Car Nation on BBC2 Last Night

Post by **martyhopkirk** » 12 Jul 2005, 15:17

Just out of interest what sort of lifespan would you get from a solar panel?

citroenzx · Post by **citroenzx** » 12 Jul 2005, 15:35

i just typed your question into google as i would also be interested to know and i got this site http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_solar_used.html saying no one really knows the lifespan of them,

ACTIVE8 · Post by **ACTIVE8** » 12 Jul 2005, 16:11

Yes, I also saw the programme, and want to raise a point regarding the maintenance issues surrounding the alternative power sources.
As things are now with the internal combustion engine be it diesel or petrol, many people are conversant with the workings of their car, and are able to carry out maintenance on their car, and run it on a budget.
With the new technology, it helps the main stealers to keep getting work into their workshops, and charging the motorist through the nose for it. When you have vehicles which are hybrid, hydrogen powered etc then the average motorist won't be able to attend to the maintenance at home, due to the need for specialist equipment, and training.

yangreen · Post by **yangreen** » 12 Jul 2005, 22:45

I think you'll find the average motorist would struggle to find the bonnet catch! Already new cars are nigh on impossible to fix unless you have a computer handy. Personally, I have no plans to buy anything more modern than my 80s machines in a hurry! That said, the fuel injection on the Audi baffles me!

paranoid · Post by **paranoid** » 12 Jul 2005, 23:04

All true, but workmates son is 23 and a mechanic he can remap car ecu's diagnose problems with modern engines no problems just experience, sweats a bit when he has to put a new set of points in an old spitfire though apparently it became a five man job

FrenchLeave · Post by **FrenchLeave** » 12 Jul 2005, 23:22

Quote "sweats a bit when he has to put a new set of points in an old spitfire though apparently it became a five man job"
Which one? The one with four wheels and coil ignition or the one with three wheels and twin Rotax magnetos?

rossd · Post by **rossd** » 13 Jul 2005, 13:19

Cars like the Audi A2 are designed to be hard to maintain, the bonnet is actually bolted down to discourage people, there is simply a little flap at the front which opens so you can check fluid levels.

howiedean · Post by **howiedean** » 13 Jul 2005, 14:06

I use 100% bio fuel in my ZX however just before Car Nation was on the box a friend of mine took me for a spin in his 3.2 Audi TT. All concerns for the environment evaporated after just 10mins WOW a quick motor.[}:)]
I'm back to normal now but lets be honest without America and China doing their bit, any contribution Europe makes in reducing C02 is going to pale into insignificance by comparison.