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Stonekeeper
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Lee01
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Popular Content
Showing content with the highest reputation on 15/10/25 in all areas
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the truth about electric cars
4 pointsIn other news my gas has gone down 0.054p per unit but the standing charge rose 4p per day. Another fiddle. Keeping the standing charge high means lower users can save proportionately less and less by reducing usage – that disempowers them – and is a disincentive to energy reduction generally, which is not great for the environment.4 points
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the truth about electric cars
4 pointsThis requires the customer to have the means to invest in the equipment to store the energy,why don't the energy companies buy the equipment to store the excess then they could charge the average price throughout the day. Because it's too expensive? Will affect their profits? We will end up being mandated to plug cars in every time we are home whether needing a charge or not, the energy company will then drain and re- charge "our" batteries for the departure time we set. Optimizing the energy but transferring wear and tear to the customer. Another idea would be help everyone to have battery storage in the property so the time shifting could happen automatically and again it could be same price per unit throughout the 24hrs. The current system is an economic divide. Energy should be a National asset.4 points
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The Super B and That Trip to France (Story of a Fraught Journey)
Hi All - Just a bit of writing for you all to enjoy - I'm no writer but stay with me anyway - Mods if you wish to Move to another section feel free 😁 The Super B and That Trip to France Us Caddye’s are your traditional archetypical Irish family. No airs or graces with us, what you see is what you get. Two great kids, our lad, Jay is 10 and our daughter Alannah is 13 now. We have a fairly normal existence in fairness with bills to pay, places to go, activities for the kids, trying to just make life as stress free as possible – Every family is in the same boat up and down this country. When my beloved Mk1 Fabia vRS was involved in an unscheduled indiscretion with a Galway traffic light I was on the lookout for another car. I was trying to delay the inevitable “That car is way too small to fit the kids and associated bits in” conversation but alas that conversation was accelerated at 4:45am on a rainy morning in April 2024! My search ended with a reasonably tidy 3T 2010 Skoda Superb Mk2 Estate. Not only that she is an Elegance with tan leather, loads of toys, an absolutely massive boot, loads of space inside and going well. The car is an original Dublin registered car as well which is a rarity in this country as we always have low spec cars with the way that extras are taxed. Because of GDPR I will never find out about previous owners or where in the class structure they fall. Car absolutely fits our needs like a glove, cheap running, parts plentiful and mechanics know them better than they know their own wives. Mechanically Superb’s of this generation are fairly robust and reliable with very few foibles so I was ready for many years of loyal service. After this car came to us via a great chap Declan for very reasonable money we were all set for a new chapter in family motoring. The car really proved herself over the next few months and we had no concerns apart from one day I started her at work and she ran like a bag of weasels but then cleared – strange I thought but passed it off as a glitch. Another day she put a load of smoke out the back and Sinead my wife mentioned that the car put smoke out on her but then cleared, but again I put that down to a DPF regen. On cold mornings there was a bit of steam from the exhaust but this was attributed to the cold. Another thing that annoys me is the parking sensors – I park putting my arm around the passenger seat and looking back, a skill that has been passed down the Caddye generations as both my father and grandfather done likewise. The sensors on the left back were giving erroneous readings which again I put down to age related issues. Nothing to worry about. Little did I know that these little incidents were invariably linked. She was running really well and with this in mind Sinead asked me how I felt about driving in France as there was a great deal going for Domaine de Ormes which is only 200km from the Cherbourg ferry. Sounds good to me I said so let’s go for that All good and happy in the weeks leading to the trip, new tyres, a new timing belt, tensioner, idler rollers and waterpump were fitted up with Cian and a good check over. Alco testers, hi vizzys, headlight beam benders, IRL badge on the back, bulb kit, mini trolley jack, breaking bar with 19mm socket. A selection of hoses and a few tools. This would cover all foreseeable incidents and keep the French gendarmerie happy. Tuesday before the off and the heater wasn’t great in the car – Also with the expansion bottle cap off there was a few bubbles coming up – Ahh sure she probably didn’t just bleed right was the problem I told myself. I had an appointment in Galway but outside Abbyknockmoy things took a turn for the worse with loads of white smoke from the exhaust. I promptly called off the appointment and headed for Craughwell as this is where Dave and Sean are. These lads are