed toe and/or formal shoe. I’ve even worn mine in light snow. (not with socks, though, on account of the fact that I’m not Hitler)

My ‘12 Subaru does not have auto-locking doors.

over 700

I think you may have misunderstood the point I was trying to make. I am entirely in favor of cars with unnecessarily high horsepower figures, and I am entirely in favor of cars with wacky patterns on the seats. In general, I’m entirely in favor of cars having features or characteristics that are interesting, quirky,…

I’ve been really shocked by the number of engineers, technicians, and mechanics I’ve met through work who are resistant to using seatbelts. You’d think that people with technical knowledge would have a better grasp of the safety benefits than the general population, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

They were still functioning on my car when we got rid of it, too. 1991 Camry, still working fine when we sold it in 2011.

The car I had these belts on (base-model 1991 Camry) also had manual windows and locks.

That wasn’t the best picture. The shoulder belt stretches from the center console to the door frame. It rides along a track to normal shoulder belt position when you start the car, and goes back to the forward position when you open the door.

Absolutely no point at all, but it’s a fun novelty and it confuses the youths.

I’m disappointed by the lack of mention of my personal favorite style of seat belt:

Doug,