It looks as if there will be newer cars coming out soon which have a 42 volt electrical system. Actually it will be a 36-volt electrical system with three 12-volt batteries in series. The good part is that it will create lower emissions because power steering pumps and air conditioning units can be mechanical in the future.

The bad part for us is if the electrical system has a short to the frame you could be electrified like a hot dog while washing. Some car washes are a little concerned that their employees might get fried, although if you look at some of the carwash labor these days you might assume their brains already are; remember the commercials; "this is your brain on drugs?" But seriously that could be a real bummer being electrocuted for a crime you never committed? Simply drying off a car extra good for a tip and "ZZZZZap!" Perhaps some carwashes may send vehicles with faulty system 42-volt systems to their competitors? And you thought your industry was competitively charged. Boy will they be fried, talk about EMP wars.

The reason they call it a 42-volt system is that it would be the same as a 12-volt system which is always charging at 14 volts so 14 X 3 =42. BMW, Ford, DaimlerChrysler are all working on these things. Which makes since if we build cars, which are hybrid the systems will be better situated to run in lighter cars with smaller engines. Car washes are worried as if a couple of employees get juiced on the job, their workmen's comp rates will soar. Most personal injury attorneys are very emotional about the possibilities of future business. But they may all be worried over nothing, because it appears that the 42-volt electrical systems will save fuel and are totally safe for you and I. Even so if OSHA figures out what is going on and shuts down all the cars washes in the country until they write more rules and regulations on proper washing procedures, then you can bet insurance companies of workers comp will raise rates at car washes up to 50 cents on the dollar paid to labor. I could just see OSHA adding such language to its already 44 stories think operating laws. Think about 44 stories of paper stacked on top of each other one by one; full of laws governing employment, gotta love bureaucracy? And you know OSHA employees love that job security.

It appears with all the scare and concern that 42-volt electrical systems are safe and will do wonders for your gas mileage and are perfect for the new hydrogen powered cars. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs