Conrad2

Sorry to bore you, Sippo. I thought the purpose of the forum was to get other people's useful opinions and tips; if you feel unable to do that I'd suggest you keep shut.

Thought I'd try Shell VPower, which to be fair they don't actually claim will give you more mpg, but if it doesn't then what's the point? Especially as it costs about 4p more per litre. So far after a few fill-ups, the on-board computer is showing that I'm getting about 2-3 mpg less than when I used any old diesel. Wondering what other Skoda drivers are finding. And here's another funny thing - I had always assumed that the on-board computer was giving me an accurate measure of my mpg, but when I actually work it out from my own calculations based on fuel in and miles driven, I find I'm really doing about 5 mpg less. Anyone else found this?

if all else fails read the instructions!

Interesting article in latest Which? magazine about trend now to not have a spare wheel but a repair kit instead. Skoda does this on nearly all new models, although you can buy a spare as an extra. I hadn't realised that if you have to use the repair kit, the tyre often cannot be repaired so you have to buy a new tyre at much greater cost that a puncture repair, plus a new repair kit at about £30 - £40. Much cheaper in the long run to get a real spare at the outset, as a new tyre will easily outweigh the saving in fuel by having no weight from the spare. Also if the puncture is more than a small hole the repair kit won't fix it anyway, so you're stuck.

The reason for directional arrows is to ensure they are put on the right way round as they work best that way - safer in particular. If this wasn't the case they'd be usual heterosexual type! Seriously, your car is probably less safe with the tyres round the wrong way and knowing how insurance companies can be these days you may not be covered!

Been reading all this with interest - I seem to be heading for a similar problem. http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=93764 talks of the problems VW have had in China which can add weight to any argument that the gearbox isn't lasting as long as even the manufacturers were expecting. Any joy yet, Briskodian?

Thanks for that, SurreySkodarian. I'm new to this forum and hadn't seen the existing thread - useful info. and advice there which hopefully I won't have to recourse to. I bought the car 14 months old, unfortunately from a dealer in Hampshire and I'm 200 miles away in West Wales.

Noticed for past couple of months my diesel Elegance automatic had a vibration a bit like a wheel not being balanced properly. Checked the wheel balancing - nothing wrong, even swapped wheels by taking off winter ones and putting summer ones on, but no difference. Eventually took it to local Skoda dealer who after checking it over said the problem was in the gearbox - had it on the lift and was a worrying noise when the wheels were turned. Not a problem they can fix apparently, would need to take it to a specialist automatic gearbox mechanic along with a cheque for about £4,000! Anyone got any ideas on this problem? Also am I likely to get any joy from Skoda? - the car is 4 months out of the 3 year warranty but I did read on autoevolution website that VW had a lot of problems with the DSG gearbox in China and then in Europe, and they extended the warranty to 100,000 miles.