i know theres is plenty of threads on this subject as i have read them....

But, i cant seem to get my windscreen as clear as id like it. I have new wipers (bosch) and use halfords screen wash. I also tried rain ex repellant which i wasnt that impressed with. Sure it gets rid of the rain but when cars are comming towards me with lights on i feel like ive got cataracts its that blurred.

Ive tried all of the usual to try and get rid of any silicone meths, fairy liquid, vinigar etc. Just wondered if it might be the screen wash im using? i read that comma screen wash won awards etc.

Also i have a light scratch from the gritters in my glass. Would jewellers rough get rid of this as ive heard some people use it? Read more

Why does the young chap just across the road from me let his K plate Subaru (don't know which model) idle for about 10 minutes before he drives off? It starts first time and it idles smoothly. He starts it and then goes back into the house for ten minutes.

I know I really ought to be asking him but I don't know him to speak to and he might assume that my question means that it annoys me ~ which it doesn't. I'm just curious. I would have thought it was detrimental to the engine.
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L\'escargot. Read more

GM to top up drivers' fuel bills

GM's previous attempts to lure customers have hurt its profits
Problem-hit carmaker General Motors has offered to subsidise petrol prices for drivers of its vehicles in California and Florida in order to boost sales.
The move comes after oil prices surged and US petrol costs hit record levels.

US average gasoline prices are close to $3 a gallon, prompting complaints from consumers and warnings it would lead to a spending slump.

GM plans to cap petrol prices at $1.99 (£1.05) a gallon for buyers of certain 2006 and 2007 SUV and mid-size cars.

Attention grabbing

GM is looking at new ways of luring customers from Asian and domestic rivals after it said earlier this year that it would cut back on the amount of discounts and incentives it offered customers.

The problem with heavy discounting of vehicles is that eats into profits and dents the resale value of cars, analysts said.

They added that the gasoline offer could prove attractive.

"This incentive is likely to get the attention of many consumers," said auto market analyst Jesse Toprak.

GM said it would pay drivers the difference between the average price per gallon of premium fuel and the $1.99 for the miles they drove.

The company explained that a consumer in California who bought a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and drove it 1,000 miles a month would get a credit of approximately $103.75.

That compares with the $60 credit a earned by a driver from Florida who buys a 2006 Buick LaCrosse and drives the same distance, GM said.

Long-list

Customers would get the money paid to a credit card that would be valid until the end of 2007 and would not have a limit on mileage.

However, one condition attached to the promotion is that drivers must sign up to GM's OnStar vehicle diagnostic service, which is free for the first year but will then be charged at $16.95.

Vehicles that qualify for the deal include the 2006 and 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL and the Hummer H2 and H3.

The government's Energy Information Adminstration said on Wednesday that the average price of a petrol was $2.88 per gallon.



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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF > Read more

What are these cars all about? Is it a Laguna underneath, i.e. lots of common componentry? Or is a Laguna a safer option regarding servicing and spares availability?

I don't think I could live with an Avantime.

X Read more

I have a newish Espace and my wife wants it pimping in the back with tinted windows. I have seen some kits on ebay for reasonable money, but suspect it might be a nightmare to fit.

If I were to splash the cash and get the professionals in what will it cost me, or should I have a go at it myself? Read more