SalemNews.com, Salem, MA

Business

Discussion

The Salem News has a real-name policy for commenting. Users may sign in using the Facebook Connect tool above the comments field. Once your first comment is posted by a moderator, all future comments will post automatically. If you prefer not to use Facebook, send an e-mail with your comments user name (which must be the same as your real name), city or town, street address and daytime phone number to comments@salemnews.com. A staff member will contact you directly to confirm your identity. It may take a day or two before you can post comments. Only your user name will be public. All users are required to follow our rules for commenting, which can be found here.

comments powered by Disqus
January 6, 2009

Blowing a fuse over light bulb problems

Auto Scanner

Q: My husband and I were very disappointed with your answer to burned-out bulbs in cars.

Our 2007 Toyota Corolla had a burned-out headlight after only 13 months. A few months later a friend driving behind us related that a brake light was out.

We had that changed, and two months later the same light was gone. Again, we had it changed for free at Toyota.

It doesn't matter the season. It isn't a heat problem, but something is wrong with all bulbs made today. I won't go into the light problem in our GE microwave that is only 3 years old. Well, maybe I will because it's very annoying that nothing lasts.

The underneath light on the microwave went after two years. A hidden, unable-to-find light went out six months later and is about to leave us again.

Our neighbor has the same machine and the hidden bulb hasn't worked in two years. How about the light bulbs in our condo and hallways, with the new energy-saving junk? They save energy because they never work.

We've tried Sylvania, GE and Phillips. Are there any other brands? Everything made today is junk! And I don't just mean light bulbs!

A: Wow, you may want to consider decaf, you're getting way too upset about this small problem. The bulbs on your car are blowing sooner than average, to that I will admit.

My 2007 Toyota has all the original bulbs with the exception of Sylvania Ultra Brite headlights, which I believe every car should have. You wouldn't believe the difference until you try it for yourself.

If you can't find the Ultra Brites by Sylvania to fit your car, send me an e-mail, I will find a retailer for you.

Your taillight blowing is unusual also. The problem may be in your car. As far as your microwave oven, maybe you have it in a closed space, and the bulbs aren't getting the proper ventilation.

Bulbs do generate an enormous amount of heat. If your neighbor has a similar kitchen and the micro is set the same way — probably the case because you're in a condo — then her microwave problem may be caused by heat too.

As far as your energy-saving junk remark, nothing could be further from the truth. Ask your condo associates to install quality energy-saving bulbs by (who else?) Sylvania.

In closing I have to say I appreciate your letter (for real). I would suggest Sylvania products for any bulbs that need to be changed. It matters not whether it is for car or home.

Car Care Tip: I bought my wife a GPS as a holiday gift. As I set it up for her, I decided it would be unwise to put my proper home address in the unit. If the unit is stolen from your car, the thief knows right where to go to find an empty house to rob. As my home address, I put in a nonexisting address in my neighborhood. Have a safe, happy, and prosperous 2009.

¢¢¢

Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears Tuesday in the Biz North section. Write to Larry at Salem News, c/o Auto Scanner, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Business

AP Video
Facebook Expands Campus As Stock Shrinks CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes Facebook Sued by Investors Over Disclosures HP to Cut 27,000 Jobs, Save Up to $3.5B Investors Slap Facebook 11 Percent Lower Yahoo to Reap $7.1B From Alibaba Stake Facebook Shares Close Up Just .23 at $38.23 Future Uncertain for Post-IPO Facebook Facebook Shares Spike 10% Higher at Open Mark Zuckerberg Rings Nasdaq Opening Bell Verizon to End Unlimited Data Plans Facebook IPO: What You Need to Know GM Says It Will Stop Paying for Ads on Facebook On Zuckerberg's Mind: People, Not Shareholders Dimon Survives Votes on Pay, Chairmanship Raw Video: Protesters Target JP Morgan Meeting Poll: Half of Americans Call Facebook a Fad Could JP Morgan Losses Have Been Prevented? Fuzzy Resumes: A Look at Leaders Undone More Questions After Yahoo Leadership Fiasco
NDN Video
Police: Seattle Cafe Gunman May Have Shot Self Fans Riot at Justin Bieber Concert Cows crash house party Kim K.'s New Gig as Love Guru Syria Massacre: US Student Killed Oprah's Aha! Moment with NPH & David Burtka Billionaire Zuckerberg no tipping waiters White House Regrets Death Camps 'Misstatement' Leaked Video of Madonna Performing Lady Gaga Sparks Feud Rumors Victim Identified in Fla. Face-chewing Attack DWTS Pros Caught Kissing Father Arrested for Chasing Son Onto Soccer Field During Game Ill. lawmaker goes on tirade over pension bill Raw video: Man falls from SMU crane after standoff Jessica Simpson Debuts Baby An OMFG 'ABDC' LMFAO Performance Tori Bares Baby Bump in Monokini Video reignites mystery around cruise ship death Letterman on Family Life Post-Scandal Al-Qaida Hid Messages in Porn
Comments Trcker