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Cleaned the thread. one less keyboard eejit. Sorry for the delay.

I'm not a professional photographer, and I'm not really sure this is the right place to post, never been on forums before. I drove past this abandoned military helicopter hangar and thought it would be a nice backdrop for some pictures of my new love, nicknamed Blue I (Blue the First), she goes like stink and is so nice to drive. Best car I've ever had and I've had a few. Thinking about some upgrades, want to put some black rims on her and some other cosmetic things. Also looking into if it's possible to retrofit stuff like memory seats, get satnav in the digital gauge cluster (for now stuck with android auto on the infotainment screen), maybe radar guided cruise control, but I imagine that would be expensive if even possible. I have some friends in Germany that has offered to tinker on it for me, maybe get some more oomph out of the engine, but I'm not decided on that yet. They have long experience tuning VAG products so it's not like some sketchy back alley thing. I feel 245 horses are plenty but why turn down close to 300 if it can be done relatively easily. Also want to put an exhaust system on it, inside it sounds nice but outside it sounds like a vacuum cleaner on steroids, not very exciting compared to Leon Cupra or Golf GTI. Probably because it's more of a family car than a sports car, but a little bit more emotion from the tailpipe wouldn't go amiss I think. Looking for new rubber for it as well, it has 4 year old Bridgestone Potenza Sport all around right now, but I feel that the car struggle a little bit with grip sometimes. Mainly when accelerating, first and second gear is not worth dipping into the throttle, but 3rd onwards it just goes. In turns it is planted like nothing I've felt before, accidentally took a hairpin at Mach Jesus and it just dealt with it, really surprised. So I've been looking around for maybe some more grippy rubber, but know very little about it, so if you know something that would be an upgrade to the Bridgestones then please let me know. Wanting to keep it under 175ish € a wheel. I looked at the Pirelli P Zero and Michelin Pilot Sport 5, but as I said don't know much or if it will be an upgrade to the Potenza Sport. I live on the coast in Spain, very little rain and too many hot days, so don't need all seasons, only summer tires. The car has some weird specs from the factory, but it was such a good deal for what it was that I felt I couldn't pass it up, clean title, 2019 model, done a little more than 60k kilometers, good service record, timing belt has been changed as well, which I've heard could be a problem for these engines. Anyway I'm rambling, here's the pictures if you wanna see.

Finally some promising news. Ordered Octavia IV VRS in Nov 21. Got a build week finally of week 46. With a bit of luck it might be here for Xmas.

I’ve said for years the 5 year interval was bull excrement. In fact I gave up commenting there were so many threads about it. The fact is the Skoda workshop and maintenance manuals, do not specify a time or mileage except for the certain dust rich countries. They do say examine the belt at services after a lot of miles (I recall it was 210,000 km whatever that is in miles) and the information released by vag when these engines were introduced stated the belts were reinforced and the drive system designed to reduce belt stress. Who does your maintenance Rodge ? The problem is no garage is going to examine a 10 year old belt and say it is ok just in case it did then fail.

After a year and a half long delay I'm happy to finally share some pictures of a Phoenix Orange estate 😀 As promised:

18” pictoris off the Octavia Vrs. 12mm spacers on.

As JR RS had rubbing with 245/40R19 fitted to 8Jx19 ET29 (15mm spacers effectively change an ET44 offset to ET29) but not 245/40R19 fitted to 8Jx19 ET34 (10mm spacers effectively change an ET44 offset to ET34), you should be ok with 245/40R19 fitted to 9Jx19 ET41. Notice in the below "Actual width of inflated tyres" chart, that the outside width of the 245/40R19 (measured at the widest point) is about 12mm wider (ie. 6mm each side) when fitting it to a 9J rim compared to fitting it to an 8J rim. On the outside, the 245/40R19 fitted to a 9Jx19 ET41 rim will be in about the same place as a 245/40R19 fitted to an 8Jx19 ET35 rim. On the inside, the 245/40R19 fitted to a 9Jx19 ET41 rim will be in about the same place as a 245/40R19 fitted to an 8Jx19 ET47 rim. So unless there's less than 6.5mm of clearance with the standard 235/40R19 fitted to a 8Jx19 ET44 rim, the 245/40R19 fitted to a 9Jx19 ET41 won't rub on the inside. However, Bentley normally fits a much wider 275/40R19 to this 9Jx19 ET41 rim. The sidewalls of a 245/40R19 fitted to this rim will be quite stretched, which not only makes the ride noticeably harder compared to fitting the same size tyre to an 8J rim, but the sidewalls won't bulge out much if at all, resulting in the alloy rim being very vulnerable to kerb damage. You might find that the Bentley rim is a lot heavier than the normal Superb MK3 rims, because the Bentley is likely to be a much heavier car and therefore need stronger rims. However, standard 19" rims on the Superb MK3 are no lightweight. Perhaps around 14.6kg each for the 8Jx19 ET44 rims, depending on exact model. Actual width of inflated tyres (measured outside of sidewall to outside of sidewall, ie. at widest point) 235/40R19 fitted to 8J = 235mm 245/40R19 fitted to 8J = 242mm 245/40R19 fitted to 9J = 254mm

