November 2001
Hello
A couple of friends of mine (who do not have access or know how to use a computer) are seriously thinking of setting up a mobile mechanics service in the Manchester area.
They would also be offering bodywork and valet services (at least initially to pay the bills).
Does anyone have any advice that I can pass onto them. They are both very experienced in bodywork, mechanicals, paint shop etc.
Is this idea a goer, or do most fail, they already have a great deal of contacts in the area and a god reputation, but are obviously concerned that they should be realistic.
Any advice (good or bad) will be greatly appreciated.
Feel free to email me.
Regards
Jonathan Read more
The latest problem keeping my new Leon off the road (fifth time since new) is the EPC warning light and a brake lights failure. This happened after I was obliged to brake hard (at less than 20mph). The AA had to be called out - were unable to resolve and the car is back with SEAT again. The implication being that if anyone is forced to perform an emergency stop, the car is likely to be unroadworthy (AA's words): the brake lights won't work and the EPC has to be reset by a Dealership (??) Anyone had similar problems or do I have the worst Seat Leon in the UK? Read more
Try asking for advice on www.seatdriversclub.co.uk
My son (Best driver in the world, especially with his foglights on) has come home this evening in a taxi as his Civic is awaiting removal from the roadside after rear ending a Mondeo. This happened on an urban dual carriageway, late evening on a dry road. Son swears he was not speeding or tailgating and that the Mondeo driver just slammed on his anchors for no other reason than he had missed his turn. The driver volunteered this explanation and even apologised, he had given no signals at all. Sons' car is almost certainly a write off, the crumple zones doing their job perfectly and he is convinced it was the other guys fault. I don';t think the insurance company will wear that. Has he got a chance? Read more
Reminds me of a story long ago when driving home from the pub in his Moggie van (ex PO naturally) a mate ran straight into a skip. He staggered home with cuts and bruises and was later visited by the local constabulary. He argued his case that the said skip was not properly illuminated but in defence, the local council produced one of those old paraffin lamps that was now approx 1/8 inch thick and a square yard in size with matching Morris paint specks.
Put it down to experience!
Colin
Hi
Every now and then my Dad has a problem with his Vauxhall Carlton - so Im back to post another query!
He has a heated rear window that only heats on the centre line(?)
A new window is £300. Can anyone suggest a company that can repair this cheaper than this? (in the North London are - Harrow)
Thanks
Wendy Read more
Many years ago, a Chester chappie got in trouble for fitting sun roofs to cars and then billing for a replacement windscreen.
Insurance company not happy
Is there a good quality tyre pressure gauge that is guaranteed to be accurate? Alternatively, is it possible to have a gauge tested for accuracy? Read more
Alvin - must be old stock. I enquired at two separate Halfords "superstores" and both told me they no longer did the dial gauges. I know the one you mention as that's what I had ---- before I dropped it and it went doolally.
regards,
Guy
I have kindly been volunteered to fit a starter motor to a friend's car this weekend, a 1989F Fiesta 1100cc. My friend has located the correct replacement, as I know that there were several different ones for the Fiesta and, whilst I plan to follow the Haynes manual, I was wondering if anyone has any additional advice on how best to do the job.
Thank you very much in advance
Yours
Andy
By the way, if anyone is at a loose end this weekend, I think the enjoyment might just be too much for one person...! Read more
My tip? Just make sure you disconnect the battery before you start.
I have seen many burnt hands/wiring etc when a short to earth happens.
David
Has anyone had any experience with cam belts going early on eco-tech 1.4 16V Astra's. Mine has gone after 20,000 and Vauxhall have rejected a claim due to the belt being over one year old ! Help, I want to fight them ! Read more
If your Vauxhall has been serviced regularly at a Vauxhall dealer AND the repair is done at a Vauxhall dealer, the dealer can be pressurised into getting Vauxhall to pay for the repair. My 1995 Cavalier 2.0 16v broke its cambelt at 50,000 miles but it took a lot of pressure to get the cheque out of Vauxhall.
Whilst I am only 22, I consider myself a relatively experienced driver and currently own my third car, a 1986C BMW 316.
Unlike my first two cars, a Vauxhall Cavalier followed by a Honda Integra, the BMW is rear-wheel drive.
I have driven the BMW under 1,500 miles, so am not totally used to it, but there are times on my 22 mile drive to and from work, predominantly through the countryside, when I feel as though I am losing the rear end. Please note that I do not feel this is because I am driving like a boy racer, as the symptoms occur even when I go around roundabouts at 20mph.
I think that this is caused by accelerating out of corners, which I always believed was the correct driving technique, and so, whilst the front wheels are turning slightly, the back wheels are attempting to propel the car in a different direction. Hence, the feeling that I am losing the back end.
This normally causes the car to "twitch" and, whilst at the moment I still feel in overall control of the car, I am concerned that when the weather conditions deteriorate over the coming months, I may lose control.
I would really appreciate genuine advice on whether this is "normal" with a BMW or, if not, whether there are any steps I can take to cure the problem. For example, in accordance with the handbook, the front tyres are inflated to 27psi and the rear tyres to 30 psi. Should I alter the pressures? Also, whilst the tyres are all in good condition, three are made by Michellin and one is a budget tyre, put on by a previous owner. Given that I work for the NHS, and am still riddled by student debt, is it imperative that I replace the budget tyre?
I would really not appreciate advice that I should slow down, or by a cheap foreign car which is very popular on the icy roads in Russia, or even that I should link a tracker system to my ambulance driving friends. ;-)
Thank you very much.
Yours
Andy Read more
Knew you'd be here !!!
ACG
What is so different about the combustion process in the cylinfder of a diesel engine that turns oil black after very little use.
Even in brand new diesels the oil seem to go black very rapidly.
Does this affect lubrication, ? why doesnt the filter pick it up. Should oil be changed MORE frequwently in diesel that Petrol engines whose oil often remains clear often even in older engined and even after many thousands of milkes. Read more
And there was me thinking that the multiple cylinders in F1 engines was to make them quieter and smooth running!
;-)
I've recently bought a used '99 Galaxy from a trader. It looks like it's been a Ford Direct car and consequently all the usual bits are missing. I can live without the carmats but would like to get a hold of a spare key (one that will also function the immobiliser/alarm).
Initially, whilst trying to track down any of the originals, I spoke to some dealers and got a range of quotes to cut and programme a spare. These ranged from £50 to £120.
What should a fully functioning key set me back and are there any alternatives to the Ford dealer - I'd rather not encourage my local dealer? Read more
Oh dear Roger!!!
My heart goes out to you!
:-))
David
Browse
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I'll add my sixpen'orth to Adams advice. The upsides are as already mentioned and the rewards can be great if you are GOOD at what you do. Providing you have a conscience and dont EVER rip people off, give good VFM people will beat a path to your door.
One other thing, some words to eradicate from your vocabulary if you do go self employed; Holiday, weekend, sleep, sickpay, holiday pay!