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28 months. Car not used every day, but several times a week & battery trickle charged every couple of months.

Does 'ping' when boot open/lights left on etc. but at nearly 26 years old not quite as modern as that ! Will check the charge indicators on the Cetek after 24hrs. & if looking encouraging leave the car on charge for another 24h. Last time I checked the alternator output it was 14.2v but I can...

Thanks for that. It's just that I'm not really a believer in coincidence :unsure:

Hi guys Parked my old ('98) BMW on the drive yesterday & found out this morning that I had inadvertently left the key in the ignition all night; good job we don't live in some of the UK's inner cities ! Went to start the car, totally dead. Battery is a 3 year old Bosch 95ah (as opposed to the...

Preaching to the converted no doubt but battery life is so unpredictable these days due to cars being stuffed with equipment that likes draining the power. Batteries in older cars last far longer in my extensive experience with their ownership .. my late 'eighties Classic will stand outside for...

Had to do this for my elderly neighbour recently, can be done on-line but you will need to quote both reg # & VIN # DVLA charge £25 & the new document will arrive in less than a week. Note to all : Be aware that the DVLA is now enforcing the 'continuous insurance' ruling that came into force...

Tried those way back, they do reduce glare but also visibility .. a bit like sunglasses. I currently have prescription glasses that are coated for glare reduction & very effective, but I still cannot understand why such bright lights are needed for driving on the public highway at speeds...

Very probably, but regulations sometimes bear little relationship to real world circumstances. Today's 'regulation' headlights can cause discomfort to older drivers to the point of being hazardous, so how does that reflect (no pun intended) with road safety? It's all very well for younger...

I had no idea that this problem could still occur with relatively modern diesels, especially as I have owned a Xantia myself & never experienced anything remotely like it. You live & learn ;)

So should I have assumed your initial post (#11) was simply repartee? :unsure: If I had done so I would have given you a 'like'

I have no idea & it was not my intention to cause any offence. To me the wording of your post appeared to infer that you were unaware of what the phrase meant & as these engine problems occurred decades ago (certainly in my experience) you may not be familiar with the phrase.

Not so much the title itself, more about what it actually means .. a diesel engine that over-runs the governor & revs. to destruction. Often running in reverse, burning engine oil & breathing through the exhaust, which means the 'stop' control has no effect. You have to be of a certain age to...

Engine 'running away' not the car :giggle:

Handy if you happen to be in the habit of carrying one around with you.

The old Commer 2 stroke diesel was infamous for that, if the driver was quick enough he could stick it top gear & stall the thing. Don't know what today's 'elf 'n safety would advise with regard to remedial action :unsure:

What you refer to as 'hill start' has been a function of automatics for decades, my own experience of it goes back to the 'sixties with Rover P5's & Humber S/Snipes. Your concern for others when it comes to brake light dazzle is commendable (y)

Pretty much. I driven countless thousands of miles in trucks/buses etc. powered by large diesels, but for my own vehicles it's a 6 or 8 cylinders of petrol power. As for EV's I'm a long way from being converted to ownership for logistical reasons: anyway I could never justify the cost of...

Thanks for the reply. The idea for a plug-in is purely a fuel saving move as she is currently using my classic, which on such short journeys in winter burns through a litre of unleaded in just 4 miles, plus increased wear 'n tear. Interestingly I'm the opposite to you in my opinions with regard...

On what level? Most of our (or rather 'ere indoors) journeys are less than 5 miles each way so surely a plug-in hybrid, charged at home, would give her the necessary range with the back-up of an engine if deciding to venture further afield on any occasion. For pre-planned longer journeys I have...

There is a point if the majority of your journeys comprise of each-way mileages of less than 5 miles, plus the ability to charge on your driveway ;)