Two car myths ...

[jsw2233]

Well, at least to me...

1) The instrucment dimmer switch, why is it needed? I always set it to max and leave it there for all my current and past vehecles. An on/off switch is an overkill for me but any of you adjust it regularly?

2) The fixed metal radio antenna, is it that much more costly to produce a nice pastic one like CRV or printed on rear window like BMW? Most new American cars and trucks and Toyotas still got them. (Actually it's one of the reason I picked the V over Rav4, besides the rear hatch) It's very unsightly, so '80s, and troublesome for car washing.

Please enlighten me. Thanks!

[Davecr-v]

THe dimmer switch can be used to prevent washing out if being used during the day i.e. snow or rainstorms. I would like an antenna like BMW or audi which don't have any problems at the carwash, however, the new V one looks fragile and the old ones go through no problem.

[2RedV's]

I keep the interior dash lights on about 1/2 way in the night. It prevents glare and distractions during night driving.

[jsw2233]

So the metal antenna is for durability? I just realized that even 2nd gen V gets them. Owners, do you like them and what are the adventages?

[2RedV's]

So the metal antenna is for durability? I just realized that even 2nd gen V gets them. Owners, do you like them and what are the adventages?Metal, exterior antennas work better than the in the glass ones. I have never, in 30+ years of driving and going thru car washes, had an antenna issue and I NEVER have bothered to remove the antenna.

[smig]

I just realized that even 2nd gen V gets them.

UK spec gen 2`s get stubby plastic aerials mounted on the roof

[Davecr-v]

Think about this even if my metal antenna gets ruined in the wash how much would it really cost to replace it what a couple of bucks at autozone I can only imagine the fancy stub easily cost triple digits.

[F4Gary]

Dimming them improves your night vision. At night of course.

[jsw2233]

Here is another one: Anyone actually "using" the "live" mpg bar at the top of display? I used to think that was the most meaningless feature on my BMW and I am surprised to see Honda adopts.

[Black Pearl]

As 2RedV once noted about the estimated remaining fuel mileage, it is something of an "amusement piece". What are you going to do, tie up traffic to keep the bar in the most fuel efficient area? I find it interesting in a theoretical way, but useless if you are driving in traffic.

Regarding your other myths, I am not sure why they are myths per se but on the metal antenna, I would rather have a metal job on the front fender. I have to take the stub off to get the car in my mother's garage (taking her to the doctor's etc). Davecr-V comment about replacement costs rings true as well but I have never had to replace an attenna.

As far as the dash lights go, on my previous cars I turned them down very low (less than 1/4 intensity). On the V with the graphic display, I tend to run them at about 1/3 to 1/2 intensity (so I can see that mpg bar better). I agree with F4Gary about the night vision, especially at night. (Shame the intruments are not red like the Phantoms--oh it would look like Pontiac Grand Am- nevermind. )

Now with my sophomoric tastes in stereo performance, I set the bass and treble full max and never touch them, so in some areas I agree with you.

[jsw2233]

I just realized this now: On certain Toyota models (e.g. Sienna, Highlander), the top model Limited does not have the metal antenna like lower models. I did an extensive search on web and still couldn't find any references to why use metal antennas vs newer design. (??) You bet the car makers know they are ugly, almost all car ads do not show them, and surprising consumers when they see/drive the car in person. At least for Toyota, other fancy types of antennas must be very expensive to produce, they need to charge $5-10k more to upgrade. This continue to be one of the biggest car mystery to me.:confused:

[RichK]

Well, at least to me...

1) The instrucment dimmer switch, why is it needed? I always set it to max and leave it there for all my current and past vehecles. An on/off switch is an overkill for me but any of you adjust it regularly

Please enlighten me. Thanks!

The dash lighting at full brightness on my 07V is the brightest in my experience of owning vehicles for almost 50 years. To my eyes they need to be turned down. If you need that brightness.....go for it.:cool:

[Craving This]

all i gotta say is at least there is an antenna of any sort!! my xb didn't have an antenna it was SO ANNOYING the radio stations were always staticky

[aslguy]

Here is another one: Anyone actually "using" the "live" mpg bar at the top of display? I used to think that was the most meaningless feature on my BMW and I am surprised to see Honda adopts.

It's all subjective. My Civic Hybrid was the first car I owned that had this feature. It's what really taught me how to drive for efficiency. While owning that car, I wished every car had it. It might give one pause to think the next time they mash their foot to the floor for no reason. "Oh, that's an expensive and useless way to drive."

Practically every day someone will mash their foot to the floor to simply get ahead of the car in front of them and then pull right into their lane. Does that ONE car length make any difference?

Americans need to learn how to drive purposefully and respectfully. It would cut both accidents and emissions.

[irwinje]

I speculate that the new antennas are the way they are for use in conjunction with satellite radio.
As far as the dimmer switch is concerned, I think it has to do with the broad spectrum of demographics that each manufacturer sells to. In the forum alone we have drivers that range from high school age up to senior citizens. Perhaps they, car manufacturers, are anticipating different needs from different demographic groups. the dimmer is an easy way to solve the personalization of the lighting.
On a side note: I have a friend with in her 40s that has very sensitive eyes. When her lights are on, she turns the dimmer down to about 25% because any brighter and her eyes hurt...

[Psyman42]

i agree that the live miles per gallon bar at top is useless but it has definately made me drive a bit more conservative. It makes me step on brakes less and let the car glide. The bar makes me feel like I'm saving gas when the bar moves all the way to the right. :D