May 2005

Forum Seat Belts in the USA (again)

THe Growler on 19 May 2005

Watching the NBA playoffs last night (the Detroit Pistons beat the Indian Pacers 86-67 by the way, who, in the splendidly succinct report of the game in this morning's Taiwan News "couldn't stop a clock"). During the commercial breaks GM had a slot on belts with the slogan "Click It Or Ticket". So maybe things are about to change.....Reminded me of that "Clunk Click Every Trip" thing In Britain years ago.

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somebody on 19 May 2005

Illinois is also big on 'click it or ticket'. Schaumburg outside Chicago has a sign: "Seat Belt Use: Primary Enforcement Activity".

The only people who don't click it are most cops, cabbies, and me.

Question Scratched glass

sajid on 18 May 2005

i got on my astra 4 faint scratches the type that the wipers leave anyone know how to ge rid of them, i tried cleaning the windscreen still the scratches remain

would it pass the mot? Read more

SpudM on 20 May 2005

Sajid
Had similar problem and used metal polish and cloth, this removed the faint scratches although deeper ones remained. My car recently passed the MOT with these scratches however they are not directly in the driver's eyeline and so were ok or possibly I was lucky and the examiner missed them.
Suggest you check MOT website which gives criteria for test including damage to windscreens.

SpudM

Forum petrol diesel engines

sajid on 18 May 2005

just read the latest autocar magazine the biggest story has been about the next revolution in engine technology, apparently mercedes benz have been developing an engine that can run on dual fuel both petrol and diesel, combining the advantages of both of the fuels, si it feasible ?? Read more

blue_haddock on 19 May 2005

I occasionally drive a Prius - i've never done a brim to brim test but the on board computer rarely registers more than about 45mpg. Now you can easily get 50mpg out of a corolla diesel which would be about £5k cheaper to buy.

From what i remember Toyota have looked at a diesel hybrid version but because the prius is aimed largely at the american market a diesel version just is not financially viable.

Forum Warranty Insurance

drayton on 18 May 2005

Just had renewal quote from Warranty Direct for my 1998, 87000 mile bmw 318 estate. Gone up by 32% (thirty two!) this year and excluded cover for 'Suspension' and 'Air Conditioning' which was covered last year. Went on web site for 'new customer' quote - guess what - increase was 6%. Be warned and check if dealing with this company. Does anyone have recommendations for other warranty insurance companies. Read more

Forum Help...Which car to buy.

blondielocks on 18 May 2005

Hello everybody,
i am looking for suggestions for my next vehicle. The budget is 8k max. My kids are into canoeing, and want to be going away for long weekends this summer camping, so will need something that can carry 4 people plus gear (canoes on roof),clothes and tent etc etc, plus reasonable fuel economy if thats possible.
Have thought about a van, but have been told i might not get insured ? and you can't get 4 people in the front of a van,so what else can you think of please.

thanks for your suggestions. Blondielocks Read more

blondielocks on 20 May 2005

thanks for all your suggestions.

I will take your advice and look for a volvo or Mondeo, i'm thinking that i could get a much newer mondeo than volvo for my money, so i will look at these first.
You have all been very kind, thankyou.

Blondielocks.

Question Merc A160 auto trans fluid

FrankSm on 18 May 2005

Hi there,

Mate with a Merc A-class 1.6 with auto box has been losing auto trans fluid. Where is the filler/top-up tube for the transmission ? No word of it in the car's manual.

Just need to put fluid in it to get him home, will of course diagnose the real problem later.

Thanks

Frank

Frank Smyth
\'95 Vauxhall Omega CDX 2.5TD
\'96 Mazda MX5 1.8 turbo Read more

Question Uno steering suddenly stiff

local yokel on 18 May 2005

91 Uno 1.0 FIRE with 75,000 - ran like a dream until I went to the shop today. Steering is stiff, won't re-centre on it own without help.

Tyre pressure are 29 lbs each side.

Your thought, ideas, suggestions please. Tax runs out in 13 days, MoT in 43 - time for the chop?! Read more

mjm on 18 May 2005

I didn't think it would be. Sudden stiffness is odd. It may be a ball/swivel joint "suddenly" partly siezes, or possibly a strut top mounting collapsed.

Question Rover 414i Own Service

DaveKent on 18 May 2005

Now dont laugh... I'm going to attempt my first service on my N reg (96-new shape) Rover 414i.

Someone I know has a pit in their garage and I can use this.

Before I go and get the bits I need could some of you kind souls out there give me a list of everything I need for the engine side of the service. I dont mean tools etc, I mean spark plugs, air filter, oil filter etc... and what else?

Many thanks,

Regards,

Dave Read more

Civic8 on 18 May 2005

So its due for coolant change/brake fluid.would suggest you do change. coolant is a must on this unit.As mjm said manual is a good investment as well..Though it wont answer all your questions
--
Steve

Forum Stateside Fun Barge

helicopter on 18 May 2005

I have just spent a couple of weeks in the US and thought I would report back on how relaxed the whole experience of driving there is , certainly down in the South.

Thanks to Cardews recommendation I ended up with a 4.6 litre Cadillac De Ville Northstar V8, 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, 295 HP and only 2900 miles when we got it. Lovely leather armchairs and electric everything ( including a seat cooler as well as heater)for the equivalent of £37 a day including full tank of fuel and three drivers. Did over 1000 miles in a week.

I was pleasantly surprised by the handling, it was virtually silent at 70 mph and after the fun of playing with all the toys wore off I just set the cruise control and steered it - a seven hour drive from Memphis to New Orleans and we arrived fresh as daisies.

The Yanks are moaning bitterly that a gallon costs over two dollars ( an american gallon is around 3.85 litres ) so Gordons tax levy means we pay nearly four times more for our fuel than they do. Just as well its so cheap there as we averaged 24 mpg.

My question is why can't we allow overtaking both sides on the motorways as they do in the states ? It saves all the frustration of the middle lane hogger which is most people on this forums pet hate.

It does sharpen you up when you see one of those huge American rigs in your mirror and gaining when you are pushing 80mph and others passing you each side....

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Dynamic Dave on 20 May 2005

Is the Monaro VXR 6.0 available on Vauxhall's 3 day test

drive offer? :)

Not unless the Monaro has a special edition called Breeze.

vauxhall.co.uk/offers/millionMileDrive.jhtml

Forum Cleaning My Car

chris_w on 18 May 2005

I seem to be unable to clean my car to a decent standard. The car is black, and people always tell me this is a bad colour to get and keep clean, but I've had it valeted a couple of times and they have no problem getting it clean.

My main problem seems to be water marks.

Here's the method I use:

1. Bucket of hot water with car shampoo in + 1 big sponge.
2. Clean car from top down, wheels last.
3. Throw 2 buckets of cold water over the car to rinse off shampoo.
4. Use synthetic chamois to wipe down all surfaces
5. Stand back and notice all the watery wipe marks.
6. Get annoyed, go inside, have beer, don't care.

I don't have a hose that I can use, so if anyone can give some advice as to how I can improve my car washing ability, it would be greatly accepted.
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