My Customer Brought Me His Car and the Engine Just Blew Up

The Reliability of V6 Engines: A Lesson from Honda

A V6 engine can bring joy and power to a vehicle, but some models have left much to be desired. In particular, engines built by General Motors (GM) have been known to be less reliable than those made by other manufacturers. The author of this article has had the misfortune of experiencing firsthand the problems that can arise from owning a GM-made V6 engine.

My own experience with a Saturn model equipped with a GM-built V6 engine was particularly grueling. The car burned oil excessively, which led to the engine's demise due to lack of lubrication. The author notes that it's essential to check and maintain proper oil levels to prevent such problems. While it's true that oil-burning engines can wear out faster than their well-maintained counterparts, there's still value in learning from this experience.

The American V6: A Mixed Bag

While some American V6 engines have been praised for their performance and power, others have left much to be desired. The author notes that the quality of these engines can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. It's essential to do your research before purchasing a vehicle with an American V6 engine, as you may be dealing with potential problems down the line.

Electric Cars: A Mixed Bag for Manufacturers

The rise of electric cars has brought both excitement and skepticism. The author has called out various manufacturers for their lack of transparency when it comes to testing their products. Specifically, the author requested a chance to test drive an electric pickup truck from one of the major manufacturers. Despite numerous attempts, no manufacturer has been willing to provide the author with such an opportunity.

The author notes that this reluctance on the part of manufacturers is likely due to concerns about being "bad-mouthed" by someone who tells the truth about their products. The author is a mechanic and not afraid to speak his mind, which may have contributed to manufacturers' hesitation in providing him with a vehicle to test.

A Different Approach from China

However, when it comes to smaller electric cars made in China, some manufacturers are willing to provide the author with an opportunity to test their products. The author wonders if this might be due to lower expectations or fewer repercussions compared to larger, more expensive vehicles.

The Future of Electric Cars: A Cautionary Tale

As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electric vehicles, it's essential to consider the long-term implications of these changes. The author notes that while some manufacturers claim electric cars will become cheaper and more efficient over time, this is unlikely to be the case. In fact, many manufacturers are now using less expensive batteries in their newer models, which have compromised performance.

The Future of Electric Cars: A Cautionary Tale (continued)

Furthermore, the author notes that electric cars tend to have shorter ranges and may require more frequent charging, making them less practical for long-distance travel. As such, the author believes that electric cars are unlikely to become a dominant force in the automotive industry anytime soon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, owning a GM-made V6 engine can be a costly mistake. However, by learning from this experience and doing your research before purchasing a vehicle with an American V6 engine, you may be able to avoid similar problems. When it comes to electric cars, manufacturers' reluctance to provide testing opportunities is likely due to concerns about being "bad-mouthed" by someone who tells the truth.

As for the future of electric cars, one thing is certain: they are unlikely to become a dominant force in the automotive industry anytime soon. With their limited ranges and potential for higher costs, it's essential to approach these vehicles with a critical eye and carefully consider your options before making a purchase.