Carlston

I've got this Bosch 12V C1 car battery charger. It cost about £35 including postage from amazon.de It's a very modern battery charger and an led light comes on when the battery is fully charged. It will charge all 12V car batteries including the latest stop-start AGM models. There are no settings to set, so its as simple as it gets to use, and it won't overcharge the battery. Notice the four LED lights in the photo. Standby, Charging, Full, and ! if there are problems. The charge rate is 3.5 Amps which is close to the maximum charge rate that is recommended by the battery manufacturers for many of the typical car battery sizes and models. https://www.amazon.de/-/en/189-999-01M-battery-charger/dp/B00RP3DEW6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bosch+12v+c1&qid=1633439463&qsid=260-8735091-6284542&sr=8-1&sres=B00RP3DEW6%2CB00EALQM9S%2CB005XVTW0A%2CB0924XTRV7%2CB00B1RH3KG%2CB0032BKLI0%2CB003VEILMG%2CB003JY81VO%2CB08GKYW5KS%2CB07MBFY5ZH%2CB003JY828G%2CB01N4F9YRD%2CB06XYPXVFC%2CB002B552QY%2CB07R2FGH4Z%2CB00FAMAB4S Yuasa recommends a 3A charge rate for their 12V 50Ah AGM battery, a 4A charge rate for their 12V 60A AGM and 12V 70A AGM batteries, a 5A charge rate for their 12V 80A AGM and 12V 95A AGM batteries, and a 6A charge rate for their 12V 105Ah AGM battery. https://www.yuasa.co.uk/batteries/automotive/ybx9000-agm-batteries.html

What battery charger are you using? Many so called automatic battery chargers don't turn off but keep charging at a low level, and as soon as they get a bit of charge in them the charge rate drops to a very low level. If a battery charger keeps charging a car battery that is fully charged, it will damage it. Here's one example that looks like it's from the 1970's and best avoided as although it's marketed as an automatic battery charger it really is quite dumb as it's unable to detect when the battery is fully charged...and therefore keeps charging even when the battery is fully charged. If you don't have stop-start, then this Varta would have been a much better choice than the battery that you linked to on eurocarparts. Varta Battery 12V 63Ah D15 027 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251195560237?hash=item3a7c6c112d:g:~rYAAOSwaPdg0N~N

If it's been used by learners, the clutch will be worn and might soon need replacing.

It's easy enough to test the battery like I described above in my first post, then you will know if you need a new one. What battery do you have? (Make, model) This is one of the batteries that Varta recommends for the Octavia MK3 1.6TDI: Silver Dynamic AGM 570 901 076 Model: 570 901 076 Capacity: 70 Ah CCA: 760 A Width: 175 mm Length: 278 mm Height: 190 mm Short Code: E39 UK Code: 096AGM https://www.varta-automotive.com/en-gb/battery-finder?type=pc&year=2018&make=106&model=11196&engine=58766&etn=563+400+061|560+408+054|570+901+076|&rec_etn=560+408+054|570+901+076|&ss_etn=570+901+076|&literal_search={"type"%3A"Passenger+Car"%2C"year"%3A"2018"%2C"make"%3A"SKODA"%2C"model"%3A"OCTAVIA+III+Combi+(5E5%2C+5E6)"%2C"engine"%3A"1.6+TDI+(77+kW+%2F+105+PS)"}

Try the "bosch wiper blades" website to find the wipers that will fit: https://www.boschwiperblades.com/profile Bosch A937S https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-A937S-Aerotwin-Wiper-Blade/dp/B005FW4RA2/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bosch+a937s&qid=1633384005&refinements=p_76%3A419159031&rnid=419157031&rps=1&sr=8-1

12.0V is too low. I never jump start or use a battery booster as these methods put too much current through the battery, which will reduce its life. A gentle charge such as 4 Amps is much kinder to the battery. Many new stop-start cars are being fitted with a cheaper EFB battery rather than the much better and longer lasting AGM battery. If you still have the original EFB battery, simply replace with a new AGM battery from one of the best brands such as Varta.

