Rear enders are not uncommon here as it can get pretty aggressive on the roads at times, and in shopping centres sometimes it's a free for all. So every car I've owned, and my missus and kids for that matter, have all had tow bars fitted. Just the sight of a towbar seems to be a decent visual deterrent from most people tailgating you as they know they'll definitely come off second best.
I thought the unwritten rule for parking in car spot rows was always back it in? ;-)
That’s the approach I’ve taken in the past. It’s time to rethink that idea.
Spot on advice- There is a local Panera Bread that sits beside a Starbucks, which has its own drive through lane like so many Starbucks that have enough space for one. They share a fairly large parking lot. No matter what time of the day, the 'lane cutting' that people are avoiding by heading OUT to the actual traveling lanes, is witnessed by all the 'drive-through the spots- driving that occurs. What's worse is the perceived "right of way" that these driver popping out of the spots seem to want to impose on the other drivers who are actually using the 'traffic' lanes for drive around the lot, looking for their space to pull into...
Those drive thru lanes are another risk. People picking up their morning coffee advance a few feet to allow the next person on line to pick up their order. Sometimes (not often) the driver is doing some last minute organizing of his/her breakfast and coffee. And sometimes (not often) they start rolling out to the parking lot while doing that organizing. Sometimes (not often) this results in some near collisions. So it is (often) a good idea to pay close attention to those leaving the pickup window. If they are looking down instead of ahead, take care (always).Spot on advice- There is a local Panera Bread that sits beside a Starbucks, which has its own drive through lane like so many Starbucks that have enough space for one. They share a fairly large parking lot. No matter what time of the day, the 'lane cutting' that people are avoiding by heading OUT to the actual traveling lanes, is witnessed by all the 'drive-through the spots- driving that occurs. What's worse is the perceived "right of way" that these driver popping out of the spots seem to want to impose on the other drivers who are actually using the 'traffic' lanes for drive around the lot, looking for their space to pull into...
It's probably the worst lot for this behavior around where either I work or live that I see in Chicago.
My 2019 Pacifica has auto start/stop. The auto start/stop has more excuses than a politician.
On my 2025 model the auto start is only available via an app, and also requires an annual payment of $149. I didn’t pay.
Auto start or auto stop only available via an app? If it's the auto start that's pretty crap on their part, if it's auto stop that's a bonus in my book!
Ha! I’m really messing up tonight. I’m thinking of “remote” start so, never mind.
I'm so glad my ute doesn't have auto stop. Our freeways can be incredibly sluggish at peak times so you're coasting a few feet then stopping. I've heard cars alongside me stopping/starting many dozens of times while just moving 20-30 metres!
I also routinely toggle off the start/stop function the first time it cycles for the drive. That did not stop the original start/stop battery from dying after 2 years of ownership. There is a Chrysler Pacifica equivalent of FOG. I’m a member and it is a useful resource. There is an aftermarket way to turn off the start/stop without it toggling on the next time you use it.
www.pacificaforums.com
The only reason the start/stop feature exists is to help manufacturers achieve their CAFE ratings (Corporate Average Fuel Economy). But Trump has promised to eliminate those requirements, so if that happens, the Start/Stop feature will likely go the way of the hand crank to start your car.
Good move!
It might mean that station wagons (“estate cars”) will make a comeback.
