Hillybill

Great. Thanks I will.

Hi there. I've got a decision to make about tyres. One back tyre needs replacing as it's getting low and Winter seems to be here already. The trouble is, I've always had a policy of matching tyres on the same axle. It's companion Dunlop SP Sportmaxx is less than a year old and still over 5mm but my regular garage can't get the tyre. They offered to replace it with a Falken (their go-to, I think) like the ones on the front which are even newer (ZIEX ZE310) but, as I say, I like tyres to match and I thought I'd investigate if there is anything better if I'm going to buy two. Round where we live, there are bad roads and steep hills. There is one particular road I avoid if the temperature is sub zero because it is cobbled and steep and descends to a blind corner on a narrow main road so it's potentially curtains if you overshoot. I've turned into it by mistake more than once (because it's a good cut-through) on very cold days and only just managed to stop before the bottom with the ABS doing overtime. I used to live in Scotland and Uniroyal rain tyres saw me through some horrendous weather - I nearly got Winter tyres fitted because I had to drive through so much snow one year - but that was the 80s when I knew people who made tyres and we still had proper snow. I was doing some research on tyre reviews and, apart from Winter tyres, I didn't realise that most tyres seem to be rated Summer now. I could be wrong but back in the day weren't there just all season and winter tyres? Now it seems there are Summer, All Season and Winter. What I wonder is, should I be looking at an All Season tyre for better safety in the Winter months? I'd value your opinions (the tyres are 215/45 R16 and the rear ones have an 86H rating while on the front, they are 90V). Thank you, Hilary

... I stand corrected. It was 1.6 TDI Elegance. I'm afraid I'm confusing it with the car before that 😳

I'm not sure I'm going to enlighten you - but it was a 1.7 TDI and the DPF. I'm sure there were things said like lifting the engine block but it was a while ago now

Thank you. It was the Diesel Particulate Filter. It cost £1k every time because apparently it was really difficult to get to. (it was the 1.7 TDI.) That's what they told me, anyway. Thank you

Afternoon. I'm a long-time fan of the Fabia. Bought the first (diesel) about 2012 and gave up on it after the fall-out/upgrade after dieselgate and they had to take the engine out every time they needed to get to the filter. Went petrol with a nearly new Fabia 1.2 TSI in 2017 which has been a joy to keep until now because of high reliability and low repair bills. I've referred to answers in this forum for years but thought I'd join properly to seek advice. All the best, Hilary