June 2025
Anyone watch this programme on Channel-4 (9pm Sunday) where four carefully chosen driver types and four others drove remotely 8 cars or vans into an unexpected HGV and trailer which crossed the 'reservation' ? All done on the runway at Cambbeltown, which is 2 miles long. Purpose was to examine how it happened, and what determined the damage. Read more
Can't ever recall the Backroom being as bad as this. Pretty much a pointless exercise trying to read anything. Or to log in.
Yes, I did post this, but it took ages and ages.... Read more
Fine here on Chrome.
When it was slow last week I used Firefox and that was OK
Today our V70 d Volvo reached 200,000 miles. Happy birthday! Read more
Well done. Assuming it's still worth at least £1000, that's less than 5p per mile ownership/depreciation cost. Few can to keep their depreciation cost per mile so much less than fuel cost per mile.
Another intersting article today.
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Most decisions to give up driving have been taken by either an optician or a GP when you visit for a what you believe is a routine check.
Covering their indemnity they err on the safe side and advise against driving until told otherwise by a specialist !...
Please can someone let me know the correct spark plug gap for these special (expensive) laser iridium spark plugs I have bought for my daughter's 2010 Renault Modus. The plug type is NGK ILKAR7A7 91432. The electrode tips look less robust that normal plugs, so any advice on adjustment would also be great - many thanks :-) Read more
Thank you so much! You were right about info on the box, though - I should have looked. No actual torque setting but the diagrams do suggest hand tight + one half turn. The sump plug has a copper washer - I nearly missed it when it fell into the oil with a quiet plop when I wasn't looking. I found that the sump plug needs a square 8 mm key, which will fit into a 10 mm socket to turn. I found that the ideal length is 25 mm. Many thanks for your help and advice - it is really appreciated :-)
Hi Folks,... Read more
As an interested party. Someone who lost a brother through a "functioning alcoholic" who drove while on medication to "assist" with that persons problems and they critically injured a family member who needs lifelong care.
Anyone who is in the above circumstances should not be allowed to drive till they are clear for at least 5 years, and then have an alcolock fitted to the car....
I'm asking this purely out of genuine interest.
We have a fleet of new automatic Ford Transits at work. They're unreliable as hell, but that's a different story. Anyway, they are limited to 62 MPH from factory (there's a Ford sticker in the windscreen) and the sat nav confirms 62 MPH when flat out on a motorway.
When going downhill, the vans still maintain 62 MPH. How is this done? I don't ever feel the brakes come on. You'd think going downhill the speed would creep up a bit.
Cruise control in my car sometimes can't maintain the speed going downhill. Can anyone explain how Ford's limiter works? Like I say, I'm asking out of genuine interest (because I'm a geek!).
We previously had Sprinters, and they were exactly the same with regards to sticking exactly to 62 MPH.
Thank you :) Read more
Thanks for the replies! So it appears the speed limiting may involve some automatic gentle braking.
A friend was driving to work. He was hit by new driver with a P plate. The partner in the car, suggested to pay direct for repairs, rather then claim on the insurance. Is this a good okay? No estimate obtained to repair. I think they are waiting for a quote from my friend, to decide what to do. The damage is bumped and body work.
I have told my friend, he should inform insurers, but does he need to provide details of the other vehicle/driver?... Read more
Unless both parties have a signed agreement on final settlement, even after verbal settlement and paying off others' damage, one can still go via insurance!
So best to contact insurer especially if you are not at fault.
Its common to see old traffic signs re minor roads but this one in Surbiton (junction of Brighton Road and Victoria Road) has remained on a major A-road for as long as I can remember. Is it the sign that time forgot since the 1950s or are similar signs still to be found everywhere? Read more
Until recently there was an old 'services' sign half a mile north of Keele services in the Central Reservation intended for traffic going south.
Included an icon for a1960's style fuel pump and a couple of other old style wot nots. ...
Hi
I'm considering my next car and looking at the Mokka\Corsa 1.5D around the 2021 year. Are these plagued by the timing chain issue that affects the DV5 diesel?... Read more
The dv5 engine is used in many different vehicles. The problem is with the chain that connects the 2 camshafts . Very common for them the break , which usually destroys the engine . The chain has been upgraded from 7mm to 8 mm . Don’t think it’s an oil service problem. Previous dv 6 , 1.6 engine was not a problem.
quite, in practice her Prius could easily been seen and avoided, hitting that was for dramatic effect, and the chap driving the big pick up would most likely have not hit anything at all had it not been for the dust.