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. 

[#6]

When driving around town and being tailgated I  slow down according to the driver's manual.  1 car length for every 10 miles per hour.  While this is ridiculous in most cases I usually do 2 car lengths.  So if someone is 1 car length behind me I'll slow down to about 20 miles per hour.  On the interstate I usually get over as soon as possible.  What ticks me is when you are in the passing lane because you are passing or trying to with 10 cars in front of you and the guy behind you is tailgating you as if you can go any faster.  I'll also try braking a little once in a while.  Also people (hint hint) that are driving in the passing lanes if they aren't passing.