August 2025
Hi all, would any more learned back roomers care to comment on the following course of action please?
I have an Audi TT roaster and after a heavy rain shower last week the drain tub behind the passenger seat was full of water. Apparently it’s a common problem and luckily for me the drain tub didn’t fill completely and overspill into the car. I have managed to siphon off the water with a hose pipe but need to get the drain flowing freely again. The drain tub is only visible with the hood halfway up when the flaps that conceal the winding mechanism are open. I can see the water but due to the winding gear I am unable to get my arm down to scoop out any gunk. I have asked Audi but they want the car for three days to completely strip the inside out to access the drain. I politely declined. Over on the TT users forum an owner put his car on ramps, removed under trays and exhaust heat deflectors to access the drain and managed to clear it from the bottom, but this is beyond me. Another user cautioned about poking wire coat hangers or some such into the drain for fear of ripping the soft plastic drain tube. ... Read more
On my way to Folkestone during the night of 1st/2nd August, I was unable to access a junction on the M25 due to closures and had to follow diversion signs. These diversions took me through central London at about 2:30 am on 2nd August. I am angry that I am now facing a fine for entering the capital, when I had every intention of avoiding it and was only following the official diversion route. I had no choice, as I am unfamiliar with that part of the country. Read more
Presumably, this has to be ULEZ. It would one hell of a diversion that required you to go in the congestion charge zone.
Yes, ULEZ (let's not get hung-up on terminology)....
Mods feel free to move or delete.
Positions seem to be fairly entrenched on some sides..... Read more
New EV Vol 19 is now running so locking this now. We don't want two separate EV threads running.
We all marvelled in the 90s when our cars accelerator pedal actuator was replaced by a rheostat controlling the fuel injection system.
But now the new fly by wire steering systems have sensors on the steering wheel controlling actuators on the wheels.... Read more
There are huge safety risks associated with all these advanced electronic systems . I have no concerns about anything introduced by Lexus but I’ve heard that some Chinese manufacturers and car component makers are using domestic quality components whose specification may vary especially the low end temperature rating .
What date does the first 12 months service become due? Is it the date when the car was registered or the date that you took out the ownership? Read more
Registration.
There is also the max mileage to consider.
Bought my 1.8 petrol Civic about a year ago. Its a great car, only had 37,000 miles when I got it, just over 50K now. Bought it from a Honda dealer with a view to running it into the ground as it has no rust and I've rust proofed it. It wasn't cheap for what it was but have zero interest in newer cars as think that the vast majority of them are more complex and not as reliable as a 12 year old Civic (that's just in my humble opinion though).
It has a couple of minor issues. The first being the clutch. It just has a very small biting point and is very off and on. It can be a pain for really steep hill starts, but other than that I can deal with it. I've searched on the internet but can find next to nothing about this. I have a feeling that it needs a clutch. Don't know if keeping driving the car until it gets worse will cause any damage. Have no problem replacing this as I'm in it for the long haul. But wouldn't be great if it was still the same when replaced as it's quite a big job. The subframe having to be dropped or partially. Not sure if the car has been owned by somebody that would ride the clutch etc, you just don't know with a used car. It only averaged around 2K miles per year for the firsy 8 years of its life.... Read more
Shouldn't need a clutch at 50K miles unless the previous owner(s) rode them ? My father-in-law used to wear out clutches by resting his foot on the pedal. None of my cars have needed clutch work in 60 years plus, but I suppose if one lived in a hilly area needing lots of hill starts that might happen
Does the knocking vary with cornering ?...
The thread raised by Brit_in_Germany seems to have disappeared. I can't see where it has gone. I hope the wretched phantom hasn't returned although it is usually posts that disappear rather than threads. Read more
Forgive me if I ignore that and make this thread "read only"
c******* has disappeared and was wondering if any members here are also members of it. Does anyone know what has happened. It started off some years ago from the original Honest John wensite. Read more
Seems to be working again now.
2012 Megane 3 1.6dci (six speed, if it makes any difference).
Every now and again it’ll go through a phase of now wanting to start. Message on the dash is ‘Press Clutch to Start’. Needless to say, the clutch is pressed. But no starter action.
I’m guessing it’s the contortionist requirement of the clutch pedal switch gone wrong.
Coincidentally, or maybe not, I picked the car up about a month ago after it had been parked up for a few weeks and the reversing lights aren’t working.
Potentially the same, or connected, issue? Read more
Sounds like a job for a friendly AA patrol.
Hey everyone,
Looking for some input on a noise issue with my Lexus IS250.... Read more
Apologies - IS 200 is belt driven
Thanks all, I’ve got mine draining freely too. The outlet from the drip tray is a 90 degree elbow and strimmer wire is too flimsy to thread through. I managed to squeeze my hand down and poke it out with a piece of bent coat hanger wire.
Thanks again for all the suggestions