What is the battery voltage when the engine is idling? Should be at least 13.8V You can measure from the cigarette lighter socket with an "LED/LCD cigarette lighter voltmeter" You can also disconnect the negative terminal and fully charge the battery. Leave it overnight with the negative terminal still disconnected, and then check the voltage. If you measure the battery directly (which you would have to do if the negative terminal is disconnected) the battery voltage should be at least 12.2V after being left overnight. Make sure you use a good fully automatic battery charger such as this Bosch 12V C1 018999901M (as having a battery charger that keeps charging after the battery is full will ruin the battery): https://www.amazon.de/Bosch-189-999-01M-Batterieladegerät/dp/B00RP3DEW6/ref=sr_1_16?__mk_de_DE=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&dchild=1&keywords=bosch+battery+charger+12v&qid=1633381897&sr=8-16 There are other good makes, but this Bosch is very simple to use. This Bosch can charge any 12V car battery including AGM and other stop-start batteries.

If you want oversize tyres, 185/65R15 has a 3.1% bigger outside diameter than the standard 185/60R15 size. 195/65R15 has a 5.2% bigger outside diameter than the standard 185/60R15 size. With 195/65R15 there's a risk that rubbing will occur when the suspension is fully compressed. With the Rapid: 185/65R15, 195/55R16, Yes (In some markets, 195/55R16 is a standard option on the Rapid) 195/65R15, 205/55R16, No as these are Octavia MK1 to MK3 and Superb MK1 to MK2 size tyres.

You could use a 6.5Jx16 ET50 5/112 57.1 steel rim fitted with a 205/55R16 tyre as a spare. Alcar 9915 Steel Rim 6.5Jx16 ET50 5/112 57.1 https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rims/details?vehicleId=58557790272099440&rimCode=ALCAR9915

Will 18" fit? Skoda Enyaq iV 2021 – Power: 146 hp | 109 kW | 148 PS – Engine: EBJC Electric – Options: 50 – Center Bore: 57.1 mm – PCD: 5x112 – Wheel Fasteners: Lug bolts – Thread Size: M14 x 1.5 Tire Rim 235/60R18 8Jx18 ET45 https://www.wheel-size.com/size/skoda/enyaq-iv/2021/ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P 235/60 R18 107H XL https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rshop/tyre/Continental/WinterContact-TS-870-P/235-60-R18-107H-XL/D-124605 Alcar 9383 Steel Rims 8Jx18 ET45 5/112 57.1 https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rims/details?vehicleId=1313955427855111280&rimCode=ALCAR9383

Some seller describe them as LCD voltmeters, others LED voltmeters. So it's worth searching for both terms if you're looking for one. Good point about unplugging them once a picture of what's going on has been built up.

The purpose was to add links to show where to find information, such as "vw codes decoder", "vw online parts catalogue", "wikipedia". I simply used the AZQ engined Fabia MK1 as an example. However, it's sounds like a great engine. I like the fact that maximum torque is produced from quite low revs, ie. 3,000rpm. It's a shame VW/Skoda didn't increase the size of the 3 cylinder engine to 1,350cc, ie. 450cc per cylinder for 72PS@5,400rpm and 126Nm@3,000rpm which is a 12.5% increase in power and torque from the 1,200cc engine. The 126Nm of torque is similar to the 125Nm of torque that the old 1.9SDI engine produced in the Fabia MK1, although the 1.9SDI engine produced its maximum torque from a lower 1,600rpm to 2,800rpm. As you will see in the wikipedia engine chart above, the 1.9SDI engine had the engine code ASY.

It sounds like it's being sent from China. There are UK sellers on ebay that have the same item and an estimated delivery time of around one week. 2 for £6.99 on ebay from UK seller https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/353346264017?hash=item5245141bd1:g:gucAAOSwnY5f-B3K These are very easy to use. You just push one into the cigarette lighter socket and the LCD display shows what the voltage is.

