April 2008
By way of a bit of weekend lightheartedness and prompted by a contributor to another thread. ( Think it was Gordonbennet adjusting the position of his wiper blades which made me smile at my own foibles) I was wondering if others find themselves having car related OCD's or perhaps more kindly, habits.
For my own little obsessions.......
I always try to park with the front wheels in the straight ahead position unless on a steep hill when I will point them to the kerb. ( Looks tidier )
Always turn the radio off prior to turning the engine off even though it would go off automatically ( just in case )
Always turn wipers off prior to turning engine off as I can't bear untidily parked wipers
Always give a door handle a tug even after remote locking ( just to be sure )
and many more.................... ;-)
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I was, in another topic, asking for advice re buying cars from the head or the heart. This was buying from the head, the Hyundai i30, with the heart supplying the Renault Megane Sports Saloon. The feed back was even handed regarding the Renault (I currently drive an R reg Megane Classic 1.6, which I enjoy driving and has given good service.). What I would like is your views and experience on the Renault Megane saloon facelift from 2006 - I note HJ shows a recall for the 1.5 diesel engines in 2007 - and a comparison with the Mazda 3 saloon. I find the Renault I have to be very smooth and comfortable to drive , and that was my concern with the Hyundai - would I find it as easygoing to drive and comfortable to be in. Would the Mazda 3 saloon provide the same level of comfort? A general comparison would be valuable between the Renault Megane Sports Saloon from 2006, and the Mazda 3 saloon., also post facelift. Read more
SWMBO drove off, changed from 1st to 2nd and lost all drive. Engine runs, clutch feels fine and gears engage, but no drive in any gear when clutch released.
No discernible noises. Clutch was replaced 8 months ago and all has seemed well up until now.
My thoughts (hopes) are that a CV joint failure, or drive shaft failure is more likely than a clutch or gearbox problem. What do others think.
Bit of a pain as our second car also had to be recovered to the garage yesterday with a probably HG failure, so no car and 2 bills to come! Read more
I had this problem on an XM a few years ago and it was due to failure of the o/s drive shaft centre bearing, allowing the splined end to slide out of the gearbox.
I have an annoying clicking noise that comes from behind the dash. Oddly it doesn't start happening until I have been driving for about 20 minutes. Then it clicks every time I go over a bump
Has any one any ideas Read more
A review of the 2.0 l Kia Magentis (2006 on -) states: "2.0-litre Theta petrol engine (Europe) - Petrol engines start in the European line up with Kia's all-new 2.0-litre Theta engine, a four-cylinder 16-valve unit with a die-cast aluminium block and a plastic cylinder head cover and intake manifold.
It features continuously variable valve timing to optimise low and medium-speed torque plus high-speed performance and economy. The valve gear is chain-driven to minimise maintenance requirements and cut noise, while auxiliary systems are powered by a serpentine belt."
This car isn't listed in the Chain -cam FAQ, I assume the above means it is? Does the "serpentine" belt need to be changed at a prescribed interval?
Thanks. Read more
Hi i have a Peugoet 309 1.9 diesel T reg.
the battery in the key fob went dead and i accidenytly set off the alarm when i unlocked the car
i have replaced the battery
but the pip key no longer turns the alarm on and off or unlocks the doors
how do i reset the pip key?
HELP?????? please
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this will be a radio frequency fob so is a dealer only job unfortunately
chris
I wonder if any of you could help with a question of mine?
Could somebody clarify if the 1781cc, 1984cc petrol and 1896cc TD 4 cylinder engines (not as we know them now just from the beginning) used in VAG group cars for many years were VW or Audi designed engines or simply group efforts?
Ta Read more
Thanks!
What makes wiper blades judder? Mine are genuine spares and are less than 6 months old, so I'm surprised they judder. Is it because the blade doesn't flip over at the end of its travel? I seem to remember in the 1960s curing juddering by twisting the wiper arm to ensure the blade orientation is trailing instead of leading in both directions.
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The blade should be 90 degrees to the glass without pressure on it. A nice
clean windscreen cleaned with vinegar and newspaper also helps.
Mine complies with all of that but they still judder. I'll try some new blades ~ genuine spares, of course.
I have a whining noise coming from the diff .It is ok at speed but gets worse on slowing down.I have taken it to a local transmision centre who say I need the diff replacing.They quoted around £1200 !.As the car has done 150k and is only worth a about £1800 I am reluctant to have it done.The questions I have are :-
1. Is the price quoted realistic ?
2. is it dangerous ?
3. If I can live with the noise should I leave it alone ?
4 Will it get worse?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
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:)
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i have no idea why i started doing this, i have only been doing it since i got my new car but i park next to a wall most days and when i get out i always look to see the gap between the wall and the car. The thing is i have already parked up and turned the engine off etc etc and got out and locked the car without hitting the wall so why on earth do i need to check the gap. Dont worry though i have had a serious word with myself about it