In the USA a cheap anti theft device that seems to solve most situations of vehicle loss (unless it is towed away).

It is described as "Armored steel Hood lock with ignition immobilizer"
for example:
from Google search with "armoured steel hook lock"

jcwhitney.com/product.jhtml?CATID=4708&BQ=jcw2
At $33 plus pp seems a good buy

They seem very popular and seem to address the basic requirement. Prevent the engine being started and prevent the thief from getting access to bypass the anti- theft switch.

Once installed, to arm it simply press the lock under the dash and led flashes. To disarm just turn the (round) key in the lock.
It appears some have been standard fit for 20 years and no obvious downside to them. I have not seen them on sale in UK.

Also of interest

www.smartmotorist.com/the/sec.htm#Security systems & anti-theft devices Read more

There is a long stretch of roadworks on my way to work (rural A road) with temporary (ie semi-permanent!) traffic lights. Yesterday the lights were stuck on red in both directions.
Drivers divided into 2 camps: those who waited virtually indefinitely, and the majority who gave the lights a minute and then ignored them.
Am I right that strictly speaking it is an offence to pass any red traffic light, even if the system has failed?
This was at 7.30 am, so no workmen around. But even if a council workman had been there, does he have authority to wave motorists through a red light? Does a policeman?
What is the correct thing to do if traffic liughts have stuck? Read more

I keep hearing this 'bible' mentioned but have no idea how you can get hold of a copy (if indeed you can). Seems to me that if everyone read a copy then the motoring world would be a hoopier place. Read more

When I was young I used to blat down motorways at 80-90 without a second thought. I used to speed. I used to chance it and drink three pints and then drive.

But now, I never go above 65 on a motorway, I generally always stick to the limit and I ***never*** drink and drive - not even a glass of wine.

HOWEVER - I find now that if I've been on a long motorway journey, I arrive fresh and alert because I've not been looking for Pc Plod all the time in my rear view mirror. I come home from work persecution-complex free as I *know* that I've not triggered any speed cameras. And I can drive everywhere knowing that if our local constabulary do pull me, then it's for a damned good reason.

Actually, this getting older and driving sensibly malarkey is quite good, isn't it?

I'm actually quite happy to turn into my Dad. For those of you that know him, you'll know that it's no bad thing (God bless his poly-cottom socks).

Why do people still drive like ace-holes? I watch them shoot past me on motorways and think 'Your blood pressure must be through the roof mate'. This is probably a little idealistic but we all need to eat some frood food and become a little hoopier.

Cheers Read more

I have a coolant leak at the rear of the engine on my 1999 2.5 V6 Omega although it is only minor and doesn\'t necesitate frequently topping up the reservoir.

The leak runs down the back of the block on the offside, adjacent to the gearbox leaving a very small drip on the garage floor but is only apparent once the engine has cooled down.

My local Vauxhall dealer has had the car in three times now and charged me over £550 to replace the coolant bridge seals at the back of the engine, a thermostat housing and a heater valve. On each occasion the system as been pressure tested. Within a couple of weeks the leak reappears.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what the cause could be? If so any advice would be much appreciated.

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