I'm in the habit of often pushing my car out onto the driveway in order to wash it rather than starting it to move just 3 car lengths - a doddle with the BH's Pug but almost impossible with the Yeti.

Could it be the transmission drag of the Haldex?

Obviously it's in neutral and the handbrake is off and always garaged in a warm dry climate, corrosion is not an issue and tyre pressures are high 30s.

Has anybody else tried pushing one any short distance?

Edited 5 April, 201511 yr by Ryeman

I often reposition ours in the garage so that we can open the boot fully, with the garage up and over door shut, so we can load unload the boot.

I just open the passenger door and take handbrake off, and it rolls forward with no effort. Whilst I am still half in the car too.

So what's the difference?

Our garage floor is smooth painted and level concrete.

Ours is the 4x2 ie no haldex, so you might be onto something here...

Hope it helps.

I'm now of the opinion that 50mpg is a bridge-too-far for Haldex equipped versions due to the frictional losses.

Under ideal conditions at moderate speeds and no wind the max I can get is = to 47-48mpg and that's with a so called economy 'box' fitted.

My 4x4 is not much harder to push than my old Octavia.

I've had a displayed tank average of over 60 mpg on a motorway run which was confirmed by brim to brim checks as 53.6 mpg.

That's a CR170 and in dry, warm, windless conditions on the M4/5.

Check the Fuelly link in my signature. My car is over reading by about 3-4%. So fairly accurate.

My average is arounds the same as yours but my version can't break 50.

It's got me wondering why it's so difficult to push.

Bowl of Corn Flakes first thing should ease the problem!    

My average is arounds the same as yours but my version can't break 50.

It's got me wondering why it's so difficult to push.

It is a bit harder, but still possible for one person. And our driveway is not flat, but is Tarmac.

My Yeti is fitted with Dunlop Sport 01 225/50/17 tyres.

These have a poor fuel efficiency (rolling resistance.) rating of F.

Some more modern tyres have a rating as high as A.

According to Michelin the difference between A to G rating makes 7.5% difference in fuel consumption at 50 mph.

My Yeti is fitted with Dunlop Sport 01 225/50/17 tyres.

These have a poor fuel efficiency (rolling resistance.) rating of F.

Some more modern tyres have a rating as high as A.

According to Michelin the difference between A to G rating makes 7.5% difference in fuel consumption at 50 mph.

I didn't know my Dunlops were that bad and now one has developed a slow leak I'll be looking for an economy tyre now.

A higher aspect ratio 16 would probably be better for economy.

I often push ours up and down the drive. It is level and block-paved. It takes a hefty shove to get it going but it moves easily enough. Perhaps check for binding brakes?

I often push ours up and down the drive. It is level and block-paved. It takes a hefty shove to get it going but it moves easily enough. Perhaps check for binding brakes?

I'm now wondering if 2 years of 'storage' prior to sale has resulted in an issue.

I often push ours up and down the drive. It is level and block-paved. It takes a hefty shove to get it going but it moves easily enough. Perhaps check for binding brakes?

Sounds likely, the handbrake on mine sometimes sticks on until it's driven a few feet and then it's ok. This is especially if it's not driven after cleaning.

Sounds likely, the handbrake on mine sometimes sticks on until it's driven a few feet and then it's ok. This is especially if it's not driven after cleaning.

I rarely use the handbrake and it's never used parked in the garage- it gets v little use.

I haven't noticed a dragging brake noise either.

My parking space is slightly raised up by a block paving thickness, so I release the handbrake and push it back when I wash it to let water drain away otherwise it sits in a lake. It's not light but still doable, sitting in the drivers seat and pushing it backwards with my leg. I have a Greenline 1.6 manual.

Bowl of Corn Flakes first thing should ease the problem!    

 

Mmmmmmm................I'd have sugested 3 weetabix

I rarely use the handbrake and it's never used parked in the garage- it gets v little use.

I haven't noticed a dragging brake noise either.

In that case, in light of others not having too much trouble pushing their cars, a trip to the garage might be advisable.

I sometimes need to push/roll mine back a few feet.

I sit in the drivers seat with right leg out (yes and with door open) and foot resting on the driveway.

H/brake off and in 'N' just push foot hard and car rolls back.

As said above, maybe handbrake binding.

Good luck.

Just a thought - I hope you don't mind.

 

Does the car get put away with wet brakes/dics. The reason I ask if I have no issues pushing my fiesta around the drive (drum rear brakes), but if we have had any rain/dampness I can release the handbrake lever but won't be able to get the octavia (VRS so not 4x4) moving no matter how hard I push. When I jump in to move it using the engine, the rear brakes go with a 'twang' so I can only assume the pads stick/rust to the discs.

Just a thought - I hope you don't mind.

 

Does the car get put away with wet brakes/dics. The reason I ask if I have no issues pushing my fiesta around the drive (drum rear brakes), but if we have had any rain/dampness I can release the handbrake lever but won't be able to get the octavia (VRS so not 4x4) moving no matter how hard I push. When I jump in to move it using the engine, the rear brakes go with a 'twang' so I can only assume the pads stick/rust to the discs.

I wash it before driving it and never garage it wet if I can help it.

I'm wondering if it's to do with hill hold.

I'll try starting and then pushing and see if that resolves that question.

The drivers door has to clear the brick 'return' of the garage which makes it more difficult also - weaties are not really an issue .....D

I sometimes need to push/roll mine back a few feet.

I sit in the drivers seat with right leg out (yes and with door open) and foot resting on the driveway.

H/brake off and in 'N' just push foot hard and car rolls back.

As said above, maybe handbrake binding.

Good luck.

I always reverse the cars in, as a result the stiff leg method doesn't work.

Just a thought - I hope you don't mind.

 

Does the car get put away with wet brakes/dics. The reason I ask if I have no issues pushing my fiesta around the drive (drum rear brakes), but if we have had any rain/dampness I can release the handbrake lever but won't be able to get the octavia (VRS so not 4x4) moving no matter how hard I push. When I jump in to move it using the engine, the rear brakes go with a 'twang' so I can only assume the pads stick/rust to the discs.

 

I have found the same problem with the rear brakes sticking after washing my Yeti and parking it, so now I don't apply the handbrake after washing and parking on the flat. I have never experienced this with any other car and the "twang" sound is disconcerting. It must be a common issue.

I have found the same problem with the rear brakes sticking after washing my Yeti and parking it, so now I don't apply the handbrake after washing and parking on the flat. I have never experienced this with any other car and the "twang" sound is disconcerting. It must be a common issue.

Common in drums when left parked with high level of moisture in my experience.

The sintered metal of the shoe rusts on to the cast iron drum.

I have found the same problem with the rear brakes sticking after washing my Yeti and parking it, so now I don't apply the handbrake after washing and parking on the flat. I have never experienced this with any other car and the "twang" sound is disconcerting. It must be a common issue.

 

Its never been a big 'twang' if that makes sense, but I haven't been too disconcerted by it as it has happened even after it raining!

Leaving the handbrake off isn't a bad idea - if only my drive was level...

Leave it in gear then!