VW Codes Decoded E0A = No special edition 1N2 = Power steering electro-hydraulic 4A0 = Without seat heater 7Q0 = Without navigation device 3L2 = Manual height adjustment for right frontseat QG0 = Without service interval prolongation 1D0 = Without trailer hitch 1NH = Full wheel covers 8L3 = Roof antenna 8UE = Radio with CD drive 9P0 = Without seat belt reminder 0GG = Emission standard EU4 5SJ = Left exterior mirror: convex H2Z = Tires 185/60 R14 T J1P = Battery 220 A (44 Ah) 8QJ = Key for locking system with remote control Q1A = Standard front seats L03 = Suspension range 03 installation control only, no requirement forecast 5RV = Right exterior mirror: aspherical 4UE = Air bag for driver and front seat passenger 7AA = Electronic vehicle immobilization device 8X0 = Without headlight washer system 7X0 = Without park distance control 7P0 = Without lumbar support in seat backrests 1KM = Drum brakes, rear 4R2 = Power windows front, mechanical window regulators rear 8GD = Alternator 90A 4K3 = Radio remote controlled central locking operated from inside and safe securing 9W0 = W/o car phone preparation/installation F0A = No special purpose vehicle, standard equipment 6FB = Body-colored exterior mirror housings B09 = Type approval Great Britain and NorthernIreland 6Y0 = Without cruise control warning system B09 = Type approval Great Britain and NorthernIreland 8WB = Front fog lights 1AN = Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 3QT = 3-point seat belts with tensioner and height adjustment, front 9AP = Climatic air-conditioning system (semi-automatic) G01 = Front shock absorption 7A0 = Without CD changer/CD player 3S4 = Preparation for roof load rack 3FA = Without roof insert (standard roof) 4X0 = Without side air bag 8RM = 8 speakers (passive) QN0 = Without drawers under front seats VW Codes Decoder http://igorweb.org/equidec.aspx Front Springs G01, L03 (1) 6Q0411105AE coil spring 3 paint marks 2 paint marks red blue Model data: PR-G01/L03 PR-G02/L03 Front Shock Absorbers G01 8 6Q0413031BH shock absorbers Model data: PR-G01,G05 http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/FAB/year/2005/drive_standart/453/hg_ug/411/subcategory/411000/part_id/2561497/lang/e Skoda Fabia MK1 Engines Model Years Engine and code Displ. Power Torque Petrol 1.0 8V 1999–2000 I4 AQV/ATY/ARV 997 cc 37 kW (50 PS; 50 hp) at 5000 rpm 84 N⋅m (62 lb⋅ft) at 2750 rpm 1.2 MPI 6V 2001–2003 I3 AWY/BMD 1198 cc 40 kW (54 PS; 54 hp) at 4750 rpm 108 N⋅m (80 lb⋅ft) at 3000 rpm 1.2 HTP 6V 2003–2007 I3 AWY/BMD 1198 cc 40 kW (54 PS; 54 hp) at 4750 rpm 108 N⋅m (80 lb⋅ft) at 3000 rpm 1.2 HTP 12V 2003–2007 I3 AZQ/BME 1198 cc 47 kW (64 PS; 63 hp) at 5400 rpm 112 N⋅m (83 lb⋅ft) at 3000 rpm 1.4 MPI 2000–2003 I4 AZE/AZF 1397 cc 44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) at 5000 rpm 118 N⋅m (87 lb⋅ft) at 2600 rpm 1.4 MPI 1999–2003 I4 AME/AQW/ATZ 1397 cc 50 kW (68 PS; 67 hp) at 5000 rpm 120 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) at 2500 rpm 1.4 16V 2000–2007 I4 APE/AUA/BBY/BKY 1390 cc 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 5000 rpm 126 N⋅m (93 lb⋅ft) at 3800 rpm 1.4 16V 2006–2007 I4 BUD 1390 cc 59 kW (80 PS; 79 hp) at 5000 rpm 132 N⋅m (97 lb⋅ft) at 3800 rpm 1.4 16V 1999–2007 I4 AUB/BBZ 1390 cc 74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) at 6000 rpm 126 N⋅m (93 lb⋅ft) at 4400 rpm 2.0 8V 1999–2000 I4 ATF 1984 cc 88 kW (120 PS; 118 hp) at 5600 rpm 174 N⋅m (128 lb⋅ft) at 2400 rpm 2.0 8V 2000–2007 I4 AZL/BBX 1984 cc 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) at 5200 rpm 170 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft) at 2400 rpm Diesel 1.4 TDI 6V 2005–2007 I3 BNM 1422 cc 51 kW (69 PS; 68 hp) at 4000 rpm 155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) at 1600–2800 rpm 1.4 TDI 6V 2003–2005 I3 AMF 1422 cc 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 4000 rpm 195 N⋅m (144 lb⋅ft) at 2200 rpm 1.4 TDI 6V 2005–2008 I3 BNV 1422 cc 59 kW (80 PS; 79 hp) at 4000 rpm 195 N⋅m (144 lb⋅ft) at 2200 rpm 1.9 SDI 8V 1999–2006 I4 ASY 1896 cc 47 kW (64 PS; 63 hp) at 4000 rpm 125 N⋅m (92 lb⋅ft) at 1600–2800 rpm 1.9 TDI PD 8V 2000–2007 I4 ATD/AXR 1896 cc 74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) at 4000 rpm 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 1800–2400 rpm 1.9 TDI PD 8V RS 2003–2007 I4 ASZ/BLT 1896 cc 96 kW (131 PS; 129 hp) at 4000 rpm 310 N⋅m (229 lbf⋅ft) at 1900 rpm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Škoda_Fabia#Engines

