[trackbird]

I pulled onto the interstate today behind a midsize Buick sedan from the mid 90's. I then notice that the drivers side rear spring is hanging 1/2 way out of the car. I can see the pigtail and about 3 coils hanging under the axle (about 3" from dragging the ground). The car was sitting remarkably level, nearly level actually (odd since the spring was at least 1/2 way out of the vehicle). I was afraid it would come loose and wind up coming through my windshield (I stayed far back until I could pass him). I can't imagine how it was even still in the car, or what it was caught on. It is probably an easy fix (unless something broke, like the spring perch), but it will probably not get fixed until it falls out completely and the driver notices. It's scary to think that there are people who are that clueless about their own cars (but we all know they exist). My wife always reminds me that she's glad she found a guy who can work on cars (if I could only learn to drive them (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) ).

[gillbot]

Ironically, in WV, we had yearly safety inspections (they check the brakes, lights, look under the car, exhaust system, etc). In Ohio, we have nothing (some areas have smog, mine does not). It's nice to not have to go do the inspection thing (since my cars are well cared for), but it may not be such a bad idea in the grand scheme of things (the "big" picture). It will be a PITA for people like us, but it may be a good idea.

I was shocked when I moved to ohio (from WV), the first thing I asked when I did the car registration was about inspections. The lady looked at me like I was crazy. EVERY state I've lived in sans Ohio has some sort of inspection.