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I got a lovely automated impersonal mail-merge generated email today saying "a service" is due on my car. Given that they no longer supply cars with service books and details of what needs doing when, I much prefer asking strangers on the Internet for advice as to what service the dealership is talking about, rather than actually speak to someone on the phone The car is 21 months old and has only done 9500 miles, 150 of which are from its first 6 months sitting at the dealers before I got it. It's on variable servicing, with the car telling me the next oil service is due in 5800 miles, and the next inspection service in 9400 miles. So what's your money on for what the garage thinks is due? Aircon? Brakes? Random-stuff-we-make-up-to-claw-money-from-you?

I detailed it here :- http://www.fabiavrs.com/Fabia VRS MkII Side light mod.htm

Flashing Sidelights!

My guess is they might be ready for the emergency services to add blue lights in unmarked cars!

I ordered the rear anti-roll bar today, and the KW DDC suspension I've also booked it in to have a JB4 fitted + rolling road. I think this will keep me going for now...

Everything has to be somewhere.

So at Crail last time on the last run the clutch slipped on the 3-4 change, did the same going home but was fine ever since but made the decision that i would need to look at a clutch upgrade so made the trip down to darkside to get some parts of the map tweaked and also pick up a new clutch while i was there so went for the best one i can get for this box the sachs SRE paddle clutch. Arrived at Darkside at 11:30am and with them closing at 3pm thought we'd have plenty of time to sort it out. Darkside being the great mappers they are Martus that was working on the map actually stayed till 9pm to get it just right, also got a powergate as well so mean the maps can be done remotely now as well Being down that way noticed that Santa Pod's last RWYB was the next day and still some hotel rooms nearby for only £30 so thought why not so headed down got to the hotel for 1am after stopping off on the way to help another member with their Fabia Headed off the next morning some ran in the morning so track didn't open till 12:30 So the runs Haven't been to the pod for 3 years and lined up for the first run, first launch and wheelspin, went to 2nd wheelspin again which i didn't expect, into 3rd and it revved up, thats not wheelspin thats clutch slip, lifted and went onto the throttle again still slipping, into 4th still slipped. still got a 15.5 @80mph only .1 slower than the fastest time i ever got in the 1.6 In car isn't very good as in my lane someone in front blew a diff so had to move the camera but the app on my phone wasnt working so couldnt see what the view was on the return road everything was fine but had to make a choice, do i attempt more runs or call it quits and head home as thats a 6 hour 400 mile drive. Made the choice to do another room but this time really slip the clutch on the launch and see how it reacts, really slow launch but once into 2nd full throttle, into 3rd and ht the meth no slip at all and managed a 14.6 @101mph incar 3rd run i thought i'd come off the clutch quicker with the meth on all the way through but still slip it abit more at the start, again got the power down when i got into 2nd and down to a 14.2 @ 103mph incar with data sitting in the queue thinking ok one more run this time alot more aggressive launch and see how it holds, waiting in the line it started raining and this time they called it off and ended the day short. Possibly lucky for me. packed the car up and it made it all the way home. red run1 with clutch slip, blue run 2, orange run 3 So think that's me for the rest of the year with events with everything thats going on, just some maintance and new parts over the winter for next year now.

I've bitten the bullet and decided to change them, 4 x Dunlop Sport Maxx (with 2 X's) Black Circles offer on Dunlop takes it to £323 fitted. Not bad I think. Hopefully a bit quieter too. Tyre Label: Booking Reference: Tyre Details: 4 x Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 225/40 R18 Y (92), Reinforced Fitting Centre: Fitting Date: 05/11/2020

It's common, full stop. It's been discussed on here before: https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/262559-yeti-mot-fail/ - and that's just a Yeti thread. There are similar threads on the other Skoda model forums, and if you look further afield on forums relating to other manufacturers' cars. This AA article is a helpful explainer if the thread linked above is too long to wade through: https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/service-repair/coil-springs-breaking. Summary: "the simple fact is that springs are lighter, thinner and don't cope as well with salt and rust." Note that, being the AA, this is general i.e. non-manufacturer-specific information.

Yesterday I had someone remotely update my firmware and software to enable Predictive Cruise Control on my 2017 Kodiaq Edition (I already retrofitted Adaptive Cruise Control a few months ago). I only have MIB2 and I thought this might be a problem, but apparently it wasn't - everything is working great. The guy who did it was VagRetrofit - https://www.instagram.com/vagretrofit He said he had to write custom software for me because my camera was not compatible - I waited two weeks for him to do this. He also had to flash the camera via ODIS, which took a while. He charged 200 euro. I think this procedure is becoming more common now that the MY21 models are out on the street, with pACC. Kufatec also offer this as a retrofit now, but it's prohibitively expensive, because they need you to install their own radar (with their own custom firmware, I suppose). I'm sure others will offer it too - I just contacted this particular guy because @mrdoc91 had mentioned him on here a while back and gave him a good review. In terms of the value of pACC itself - I'm not convinced yet. It's definitely not a must-have feature like I consider ACC to be. And if you're one of the people who already dislikes ACC, you'll really HATE pACC :-) I also appreciate that those of you whose cars are still in warranty are unlikely to want to attempt this - I'm just posting on here in case anyone with an older model like me is interested. Next retrofit will have to be virtual cockpit - I'm running out of room on the maxidot

Well you must be missing some theory then, it is a commonly used technical solution on several brands and manufacturers, or maybe you are trying to call every automotive designer that claims they offer this a fraud? Hard to tell what this is all about really. Another link out of the many that come up regardin variable steering ratio: Steering Variable Gear Ratio Steering It would be good to have a linear, predictable steering response, but sometimes varying the steering ratio could enhance the driving experience. For example, when cruising on highway we want the steering to be "calmer" to enhance stability and ease of driving, so a slower ratio would be welcomed. In contrast, when turning into a tight corner a quicker steering ratio could speed up the response and reduce driver effort considerably. Variable gear ratio steering is the answer. It is able to vary the steering ratio according to speed and steering angle. In addition to the variable assistance of power steering, you have a fully variable steering. Honda VGR - Honda Accord (1997) Debuted on the Japanese market Accord in 1997, Honda's VGR (Variable Gear Ratio) was claimed to be the world's first electrical power steering featuring variable gear ratio function. As seen in the photo below, this is a simple, pure mechanical design implemented by means of a special steering rack. The teeth on the rack are closer together near the center and farther apart near the sides. This means it reacts slower on the straight ahead and quicker at larger steering angle. BTW, Mercedes uses the same means in its "Direct Steer" option.

You have just reminded me to put the DRLs on now I'm working again, also referred to as Front Fogs by Kwik fit', I too once failed an MOT, dummy blue euro 'sidelight' bulbs not working and they thought DRLs were front fogs

144k and literally not a hiccup. Nothing. Remapped too. Touching all the wood I can as I say this...

The diesel tip doesn’t get the heat out from the exhaust effectively and it melts the Rieger diffuser. I could use the extension tip but it looks so obvious and wonky so would rather a proper system if one comes up cheap enough.

Not at all, they start rattling long before that. It's a poor design with no chain tensioner.

Not really the same feature - as posted above. The steering ratio is not linear, it reacts about the same around center (straight) as the normal steering but the further you turn the steering wheel the higher the ratio becomes.

Is it in warranty? It sounds like it might be? Id so, you need to be "careful" that the documented regime is followed, whether at a dealer or specialist. And keep records. As @e-Roottoot there is lots of service regime information published, not all totally consistent. So. You need an oil and oil filter change minimum. If it is due the plugs (what is the age ?) £99 is not ridiculous. The plugs part cost alone at a dealer part dep are £40 to £50. Same with brake fluid and extended scope checking. Yes, it will be cheaper if you can do it yourself but the prices don't look insane. I do brake fluid change but you have to jack the car up, buy a pressure filler or have an assistant, deal with stuck nipples etc. Dispose of brake fluid. It is not a 5 min job. The Aircon service does look very eeeeexepensive. There are lots of places that can do a decent job of this, for a lot less money. I usually pay £30 to £40. Anyone with dealer level or specialist diagnostics can put your car back on to time and distance servicing and it is generally the best for the cars health.

@Gav23 Really you need to ask the person you spoke to to get a Professional Technician to talk to them. The Spark Plugs were at the 2nd Major Service which was 4 years / 40,000 miles, a d some Service Staff would say that was at 60,000 or 65,000 miles. You paid the same for a 1st and 2nd Major service and might or might not get Plugs, Air or Fuel filters. So now some at Skoda dealerships have the plugs at 60,000 miles in their Guidelines. As it is i would not pay them £99 to supply and fit them. Nor £35 for a Pollen filter or £45 for an air filter. Or their Oil Service & Inspection and extended scope prices. Bottom, and Skoda are showing plugs at 4 years / 40,000 miles again. Pollen Filter every 2 years, and they have put the Air Filter to 6 years / 60,000 miles. I would be checking the Air Filter every year and replacing if needed, as they are a location location location thing on how dirty / clogged they can get, or damp.

