Latest news with #R.R.
Miami Herald
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Motormouth: Break-in period?
Q: I recently purchased a new PHEV, which provided instructions regarding the 1,000-mile break-in period. This has been my experience for many, if not all, cars purchased over the years. I intend to comply. However, I'm curious as to exactly what is happening to the engine during the break-in period. Also, is there any break-in required for the motor and battery? R.R., Lisle, Illinois A: There's probably nothing in the owner's manual about an engine break-in, yet I believe it is worthwhile. Having owned several motorcycles, I have learned the drill. Here are the steps: 1. Avoid constant engine speed for long periods. Vary the engine speed between 2,000 and 4,000 RPMs. 2. Avoid hard, jackrabbit starts. Accelerate gently. 3. Start the engine but don't let the engine idle longer than 3-4 minutes at a time. 4. Check the oil level. New engines may use a bit more than broken-in engines. During break-in, the moving parts get friendly with the other stuff. Electric motors on the other hand, need no break-in. Q: I have a 2023 Ford F-150 Ecoboost. I "accelerate" at times (why waste 400hp?). Friends have suggested that I change my oil every 500 miles instead of factory recommendations. They say that my driving habits cause it to run a little hot. I love the performance, but do want to protect the engine. S.G., Antioch, Illinois A: Do your friends work for an oil company? Your engine will run at the same temperature (about 200 degrees Fahrenheit) whether you are cruising or mashing on the gas. Your oil company friends should be pleased with your frivolous use of fuel. Q: I'm the original owner of a 2011 Kia Sorento EX with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 133,000 miles on the odometer. I have maintained the car to the best of my ability and have for years changed the oil myself every 2,500 to 3,500 miles, and still do, even at the age of 94. In the past six months or so, I have noticed a slight metallic "chi, chi, chi" staccato rattle sound coming from the engine, which I suspect to be the timing chain or valve lifters. I'm concerned the chain will break and cause complete failure of the engine. There have been no dash warning signals of any kind. In one of your columns, you said the chain should last the life of the car, but I'm not sure what that might be. Your expert opinion please. J.G., Huntley, Illinois A: There are two possibilities. Chances are you don't need a timing chain although the chain is a component in the camshaft operation. The variable cam timing system actuators may be the first problem. The second culprit may be the fuel pump. Unlike most vehicles today that have electric fuel pumps in the gas tank, Kia has a mechanical pump driven by the camshaft that is easily replaced. Q: Took my 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid in for first service at 5,000 miles (as reminded repeatedly and irritatingly via text). Expected an oil change. Instead, I was told "only a tire rotation now." Oil changes will happen every 10,000 miles but tire rotations are required every 5,000 per dealer and "Toyota recommendations." Overkill? T.S., McHenry, Illinois A: Your question harkens back to one I got a couple weeks ago. Tires, fresh from the factory, do not last as long as replacement tires. Additionally, the weight of hybrids and electrics is hard on the tires. Your dealer may be trying to make them last as long as possible. You may choose to ignore the overkill, but tire demise may occur prematurely. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
My local fish and chip shop is selling a disgusting cheap substitute for cod. Can I sue? DEAN DUNHAM reveals the dirty secret that's becoming so common... and what to do about it
I'm sure our local fish and chip shop sells cheap substitutes for cod and haddock – how can I get my money back? R. R., Hastings.
Winnipeg Free Press
08-05-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
B.C. Appeals Court finds agency's decision to remove kids ‘tainted by stereotype'
VANCOUVER – The B.C. Court of Appeal says an Indigenous mother who had her four kids temporarily removed from her care by a child welfare agency was discriminated against because the agency's view of the woman was 'tainted by stereotype.' The Appeals Court ruled Thursday that a $150,000 human-rights award should be restored after the B.C. Supreme Court overturned a decision of the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal in January. The ruling says the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society removed the woman's four children in 2016, and they were returned to her care three years later. The mother, identified only as R.R. in the ruling, filed a complaint with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal, claiming the decision to remove her kids was based on 'protected characteristics' in the province's human-rights code 'rather than her children's best interests.' The tribunal found she was discriminated against by the society and awarded her $150,000, but the B.C. Supreme Court set aside the tribunal's decision, finding it would create 'an operational conflict between' the human-rights code and the Child, Family and Community Services Act and 'undermine social workers' ability to intervene in the best interests of the child.' The three-judge panel of the Appeals Court ruled that 'racial or other stereotypes have no place in decisions to intervene' by child welfare agencies, and though the society's employees acted in good faith, the impact of their conduct was discriminatory and 'discrimination in law is about impact, not intent.' 'Indigenous persons, and Peoples, understand better than most the potentially devastating consequences of having a child forcibly removed from a parent's care,' the ruling says. 'Good intentions, in the face of ingrained biases, stereotypes and prejudices, are not enough to justify discriminatory impact.' The appellate panel's ruling says there's no 'conflict' between the human-rights code and the act, finding they 'operate harmoniously.' 'The (Child, Family and Community Services Act) protects children while the code ensures child protection services are delivered free of discrimination,' the panel ruled. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. B.C.'s Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender was an intervener in the case, and said in a statement Thursday that she welcomed the court's finding. 'It is essential that people experiencing discrimination in the child welfare system can rely on the Human Rights Tribunal to fully consider and address discriminatory conduct and enforce their Human Rights Code-protected rights,' she said. 'I am pleased to see this confirmation that stereotypes have no place in child protection decisions.' The Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society's lawyers were not immediately available for comment on the ruling. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 8, 2025.