As you can see in the chart below, CADIZ alloy rims have a specification of 7.5Jx18 ET49 5/112 Many being sold are fake/copies/not genuine, etc. (1) 5G0601025AG aluminium rim 'CADIZ' 7,5JX18H2 ET49 5/112 Model data: PR-C2K 5G0601025AGFZZ aluminium gloss/black Period: 1113 http://www.oemepc.com/vw/part_single/catalog/vw/markt/RDW/modell/GOLF/year/2016/drive_standart/763/hg_ug/601/subcategory/601065/part_id/3688033/lang/e 18" OEM alloy rims for the Octavia MK2 have a specification of 7.5Jx18 ET51, so ET49 should fit as it will only move the centre of the rim 2mm further out from the centre of the car. 2012 Skoda Octavia MK2 2.0TDI 170PS – Generation: Mk2 A5 (1Z) [2005 .. 2012] – Power: 168 hp | 125 kW | 170 PS – Engine: 2.0L, I4, Diesel – Options: RS – Center Bore: 57.1 mm – PCD: 5x112 – Wheel Fasteners: Lug bolts – Wheel Tightening Torque: unknown – Thread Size: M14 x 1.5 – Trim Production: [2006 .. 2012] Tire Rim 225/45ZR17 91W 7Jx17 ET54 2.5 225/40ZR18 91W 7.5Jx18 ET51 2.5 https://www.wheel-size.com/size/skoda/octavia/2012/#trim-20tsi-eudm-197 "skoda eshop cz" OEM alloy rims https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/hlinikove-disky/c/alloyWheels?q=%3ApriceAsc&text=#

You need a voltmeter to plug into the cigarette lighter socket. This will enable you to keep an eye on the battery voltage, both with the engine running and before you start the engine, ie. left overnight. At least 12.1V is good before you start the engine after having left the car parked overnight. At least 13.8V is good with the engine idling. If you have less than this with the car's engine idling (ie. no need to rev it), your car's battery charging system isn't working properly (For example, you might need a new alternator). I mainly use my diesel car for short trips. I have found 1 mile trips isn't quite enough in the winter, but 2 mile trips is fine. If you are having to drive for over 10 minutes each time you start the engine to keep the battery topped up, there is a problem with the car (ie. the car's battery isn't charging properly or there is a parasitic drain on the battery such as a faulty radio or short circuit). voltmeter lcd cigarette ligher (£2.79 on amazon, including postage) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greatangle-Universal-Cigarette-Electric-Voltmeter/dp/B08GLQDTKX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=voltmeter+lcd+cigarette+ligher&qid=1633089693&sr=8-1 You might find that your cigarette lighter socket works without the need to turn on the ignition, ie. it is constantly on. You can leave the voltmeter plugged in all the time, as the power consumption is tiny.

