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A few from this evening..............

A few from this evenings walk.............

Made a trip to RAF Lakenheath today as they were doing what's known as Quick Climb day, and it was the ideal day to test out my Christmas present from my sons, a lovely 70 to 300mm L series lens for my Canon 7D camera. Lovely clear blue skies, although it was a bit chilly in the shade. Here are some of the shots I took, a vast improvement over the old 70-300mm consume grade lens, call me impressed.

You live and learn (and hopefully remember what you've learnt) but you had a go and learnt by your experience which will make it more memorable and should help for future occasions. Perhaps you'll take up the issue with a passion and become very good at painting. Or be like me and find paints and glues and protection products are an absolute PITA and headache, find it hard to believe that in the 21st century we have such stuff on cars still (mainly because it's all very cheap stuff for manufacturers). Brake fluid that lifts the paint, paint that doesn't heal itself to some extent, cars are and have on them such ancient technologies. grrrrrr ................ 😄

I understand places / MOT Testers not doing Pre-Mots anymore. The MOT is not a good earner of money as far as the hourly rate. If someone who;s car is their working vehicle wants an inspection to MOT Examination standard maybe pay the mechanic the rate they charge per 45 minutes of their EARNING time or even an hours rate not what a MOT can be had for.

It’s all good. Having a backup plan in taking to a bodyshop at least gives you the opportunity to try 👍🏼

A pheasant, a Mandarin duck and a different duck were sat at a bar enquiring about their mate. The barman says 'the squirrel? He's not been in yet, lads'

First time starting a project thread, bear with me... Heard about this Roomster not too far from me that might be heading for a scrapyard, and decided to try to acquire it. That went well and it came to my place this last weekend. Early 2012, 1.2 TSI, 5sp manual, 158k miles on the clock. This is it, just after being washed. Paintwork is far from pristine, but that's not something I care much about. I'd looked up the spec via the reg plate before seeing pics of the car, so there were one or two nice surprises when I first saw pics, then the car in real life. Factory build sheet suggested no roof rails, nor trailer hitch. Both were in fact fitted, presumably by supplying dealer since this was bought new by the previous owner. Trailer hitch is the detachable type, with 13 pin electrics connector and adaptor for 7-pin electrics. Super handy! Had to swap out the alternator to get it charging and driveable, battery was also factory original and not well at all following loss of charging. OSF tyre had nasty inner shoulder wear, without anything similar being apparent on the other side, so that needs some investigation promptly. Partner told me the high level brakelight is inop. Nearside mirror adjustment isn't happening. May well be a split outer CV boot on OS too, but hard to be sure as the whole engine is rather oily externally, and everything needs a good clean-up to see where any fluids are escaping from. Everything else seems to work, though the handbrake only slightly! Lots more to say, but for now: New battery fitted last night after the external clean. Interior needs a lot of cleaning up; hoping a local youth may be enticed into helping with that, possibly. Engine sounds rather nice and quiet after two seconds of mild rattle from cold-start. Seems to go just fine, but economy not great on journey home. Quite excited to bring it back to full health. 😁 I shall no doubt have many questions.