VW specialists and really know the EA189 engine. Their diagnosis was “Bypass the water supply to the EGR cooler and see how it goes. Them coolers split and allow the exhaust gas and water to mix giving the appearance of a headgasket failure” Sean asked me had she ever locked up on startup and I said no but I had to replace the battery a few months ago as she refused to turn over… “I have never seen one of them engines need a headgasket in the 20 years I have worked on them” was a reassuring thing to hear Back to Ian’s and Cian put in an EGR cooler bypass but the smoke was still there – Thats probably still residual water in the exhaust I said – Sorry I wanted to believe. She was still bubbling in the expansion tank – Not as bad but still bubbling none the less. Jimmy was asking what was going on and we told him. His reply I would keep hearing at least 3 times a day for the next 8 days “Under no circumstances take that car to France” So the following Thursday I went to work with the car and no water usage and no smoke – Great I thought that’s her ready now. Friday I used the car for work again and no problem. I was now confident that all was within limits. Friday evening, I loaded the car and checked her over, put on the IRL and put on the headlight beam benders. Lifted the bonnet and checked the oil, perfect then checked the expansion bottle and to my horror it was low, so low in fact it was on the point of triggering the alarm. I tried to think of a way out, but it was too late – She was going to Dublin and Dublin is 200k away. If she uses a bottleful of coolant every 150k that will be doable ….. I have a full 5 litres of coolant in the shed and I have an empty one so I put 2.5 in one and fill the 2 with water – 10 litres is the whole system filled twice so that should do it. I pack the 2 jars in at the tailgate edge for easy access. Here we go. I am a small bit worried and try not to show it, its too late to pull out and we definitely need the Superb as Sinead’s beloved FN2 Honda just doesn’t have the boot and isn’t booked on the boat. This has to work – I’m that far in that there is no way back now. Kids are all excited and bringing this and that – I am quiet thinking the worst. Saturday 31st May 2025 I phone the Insurance to see how we are fixed if it goes south in France – I can get recovered to a local French mechanic and a few other bits. Our travel insurance will get us home but the car will have to stay “Ahh sure I’m sure nothing will happen – Don’t worry about it” said the chirpy girl at the other end. If you only knew what I know now I was thinking. I googled every car place, every recovery outfit, and every train station between Cherbourg and Domain de Ormes – Get ready, if this goes tits up then both mine and our Super B’s reputation would be irreparably damaged. Everyone is ready and I suggest that we set off early as we are all geared for the off. This has to work, and I can’t say anything. The temperature gauge and the low coolant level warning cannot be seen from the passenger side which is one small comfort. We set out and drive through Clonberne as the road to Creggs is closed. We call to Ian – Cian isn’t there and I say my bye byes and say everything is okay. Ian says “Cian is a bit worried about the car” I told him she will be sound. I am driving steady watching the gauge – 90degC all the way. We stop at Killbeggan and I disappear to check the bottle – At the level so all good. Feeling not too bad. M4, M50, Port Tunnel and traffic is heavy, Temp is perfect no warnings. We land at the ferry terminal and I am happy enough. Stage 1 of 4 complete. We go up the boat ramp of the WB Yeats and the low coolant warning comes on to which I remark that the sharp incline has put on the warning. Right 150k has now been set and that is do able. You would be taking a break at that distance anyway so its definitely within the realms of possibility that this will work Sunday 1st June 2025 After a fairly restless night I’m in a tizzy to get to the deck to get the car topped up and I hurry on to the deck and get all the bags in, bonnet pulled expansion bottle topped up and then the nervous wait – Everyone quiet. Is it a leak or the headgasket? – No coolant on the deck. Please let this work. Perfect startup and no smoke, not too bad. We roll up on a French passport control officer and the kids are giving him whatever French they have picked up and he is delighted but just as he says “Bon Voyage”, the dreaded alarm for low coolant blares again … Oh f**k this can’t be, please not here, not now, – No where to stop and check. It can’t be gone already …… Please no, not in France and not on a Sunday. On a Sunday the French rest, no exceptions. I hear Jimmy’s warning once again “Under no circumstance take that car to France” I say to myself throw caution to the wind and just push on, no petrol stations, then there are signs for lorry’s not to overtake, and you guessed it that means climbs. A Superb Estate is 1550kg and has about 500 kgs of people and luggage on board so no big lifts or putting any pressure on the car. Then the temp gauge starts to climb off the 90…. No please – I check the oil temp and its saying 114 – Not overly high – If it gets to 125 – 130 you are on thin ice. Temp gauge is at over 105 now and the low-level coolant warning is flashing… I know the EA189 is strong but can it take that sort of abuse? The road starts to level off, the temperature levels off and my stress levels off. We travel about 150k and Sinead suggests a stop off at a services Aire Vallee De La Vire – Thank God. Kids get a feed, we get a feed. The Superb gets a rest and a cool down. We sit for 45mins and Sinead announces we are only 60k to go. I say im going to check the car. The pressure in the expansion bottle is enormous and I start to fill the bottle again. Nearly 2 litres she takes. I decide to run the engine to circulate the water, which I didn’t and couldn’t do on the boat. She fires up no problem and I go under to check – Where’s the cap ?