Sounds good for you they can always success and p.ACC looking amazing, we will upgrade with them in the next weeks pacc on my car :)) have a nice drive!

I love apps that don't give you full information. Not. That screenshot says clearly that headlamp wash is not activated. Or there's no adaptation active, it's not clear from the interface language. I don't think you can resolve this without either going into long coding or switching to VCP / VCDS. - Bret

Not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing!

Hi Phutters, I don't want to hijack this thread, but do find it surprising that can manufacturers are so keen on Just-in-Time when it comes to stocking the components for their production lines, but then let valuable cars sit around between the factory and the customer! My car was built on the 21st October, and it's only an 8 hour drive to Emden. But it is still parked up somewhere in Germany! Why is it OK to spend weeks transporting the cars to the dealers, if it's not OK to have warehouses full of tyres, sunroofs, engines etc??

I have a velvet red Octavia, the colour remains rich and deep even in the dullest weather. I'm from Greenock, dreich isn't weather here, it's climate!

Sending it to AET for an inspection, it seems the actuator nut was loose but want to ensure its not a seal. Im hoping its not needing a full rebuild.

The rear wiper is an ugly appendage that is not really needed. The rake of the the window keeps the water off and road spray is limited due to the rear boot spoiler. Yes, rainx helps but is not a must have. I think that aesthetically the rear of the car is far better without it. I have removed mine on over a dozen cars now. Never regretted it. Never had an MOT issue or problem with resale. Go for it, it's your car.

Just got home from Darkside after having the Software Rollback. £120 Inc VAT for the File to be Rolled Back to the Pre-Patch Software and they had it done within 90 Minutes. As mentioned the Previous Owner had the 23R7 Recall done in 2016 with VW before I got the Car so I have never known any different but I can confirm on my way Home the Golf felt instantly Smoother, More Torquey at the Bottom end of the Revs too. Early Days for me to say anything about any MPG improvements but the biggest thing for me was piece of mind as I knew how that the so called "Fix" Software put more the strain on Injectors running them at Higher Presser, EGR Failures and DPF Regens and the impact it had in the long run. Another little Job done anyway

Bypass the EGR cooler and see if coolant loss stops? Item 87 in this diagram, so either disconnect both hoses from the cooler and connect them together with a coupler, or connect e.g. hose number 24 direct to pipe 15; if it'll reach. https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/fabia/fab/2013-697/1/121-121035/

No it doesnt really help ..... but looks good when you wash the car

Curly Wurlies were yard long back in the good ol' days

That is a very good price. I have Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres on my Porsche Boxster, they work very well - good grip (similar to the Pirelli equivalent). I don't think they will last as long as Continental on your Skoda (although that may not be an issue for you). Alan

Unless I'm very much mistaken, the sat nav can be switched on without the ignition being activated. It would therefore be possible for anyone who may break into the car to find out what the owners address is by simply activating the sat nav and looking at the "Home" location and subsequently stealing the keys later. It may well be prudent, not storing your home address as you know where you live, but store a nearby general location instead, something a station (bus or rail), library etc, near to your home address, as your home address. I use the village next to the one I live in, not my actual address.

For a quick reference, this is mine idling at 70,000 miles. Original timing chain....

Check for air leaks in the brake servo vacuum pipe before doing anything else, the pipes can split letting unmetered air in and making an already rough idle worse.

Just thought I would update this topic and and close it, so the car went back to main dealer at Pullman Skoda, turns out the lad who fitted the clock spring was off and they had a master tech look at it wherever one of those is??😉 Turns out it hdnt been coded at all and upon pick up everything is working again, no charge neither!!😁😁😁 Hurray for the master tech, in all seriousness though, glad it's sorted, thanks again for all input

Thanks Gaz. Have picked it up today and performance feels fine actually....5-speed 'box works fine for me and its a one owner FSH car....'appy as Larry (so far ) Thanks Gissin. Picked it up today....i'm well pleased with it.

