Hi, hoping someone can help me - driving along the other day about 60mph and felt a slight loss of power, then about half a mile later a much bigger loss, plenty of smoke and rattling then had to pull over. The engine started again after a few turns but plenty of smoke so called to get towed. The guy said it's probably the turbo blown - does this sound right?

Several garages have quoted about £900 - £1100 for the job and as it's outside my house I would need to get the car to them. Not sure of anyone near Stow on the Wold that can check it over for me outside my house though...

I'm not sure about the problem but if it is the turbo and it is that cost I'll probably sell on ebay or something and get amore reliable newer car.

Has anyone else had similar problems - it's only done 78K miles?

Thanks Read more

I was waiting for a coach to negotiate a sharp bend earlier, and the driver waved as she came by, smiling and calling out of the window "There'll be three more of us along in a second!". She seemed to be hugely enjoying the drive.

The others came along straight after. They were all being driven by women. Is this unusual? What sex are most coach drivers? Read more

With the snow falling, I thought it only right to draw your attention to the Health and Safety advice that N Pole enterprises have received. My S Claud please take note.

1. In relation to the Sleigh...

"Jingle Bells, jingle bells
Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way"

A risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered safe for members of the public to travel on. The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of larger proportions. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners before entering their fields. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.

2. In relation to the propulsion mechanism ...
"Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows."

You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities for All policy, it is inappropriate for persons to make comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from the Reindeer Games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. A full investigation will be implemented and sanctions - including suspension on full pay - will be considered whilst this investigation takes place.

"Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road
Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load "

The RSPCA have issued strict guidelines with regard to how heavy a load that a donkey of small stature is permitted to carry, also included in the guidelines is guidance regarding how often to feed the donkey and how many rest breaks are required over a four hour plodding period. Please note that due to the increased risk of pollution from the dusty road, Mary and Joseph are required to wear face masks to prevent inhalation of any airborne particles. The donkey has expressed his discomfort at being labelled 'little' and would prefer just to be simply referred to as Mr. Donkey. To comment upon his height or lack thereof may be considered an infringement of his equine rights.

3. In relation to your sat nav ...
"We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star "

Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable - as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as 'cash for gold' etc, gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipients name or perhaps give a gift voucher.
We would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of RAC routefinder or satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Facemasks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels hooves.

There are more, but these are the only ones which are motoring related! Read more