September 2007
My steering lock assembly is getting worn and will soon need replacing. Is this a job for a main dealer with specialist equipment or a local garage.
Thank you. Read more
Evening all
I have a '00 Vectra 2.0CDX with a Philips CCR600 cd changer stereo. It has a facility on it whereby it turns up the volume as I speed up and turns it down as I slow down. Can I turn this facility off? And if so, how? It's terribly annoying when I'm motoring along with Barry White thumping out of the speakers only for him to go all quiet when I approach a roundabout!
Many thanks, in advance, for your help.
Cheers. Read more
Due for a gearbox filter and oil change soon. In the past I have always used Dexron 11, and 138k later it seems to have served me well.
I have considered Dextron 111, as this is newer and washers whiter, but while chatting at a MB dealership to a MB mechanic, he stated that on older (1992) cars, they still used Dextron 11.
Question: if I use Dextron 111, hoping for better changes and life etc, can I expect any nasty surprises such as seal weaping and leakage? Is there anything negative about Dextron 111 in a 15 year old car? Read more
Dexron 4 has been available for some time, I don't know about 5.
A number of manufacturers have their own specification which isn't covered by Dexron or Mercon - in the US lots of different variants are available but these fluids aren't available in Europe even though we use the same vehicles.
After 9 1/2 years my old Masterparts battery finally died. Who makes these?
Actually, like all new batteries it gave no warning at all and on a pick-up at the airport (it's always at a critical time) it was stone dead on a hot day. Jump start and we were off. £68 later at Euro Car Parts we have a 096 Bosch Silver Maintenance free battery.
I know it is blindingly obvious but I have never been keen on maintenance free batteries. The old one needed a top up every 9 months; hardly hard work and it gave nearly 10 years service. The Bosch website claims water loss (it is water not a gel) is 400 times less than a conventional battery.
The top is firmly fixed but looks as through the trough cover could unclip. Europarts claim it is now guaranteed for life! even if you swop cars and move it over.
Can this battery really need nothing in the next 10 years. Any views or experience on the long life of these? I'm a bit sceptical. Read more
Did you ever have to top it up? Was that possible anyway?
I have hit the side of a wall while turning into my drive way!! The side rear panel of my car is badly scratched and dented! Was looking for advice on where to take it, and expected cost as will not be going through insurance. Please any advise will be most gratefully received! And how long i should expect to wait as would like to get it done before my husband is back from a business trip!!
s Read more
My brother-in-law has used Simcox, Unit 13 First Avenue, Westfield Trading Estate, Midsomer Norton, tel 01761 416221 on several occasions (never his fault!!) & the jobs have always come back beautifully repaired. Job may not take too long but getting booked in may be the problem.
Hi all, I have just removed the old battery from the daughters Corsa,and am trying to fit the new one.
As soon as I connect it the alarm goes off till I disconnect it again.
It's a 1998 (R) 1.4.I don't have a key fob to turn it off.
Would appreciate some advice please.
s Read more
I have to agree with your logic Simon.I will contact my daughter who is back-packing in NZ.at the moment.I just wanted to keep it
'Fit for purpose' for her return in January.It's in the 'banger' class as far as I am concerned,and I am loathe to spend anybody's
money on it.
I can do without the hassle TBH.
Hi All,
Insurance companies often want £20 to £30 add on for legal cover. Is it really worth it.
My thoughts are:
In the terms and conditions in most policies if they don't think they are NOT going to suceed then they won't give cover
I am also a biker and am told that if personel injury is involved you are best seeing a specialist Bike accident solicitor who have greater expertise.
There are companies like helphire who if you are hit by third pary will organise the repair and give you a hire car direct from third party. ( I would be happy to use for a simple third party accident)
And If I am serious accidenct with injury there are 100s of no win no fee (and I mean truly not win no fee so no conditional fees etc) who will take on my case.
So I am inclinded to say no to the add on legal cover at my renewal.
Am I being sensible or foolish.
Opinions greatfully received.
Thanks
Jlo Read more
> All insurance is a rip off. Unless you need it...
It's more of a bet - you bet the insurance co. that you will have a claim - they assess the risk, and take your bet. They don't know who will have the claim, but they hope they know how many and for how much.
Where the law allows you can keep your money. No claim within the year - you win/have saved the premium.
I do this with private health insurance. I'm healthy, and I keep myself that way. I don't pay for BUPA, so I am £XX up at the end of the year. SWMBO had a private consultation recently. We were happy to pay as it was about three months' premium for one of us, but we stopped paying the premiums 15 years ago.
my wife recently brought a 3year old polo unfortunately the previous owner was a smoker consequently the interior smells of stale tobacco does anyone know of any products or tricks of the trade to solve this problem?
s Read more
Don't forget the interior glaas - it's amazing how nicotine clings to glass. Clean thoroughly with old fashioned pink windolene. Ace cleaner and good lingering smell too.
Hello all,
All of a sudden my 'dash battery warning light' stays ON when the ignition is switched OFF. When the ignition is switched ON it goes OUT and stays out when engine is running. Before it only came on when the ignition was switched to start the engine and then went out although recently it started 'flickering' whilst running so I tightened the belt.
I am now having to disconnect the alternator overnight so as not to drain the battery, which is a great inconvenience.
Does anybody have any idea why this has started happening?
Any help greatly appreciated.
Martin Read more
mak
Yes; I'll agree with Mike. You've got all the classic signs of a short-circuited field diode there.
If this is as early as it sounds, then the warning light runs directly from the alternator and isn't merely a function of the ECU until around '97.
Hi folks, I have some questions about buying a new car (the first time I will ever have done so).
1. I see the term "delivery mileage" about a lot? I assume all cars come with "delivery mileage" but what does that consist of and how many is acceptable?
2. When / if I get my new car, are there any checks / actions that I can take immediately to a) make sure the car is as it should be and b) to prolong the life and condition of the car?
3. If anyone has used Drive the Deal before, can they possibly e-mail (garethwayne at yahoo dot co.uk) me their experiences good / bad... this will be the 2nd biggest purchase of my life so I want to make sure i'm doing the right thing, and DTD always get lots of press on here...
Thanks for your help
edited out your e-mail address, apparently it prevents "harvesting" whatever that is. No naming and shaming or it'll get chopped. - PU Read more
All of the above may be good advice, but don't lose hope. Our last joint car and first Hyundai had a fault. The volume control worked on the radio and cassette player but not on the CD which was flat out whatever one did; apparently two connectors had to be swapped over. I have noticed nothing at all wrong on my new coupe (other than front drive but I knew that!).
We had the same sort of thing for years on Toyotas.
How much is down to the maker and how much to the dealer is hard to say. The Japanese makers used to say their products had to work off the boat, because they sold worldwide, including places where the dealers could not be relied on. Now that the Jap firms manufacture so much outside Japan I incline to think Korea has taken over.
Anyway more people have a pleasant experience than a bad one, though they are less inclined to comment on it. I hope you may be another.
Thanks for your help there chaps - sorry I've not replied sooner but I've been away with work.
Cheers.