Well, with 27,000 miles up on me Vectra (and look peops, despite what our good friend HJ says, I actually quite like it - value for money and all that) I thought it high time to treat it to some new front tyres. Well, the thing was, I had noticed the ride height a bit lower at the front and it's not the suspension. Oh yes, they were a bit on the slick side, too.
Anyway, after phoning around a few places, like you do, I took it into a fairly big tyre place. I expected that they would try and find something else needing to be done (I knew that the tracking was a tad out) so wasn't surprised to be told, "yeah, like, ya tracking's a bit out, shall we fix it?"
So I was ushered into the un-healthily hot waiting room, comfortable in the knowledge that I would soon have a nice new pair of Goodyear's and no more wheel wobble at, well, I better not say what speed.
Tyres on, up went the car on the ramp for the tracking to be done. Shortly after, I handed over the dosh.
But here comes the bit that, on reflection, I wonder whether it was a co-incidence... The fitter took me to the nearside rear tyre and said that he'd noticed the pressure was a bit low, but on closer reflection, suddenly found a nail embedded in the tyre. Unfortunately "it's too near the edge for a repair to be carried out". We agreed that I would think about what to do and ponder.
On the way home, it suddenly occurred to me... how fortunate that the car was parked in just the right parking postition on the ramp for the nail to be seen without having to bend double, squint, etc.
Now, I know we live in OTT days of "Watchdog" etc., but I wondered, just for a moment, could the nail have just appeared then? No, surely not, it is Christmas after all.
Happy Christmas and New Year!
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Richard, Apparently there are many scams similar to yours occurring in france where apparently the tyre fitters loiter around the service and rest areas and pounce on motorists (mostly british) and tell you that your tyres are illegal.
They will of course put it right for you. Also I've read that travellers have come out of the cafe and been shown a nail in their tyres.
Maybe its catching on here.
I took my car in a week ago to be tracked at the big tyre company who have the super tracker which checks all four wheels for alignment. They suggested I wait in the warm rest room while they did it.
After they had finished the fitter said all done mate but we haven't any ties to refix on your wheel trims. "No bother I'll do it when I get home"
Which I did...... However a few days later it suddenly struck me that it was only the front which needed the cable ties replacing.
Now as I recall when I have had it done before they take all the trims off to fix their gadget up against the wheel rims.
Am I being over suspicious??
Alvin
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Alvin,
I use a Supertracker at my usual tyre centre and in response to your query about wheel trim removal on the rears it is not usually necessary as the rear 'flags' hook into the tread at the top and merely rest against the sidewall of the tyre.The only time you would HAVE to remove rear trims is when resetting adjustable rear suspension.
HTH
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Coincidence here.....
Vectra's front boots were coming to the end of their natural...phoned around for prices all the Nationals were within a quid or so at £75.00 + vat fitted for Goodyear NCT 5s
Phoned a local garage same tyres fitted and balanced etc for £54.00 + vat guess where the motor went !
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I toataly agree with you Richard, and would like to personally thank all people who slate the Vauxhall Vectra, as I have just picked up a cracking 98 1.8 GLS for next to nothing. It may not be a VAG, but it sure as hell isn't a Ford! (oops, did I just open a can of worms?)
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Bit of Xmas cheer here - I had two new front tyres put on the opel today, and the bloke actually asked if I would like to watch!
He says that he prefers the client there, so he can explain exactly what he is doing, and why he is doing it, and also so he can immediately point out any problems, like bent rims, knackered pads and discs, etc...
He says it ensures no comebacks later!
Very refreshing attitude, i thought!
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On the subject of Vectras, this week, due to an unfortunate incident with a pothole and a bus, I am driving a Vectra.
Firstly, the air conditioning is awesome, much better than on my Audi. (and yes, I did ask the garage to check it while they've got the car in pieces.
Anyway, its a 2.2 MPFI (and I have never known what MPFI stood ?).
Its not a very good engine, is it ! Not very responsive, not every powerful. Runs smooth enough, but is quite horrible if one tries to get a little lively with it on country roads.
I thought the build quality, internal equipment, and seat comfort was all rather good though.
Quite like it actually, except for the engine.
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I too think the Vectra is ok having test driven three variants, i didnt rate it over the Primera but cant understand the bad press it gets,the engine was very quite compared.
Unless you have a Ford or BMW then according to the experts you havnt got the best.Yet ive driven both Mondeo and Focus (i like the Focus estate) i cant see why all the praise.but then i dont left foot brake/test track drive,just drive from one traffic light/camera to the next traffic jam/accident.(Audi driver)
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Mark,
MPFI = Multi Point Fuel Injection
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Mark,
MPFI = Multi Point Fuel Injection
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I have a 2K Vectra DI 16v Saloon and I am super impressed with it, and it has been very reliable to date.
Generally exhibits good roadholding, cracking engine (even better after a Bromley 'Kueberl' tuning box! see www.bromleystuning.com) and a good motorway cruiser. I have driven many Mondeos, and the Ford is a little better at faster cornering. The Vectra does have quite a narrow cabin compared to the Mondeo, but there is more kit in the Vectra as standard and it does seem to be a better screwed together.
Anyway I am still using the oem Continental EcoContact tyres after 23K miles, with about 60% of the tread left on the front tyres, and the rears look virtually new! Richard B, what tyres were fitted as standard to your Vectra? Are the new ones the same type?
Also the front tyres are wearing down faster on the outside edges, by about the same amount on both sides. I assume this is just due to cornering? The tracking is ok, the car does drift very slightly to the left however. Did your front tyres wear evenly across?
Sorry for the ramble!
Merry Xmas!
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