…. Please no… where will I get a cap in the middle of France on a Sunday? I look and its down by the alternator. I left it on the engine cover and then started her up. Any more I put it on the scuttle panel – A lesson learned….! We load up and head out – No warnings and temp normal. I just cruise along with a lorry at 90km in the right lane. Everyone thinks that this reduced speed is just a factor of us being in a strange land. Its all about mechanical sympathy and preservation after the heating she has endured over the previous 100 or so miles. We come off the dual carriageway just as the temperature hand starts to stir and with the reduced pace it levels again. We roll up to the campsite and check in. Special stage 2 out of 4 is now complete. Alannah remarks “Daddy the car is smoking a bit” I pass this off as a DPF regen and don’t say anymore. We have made it – Now we have a sick Superb and we are 500k from Patch – That’s quite a problem for me only as everyone else is oblivious – Lets keep it that way Monday and Tuesday 2nd and 3rd June 2025 Rest days and I post on the Briskoda.com forum but just ask if there any harm in bypassing the EGR cooler? I don’t disclose that we are in bother in France. I just don’t want to jinx the whole deal. I know there is a small independent old school garage just down the road about 8km away - Staff Auto in Saint-Benoît-des-Ondes, Should I take the car there and see what they can do? What if I say I’m just going a nosey but If I do that the mask is well and truly off, everyone will be anxious and the holiday will be ruined. An answer comes from Breezy Pete from the Briskoda forum who says its good troubleshooting to bypass the EGR and no harm to drive it but get it sorted sooner rather than later. https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/532688-skoda-superb-mk2-cbbb-coolant-leakegr-advice/#comment-5951782Thinking back its now obvious the head gasket has gone or the head is cracked and there is no way that will be fixed here. The engine has got a fair heating and the head is probably warped – As long as she does not hydrolock as water will not compress and could break a connecting rod or piston – With the pressure in the system the water is leaking into one of the combustion chambers – Every cold startup will be a nerve-wracking experience from here on Wednesday 4th June 2025 We go to an open air Zoo and Castle Bourbansais, La Bourbansais, which is 23km away. It’s all rural roads and speed is slow. Car runs great no issue, No smoke, no warnings, steady temperature. Its all easy pace and the car behaves impeccably. When we get back, I check the expansion bottle – No coolant loss, Say nothing and keep saying it Thursday 5th June 2025 We intend to go to Dinan and a few places roundabout– We load up and I hit the key. The starter motor just clicks. This is the dreaded hydrolock. I keep trying and Sinead asks if the battery is down – I say maybe it is and eventually the engine turns over and fires into a rough run in a cloud of smoke – My biggest fear has now been realised – It’s the headgasket and make no mistake about it. We drive through the campsite with smoke eventually clearing – Nobody looks behind, everyone is oblivious to the situation but at this stage I’m now thinking of how we are going to get home and we aren’t going until Sunday. Some of the route is dual carriageway – I take it nice and handy but still the dreaded temperature starts to creep up again. I keep looking in the mirror for smoke but none appears. I nurse the car on the pretext that I’m being careful, The reality is one big stress and the engine will go full Chernobyl leaving us stranded. Friday 6th June 2025 We decide to go to Mont san Michele which is 30 or so km away. The heater now doesn’t work and its ****ing it down. I have to run the fan to keep the windows clear and its Baltic inside the car. Again its nice and easy pace and no hydrolock today. There is a complaint that it is really cold in the car and “We could all catch a dose” I grunt and say the heater matrix is likely blocked. Saturday 7th June 2025 Another hydrolock on first startup – Seans question earlier about the engine refusing to turn over on the starter now becomes relevant – Very relevant. We go to Dol de Bretagne for the market but again all I can think about is tomorrow and the trip to Cherbourg – We come back to the car after 2hrs and the car fires straight up – We go and refuel – We spy another LHD Superb Estate in dark blue – This one is on an 11-KE plate – I wonder what the story is there? Sunday 8th June 2025 Its D-Day and im not talking the Normandy Landings here. We will be passing by if we make it that far. I sit in the car and ask her nicely “I know you are very sick but please do your best and I promise I will get you fixed up properly and you will have your forever home with us” I check the oil for signs of water. The oil filler has a small layer of mayonnaise just under the cap. I didn’t see that. We load up the car with all our gear – Again I make the suggestion we leave early. Everyone aboard and its time. Here