After reading the post from Dave V on the 25.4. I thought I should change the Anti-Freeze on the wifes 1.1 Saxo. The Haynes manual makes the job look very simple but in view of this engines reputation for head problems I would like the opinion of the experts that frequent this site . Whilst I am at it I may well fit a temperature gauge to replace the warning light. Could anyone advise on a suitable gauge/sender/and or supplying company. Many thanks.
Ps
For Mark(Brazil) this post comes from sunny Clacton-on-Sea. I have had the misfortune to live here since 68.(how sad). Read more

Just an update, in case anyone's interested. I had Pirelli 6000s fitted to the front wheels of my A4 today (£160 inc VAT). Haven't driven far yet but they do appear to be quieter than the previous Dunlops. Can't really comment on grip etc, but then I don't drive with much urgency.

Thanks again for the advice on an earlier thread.

Regards

Pat Read more

Well I've had a shot in the new Hyundai Coupe which I think looks great and I'm sorely tempted to buy one but I don't have any experience of Hyundai - what are they like in terms of reliability/depreciation/etc.?

The magazines seem to suggest a Celica is a better long term bet but I quite like the idea of the Hyundai V6 model - although fuel bills would probably scare me into the 2 litre version.

(btw - it's a shame they don't offer the same warranties that they do in the US - a 5 yr manufacturer warranty would surely help sales here!) Read more

Hi

I was in my local garage the other day and was chatting to the chap who was MOTing my car.

He said that from September all MOT stations will be connected to a DTLR computer which will record the results of the emissions tests as well as other criteria in the test and the car's mileage.

While I don't doubt him, has anyone else heard of this? Surely this will go towards ending the clocking of cars as well as computerising all those who do not have an MOT cert.

Any comments, or have I been misled?

Jonathan Read more

Reading the original thread, the questions appear to fall into three categories, Education & Training, Government Policy, and the Why doesn?t he drive category.

*Government Policy *

I would suggest that as Transport minister he is, or at least should be, the person to ask about Government policy.

So we have two good questions on that,

Question 1)
"Why do you plan "Predict and Provide" facilities for air travel but refuse to do the same for road transport"?"

Whilst on the face of it this is an excellent question I fear this will just lead to a New Labour PC reply straight from the hymn sheet about pollution, global warming, congestion, public transport is the solution. All the stuff we?ve heard before, despite the fact that perhaps these are either incorrect or currently not viable solutions. Therefore I would suggest that something needs to be added to this one so that his options to answer in this way are eliminated. Suggestions please!

Question 2) Assuming Bogush facts are correct.
Why, when over 80% of freight and passenger transport travels by road, and road taxes paid greatly outweigh the sum of road investment and public transport subsidy, is ?Roads? a junior ministerial post and "Transport" a whole ministry largely devoted to bus, rail, tram and aircraft?

Suggest we need figures here please Bogush or A N Other.

Secondly the ?Why doesn?t he drive?

Question 3)

Considering that most of your personal travel would appear to consist of subsidised VIP travel and chauffeur driven ministerial cars, and in particular that you cannot yourself drive, it is felt that consequently you are totally out of touch with the transport needs and issues of almost the whole electorate which appointed you. Do you intend to correct this situation and how?

Finally ?Education?

Whole heap of stuff on education which distils down to strong feelings that

Despite the current driving test being harder than ever before, judging by the accident rates in young drivers, it is still not enough and does not tackle the problem of drivers who have not passed a test in many years.

Furthermore there is almost no education provision for other road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

The education for road users should be on an almost cradle to grave continual improvement basis.

It should start in schools and continue through the early road user years with graduated entry and access to more powerful vehicles by virtue of age, advanced training, probationary periods and regular testing.

Additionally qualified road users should get regular training and/or testing, which could be compulsory, thus keeping their skills and hazard awareness up to date in order that many problems could be minimised or removed by common sense and good attitudes prevailing rather than involving complicated and expensive legislation.


Now that is too much for one question, lets face it JY hasn?t the stamina to read that. It took me over a minute.

I suggest the following question 4.

?The education for road users should start in schools and continue through the early road user years with graduated entry and access to more powerful vehicles by virtue of age, advanced training, probationary periods and regular testing.

Additionally, longer qualified road users should get regular training and testing, thus keeping their skills and hazard awareness up to date. This could prevent much complicated and expensive legislation, and increase road safety for all.?


At this point I?ll hand it over to others for comments, editing, correcting my lousy punctuation what have you. HJ need your input/sanction whatever please.

Going to be busy most of this weekend so not much more input from me till Sunday night, sorry folks. Read more