April 2009
and on and on. Just read in the local paper a response to a question from Salisbury MP about when the A303 will be upgraded. Yes, you've guessed the answer already! Apparently the next review is not scheduled until 2014, knowing how long discussions will take after the review, then nothing is going to change for many years. I have lived in the area for over 25 years, and nothing has changed yet.
So all you happy travellers using the A303 to get down to the South West had better plan to stagger your journeys. The pinch point at Stonehenge will continue to have long tailbacks, about 3 miles there this afternoon, and again where the Wyle Valley dual carriageway goes back down to single lanes. Oh well, perhaps I'll just open a tea stall in the layby on the hill. Read more
Hi,
I tend to know about new models reading as I do various printed and web-based motoring media, yet the first time I see a new model on the road I often am surprised oneway or the other by my reaction this happened just yesterday, and got me thinking about a few other instances over the years...
First there is the "you've got to be kidding" type negative reaction...
first time I saw a jag X-type, something about the grill/front bumper seemed all out of proportion like a sticking out bottom lip, looked terrible in the flesh
first time I saw a Honda CR-V (new shape), thought it was nearly as ugly as the infamous Ssanyong Rodius, but have since grown to like it.
first time I saw a Seat Altea - what a mess..
first time I saw the latest Mondeo hatch - does no one else think that stylistically it is a slab sided lump, though I have to say the estate looks great.
Then there is the "wow whats that!... oh of course it is the new abcxyz" type positive reaction - doesn't happen as often, but here's a few (not including supercars or exotica)
First time I saw the new Fiesta, (in 5 door guise), couldn't and still can't quite believe it, really lovely
First time I saw the current shape Seat Leon - despite the front being basically the same as Altea it just looks great all around. Shame about the interior
then yesterday, first time I saw the new Megane.
its not often that an everyday as opposed to supercar turns heads, but there are a few of my examples that have done so for me. Read more
When the Bentley Continental R was unveiled at the Geneva show in the early 1990s it got a spontaneous round of applause from the assembled journos, etc.
If it was unveiled again now the same thing would happen. Quite right too.
And now you can have one for the price of an Audi, if you're brave. One I looked at even had a baby seat in the back!
my heater is on full speed all the time.it does not turn off ever. the speed controll does adjust something but not the speed. the temp works. any help would be appreciated Read more
If this is the same blower assembly as the Xantia, the regulator transistors on the motor have probably failed.
Please anyone any ideas why my mondy is doing so bad on fuel,I used to get just over 300 mls out of a tank while pottering about but a lately its been more like 220ish. i`ve checked brakes not binding/replaced lamda sensor/cleaned the idle speed control valve.changed all the filters air/fuel/oil and changed the oil and plugs but i`m stumped now any ideas would be greatfull ... Read more
Hi
A diagnostic check has revealed that my cars fuel pump and filter needs replacing. My regular garage have quoted £350 with labour which i thought was quite expensive. They explained that with this model they need to remove the tank to get at the pump which means labour costs are high. Does this seem like a fair price or should i get other quotes?
Thanks Read more
Just purchased a 5W/30 Fully synthetic oil for my 2000 Mazda 323 Diesel Turbo. The recommended oil according to the handbook is 10W/30 (I guess that is a Mineral oil). There was no lubrication guide at the store so I am now wondering if I have picked up the right oil? Read more
You can use it with no problems. the W in 5W/30 indicates winter. At cold start it is thinner than 10 (more useful). You can also get a 0/30 which is even thinner (useful if you live in Scandinavia).
hi, do i need to replace a pair of brake hoses? the mot advised that one of the brake hoses is deteriorated. ive been on a 25 mile round trip to pick up a pair but they only had one. if i have to replace both ill swallow it up and go back, but if it wont affect the performance or safety ill just swap the deteriorated hose. incidentally ill bleed both sides regardless.
thanks, kristian Read more
I would look at the maths : say to change one is a half day of hassle ( delivery / collection to and from garage , or DIY ) plus say £60 - 70, but to change both is a half day and £100, then it's a no-brainer , do the both .
Just got my V5 this morning and due to a typing error it has come back as Jan Andrew Surname instead of Ian Andrew Surname.
I have not followed the procedures and sent of the corrections to Swansea but in the mean time could this cause problems with the police and my insurance? I will keep a photocopy of my edited V5 in the car in case I get stopped hopefully the police will have the common sense to realise the mistake.
My question is would this cause insurance problems until the DVLA edited their computer? Read more
Another example of inaccurate databases! See the long and bad tempered thread about possibly having your car confiscated because of inaccuracies in the MIB Insiurance database.
Hello,
My trusty petrol passat has started to run very slightly fluffy and it is ticking over slower than usual (about 600 compared to usual 800) and wants to stall.
I know the plugs are a few years old. Do you think new plugs would be a good start? Or am I wasting my time avoiding the inevitable visit to a garage with diagnostic kit?
Thanks for your help,
- Steve Read more
New plugs have done the trick.
Running very sweetly now (fingers crossed).
Thanks.
A friend of mine ( self employed ) has this kind of thing on his van. It is in fact his own mobile number. On the odd occasion when someone has rung it he has said "and your problem is ? " or something like that anyway.......
;-) Read more
MADUX! That was the point!!!! Perhaps you've not read the earlier post. Keep up...
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Yep, lots of other ways to go, and it's very rare to encounter a jam on the A303 if you go late at night or very early in the morning.
What's unbelievable to me is the amount of people who set out at 4pm on a Friday and wonder why they get stuck. There's no need (appreciating the fact that I live in Hampshire and can leave at 9pm and arrive in North Cornwall just around midnight - I know it's not that simple for others but even so...)!