goes – I hit the key and The Super B fires up immediately without smoke and we take off – Sinead checks out and we are headed for Cherbourg – 209kms to go. Its overcast and cool. Perfect conditions, I think. For the first 60kms the temp needle is steady 90degC, no warnings. First climb and the needle starts to creep. The climb is steep, we are loaded to the hilt and I keep glancing down. The road levels off and the temp needle does likewise. This routine continues over the next 4 or 5 climbs. The needle doesn’t seem to be raising as high as the previous week. We stop in the same services and things aren’t as bad as the outward journey. I’m quietly confident. I check the expansion tank and again the pressure is big and the level is low enough. We have covered only 60kms at this stage. Another 110km to Cherbourg and them awful climbs to go. Next sign Cherbourg 78km, Cherbourg 46km, Cherbourg 23km – We go past the reenactment of the Normandy Landings – There are loads of people along the roads. The traffic is a bit slow which suits us just fine. We can see the coast as we come downhill into the port itself. We are early there with about 1 and a half hours in hand. As long as this car gets aboard the WB Yeats we will be home free. Every startup is faultless and we board the ferry. Stage 3 out of 4 is now complete. I am nearly celebrating. If the engine caves now then that will be grand – I will get pushed off and recovery can come and get us in Dublin Monday 9th June 2025 We awake early and have a light breakfast. I am thinking of the startup – Expansion bottle filled again – Sinead has booked us priority exit from the boat so to avoid mayhem we have to get going – Please do not hydrolock at this late stage. She fires up without incident, no smoke no rough running, passport check a chat with the customs and onto the Port Tunnel, M50 and M4. Homeward bound, Temperature steady, no alarms, Nice and calm pace. Im now getting confident that indeed we are going to make it. A stop off at Maccy D’s outside Athlone and bottle filled – She then hydrolocks again and again she eventually turns over, starts, runs rough and clouds of smoke. I don’t really care as we are very close now and the damaged engine is getting steadily worse but even if the engine goes bang now then Ian can come up with a trailer and get us – She runs rough, is suffering but eventually we struggle home – We have made it Stage 4 out of 4 complete. Tuesday 10th June 2025 We have to go to Limerick for a bed for Alannah – I am really chancing it now. We stop at Ian’s Garage. Ian, Cian and Jimmy are at the door of the garage as I pull in. I step out with the two arms aloft and with the victory fingers on both hands smiling like a cheshire cat. Jimmy is the first to speak exclaiming “I have to hand it to you – You have balls” I tell the above story and everyone says we were very very lucky to get away with such a journey We did get to Limerick and back and the following Thursday I come back from work with the car belching out clouds of steam. Sinead asked me “Is your car working okay?” I said “Well its working but its not okay” “OMG was it like that in France?” “Yes it was – Did you enjoy France and did you have any concerns about the car?” “Yes and No” “ Well all I saw of France was a temperature gauge, a low level warning light and an empty expansion bottle” – I drove the car on for a further 3 weeks to the point I had to release the built up pressure in the bottle every time I stopped the car before she eventually cried enough and the engine refused to start. The EA189 will always be remembered for its association with the VW Dieselgate scandal but no other engine would have stuck that sort of abuse for as long as it did or maybe it was the little chat I had on the morning before we took off for the homeward leg. A car is an innate object incapable of showing any emotion but I like to think that they do indeed have a heart, soul and a personality. All my workmates knew that the trip was in jeopardy as I was telling them of my troubleshooting capers the week previous – Usually you would get a “How’s the holiday going?” text but they knew that it was on a knife edge and any mention of it would have put the kybosh on the trip. I never contacted anyone either for the same reason! Thinking now about the whole trip, the well worn adage from the SAS is fitting in this story “He who dares wins”. The car could have blew up on the way to Dublin or worse still outside Cherbourg on the climbs or halfway to Mont san Michael but it didn’t but it was close. There was too much at stake to surrender. The Super B has received another full engine so she does indeed live to fight another day. She is going great – No oil/water loss and no tsunami in the expansion bottle. There was a fair few bits we got with the new to me engine. Did you know that the bare EA189 is identical no matter what engine code it has? Nor did I – The difference in engine codes is in the injectors and turbocharger only. Well I made a promise that our Superb will never see another owner if she held up her end of the bargain, which she did so it’s up to me to honour my promise!! Many a 15-year-old car gets unnecessarily scrapped when a problem like this occurs being classed as uneconomical to repair but I believe that if you have a small bit of DIY knowledge you can easily keep an older girl maintained and roadworthy giving you years of loyal service. My car has many dings and marks and is no show pony but as transport she excels. I laugh every time I see a new SUV as I am looking at €500 every month in repayments and then the car isn’t even yours for you have to stump up €20k in a balloon payment – I don’t give a toss how bad an old 2010 Superb is going but she won’t swallow a monkey of cash every month. Fact. We made it to France - Outside Domaine des Ormes Outside the Lodge Boot full with Cooler Box and the Vital Coolant in the Right side We Mad ethe Cherbourg Ferry - Now that's a relief 3 Weeks and finally she has given up - Fair play to the Brian James Trailer Sun is shining on an empty Bay Like a big Jigsaw - She has come back Dol de Bretagne3 points