In response to a suggestion by @Oli3000 here's a list of the issues I have experienced with my early build (registers Sept 2020) Mk4 SE L First Edition estate. I have listed the ones that I am aware that others have also experienced, and I am aware that other early models had problems I haven't (mainly 'cos my car doesn't have some options/features). Many of these have been the subject of much debate in one of more threads of this forum, details will be found in there by using the search function. I have NOT included the Infotainment Reboot issue as it is common to later build cars too, albeit fixed with software updates. If you too have an early build SE L First Edition please add any recurrent/common SEL FE issues that I have missed. KPH/MPH Speedometer could not display KPH. Selection made in settings but no change to display and not saved. SatNav could not display miles. Selection made in settings but no change to display and not saved. Eventually a solution was developed, in my case a change of Virtual Cockpit (VC) hardware and software updates. To my knowledge not all cases need a VC change; the original in my car did not have a clock at top centre, the replacement does. The speedometer being unable to display KPH is in contravention of UK regulations. Adaptive Cruise Control In general worked OK, except it would intermittently, yet often, prevent overtaking in stead of undertaking. Basically the car thought it was in driving on the right side of the road, not left; it worked absolutely fine in mainland Europe. Fixed through software updates. Note however, that the Owner Manual warns of occasions when the ACC can be confused, I’ve noticed it several times on long right hand bends - the car sees a vehicle in the nearside lane and prevents overtaking. Easily overcome by a tap go the accelerator pedal. SOS errors and false calls Several issues around this; in my case I’d get a loud ‘pop pop’ sound followed by a corruption of any [built in] SatNav directions active at the time and an alert to say an SOS call was placed - when it wasn’t! After several diagnostics visits and software updates the SOS module was replaced and it’s been fine since. ‘Favourites’ Initially neither SatNav nor Radio favourites were saved. Fixed through software updates. Auto-reconnect CarPlay For many months CarPlay would not automatically reconnect to my iPhone. Fixed through one of the many software updates Škoda Connect App Early build Mk4 cars don’t have full functionality. Cannot create a route in the phone App and send it to the car Cannot remotely Lock & Unlock the car, but can see if it is locked and windows closed. Fuel & Temperature Gauges Flickering Intermittent flickering of both gauges regardless of whether headlights are on or not. Fixed through software update.

Tried Valet pro "black to the future" on some engine bay plastics today, I'm impressed. Easy on leave 5 minutes and buff off, it will form part of my detailing kit as standard now

Love that. Looks perfect. Damn my black car!

When i got the dashcam fitted , I got a brand new Mercedes GLB 200 as a courtesy car but do you know what, when I got back into the Elroq , it felt so much nicer to drive and more comfortable too. The sound system in the Elroq is very good too. The reproduction of music on Classic FM sounds great on philharmonic with surround sound on.

That's a very professional looking photo TAP!

I thought so too..That is a great price for the dashcam fitted. I am still hunting a USB-C dashcam and will try and offload my old 70mai one on ebay. I am still getting used to the elroq speed limiter as my old car you did not have to be in Adaptive Cruise Control and it read speed signs / using GPS maps data and kept you to that limit I was driving back from Tesco today in ACC and around town just felt i was going too fast at times ( but still legal speed ) but noticed the earlier post advising you can lower or higher the speed by 5mph blocks. Hope i have understood that..will try tomorrow again. Just takes getting used to.

The variable boot floor is part of the transport package or the advanced package upwards, so I don't believe you get it otherwise.

If anyone else is missing the spray/cleaner it is listed on ebay...item number 196867102343

Yep; especially if you know someone north of the border to make return postage a bunch easier. Will message you later.

Funnily enough, I think that's the same colour as the Rescue Roomster. 🙂

Done, nerve-wracking but done, weirdly had to cut the 3 prongs down as they were way too long for the divots in the bonnet, but apart from that, it went well. colour match it perfect too. 😁

That's his engine code.

I can look up for you in a bit. 🙂

@chills I'm well impressed with both it's longevity and finish now use it on the Golf as well, I buff it off after a few minutes that leaves a satin finish

For 15 euro per unit i can make at least 8 "sheets" so this filter will last 4 years if i use 2 of them per year. The "seal test" was successful, more in a future post with photos.