Update done in 20 minutes on my Octavia. I will try soon and give you the feeback. Thanks to all for the support!

I have just changed my 2013 Superb for a newer 2022 model. My previous model had an SD card slot and I used it for storing MP 3 music. I created a Misic directory and created a sub directory for eack "album". This worked fine and I was able to select each album. I never manage to get the Shuffle play to work across all of the sub directories and so I created sub directory called "All Tracks" and copied into it all of the other tracks of all of the subdirectories (I had a 32gb SD card so space was no problem) - The new Superb has no SD card slot (not even for the sat nav maps - that will be another search on the forum to find out how to update the maps) but does have USB ports - USB type A under the arm rest and a type C in front of the gear change by the 12v socket. Both support data exchange as well as charging I tried putting the SD card into a USB stick adptor and that did not work. I tried everything - different, USB sticks, different formatting (FAT, FAT 32 etc,), different music formats (MP3, AAC, WAV), tracks in a "Music" folder, tracks not in a Music folder - None of which worked. I then spent over half anhour having an online Chat with Skoda. Whilst the guy did all he could to be helpful he eventually advised me to call Skoda on a UK number and ask them. At the this stage I was beginning to think I'd have to rely on my phone (I had already succeeded in playing music from my phone either via bluetooth or Smartlink.) But I now seem to have found the trick (there are a number of theads on this matter but I haven't found the solution in them) In checking my USB stick stock (some that I have acquired without checking the ontent) I found one stick (FAT formatted) that had a folder for each album (in MP3 format) direcly on the root directory (ie not as sub folder under a Music folder). Also in the root directory of the stick was a folder named "AUDIO". In an act of desperation I copied some MP3 tracks into the AUDIO Folder and tried the USB stick in the car Success at last. The tracks in the AUDIO folder appeared (but not the tracks in the other folders) on the infotainment system (not sure which one I have - The online manual - that you get by entering your VIN) that you have to use for the infotainment system does not give it a name Amundsen or Bolero) I have now got as far as trying to put MP3 tracks and Sub a folders of album tracks in the AUDIO folder and the infotainment seems to a display all tracks (including those in the sub folder) in one track list I've still some investigating to do but I can now certainly have all my tracks available permanently on the infotainment systm without having to rely on my phone

Well, eventually after a lot of letter writing (signed for delivery to high levels!) the garage settled our out of pocket expenses before having to go to court. So much fuss for a wrongly diagnosed fault (The anti-roll bars (£50 to replace) were the culprits NOT the steering rack (£1000 + to replace.)) The only thing to come out of this well is the Skoda Fabia itself. (Tough little vehicles) Thanks for the information and support from the members of this Forum.

Ha ha the thread lock hokey cokey Colin? Hopefully Trev will keep this a while.