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the truth about electric cars
3 pointsGetting way off the EV topic now but Marxism is definitely a massive step too far. What we should have is a level playing field in Taxation which everyone has the ability to meet their strengths and contribute to the running of the society that supports them when needed. Our current system controlled by the 1% and applied by Government is skewed towards them. They convince well paid people that tax is too high and get them to vote against higher taxes and challenge every change for their benefit. They even go so far as allowing people to use the taxation system to pay less with some earnings which they have the ability to do for the majority of what "they" earn for a living. Taxation should be based on what people "Earn for a living" EFAL They do this by applying the top rate at what is really not massive money. Then saying if you take some of your salary as dividends you pay a quarter on that. The threshold for 40% should be now way above £50,000, probably up to £80,000.With another threshold at £150,000 increasing to 50% NI should have no upper earnings limit Dividends paid to owners and employees should be taxed at the persons relevant rate. Dividends paid to independent investors should start at 10% but go up at thresholds. similar to EFAL Money paid into a Pension pot should be exempt until drawn down again at EFAL rates People solely living off investments "For a living" should be subject to EFAL rates No IHT between Parents and children. No salary sacrifice for employee car purchase, if a car is needed for the job it should be a Company car, if they want one to commute to work buy their own or get the bus. Sensible people would aspire to pay the higher rates only a sociopath would say "I don't want that rise because i'll pay more tax"3 points
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the truth about electric cars
3 pointsYou really do not have a clue how some people are forced to live and many are wondering where their next meal is coming from.3 points
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the truth about electric cars
3 pointsGoing back a long time now but when i started work in the late 70s, I was employed at a 2 screen Cinema open 11am to 10:30pm ish depending upon film length. We had 25p admission for OAPs before 6pm. A few came at 11am and stayed all day, the Manager even allowed them to switch screens. Never thought that they were just choosing to do this, who would choose to watch the same films at least ten times in a week.3 points
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the truth about electric cars
3 pointsAnd now can't afford to run those 2kW convector heaters so they wear multiple layers of clothing and sit under blankets - BBC West showed several people having to do this last Winter, and I don't see any reason to believe it won't be the same for them this Winter.3 points
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the truth about electric cars
3 pointsThat means nearly 80% of us are not! Please do NOT make the incorrect assumption that pensioners are well off! Despite having worked exclusively in the allegedly important high tech industries I was made redundant 4 times during my working life and had to restart from a lower salary each time, so my private pensions do not match those of someone lucky enough (like my father) to work for one firm for 40+ years. So my pensions income does not meet the suggested level for a "comfortable" life style and I have to carefully consider every outgoing.3 points
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the truth about electric cars
2 pointsI don't know what is a fair share and those in lower half of income mostly do not. Real policies gave to use the tax system to get in as possible but that is clearly giving Salary Sacrifice on Pension Contributions which is probably the large buyer of UK Gilts which is used to keep the UK funded and keep paying the interest on the £3T debt that this current government inherited from the last run of fast and loose Con governments. Also the last government raised the annual amount that one can put in to the tax avoiding, at time of receipt to pay possibly another rate when finally taken, to keep the GPs working and not going part time. Back to EVs and just put 9 kwh in my rental Peugeot 308 e, will get ne back to airport with no refill charge despite being given it with 100% charge as it will be more than 70% SOC on return. Done about 250 kms in it, charge at public charger just outside my hotel, 5€, not bad for 150 miles so about 3p per mile, happy with that. Will probably do EVs for all European holidays now on. Not so sure about Canada though.2 points
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the truth about electric cars
2 pointsI’d vote for it Graham, but can you imagine the meltdown if Reeves announced in the next budget a complete shake up where EVERYONE paid their fair share ?2 points
