MikeT's C5r 1.6 hdi Estate

[Gibbo2286]

A story (Joke) I saw last week:

A cop out on duty saw a car with its windows steamed up, went to investigate, was surprised to see a young guy in the front seat laid back listening to the radio and a young girl sitting it the back knitting.

"How old are you." says the cop to the young guy, "19", says the lad.

"And how old is the girl in the back."

The young guy looks at his watch, "She'll be 16 in nine minutes. "

[Hell Razor5543]

I remember that joke being enacted on "Not the Nine O'clock News".

[GiveMeABreak]

Last night I realised an embarassing disadavantage of having such effective internal lighting! Don't want to give details but it involved a bit of car park romance and unthinkingly opening the door (damn you ecnomy mode) at one point to reduce the steamed up windows. Lesson learnt and all that.

Couldn't resist...

[myglaren]

A story (Joke) I saw last week:

A cop out on duty saw a car with its windows steamed up, went to investigate, was surprised to see a young guy in the front seat laid back listening to the radio and a young girl sitting it the back knitting.

"How old are you." says the cop to the young guy, "19", says the lad.

"And how old is the girl in the back."

The young guy looks at his watch, "She'll be 16 in nine minutes. "

That is too close to reality for comfort

[MikeT]

Last night I realised an embarassing disadavantage of having such effective internal lighting! Don't want to give details but it involved a bit of car park romance and unthinkingly opening the door (damn you ecnomy mode) at one point to reduce the steamed up windows. Lesson learnt and all that.

Oh it gets better! Caution for those who like me, have wired their dashcam into a BSI wake-up switched feed.

Ok, the camera is forward facing but the mic's omnidirectional... no mistaking what it recorded when she must have bumped something in the driver's area

[MikeT]

Last few times I opened the car I thought the suspension pump ran for a little while longer than usual.
Is this indicative of something needing attention or nothing to worry about?

On the same day, after a short stop at the post office, it cranked and caught as usual but immediately went into a violent shudder and stalled. This only occured once and has been fine since. Again, anything I should keep an eye on or investigate?

[Zelandeth]

First thing, especially at this time of year would be asking if there are any chances of a weaker than ideal battery playing a part?

[MikeT]

First thing, especially at this time of year would be asking if there are any chances of a weaker than ideal battery playing a part?

Yes, I've realised my battery does not get a full recharge in use and has been that way since my ownership so waiting for the inevitable day it needs replacing.

[MikeT]

I wouldn't say it's cold but I saw my glowplug light on for more than just a glimpse today before cranking.
Farnborough -11.7 and some harbour on the IoW has frozen over.
Can't wait for tonight/tomorrow

[Hell Razor5543]

Bembridge Harbour, IoW, is the one with the additional ice.

[MikeT]

I suspect your battery is soon destined to be recycled Mike

I think the recent cold snap was a good test, Jim. After the snow, sleet and freezing rain, the car was sealed in inch-thick solid ice and we had temps as low as -11, enough to kill off any weak battery I would have thought, yet after the thaw and with the added loading of glowplugs, the engine fired up just like it normally does.

I also took the opportunity to experience ABS/ESP behaviour where there was still ice.
The ABS is very effective though the ESP seems not so effective. It certainly does reduce unwanted yaw but not so to avoid falling of the road or encroaching into the path of oncoming traffic, that still requires correct driver inputs to regain steering traction.

[CitroJim]

Nothing wrong with that battery then Mike

[MikeT]

Is £40 delivered too cheap for a pair of front discs (by Mintex)?
A quick search of this site shows much praise for the brand and the seller has 100% feedback but the price just seems too good to be true. Am I missing something or should I grab them asap?

[lexi]

These are the deals you look for Mike.........if they are boxed Mintex should be OK.

[MikeT]

Calipers in stock, pads ordered, discs ordered, just need to find the best deal on new flexi hoses now. I assume Borg & Beck are a trusted brand?