Anyway, coolant pump may get stuck waaayyyyy before suggested mileage for timing belt, leading to timing Belt replacement much earlier than Skoda recommendation. This happened to me at 65000km… 🙄

OE skoda documentation requires to remove/refit the wheels for bleeding the brakes

Hi, I’ve got a 2017 FL vRS 245 Estate. I’ve owned it since April and it’s without doubt the best car I’ve ever owned - I’m dead happy with it. It’s nicely optioned with almost of the stuff I was looking for including DCC. However it was missing a few bits so since owning it I’ve done the following: - Retrofitted a variable boot floor with all the associated parts - Fitted a Westfalia removable neck towbar - Sourced the correct 18” spacesaver spare wheel and toolkit in place of the compressor/tyre gel pack. All of this has added a fair bit of weight to the rear end, leaving it sitting on its arse a bit, like this: I’m currently over at the Nurburgring, did a lap last night and found this picture online of it: To me it really highlights the ride height difference between front and rear. So I need to sort the rear springs. I live in Derbyshire, the roads are rubbish and I want it back at standard height at the back. I’ve had a look on the online parts catalogues (ilcats.ru) and there are 9 spring options for cars with DCC - the PR code on each option are associated with ‘weight range’ going from 2 to 10. Logic would suggest I might need weight range 10, but I’m struggling to narrow it down to be honest. I know it’s an obscure question, but can anyone assist me with this and offer any knowledge above what I’ve been able to find out already? Thanks very much in advance Tom

Hi folks, recently bought a 2018 Karoq & I love it! Only thing is the Satnav is from 2017. Tried updating via the official Skoda portal but it wants a genuine 64GB card to download the "Europe 1" maps (mine is 16GB). Anyone know how to either write the CID to a generic 64GB card or where to buy a 64GB Skoda-compatible card from? My unit is a MIB2 - card begins 5L Thanks, Lee

Colourful sunset earlier. Not sure what type of clouds they are? Still evident now

Well, I tried 😕

its perfect or it would be out again by now ..

I did! It cost a fair bit but was definitely worth it, what was really annoying me is that after having taken steps to reduce the excessive EGR and subsequent DPF sooting up to find that the DPF would regen at a very low mileage from a calculated soot level of 23g or whatever it was when the actual measured value was 3g 😒

I have already bitten the bullet and ordered them so I'll find out in due course if they do fit or not.

You found your scenic background then!

Lent a BMW for 3 weeks. Last time i got it with Grand Children and dog i was getting 54 mpg but this time i chose Sport Setting on everything and was not on Average Speed camera roads and it is 44 mpg it is showing. Pot hole avoidance very much required. & kerbs.

Haldex is every 3 years or 30,000 miles, but someplace it might say @ 38,000 miles like when it used to show @ 4 years.

Just got my annual inspection / oil change done at a VAG indy. £140 for the service, £60 for replacement Brake Fluid & £220 for DSG oil & filter. Advisories. Service advise; Air conditioning service every 2 years - declined as it's fine & I changed pollen filter myself last year. Haldex oil replacement every 38,00 miles or 3 years whichever comes first - done 2 years ago. Nearside rear and offside rear suspension coil springs corroded at the common fracture point - one to watch. Nearside front tyre tread depth; 6 mm. Offside front tyre tread depth; 6 mm. Nearside rear tyre tread depth; 4 mm, tyre cracking on the inner and outer treads - only 1 year old!. Offside rear tyre tread depth; 5 mm, tyre cracking on the inner and outer treads - only 1 year old. 1.6 mm is the legal tyre tread depth limit. No service book in vehicle at time of service - yes there was in glove box.

£3 ish old boy...😄

Well it is happening and the first 6 months of 2023 have clearly been the inflection time with the TESLA Model Y becoming the best selling car in the world, taking over from the Camry, and a host of other cars which many are made in China as is the MG4, Polestars, Volvo, London Taxis etc. The 21st century is the rise of the Asian economies to the fore, overtaking the US and previously the UK as the centre of the industrial world. My main other thought is how much India will be a player in the new world order ? The UK is a fading industrial power, riddled with inefficient working practices, management structures and infrastructure. Hopefully our generation will see the next couple of decades out quite well but our off spring will have a tougher future than we had and slipping in to Third World levels of comparative wealth looks inevitable. I would recommend migration to either Australian, Canada or New Zealand to any UK citizen who want to maintain a good living standard in to the second half of the 21st century. This may apply to all of Europe, except the Scandinavian countries which seem to have lots of resources and much less population to share that wealth with. It is the Fall of the Roman Empire, or any other empire. Each region has their time, the European time is just about over, just how thing go. VW, and the most the other European brands, maybe Volvo and Renault less so, have been blind sided by the disruption to the automotive markets by EVs and caught napping and it looks like it will cost them their very existence. Sad but Darwin rules.

