C5, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

[demag]

The C5 is now resplendent with a new rear screen. Surprisingly it now opens and closes as designed so I assume the circuit was bad. They had to drill two of the bolts on the top trim as they were just turning but all in all it took them half an hour and two coffees.

[GiveMeABreak]

It's good to feel you are getting something back from your insurance on occasion!

[demag]

Yes but wondering if they'll sting me next time around.
Looking at the complexity of that screen I bet there wouldn't be much change out of £500 from Citroen.

[GiveMeABreak]

I've had 2 windscreen replacements in the last 2 C5s due to the soft glass that is prone to pitting (all the stone chips on the 'roads' around here), so after time it looks like sandpaper in the sunlight and really distracting. Paid the excess and never noticed ANY increase in premiums - if anything mine are always about the same or less than the previous year.

This from Direct Line's website:

How they then use that information depends entirely on individual insurers. Some will take a year off your no claim discount if you’ve made a windscreen claim, some might increase your next premium. Others won’t be in the slightest bit interested.

.

So I guess it is down to the company you use - and always check the policy.

[CitroJim]

Dave, that's an excellent result

[myglaren]

I've done 427 miles today for a total of 493 miles since last fill up (Friday).

Managed to get 44.7 mpg out of it and that is without babying it at all. According to the onboard computer that is surprisingly accurate.

Stuck in a queue on the A1 for about half an hour creeping forward at about 2mph too (nasty accident) and the usual 50mph stretches.

Filled it up today having done 500 miles (still over ¼ tank remaining) and it has managed 50.1mpg, most recorded with this car.
Mostly motorway driving with no thought given to economy.

[demag]

I noticed today there is no tint on the new rear screen. I'm sure I'll cope with it though.

[GiveMeABreak]

I wouldn't. They should replace it with the equivalent factory spec.

I always double check with their head office if having a screen replaced (not least because of the potential issue with the lighting and rain sensors) asking whether they have a new gel pack. I always check the acoustics and other factory symbols to make sure they send the right one. Last time, as I already knew would happen, despite their assurances everything would be alright - they knackered up the sensor as predicted.

It cost them £250 for a new sensor (I gave them the exact part number) and I supervised the fitting operation. To say the fitter was nervous was an understatement - but I wouldn't accept anything less than a proper job.

[RichardW]

I had a non tinted front screen fitted to a Xantia once - the difference was remarkable in bright light!

Must get a new screen for the 307 as the old one is well pitted - but then it has done 130k...!

[GiveMeABreak]

I think it is well worth the £70-90 excess to be honest Richard, the difference is amazing in bright sunlight with the new one.

[demag]

It's the tailgate glass that was replaced so not so noticeable except when looking at the loons driving 6 feet behind.

I'm now sat in EuroCarCare in Derby after an epic drive in awful weather while they (hopefully) replace the airbag clock spring. I've asked if I can have the old one to play with.

[demag]

An old chap just walked in this place, he's only got a spark to one plug on his Lomax kit car. We were only talking about them a few weeks ago.

[demag]

I thought I was having a clockspring fitted turns out it's a brand new Com 2000. So no more warning lights but...... No 2 son turned a drip from his shower into a near flood yesterday and as usual I had to sort the problem out. An O ring was worn which was the cause of the drip so he stripped it all down and managed to cross thread a 3mm grub screw putting it back together. I had to drill it out and tap it to 4mm to get it back together. It still needs an O ring but is back to a drip now. Anyway he noticed my n/s stop light was not working so this afternoon I pulled the back light units off only to find more broken screen behind them, it gets everywhere. I'm surprised any of the lights worked with the amount of crud on them, it appears that rain and bits of leaf and debris just get washed straight down the back. I faffed about pulling the bulbs out (not impressed! ) and they all looked ok but dusty so I checked the fuse which was also ok and the centre brake light was working which shares the same fuse. Then I noticed the n/s number plate bulb out as well and when I checked, I hadn't got as many bulbs as I thought I had. I'll pop to the factors tomorrow.
Then! I noticed the o/s/r tyre had a distinct lack of air in it and as the rears are pretty well on the limit I'll have to get them done. I think it will be part worns for now as I'm a touch low on cash, this pension thing is definitely not fun.
Then! whilst checking the pressure I noticed an alarming gap between the brake pad and disc, I'm beginning to wonder how real the mot is on this. I thought I heard an odd click when pressing the brake pedal to check the lamp. Hopefully it's a sticking pad that will free off.

More soon.

[CitroJim]

Gosh Dave, it certainly does seem the MOT tester needed to visit Specsavers :twisetd:

[demag]

I knew the rear tyres were near the limit Jim. Of course they will always argue they were ok on the day of test so I'm prepared to change them but the rear brakes require investigation.