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Low 12v battery error
2 pointsYou say "It's not an alternator problem as it charges (12.9v-13.3v-13.4v)."" That doesn't seem right to me. I have the same car (2017 1.6 TDi). I changed battery from original EFB to Yuasa AGM, Charging voltage most of the time is 14.8 volts. Did you change battery type to "FLEECE" when you recoded ?2 points
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the truth about electric cars
2 pointsIf the electricity generation and delivery system was Nationalised. The Government could scrap the varying Tariffs and use the increasing use of electricity overnight for vehicles to fund the purchase of the Batteries to "Balance" the supply and bring the total price of electricity use down for everyone. This would stop the price of electricity being set by the price of Gas2 points
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the truth about electric cars
2 pointsWow!!! - those statements are very naive as a minimum and show that you appear to be quite 'out of touch' in relation to how many people in this country live on a daily basis and are hand-to-mouth in terms of finances. Mind you, and please don't take this as a personal insult, it is typical of the attitudes of many people who are generally well off and also of people who constantly 'promote' or 'evangelise' about 'EVs' and 'Environmental / Green' initiatives.2 points
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MGP Woes :(
2 pointsYou put in fuel, so brim and drive and then brim again. Easy to know how many miles it goes per litre or miles per 4.546 litres it gets.2 points
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EV charger paused, could get refused
2 points
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the truth about electric cars
2 pointsDo you not believe there are people with no central heating that still use 2kw convector heaters throughout the day?2 points
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Paint Code Location
1 pointApparently it depends on when your car was built.. https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/459109-options-list-sticker-location/ @Breezy_Pete may be able to help you via pm if you ask really nicely though 😉1 point
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Hey Hello ! Yellow!
1 pointWouldn’t make sense to write danish unless it’s a direct conversion with a danish person. I like all info I can get on everything so this is the place1 point
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Paint Code Location
1 pointThanks Lee. Can anyone confirm for certain? I need to tell my wife where to look for it - better if I know for certain where to tell her rather than might be here or there lol!1 point
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Paint Code Location
1 pointNot sure if they still do it but check under the boot carpet next to where the spare wheel, if you have one, would be - there may well be a large sticker showing the vehicles options for the factory build which should include the paint code. It's usually a number and a letter e.g. 7Q7Q1 point
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the truth about electric cars
1 pointMy EFAL scheme would have no limit on money put in a Pension scheme above the money declared under EFAL, because the money would pay tax under the EFAL rules in the future. People would pay taxes in line with the money used "living"1 point
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the truth about electric cars
1 pointI don't blame people for using the system, I just don't like them falling for it and being used in this way. In 1979 we had a tax rate of 60% and had even higher leading up to that. The rate was reduced and subsequent governments have maintained it by selling off all that the higher taxes had accrued. Gold, Industries etc all sold down the river to reduce taxation. For the benefit of who really?1 point
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Challenges with my Skoda Fabia Estate from august 2016
TPMS warnings are not only when a tyres pressure / circumference is less than when set. If a wheel centre was getting hot because of a binding brake caliper or bearing going the tyre can inflate more and you get a warning. If you only check pressures once cooled down you will not know why you had a warning.1 point
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Range Rover Velar D300 V6 to Superb L&K - Guidance, Advice and Opinions
Have a look for second hand ones. Winchester Skoda has a 2.0 4x4 second hand in stock.1 point
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Challenges with my Skoda Fabia Estate from august 2016
Tyres need checked occasionally and the TPMS reset, so that is normal. Batteries do have a life and need replaced occasionally, so normal there. Loosing coolant is an issue, the leak needs finding. & fixed.1 point
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the truth about electric cars
1 pointThe Octopus scheme is designed to increase market share by attracting new customers. The Company made no profit until it's eighth year because until then it did not have enough subscribers. It can only increase turnover and maintain profit by adding more. Once it reaches saturation point i think it will have no option but to increase prices and reduce offers to keep the shareholders happy?1 point
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Any Skoda specialists in Norfolk ?