New wiper arm for 'old' style blade fitted. No noise - excellent! Arm from Skoda Parts included a blade (not sure what make - see packaging with nos.). This blade does not judder - for how long? Who cares.........I can now fit a Bosch replacement. Thanks to all the others who trialled this first. Cheers

A new company to me so just had a quick look, their HQ is the next county to me Bedford(shire). Their site marketing blurb has me a little itchy - "Not a budget brand but a value brand." - "As a genuine alternative to higher-priced OE brands,". But as they only distribute the filters and other(s) manufacture them they may well be as good as others. - "Comline has forged links with some of the world’s foremost filter production facilities." A quick look at their catalogue and their products seem like they could be good. - https://www.comline.uk.com/ The owners look like they would know others in the UK car parts and consumables businesses and they also hold another formerly well known old established company name/brand of MOTAQUIP whose product (distributor cap) I believe I might have used in the last 10 years and it was good IIRC. - https://motaquip.com/about-version-2/

I took that activated carbon cabin filter and disassembled it, measure and cut it. creating a ''sheet'' which i put it via adhesive tape beneath the factory hood oval shape hole thus ''filtering'' the incoming air before goes to the cabin. For sure this patent can not compared with a factory cabin filter but it's better than nothing and far better than the sponge-solution that i had. What's next? A sealing test and a real-condition air flow test (since i don't have the proper equipment to do more experiments).

Fantastic! I’ve done the trip twice, once in 98 and again in 2018. 2nd time was in a motorhome, we had a few close calls with width but at least it had aircon that time…. I hope you had an amazing trip!

he is using a cartoon (bitmoji) avatar as his FB profile pic.

I know, I should have looked. I think I should have just left it alone anyway lol.

If you look at YouTube videos of repainting, sanding you’ll see they paint on, then rub it down, then more, then rub down. It takes a bit of time and patience. It’s never a case of dabbing paint on and looking even passable!

The challenges are quite silly, but easy to acheive. Just old fasioned good fun really. Apparently I've completed 2 challenges and earned 20 points and I didn't even know I'd joined. Another 780 points and I could get a Skoda mug with silicon pad 😅

Good shout. If your life doesn’t depend on it then wait for the right car.

They’re “Aero-Vega’s”. Fella who was debating the mk3 v mk4 had them on the L&K that he bought. On a side note I’m mildly triggered about having to falsely apostrophise Vega’s as in plural of Vega and distinguish it from Las Vegas.

Presumably the dealer has refunded you for the incorrect Haldex service and pump replacement? You don’t need to have the rear differential replaced at Skoda. Ring around some transmission or 4x4 specialists for advice.

As mentioned, you don’t need to touch the wheel well, a 2.5” exhaust can be made to go round quite easily, but a 3” exhaust is a bit more difficult although doable as on my grey one. On the smaller mk5 chassis the diff sits underneath the wheel well but is infront of the wheel well on the Octavia chassis. Everything else is done the exact same, wiring, parts the lot 👍

Yes, they are the standard L&K 18" wheels. Also standard on L&K Octy 3 (may be not 18" as standard. I can't remember).

Not so easy for all if Disabled. So that needs taking into account. If you have a Diesel then with Motability you get free AdBlue top ups,. you just arrange a time at a Dealership. Part of the MAINTENANCE CONTRACT with the MANUFACTURERS in the UK. DO NOT TAKE A MOTABILITY CAR ANYPLACE OTHER THAN THE TYRE PLACES ALLOWED OR DEALERSHIPS. HAVE MOTABILITY ARRANGE A COURTESY CAR IF SKODA ASSIST IS BEING HOPELESS. THE RAC ARRANGE THE COURTESY CAR, OR IF NO CAR YOU GET REFUNDS ON THE £75 a WEEK PLUS YOU PAY FOR A CAR.

I’ll take a look at this. I might convert it all into a big forum topic for everyone. Got to find the time.