Sign the schools have broken up in some places eh?

It usually pops a message onto the virtual cockpit and a little yellow symbol, with a ping notification sound.

He basically said, if there is a 'Nav' button on the display, then it should have satnav fitted from factory. Obviously there is a chance someone has replaced the screen given it's a second hand car. If you can provide your cars VIN number, he'll check the build data to confirm if it should have satnav fitted or not What happens when you press the nav button?

In the for sale site, someone is selling some helper springs. Don't know if they would help.

Hi Markjd Just a quick bit of info regarding your Fabia SatNav. Be very careful regarding paying for Skoda for the SatNav activation if that's the option you were looking at. There is a massive issue at the present time with the TMC (Traffic Message Centre). This is the system that will update your SatNav journey due to traffic reports, accidents, hold ups, traffic congestion etc. The company VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group) use to do this job is Trafficmaster which appears to have stopped this service completely. Leaving VAG car owners alone with many other vehicle manufacturers with this issue of SatNavs not updating or rerouting your journey to avoid hold ups. This has become more and more evident with reports on many forums, websites across the internet since the early part of this year. I have SatNav activated on my Octavia which stopped it's traffic reports around April/May and I only noticed this when driving to Heathrow to pick up my Daughter from her holiday. I got stuck in a 2 hour delay due to this system not updating and rerouting my journey. I have since chosen to upgrade my infotainment system to one that has the smart link installed (Apple Carplay and Android Auto). This then mirrors your mobile therefore giving you Google maps or alternative SatNav options. Just a little food for thought before you go giving a dealership your hard earned pennies. Hope this helps somewhat in your decisions.

Think I remember seeing something for water getting into the control unit plug along time ago with similar results. Got a reg or VIN (PM) will look up on Alldata.

Very tidy car that! The wheels don't look like they need a refurb? I had my Xtreme's refurbed in black which goes well with the Black pack highlights.

It's gonna go to the scrappers @AnnoyingPentium

Hello! If you're in doubt, can I suggest you re-frame the issue. So now the car has 90K miles. How many miles do you intend to put on the car? How long do you intend to keep it? If you do a low annual mileage, and intend to run the car into the ground, then I see no reason for the mileage to discourage you. If you do a lot of annual miles and intend to sell the car in a few years, maybe that high mileage will either cause some serious depreciation or make the car difficult to sell. (You're already hesitant about it at 90K miles.) Cars wear out, and cars get old. Personally, I prefer a young, high-mileage car to an old, low-mileage car, but I keep my cars for many years and don't do many miles. Plan ahead and make your decision based on what your ownership use is likely to be. EDIT: No idea what Car Giant is like as a vendor, but as a rule, expect pretty much next to no support after you've parted with your cash. Good luck!

I went into my Skoda Dealer a week or so ago and asked the same question. I have a 2016 model Mk3 Superb, diesel, 2 litre DSG. The guy said that only that morning they had received notification from Skoda saying that they have changed the intervals on timing belt replacements to 140,000 miles. I can't recall the time intervals as I do a high mileage and the miles will come around before the date. I last had them change my cambelt & water pump at 110,000 miles and will do again when I reach around 220,000 miles.

Nice. The wheels look great in that bright silver against the blue 👍🏻

The UK update (issued about 3rd July) changed timing belt (cambelt) interval to 210,000km (130,000 miles), consistent with most of Europe. However it is now supposed to be checked at major services (ie every 18k miles or 2 years) for wear, and if showing signs of wear an appropriate advisory given. There is no set time interval, although suggestions of 10-15 years seem to be doing the rounds, so I would suggest budgeting for it after sometime after 9th year

Locking thread as op has informed us car now sold.

Real world UK. Much cheapness. Not great range, but not everyone needs lots of range, or just deals with what things have.

My saga is coming to an end, just had a call from the dealer to say my car will be delivered Friday 21st July. Ordered Sept 2021. I bet I hate it now😂

^ Those are designed to go into square holes. You cowboy 😁

Thanks, do you have any pics? Will check them out, not too far from me. cheers

Hi. Please feel free to give us a try for insurance if you wish. Regards, Dan.

I do, and I doubt that I am alone or in a minority.