Shouldn't all new cars have electric backup power brakes and steering by law?

[user removed]

If you make cars idiot proof then you will generate a greater population of even more idiotic people. I have on many occasions refused to even test drive cars that I KNEW WERE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE even 50 feet. I had an imput shaft bearing fall apart while I was driving the car and the owner tried to tell me I was at fault.

regards
Mech

[oldtamiyaphile]

I've heard some stories of EPAS cars malfunctioning and veering to one side all on their own. My Fiat has EPAS, the motor on the column type and if you EOC the steering becomes comically light.

Infinity now have a (production) steer by wire system and the mechanical column is there purely for back up. They're hoping to eliminate the mechanical connection altogether.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

In the USA since a woman drove her Audi into her swimming pool and drowned, the regulators made it so you had to have your foot on the brake to shift from park to drive.

Before my uncle swapped a 4-pot gasser and a 5-speed manual into his Pontiac Trans Sport, I once drove it with the V6 and the automatic, and didn't have to leave my foot on the brake pedal to shift from P to D with the E-brake on. It didn't work in a Toyota Hilux which my grandpa had.

[Cobb]

I think cars should be like in the olden days. Require you to be a mechanic in order to figure out how to drive them.

[The Other Andy]

"The biggest problem with making something completely foolproof is underestimating the ingenuity of complete fools."

Besides, the USA is already absurd with it's car safety legislation. I don't need even fewer, more expensive car choices.

[94_C1500]

I personally don't understand the need for power brakes. Have any of you ever driven with manual brakes? My Jeeps don't have power assist and I can't even tell.

[oldtamiyaphile]

I drove a VW with cable brakes once, wouldn't recommend it

[user removed]

What year VW had cable brakes?

I adjusted the cable brakes on my 37 Ford to the point where I could stop the car with my thumb. Original brake cables, 67 years old. Pop had the hydraulic brakes fail on a ford in 1943 when they were two years old.

regards
Mech

[Smokeduv]

Originally Posted by oldtamiyaphile

I've heard some stories of EPAS cars malfunctioning and veering to one side all on their own. My Fiat has EPAS, the motor on the column type and if you EOC the steering becomes comically light.

Infinity now have a (production) steer by wire system and the mechanical column is there purely for back up. They're hoping to eliminate the mechanical connection altogether.

My Fiat also has EPAS and, although I don't like it a lot, it works fine. It has a function which makes it even lighter when parking or maneuvering at slow speed but gets heavier when going fast (as in many cars with electric-steering), but essentially the system is made in a way that uses a normal steering and is only assisted by the electric motor so, if the motor fails, or you EOC, you have unassisted steering. Evidently, if you go slow it feels very heavy (specially if you have wide tires) but when going at 30 it feels incredibly light.

I find it very clever, as is a relatively simpler system and safer, as it doesn't get extremely heavy as with hydraulic steering.

[oldtamiyaphile]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

What year VW had cable brakes?

It was an oval window so 53-57. Earlier cars were cable too of course. No doubt the car I drove was well past it's prime in every way. It had been butchered with a DIY split window and upright headlight front clip.