Have a look in to Das Auto in Norwich if that isn’t too far for you. They are VAG specialists. I’ve used them a couple of times in the past and intend on using them to service my car in future now that the Skoda Service plan has ended. I took the car to them recently for their opinion on a coolant drain and flush as it looked a little discoloured however they tested it, checked for a silica bag and confirmed there was no debris and that it was all good. They said the work would be unnecessary but would be happy to carry it out still if I wanted. They certainly knew more about my cars service schedule than the main dealer when discussing upcoming work too!1 point
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Stop/Start curious behaviour on 2.0 TSI
Can't help I'm afraid. Get in car. Start car. Press: Disable Start / Stop Select Individual Driving Mode Autohold Drive away. Have never used start / stop. Wish you could switch if off permanently and that Individual Driving Mode would stay as default until you decide to change it. Still minor 'First World Problems' really for a fantastic car.1 point
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DieselMonte's 2012 Monte Carlo Project.
Few things since its been a while. Handbrake lever broke so robbed one out of the Mk1 vrs parts car, fits fine. Was easier got to than the mk2 parts car since its been stripped down. Also a slightly less worn wheel to go on mine. Full 180k service. Seen a pipercross filter for cheap so got it (new). Know full well it will make no performance difference. Full Oil/Air/Fuel/Pollen wipers etc. New n75 again and pedal pads as mine were slightly wore. Replaced two rough looking coolant pipes also. Small amount of fuzz on sump bung but nothing worrysome yet. New lhf arch liner as mine was damaged (genuine). Refitted all the undertrays. Got my "new" ar1s fitted. VERY tight fit. Did mondello end of last month with a mate. Extremely busy for something in the middle of the week. Car did well, suffered bigly from rubbing Tyre softener stuff worked brilliantly, as did the cetane booster from the same lad. Let it cool off proper between runs, standard cooling system is at its limit. I did refit the intercooler sprayer which helped. Think the tyres clearanced themselves over the day. Full credits to the photographer on the day Very nice picks for a not so fast car. Could be worse. Weighed all the wheels i had out of interest. Heaviest was the monte wheels with ar1s : 21kg Next was the monte wheels with PS4s :20.3kg Then the OZ superturismos :19.75kg Lastly the mk1 spyders at just: 16.6kg Basically 4kg a wheel lighter than my normal wheels. And i do think theyre the nicest wheels out of all of them. Most likely run them next time i need tires. Roped into doing mondello again end of the month, hopefully i can do kirkistown again too as it was brilliant. Mx5 if it passes mot next year will do the trackwork as ill be getting slicks for it very soon. Potentially getting turbo sorted start of next year. Funds allowing. Have all there but ill most likely do more work around it. I would like a 6 speed. Probably should put a new rad in also. Really if im swapping the turbo ill drop all out and do it out of the car. Not a small job in itself but itll be done. Providing it passes nct end of the year, get it over with before i do any major work.1 point
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the truth about electric cars
1 pointAnd then their share price dropped 14% ForbesFerrari Shares Tumble Toward Historic Losses As Guidance...The luxury automaker also scaled back expectations for its new electric vehicle business.1 point
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the truth about electric cars
1 pointFar more than the authorities are willing to admit and make public, because it suits them to be economical with the truth.1 point
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Fitting OBDII Adaptor to 2023 Octavia VRS
1 point
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the truth about electric cars
1 pointFree electricity that anyone can participate (as long as have freely fitted smart meter) https://www.uswitch.com/mobile-app/power-hours/25-hours-free-electricity/?lid=aezqoejwk55u1 point
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MGP Woes :(
1 pointThe 'problem' is that the engine is stone cold for at least the first 2 to 3 miles of your trip - plus you are probably pulling heat away from the system for heating. The engine will be running fairly inefficiently until it has fully warmed-up.1 point
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Intelligent Octopus Go
1 pointI know others have used the same unplug and plug back in method but it’s far from ideal especially if it’s in the early hours or piddling down 🤦♂️ I’m sure the vRS will be supported by Octopus 🐙 at some point, maybe worth asking them when this would be? It should be simple for them to use the Elroq 85 configuration and amend the battery capacity… All I can add is that the Elroq integration is working for me. Hope you manage to solve your issues 🤞1 point
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Intelligent Octopus Go
1 pointCheers Steve I'll give the 85 edition a go. To get around the issue what I have been having to do is once the session starts & the car doesn't respond I unplug then reattach the plug and that kicks starts it. But this is not always practical especially when Octopus schedules multiple sessions1 point
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Glow Plug Control Module J179
1 pointHere is the link as promised. Glow Plug Control Unit 0281003085 Bosch ECU 038907281B 132129 2502129 GZS New | eBay UK1 point
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Haldex 5 service- where to find pump sealing rings?
