March 2006
I had mixed feelings in the following scenario:
I was southbound on the M5 J7/J8 a few weeks back, and owing to the recovery of an accident in the overtaking lane ahead, the two right hand lanes were signed as closed with just the slow lane open (i.e. with the overhead lane symbols reading 'ITT' if that's understandable).
As SWMBO (who is self-effacingly well-mannered) was aboard, I was constrained by her to occupy the left lane as soon as possible, which I did, a good couple of miles short of the accident. And to stay put. Which was frustrating to put it mildly, as there must have been at least 100 cars which overtook us, many not slowing at all, right up to the site of the accident.
Now I'm thinking, strictly speaking the two right lanes weren't exactly 'closed' till then, so why not?
And if SWMBO hadn't been there, would I have gone the distance without thinking 'right, if you can't beat 'em join 'em. As many indeed did.
Hmm...
Oz (as was) Read more
I have a 1997 vauxhall vectra 2.0 Di GLS and until recently the light would illuminate on start up as is normal.However it now only does it now and again.I have already changed the glow plugs but still the problem persists.Could this be a faulty relay or fuse as the car still runs normally
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cant be that as this has been happening the last couple of weeks when the temperature has been below 4 degrees c
Could someone give me an idea what a 99 V plate VX Omega 2.5 v6 CD with 178k on the clock is worth, as I've been offered one on from work. Its in good condition, engine overhauled 33k miles ago, all the toys & fancy it since my last one died a death. Thanks in advance for any forthcoming advice. Read more
For that price cumfray, I don't see how you can lose! Such a big car with loads of stuff too!
Enjoy it!
Cleaning Mrs car this PM noticed that the Continental Sport Contacts are V rated.Anybody know why Vx would fit these as standard, the cars a 2.0 DTI with 205/55/16 alloys and i doubt if it would do over 110.Surely H rated tyres would suffice? Read more
It may well be that the manufacturer bulk buys a couple
of hundred thousand tyres and all models, slow and powerful get
the same tyre. Over specing never upset customers. Do H tyres
have a better ride than V tyres?
You wouldn't know there was any difference with our C5. The H rated Continentals on the back give a very comfortable and quiet ride. The car's handling has not been affected adversely either.
I am trying to get a J reg Astramax converted by Gowerings disabled vans air suspension working.
The back is supposed to go up and down to make it easier to get a wheelchair into the back.
All the parts seem to be there, behind a panel in the back, seems to be a compresser for pumping up/down the suspension
The struts/ dampers have 2 hoses going to the compresser unit.
All the wiring and hoses seem to be there but how do you get the system to work.
Is there a up and down switch somewhere missing?
Can anyone help with any advice,a link to a diagram or fault finding diagram of the system? Read more
From the way your post reads I'm assuming you have not used the van before.It sounds like the Monroe levelling system,basic one you blow up yourself,yours being the top spec with built incomp.and usually dash mounted control but,being for a wheelchair I wonder if the control has been fitted near the rear doors.You may be able to find info on the Monroe website.
Been offered a Rover 618i S plate (98), only done 16.5k miles, whats the pros and cons with buying an oldish car with low miles ?, been advised to change the cam belt on age grounds. Anything else ?
Cheers......... Read more
New tyres - 8 years old = perished.
Brake disks: corrosion.
Cambelts/auxiliary belts..
Full service as if 100k miles.
madf
My new shape Vectra has now done 130,000 miles and is a bit unwell at present . Its had new springs and shocks , but still rides awfull banging over bumps and just feels awfull !
In my current financial position im not able to buy a New low mileage car , basically the majority of garages want at least £1000 deposit on a used car. Been looking at Mondeo diesels, Laguna Diesels with around 70,000 miles on them.
My question is..............do I just plough £1000 into My Vectra or just give up on the lady ?
Please give me some thoughts , as Im just about to drive the car off a cliff. Read more
Does it have a current MOT? if it does turn the radio up.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
I changed a wheel on the Mondeo this afternoon, and I noticed that the wheel nuts were nothing like as tight as the last time I changed one. (They were secure though). That was on my daughter's Hyundai which has steel wheels, while mine are alloys. I don't think the front wheels on this car have ever been off. Is this normal for alloys ? Or is it a result of the campaign against the massive overtightening of wheels that I heard about a while ago ?
There's no problem, just that not long ago it would have been quite a hard job to do. Read more
Yes, I'm sure that's it. I lent my torque wrench to my son some ten years ago. Wonder if he's finished...
My car (1993 Polo, 1043spi [AAU]) had Bosch W7DTC spark plugs fitted a couple of years back (or 12000 miles ago). However, I?ve read from a variety of sources, that the plug of choice should be W8DTCs. Is there any advantage in changing them to the slightly hotter W8s or will it be ok to continue running on W7s?
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"What is the likely benefit in using the 7s over the 8s?"
= Being able to drive down autobahns at wide open throttle for long periods of time, such as could be done in those days.
Basically European manufacturers who were concerned with engine reliability in the German market had to cater for such use, and fitted a grade of plug which would withstand such conditions. the downside was some delivery cycle fouling which was resolved by a simple change of plugs at the selling dealer. Much cheaper than an engine change....
I think you will be fine with the 8 grade, but bearing in mind your source, I would check them very carefully for any sign of being dropped.
I am about to change my car and have picked out the Seat Altea as a good all rounder, based on the 2.0 diesel sport version, possibly with the DSG auto box which performed really well on the test drive (the manual box was also a pleasure - what a great gearchange). But one point that concerns me is the doors, and the styling line in the metal, which seems likley to pick up car park dents and/or scratches very easily. Does anyone know if these cars suffer from this? Also, what do you think of the car? I'm likely to buy new and keep for 3 to 4 years, which to me is about 60K miles. Read more
>>but unfortunately it's beside it>>
Perhaps it's just as well then that you are last in...:-)
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Browse
In a similar position I take the part of the self-effacing one and Mrs H does a load of tutting and counting how many cars overtake us, but my responsibilities are clear; to finish the journey safely and intact. Others with greater skill and faster cars or both can do as they please, I'm just not bothered; I will drive within my limitations.
Hawkeye
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Stranger in a strange land