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2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Roadest

The Japanese automaker Mitsubishi has just revealed a new special edition version of their Outlander sport utility vehicle with a more aggressive front end inspired by the turbocharged all wheel drive rally inspired Evo targeted at their domestic market. The new Outlander Roadest is based on the current diamond star SUV. While the gaping hole in the big mouth front bumper doesn’t benefit from a racy looking front mount intercooler like the Lancer, Mitsubishi’s in house tuner Ralliart has added a bit more aggressive bodywork in order to keep enthusiasts happy.

Jay Leno test drives a Tango electric car

It may not be the most aesthetically-pleasing car out on the market, but the Tango electric car does have Jay Leno’s stamp of approval. And in the auto industry, that speaks volumes.

The pencil-thin, yet surprisingly-fast electric car was the subject in the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage. In the episode, Leno talks with the inventor of the Tango, Rick Woodbury, and the two discuss the uniqueness of the car despite its rather peculiar appearance. In a rare moment of seriousness, Leno looked as if he was genuinely interested in what Woodbury had to say, which is pretty significant because the comedian wastes little time in trying to crack jokes at other people’s expense. One particularly important point that was stressed was the Tango’s use of lead acid batteries as compared to the lithium-ion variety, which Woodbury admits the company still doesn’t have the budget for. Nevertheless, the inventor of the Tango stressed that the company is preceding plans with putting lithium-ions in the Tango in the near future.

After their conversation, Leno then takes the Tango out for a ride and is pretty impressed with the ride, even saying that the car’s unique ability to split lanes – according to 63 police officers Woodbury asked, all of them have said that it’s perfectly legal – makes it the perfect traffic buster.

Another Leno quip that made us crack was when he said that the Tango’s the only car that you can hang both your arms on both windows. The man hasn’t lost his touch.

What is the average snowfall accumulation in the month of February in Richmond, Virginia? 

See answer under Car Doctor.

De-salt your car

With the ice and snow over the past few weeks, most of us have been driving around on salted roads (or at least those of us who were lucky enough to get salted roads!). What you may not be aware of is that salt can cause damage to your car. It can cause corrosion and can speed up rust, which is particularly relevant to older cars. Without getting too scientific on it, salt increases the electrical conductivity of water and so accelerates corrosion.

Now that the cold spell seems to have subsided, it is probably a good time to give the car a good wash and try and get rid of the salt off the bodywork and undercarriage of the vehicle. Make sure in particular to wash the underside of your car to get rid of the salt which will have bounced up from the roads. When you’re washing the car make sure also to get the mud and muck out of the wheels and wheel arches. Give rubber, trims, door seals and tyres a good wash and rub also. If you’re using a hose at home make sure it has a high pressure nozzle so that you can get the water at power into those hard to reach places.

You may also find that your car mats have turned white in sections. This can be caused by road salt from your shoes.  Mostly this can be removed with soap and water but if this doesn’t do the job you can also try some vinegar diluted with water.

Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule. 

Click Here to schedule a service appointment at your nearest Hall Automotive Service Center.