Warrior193

^^^^^ Ditto for TSI. The battery in my MY16 Octavia typically sits at 75% max. But it's still a good thing to give the battery an occasional 100% charge.

Get quotes from other (online) suppliers and use that as a starting point for negotiations with selected dealer. Definitely regret not specifying ACC and heated windshield.

@cado 1 - Yes, but I would not recommend 'Dumb' charger - if no other option, monitor battery carefully and do not leave charging unattended. 2- Yes 3- Better to avoid any fast charging, suggest maximum external charge rate should not exceed 1/10th of battery Amp-Hour rating. Note that EFB and AGM batteries require a slightly higher charging voltage cut-off point than standard SLA batteries - 'Dumb' charger will not be able to do this.

I believe it is so that the battery monitoring system is kept updated with charge from external source.

If a lead acid battery voltage has fallen below the threshold trigger voltage of a smart charger, the battery will almost certainly have suffered serious internal damage.

@cado Older model, but I've used a Ring RSC 608 for a few years now and can recommend it. Output is selectable between 2-8 amps and has all the charging modes you would normally need.

Full of BS Corporation-Speak and employing Customer Service Manglers (sic) who couldn't tell their rear end from their elbow.

Unfortunately, it often seems to be 'no care, no responsibility' and keep feeding the customer nonsense until they just go away.

AFAIK, there is a single exception to using a starter motor for S/S - The Mazda I-Stop - this uses timed injection and ignition to the cylinder nearest (after) TDC on compression stroke to get engine rotating from auto stop.

Interesting to see that Allams Epsom haven't changed - I stopped going there after my Octavia's first annual service.

I'm going to try for The Telegram.

Hi Bas, I'd have to disagree that the S/S is not intended, at least in part, to help the environment - an idling engine is producing zero MPG, going nowhere, but still producing exhaust emissions.

Welcome to the forum. Cats can retain operating temperature for at least 10-15 minutes (some sources quote up to 25 mins) Idling engine will not usually generate sufficient heat to get cat to correct operating temp. Better all round to stop idle, certainly if stopped for more than 10-15 secs.

Hello Paul, I'm not a locksmith, but do work quite a bit on locks in my job. That is possible - try smearing a little graphite powder on the keyways and a little puff into the lock itself to see if it helps. Apart from the occasional reluctance to release the key, are there any other signs of the lock being 'sticky'?

That would turn my stomach every time I did engine checks - On the bright side, I guess it makes it easier to see if anything has fallen off the top of the engine.

🤣

All fishermen are liars, except you and me - sometimes I'm not so sure about you. 😄

I often see comments suggesting that using auto stop-start doesn't save much fuel. I normally leave mine activated because I think it's the right thing to do, and I've always thought it does make an average 3-5 MPG improvement. - accepting that the fuel computer can be a little 'optimistic' , I ran a little test on my normal run to work at 0-dark hundred this morning. Stop-Start was unavailable due to several factors, engine was pretty much up to full temperature, oil temp. was around 55deg. and I could see the average consumption figure decrement by 0.1 MPG for every 5-6 seconds stopped at lights - so about 1 MPG for every minute idling.

Hello Hetty, I did a little research - G12, G12+, G12++ and G12 evo are apparently all compatible with G13 - but with reduced corrosion protection. I believe this means shorter intervals between coolant changes. I believe that removal of the 'Mit Silicate' bag in the coolant expansion tank also requires more frequent coolant changes.

Hi Munch, I just measured my Octavia - there is a least 2 metres length available with the forward end of load projecting to a point behind the front face of the seat bolsters (well clear of handbrake) - this is with both front seats fairly well back (long legs) The rear seats fold 'almost flat' with the variable floor in raised position - I've not tried removing the base cushions of the rear seats.

There may be a suitable replacement from VW China - Try the Bay. That's where I got one for my Octavia 3, but it's badged VW!

Hello Hetty, my understanding is that G13 and G12 Evo are at least compatible in small quantities - I.e. top up. I recall seeing some discussion of this in another part of this forum - particularly when the silicate bag is removed from the older type of coolant expansion chamber. PS. your Fabia was most likely originally filled with G12 evo.

How much! 😲

Hello Berisford, provided you keep a regular check on it - and it is secure, I can't see why you shouldn't retain the cover - just remove it when you take it in for the service. I agree, engine compartment looks 'more finished' with cover in place. My understanding was that the cover was intended to be replaced with an upgraded one when it became available.

Hi Michael, the sad emoticon was for the misinformation lies out there in stealer land. Glad that you got it sorted at a more reasonable price.