Evertime I open the bonnet and pull down the arm I feel as though I am going to drop it on the front wing of the car :eek: anybody any solutions eg putting an elastic band on it so you would the have to pull it down slightly before engaging it into the slot. Cheers - Stuart.

I know what you mean Sparky2, this is the first time in 11 years that I've had a car with a stay that you have to pull down (or lift) as the last car had a telescopic arm. I think's it because you have to do it one-handed that you have to be carefull not to drop it.

My FL stay is pivoted at the top. It will therefore not drop onto anything unless the car is inverted.Pretty easy to use.

The hydraulic bonnet support struts on my previous Hyundai and VW were nice though.

I still think its rubbish that the Octavia is minus a gas strut for the bonnet. I was hoping they would fix this for the FL :thumbdwn:

I still think its rubbish that the Octavia is minus a gas strut for the bonnet. I was hoping they would fix this for the FL :thumbdwn:

I agree non telescopic struts to hold up the bonnet are quite quaint, it's like the non-damped grabs over the doors, no spare wheel, no 12V socket in the boot etc just penny pinching but I suppose they've got to try and justify the price premium you pay for a VW or Audi.

As regards the bonnet strut I suspect that for many, the only person who's going to notice is the mechanic who services the car.

As regards the bonnet strut I suspect that for many, the only person who's going to notice is the mechanic who services the car.

When he accidentally knocks it out and the bonnet drops down and cracks his skull open. :orb_bonk:

I notice it every time I pop the bonnet to check oil/water/washer fluid and thats more often than not every week. Its a hassle when you don't have both hands free.

The 12v boot socket is model specific, my L&K has a 12v socket in the boot. Doesn't have damped grab handles though, you need to go buy a VW for those bad boys

How often are grab handles ever used anyway I ask?

The 12v boot socket is model specific, my L&K has a 12v socket in the boot. Doesn't have damped grab handles though, you need to go buy a VW for those bad boys

How often are grab handles ever used anyway I ask?

I think the Combi's do have a 12V socket or at least the more expensive modes do but I don't think any of the hatchbacks have them, not even the L&K.

For some reason my wife often hangs onto the grab handles when I'm driving :rotz:

The wifes/sons fabias has only a short arm and is near the rear of the engine bay and is easy to operate but mine :eek: I feel its only a matter of time before I drop it onto the body work and I tend to lift the bonnet every week to check the fluids etc. cheers - Stuart.

My daughters Toyota Yaris doesn't have a stay at all the bonnet just tips back far enough to stay open (not sure how this would be if it was windy though).