It sounds like you have an old battery that's no longer holding its charge. Simply replace with a quality battery such as Varta. You can check the battery if you want. Disconnect the negative lead and fully charge it. Leave overnight and then check the battery voltage with the negative lead still disconnected. If it doesn't have at least 12.2V (with the engine not running or having been started since charging) you know the battery has gone bad. Running the car an average of 20 minutes each week (if you start it twice), should be enough to keep the battery charged. Or an average of 10 minutes for each time you start the engine (on average). If the battery is good, you can do quite low mileage and still keep the battery fully charged. Starting a car, you are maybe turning the engine over for 2 seconds. But running it for 10 minutes is charging the battery for 600 seconds. So you would be charging the battery 300 times longer than you are draining the battery.

If you're looking for longer rear springs, you might want to take a look at: Kilen 65119 and Lesjofors 4295130 (sold to replace OEM part numbers 3Q0511115AS and 3Q0511115AT) https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/3q0511115as?search=OEN+3Q0511115AS&supplier[0]=253&supplier[1]=246 Kilen 65121 Lesjofors 4295131 (sold to replace OEM part numbers 3Q0511115BA and 3Q0511115BB) https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/3q0511115bb?search=OEN+3Q0511115BB&supplier[0]=253&supplier[1]=246 These are used on the VW Passat 2015 onwards when increased ride height is specified. On the VW Passat 2015 onwards, 3Q0511115AS is a weight range 6 rear spring, 3Q0511115ASAT is a weight range 7 rear spring, 3Q0511115BA is a weight range 8 rear spring, and 3Q0511115BB is a weight range 9 rear spring. 1 3Q0511115AS coil spring Model data: PR-UC7+0YF 1 3Q0511115AT coil spring Model data: PR-UC7+0YG 1 3Q0511115BA coil spring Model data: PR-UC7+0YH 1 3Q0511115BB coil spring Model data: PR-UC7+0YJ http://www.oemepc.com/vw/part_single/catalog/vw/markt/RDW/modell/PA/year/2016/drive_standart/793/hg_ug/511/subcategory/511000/part_id/0/lang/e

The low profile brigade would argue that the sidewalls on 225/45R18 tyres are far too high. However, 205/60R16 and 205/55R17 are clearly going to give a more comfortable ride. For the ultimate ride, maybe use non-standard 195/65R16 on 6J rims (not the standard 6.5J rims that the 205/60R16 uses). A narrower 6J rim would also slightly improve the comfort of the standard 205/60R16 tyre size. Michelin 195/65R16 92V https://www.camskill.co.uk/m62b0s8631p0/Car_Tyres_-_MPV_Tyres_-_People_Carrier_Tyres_-_16_inch_R16_inch_-_195_65_16_195_65R16_OE_Mercedes

You could try 6.5Jx16 ET33 from the VW Sharan 2010 onwards. This would move each rim out by 10mm each side, thereby increasing the front and rear track by 20mm. Alcar 9922 6.5Jx16 ET33 5/112 57.1 https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rims/details?vehicleId=83057658118018160&rimCode=ALCAR9922 215/65R16 tyres could be used instead of 215/60R16 tyres. 215/65R16 is a cheaper size than 215/60R16. As the speedo over-reads by about 5% as standard, fitting the 3.2% higher geared 215/65R16 will actually make the speedo more accurate. Vredestein Quatrac 6 215/65R16 98H https://www.camskill.co.uk/m139b0s8008p202133/Vredestein_Tyres_All_Season_Car_Vredestein_Quatrac_6_-_215_65_R16_98H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_B_NoiseClass%3A_2_Noise%3A_71dB

Much below 10 degrees Centigrade, UHP tyres are ditch finders as the performance drops off a cliff. All-seasons will have a lot more grip in the winter. Probably best to drop down to 225/45R17 for the winter and keep the 19s for the summer.

