DIY Car Maintenance with function over finesse!!

[mickthemaverick]

Thanks to Jim mentioning his pre MOT check today I thought I'd check when the Subaru is due, knowing it to be next month. I went onto the MOT check website and typed in the registration number. Sure enough it's due on 14th March. However it also offered a 'check for recalls due' button so I did, only to discover there is a recall outstanding on the car and I had to contact my local dealer to arrange a FOC job.

My 'local' dealer happens to be in Cambridge so I rang them up and had a chat. The issue is that the passenger airbag needs to be replaced so I booked it in for Wednesday 21st, next week, and they need it for 6 hours or so. I will drop it to them at around 9.30 and then have a wander around Cambridge until they call me in the afternoon. Anyone fancy meeting for lunch in Cambridge?

[Rp0thejester]

I know your Subaruwuwu isn't new, how old is it?

[mickthemaverick]

IT is celebrating it's 20th birthday this year Ryan!!

[Rp0thejester]

That's amazing customer service from Subaruwuwu. A FOC for that age of vehicle, not many companies would do that.

[mickthemaverick]

You see there's method in my madness!!

[Rp0thejester]

Okay I get it, do something crazy and wait 20years. I tried that, she's still here chewing my ear off

[CitroJim]

That is indeed excellent service from Subaru Of matters of safety, as an airbag is, I believe age is not a factor.

I just checked Polly for any recalls and none listed... Still, how can you improve on perfection?

My new central heating boiler has been though. I've had to arrange for an engineer to call and modify it. It's at risk of serious damage if it gets full of air. I've been instructed to repressurise it, bleed all rads and repressurise it again. Now done and awaiting a call from Ideal to arrange the visit.

And I've been recalled by the NHS for a lung health check on account of being an ex-smoker. Screening for the dreaded big 'LC'... I've taken it up. I fully expect it'll be what kills me eventually...

[mickthemaverick]

I have been chatting to the Subaru dealer and they are going to loan me a car to use for the cost of the insurance, £15, and of course I pay for the fuel I may use, all part of the service!! Watch this space!!

[CitroJim]

^^ Result

[CitroJim]

Okay I get it, do something crazy and wait 20years. I tried that, she's still here chewing my ear off

Ahh well, now that shows the importance of being fully aware of the dangers, safety implications and the risk of an unplanned accident Ryan... You are advised to wear the correct PPE for the full protection of those bits of you being chewed at all times...

Viz...

[mickthemaverick]

Of course Ryan, if you do follow Jim's advice and keep her off your ears I'd suggest one of these may come in useful:

BFTW

[CitroJim]

Sage advice Mick

[MattBLancs]

I just checked Polly for any recalls and none listed... Still, how can you improve on perfection?

Polly's airbags all still as functional as they ever were, eh? That's good going!

Spoiler: show

all none of them, I guess?

I think PSA has said airbag life (originally quoted as 10 years, them extended to 15) is now "the life of the car"
Obviously questions about what that expected car lifespan is taken to be! (Will try and find a reference)

Like others I'm surprised Subaru doing free replacement at such an age - do you reckon it's a way of clearing "new old stock" out the back of the storerooms!?

[bobins]

IIRC, one of the issues with airbags was that the major Japanese manufacturer of them had been using materials that weren't quite up to the job. An issue was that the explosive material used in their construction wasn't quite as reliable and predictable in the manner it detonated and expanded as they'd hoped / said it was. I think the recall and replacement program ended up bankrupting them. The whole issue affected a gazillion cars around the world.

[CitroJim]

Polly's airbags all still as functional as they ever were, eh? That's good going!

I don't know Matt... Not tested them