Just expect it. People will muck you about and although you want to be helpful, eventually you will harden up and state things like "Come at 17:00 to view it" etc. (but never alter any personal plans for them). Dealers are the worst particularly when they pretend not to be. Last time I sold a car I was so hacked off with the numpties that I was staying just the right side (and only just the right side) of civil to any prospective buyer. First warning sign off them and it was "You're mucking me about, go away!".

Depending on when it was last done, having the haldex oil and filter replaced might be a good idea.

Rusty will not be a garage queen!

yes, mine does that too - if u switch the ignition off while the wipers r midway through wiping, it will stop mid-sweep!! it is annoying really. would be nice if it completed the sweep and returned to base, or park position. mine is MY17.

When @Tony60said that he / she had the exhaust checked i did wonder if it was by a Fast of Foot Tyre & Exhaust fitter just putting it on a ramp and looking up, or by someone that did that and opened the bonnet and used all their senses and experience so their eyes, nose, hearing & touch.

Or a cracked manifold, or perhaps just a slightly loose sparkplug. One way of checking for some of these problems would be to open the bonnet with the engine running (preferably on a calm day) and see if you get any whiff of exhaust gases rising out of the engine bay. If so get a local garage to get their exhaust emissions tester probe and poke it into the engine bay in various places until the source is found. Though if it is a big enough exhaust gas leak for you to hear inside the car I'd imagine there would be fairly visible signs.

Hi Mortv, There is probably a few threads on the forum about it you can find via the search bar. There are many options, you could go for an aftermarket unit that looks close to OEM. Or with the octavia go for a fully OEM Setup. I had a 2006 Elegance model and swapped in an Admunsen+ with built in bluetooth, GPS etc. The only thing I needed to do was to change the Canbus unit as mine was a little old to be compatible, im not sure which year that changes (could be late 06-08 somewhere from what I vaguely remember). But if you dont need that, apart from the new centre console fascia so that it fits the right size, its just plug and play. Takes maybe 20misn to install everything, hardest bit was threading the Mic wiring through the dash and into the headliner to the slot for it in the interior light housing.

Polo and Golf, Fiesta and Focus :( The exception seems to be chocolate, which is definitely becoming smaller!

Just carry one of these in the car then....

Actually something I hope a website like CarWow will do, is a drag race between the old M4 and the new M4. Obviously the standing start will be a forgone conclusion, but the acceleration test they do from 50mph might show the old car as being a tad quicker. I'm only basing this on the fact that the new car is a bit of a porker and will also lose a tiny bit of acceleration as it's a slush-matic rather than a DCT Maybe the next M2 is the real successor. RWD, a bit lighter and hopefully with M4 bits on it. Oh and keep the cost down, you'd have to be mad to buy the current M2 CS, it's ridiculously expensive and not worth the hike over the regular CP version. Basically it's an M4 shoehorned into a shorter wheelbase and with a low rent interior. In fact, you could probably have got the (now discontinued) M4CS for similar money to the M2CS in the real world and I certainly wouldn't swap down to the M2 for that one. So can I have (please) a next gen M2 with 450+bhp, DCT and weighing no more than 1,600kg (preferable less, but that's as likely as Jeremy Corbyn opening a bagel shop)

If the module is coded for trip computer, then that will cause the right side scroll wheel not to work in roller mode. but press it will still do the ok function.

Next changes already in the works if they fit, trip to darkside next weekend. couple more vids and pics from sunday

First thing to check is the CAPS lock button.

Some valid points if not at least somewhat unkind and thoughtless. I have been driving for 48 years. The worst that has happened is one parking fine and one speeding ticket for a motorway event. My current experience of divers is they frequently move from lane to lane without notice or indicating, whilst being so close as to not be able to stop without rear ending should an emergency braking be necessary. Undertaking now appears to be a common rule of the the road, minor driving errors are now seen as a green light for abuse and fist waving. Where has the old fashioned courtesy gone? I live near a very busy junction and the number of accidents are becoming legend, red traffic lights are seen as a signal to go not stop, broken white lines at a junction are seen as an option to ignore them and has resulted in a couple of very bad accidents. I could go on but what is the point. If modern day drivers used the road properly, us elderly drivers would not be distracted by such dangerous behaviour. I am not alone with my comments. I have park assist on my car, used it once to amuse by grandson he was fascinated by it, never used it since as I am a very capable driver; when i feel I am not, i will voluntarily hand in my license.