Ask Pete

[#1]

We’ve all seen them—the folks that ride right up on your bumper as if they were engaged in a NASCAR drafting maneuver. It can happen on the surface streets or it can happen on the interstate, but sooner or later it’s going to happen!

Not very long ago, I was westbound on I-4 and there was an 18-wheeler behind me. I was in the middle lane, driving around the posted speed limit (I won’t share whether it was faster or slower). The next time I looked in my rearview mirror, this trucker was so close to my vehicle I could read my own license plate numbers in the reflection of his chrome front bumper.

I thought, “Hmmmm…What if I have to stop suddenly?” So without panicking, I changed lanes to the right and let the truck go by. It seems there was a left lane truck restriction, and I was in his fast lane!

I know the sign reads “Slower Traffic Keep Right,” but I never considered myself moving slower than the traffic around me, and I certainly didn’t think I was holding anybody up. Keeping myself and those around me safe, I elected to move over and let the truck by.

While I resented giving up pole position to an 18-wheeler, the better-safe-than-sorry principle resonated in my head.

What do you do if you have a bumper sniffer on your tail? 

[#2]

Nine out of ten times when someone gets right up on your bumper on a turnpike, they are ON A CELLPHONE and are TOTALLY UNAWARE of what they are doing!!!  At least that's been my experience.

[#3]

Hi Pete I'm not sure how this ask a question thing works so i'll just ask as a comment. I recently borrowed a 1994 toyota tercel and the first time I drove it  was at about 5AM  I drove it to work and it was fine. Later on at about 3PM as I was driving back home and about 30 mins into the drive the car started to bog down each time I came to a complete stop and then started driving again, furthermore the car actually stalled out a few times and I was lucky to make it home. any ideas as to what the cause of this issue could be?  

thanks

[#4]

It sounds like it may be fuel related so that could be anything from bad gas to a clogged fuel filter to a bad fuel pimp. The best way to know for sure is to have a qualified technician formally inspect and diagnose your concern.

[#5]

Back to aaapete's question about tailgaters...I have had this happen MANY times. I think he was very prudent about not letting his frustration get the best of him. With cars that tailgate me, I tend to put my hand up, palm side facing them, and push backwards several times. I make sure they can see that it is my palm gesturing them to slow down and back off. It usually works, but I don't think it would with a trucker. I don't think they'd even be able to see my hand. I think with truckers I would behave the way aaapete did.