hi all, i am pretty un-knowledgeable when it comes to the inner/general functioning and running of cars... well, this is where I am trying to improve... ...slowly. I got 3 questions anyway:

1. can i use my existing rubber tires on new alloys? if so, how much would it cost to get them switched over? so, in other words, i don't have alloys, but want them, and can i just change the inner wheel part to an alloy? obviously not me, but a garage. can it be done and if so, how much?

2. i have a 'creaky' dashboard on my fabia (2001 model) i generally dont notice the noise, as i am on the noisy motorways a lot, or have music blasting quite loud, but when I am driving slow with my music off it really annoys me. like a creaking sound. not a rattling. If I press down hard on the top of the dashboard it stops, but as soon as I let go, it starts again. Is it a common problem? can it be fixed easily?

3. also on the fabia when i used the windscreen wipers/washers to clean the windows when driving, there is an 'intense' smell of window cleaner in the car. this is even with my windows closed. does anyone else have this problem?

1. as long as the alloys are the same diamater and width as the steels, if i am correct you can get them changed over.

2. No idea

3. This is normal, we all get it.

another question... (sorry )

4. i wax the car with some liquid wax after I wash it normally (not too often :( ) but the front and rear bumpers on the Fabia are plastic right? do they need to be waxed also?

answer to 4: May as well wax them, as it's the same paint.

answer to 2. There is a fix for this, assuming it's the mount squeaking - sounds like it is. You need to remove the central air vent unit, and above and behind the twin outlets behind the vent, is where the mount is. I shoved a bit of foam between the plastic and metal. Get the dealer to do this if the car is still in warranty.

1) If its the same size or very similar size to the steel's then yeah why not. but it would cost £12 each for the change. (so unless they're new tyres y not go with a package deal that many suppliers do nowadays?)

2) Yup happens on to alot like the above said, search for it and theres a detailed explaination and how do resolve this issue. (i've yet to done it on mine yet..)

3) Put some strawberries in the washer so it smells nicer! hehe.. but no.. i tend to avoid stinky screenwashers now.. People look at me strange in halfords when i go round smelling screenwasher fluid.......

yeah my dashboard rattles too and it annoys the tits off me

hi all, i am pretty un-knowledgeable when it comes to the inner/general functioning and running of cars... well, this is where I am trying to improve... ...slowly. I got 3 questions anyway:

2. i have a 'creaky' dashboard on my fabia (2001 model) i generally dont notice the noise, as i am on the noisy motorways a lot, or have music blasting quite loud, but when I am driving slow with my music off it really annoys me. like a creaking sound. not a rattling. If I press down hard on the top of the dashboard it stops, but as soon as I let go, it starts again. Is it a common problem? can it be fixed easily?

3. also on the fabia when i used the windscreen wipers/washers to clean the windows when driving, there is an 'intense' smell of window cleaner in the car. this is even with my windows closed. does anyone else have this problem?

2) Take a look... here.

It is quite common, but Ive had creak free driving since I de creaked my car.

3) Yes, the fan jet washer fluid is quite potent. Dont worry. If it really bothers you set the fans to recirculate whilst you spray it, to stop the smell entering the car via the blowers. Dont try and get some fragranced stuff from halfrauds because you need fan jet washerfluid, which is available from your local VW/Seat/Skoda dealer.

Dash...rattle...which one

thanks everyone, really appreciate all your help. thanks for that thread link Pembo, will give that a go and let you know the outcome, which I hope to be 'creak free'...