[masraum]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

We use the metric system in Australia but we also use imperial. The switch happened back in the early 70s.

I use both daily. For instance, I prefer foot pounds to Newton meters.
And our tire sizes are still imperial.

FYI: Search "Metric tires Ferrari Testarossa" on Google and you may be surprised (The first Testarossa came fitted with millimetric wheels).

I'm also a Measurement Geek: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/641397-heavy-pink-american-d.html

I feel like I first remember hearing that we were switching to metric in the 70s, but it mostly didn't happen. I learned about it in one particular school in the early-mid 80s and it stuck.

Funny, I have heard of imperial tire sizes, but I think most automotive tire sizes in the US are metric. I think the only place that we really use imperial is for truck tires, and then mostly for very large tires on pickup trucks or I think commercial trucks, trailers, and mowers also use imperial.

I use English/imperial 99.9% of the time, but I am comfortable enough in metric that I could use it if needed. Although like you said, for things like HP or torque (motor or to tighten a bolt/nut) I'd prefer hp or foot pounds/ inch pounds.