I decided against posting this last night buy have changed my mind again. To me it smacks of some sort of algorithm or AI pricing unrelated to any real garage servicing pricing, I wondered if even the oil had been changed or the car put to other use I could well be wrong but at £150 for a "service" and it includes collection and return (and 40 miles away!) it'd be a string of red flags to me in Northampton, and I'd thought, but could be wrong, that generally Kent pricing would be higher than Northampton. I hope I am being over suspicious because of hearing consumer programmes on Radio 4 for decades with all sorts of schemes going on before you hear about them on the telly box or t'web box but I felt uneasy about this.

tis the reason why a number of Superb owners, including myself, with DCC suspension have done the DCC Slider Mod + DCC Recalibration. no more softness. no more wallowing. no more bottoming out. no more body roll (when paired with lowered springs and/or uprated rear swaybars). the DCC Slider Mod updates the Superb's suspension algorithm to that used by the Arteon (which is the exact same size as the Superb). hence rebounds and compressions r more controlled and better composed overall. the factory DCC algorithm loaded in the Superb is not suited for it all, hence the undesirable effects. likely they just used a "vanilla" version. the DCC Recalibration updates the suspension's max and min travel lengths, thus allowing the suspension module to control in the shocks most efficient suspension travel range.

In theory the ABS/TPMS systems would be fine, but you might have some issues with TC and wheel speed sensors. I'm not sure exactly, but 245 you might be into arch-rub territory. Similarly, 245 all round might be okay, but unless you can be sure of telling the car about it, I'd be wary of introducing a staggered setup - especially one that's larger on the rear. The largest tyres you can really do are 255/265, and these are on MQB track cars with modified suspension. I mentioned this recently on another post. Skoda will have done type ratings on the Octavia with tyres from 185/60R15 (or whatever the smallest size is) right up to 225/35R19. You will probably have no issues going to 235 (lot's of people do it), but you would still need to inform insurance. Going up to 245 and above is a different story.

19" Xtremes with 235 tyres, 20mm spacers and a 40 mm drop no rubbing fully loaded as explained, clearance and stance is perfect

I dont believe abs and tpms firmware to be problem because I have driven with one different size wheel-tyre combo (smaller spare tire). First the TPMS though it had lost pressure but after resetting the tyre pressure thing on media player screen it was ok until I got new tire.

I replaced the stock turbo inlet elbow with an aftermarket one for fun and giggles.

Speaking from my perspective and experience the cleaning didn't helped much - the error reappeared shortly after. So as I already mentioned there weren't any side effects (at least to my knowledge) but the check engine light was quite disturbing so I decided to replace the NOx sensor. I bought it from a local car parts seller for ~275 euro and after the replacement everything was fine. :) I can share more details if you want to

+1 for a bridge camera. They're very versatile and while they are maybe 'jack of all trades, master of none' they perform perfectly well in all trades! The Canon PowerShot series are quite popular, along with the Nikon Coolpix line. My first camera was an SX70HS. What sort of thing are you looking to take photos of? Both the PowerShot and Coolpix line are known for their superzoom capability. If this isn't something you need, then that opens up our options somewhat. Have a look on the London Camera Exchange website here. Secondhand gear is a great way of getting some nice equipment for less.

I can only second the Lumix suggestion(s) above 👍 I currently have both a TZ70 (1/2.3" sensor compact camera) and FZ1000 (1" sensor bridge camera).

So, the headliner job turned out to be absolute nightmare, i totally messed it up and binned the lot... If any of you want to DIY it, i advise you pay someone the 200-300 quid for retrim and fitting its an absolute PITA of a job.. Here's the pic of the headliner after tearing the old fabric off. After that it took an hour to clean up the old foam and apply contact adhesive before I tried to put the fabric down and work it along all the shapes and curves. I had my brother to help but we failed miserably. I found someone selling an incomplete black headliner set in Birmingham for £80.. didn't even argue about the price and wasted no time getting and fitting it. colour combo is not too bad: My new struts came with brand new 22mm nuts instead of 20mm ones so i 3d printed adapters for the original covers: Finished product:

I have a Panasonic TZ70 with a 30x optical zoom, screen and viewfinder that I bought "refurbished" from eBay (I think) many moons ago. It is full of features and gives excellent results.

Makes a big difference to wheel hop and getting the power down running approx 440bhp and same torque helps loads