OK, finally found what was needed-- TOPRAN 120 165. Case CLOSED. Topic can be CLOSED! //Olari1 point
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Škoda Favorit fuel pump and distributor
I decided to buy "Ultra Spark Classic" distributor as I have read somewhere that they are the best bet of all of the new distributors, Will test it today and post up the results. Regarding the fuel pump, I have decided to just keep the old one in and add another fuel filter before the pump. Cheers!1 point
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the truth about electric cars
1 pointNope, not in the slightest, think about it, loads of pensioners have lost their £200 winter fuel payment, energy companies have had massive windfall profits and yet those that could clearly well afford to pay are enjoying massive savings, something not right there.1 point
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the truth about electric cars
1 pointIf the suppliers are being paid something like 42p a kw to take this excess power then they should be prioritising the less well of in society or, give everyone so many hours of free power per month etc, because although you used 0% finance to fund your gear, you are still better heeled than millions of others are, as there is zero chance of many of them, me included in getting any sort of finance even at 0% interest. In my case the only source of income I have is my pension which barely covers my commitments, and I know that there are many others out there, who aren't pensioners, and are in employment, but still only able to earn the national minimum hourly wage, and many who work in the retail sector for instance are either still on zero hours or 6 to 12 hour per week contracts, surely you must be aware of that? Anyway, this is all getting off topic, so I think we should try and bring it back around to being more in line with that.1 point
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Intelligent Octopus Go
1 pointI tried the direct car to octopus integration but the vrs is not supported so it was a non starter. I have taken it further with Skoda and now had the following response. Thank you for your response. We are sorry to hear that you have not been informed of this during purchase. We fully understand your disappointment and symphatise with your position. Please kindly bear with us while we inquire about future Octopus compatibility with the respective department. We will shortly contact you with further information. Thank you for your understanding and patience in advance.1 point
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Octavia 2L diesel vibration problem
I've got a 1.4TSI and it has no vibration at all. Interesting to hear 2 others do. Do you know how your front wheels got buckled? I'd say that and the vibration is related. Maybe rear wheels also buckled. It probably won't be visible. More of a minute bend and balance problem. Maybe a straight edge would show it up. But I wouldn't replace unless the CV boots or wheel bearings are on the way out as well.1 point
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MGP Woes :(
1 pointThe 2.0 TDI is very likely Regenning more than it used to and using more diesel. If it is getting 39 mpg over 7 miles from a cold start that sounds pretty good.1 point
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Hello!
1 pointI did wonder when I saw your first post. Even mentioned it to another member that I've only seen that handle in one other place!1 point
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Upper Engine Mount
1 point
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Washing the Superb today ***warning photo dump***
1 point
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Coolant leak after servicing water pump and timing belt
1 point
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DieselMonte's 2012 Monte Carlo Project.
Braided lines gone on Only did the fronts as the rears looked a pain to do. All bled up perfect. Pedal feels great, brakes work fantastic AND they're quiet as can be. Made up another engine mount. Replaced the hydroil with 60 shore polyurethane. After a while of curing it went on. Easy job. Feels fantastic so far and NVH is completely fine. Feels better than the wore standard mount that found its way on. Not car related but found a kitten on its own in the shed. On its own and its mam didnt come back so took it home, kept it warm fed etc. Anyway a month on its doing great, So all going pretty well for once.1 point
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Rear door lock, does not lock, implausible signal, but VCDS shows closed and locked
So with a bit of consultancy with @langers2k and someone on another forum, I got to the bottom of this. We all agreed it seemed mechanical and it was. I realised even the old module was operating entirely correctly out of the door with the pull cables disconnected. Connecting them, I then noticed with the internal handle pull cable connected the release lever on the module was partly pulled with just the cable connected. Turns out the cable had been pulled and the sheath pulled out of the end fitting and this caused the wire length to shorten and be pulling on the lever even when not being operated. I have tried to squish the sheath back in the lengthen the cable length and it is currently working!! It was confusing the old module wasn't showing the implausible signal error like the new one did! And the old one didn't click locked and unlocked where as the replacement did. But either work now. I'll be selling a new rear door lock or two now! Someone had been in the door trying to fix this probably several times as the big plastic internal access cover plate is missing!1 point