See what the MOT guy says. If the car passes without a mention of the brakes, they are working fine. Take some photos of the brake pads and post on here. Just one side of the car will be fine to get a general idea.

Colour codes are shown on the "VW Online Parts Catalogue" However, the colour codes are also cast into the back of the alloy rims. For example, 5E0601025D has a colour code of 8Z8 as you can see in the first entry of the chart below. http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/parts_lst/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2015/hg/6/catalog/sk/drive_standart/753/lang/e Octavia MK3 17" Alloy Rims 1 5E0601025D aluminium rim 7JX17 ET49 Model data: PR-C7E DENOM 5E0601025D 8Z8 diamond silver Period: 1112 2 5E0601025E aluminium rim 7JX17 ET49 Model data: PR-C7J TERON 5E0601025E 8Z8 diamond silver Period: 1112 3 5E0601025P aluminium rim 7,5JX17 ET51 Model data: PR-C0X DORADO 5E0601025P 8Z8 diamond silver Period: 0513 4 5E0601025J aluminium rim 7JX17 ET54 Model data: PR-CK5 5E0601025J JX2 black/bright chrome Period: 0614 5 5E0601025S aluminium rim 7JX17 ET45 Model data: PR-CD1 SCOUT 5E0601025S 8Z8 diamond silver Period: 0814 6 5E0601025T aluminium rim 7JX17 ET45 Model data: PR-CD2 SCOUT 5E0601025T HA7 anthracite metallic (grey) finely turned aluminium Period: 0214 - 5E0601025AR aluminium rim 7JX17 ET45 Model data: PR-CN0 SCOUT 5E0601025AR8Z8 diamond silver Period: 0814 Octavia MK3 18" Alloy Rims 1 5E0601025AC aluminium rim 7,5JX18 ET51 Model data: PR-C1B GOLUS 5E0601025AC8Z8 diamond silver Period: 1112 2 5E0601025Q aluminium rim 7,5JX18 ET51 Model data: PR-CC1 ALARIS 5E0601025Q 8Z8 diamond silver Period: 1112 3 5E0601025AB aluminium rim 7,5JX18 ET51 Model data: PR-C0T PICTORIS 5E0601025AB8Z8 diamond silver Period: 0513 4 5E0601025AA aluminium rim 7,5JX18 ET51 Model data: PR-C3S GEMINI 5E0601025AA8Z8 diamond silver Period: 0513 (4) 5E0601025AJ aluminium rim 7,5JX18 ET51 Model data: PR-F18 GEMINI 5E0601025AJHA7 anthracite metallic (grey) Period: 0513 (4) 5E0601025AK aluminium rim 7,5JX18 ET51 Model data: PR-CL3 GEMINI 5E0601025AKFL8 black metallic Period: 0513 5 5E0601025AS aluminium rim 7,5JX18 ET51 Model data: PR-C0C L&K 5E0601025ASHA7 anthracite metallic (grey) Period: 0514 6 5E0601025K aluminium rim 7,5JX18 ET51 Model data: PR-C2K 5E0601025K ZG6 matt black Period: 0614 Octavia MK3 19" Alloy Rims 1 5E0601025AH aluminium rim 7,5JX19 ET51 Model data: PR-CW6 XTREME 5E0601025AHHA7 anthracite metallic (grey) Period: 1213

Check that the rubber part of the wiper blades are clean. You could use a 1" paintbrush with plain water or even an old toothbrush and some fairy liquid to get rid of any dirt build up on the rubber part of each wiper blade. Check that the rubber hasn't split as that could also cause smearing as you can see in the photo.

Neither Yeti rims or 225/60R16 tyres will fit a Fabia.