Cars.

[Cue]

Out of interest, what do people do for cleaning their car? I currently run it by the Asda wash when I can be bothered, and generally end up with water on me because the pressure washer breaks through the driver window seals. Considering something a touch more friendly now that I'm getting a car that's a bit pricier and want to keep it looking nice.

 

[Gramaisc]

Get a silver car and only wash it four times a year, like I do.

Or, if you really care, @shoes does a nice job.

 

[Lucy]

My car will fall apart if I wash it, I fear.

 

[proactive]

Usually the hand wash on Silkmore Lane and periodically they'll get a mop down and wax from my good self.

 

[Cue]

Usually the hand wash on Silkmore Lane and periodically they'll get a mop down and wax from my good self.

JHL motors?

Get a silver car and only wash it four times a year, like I do.

Or, if you really care, @shoes does a nice job.

My current is a silver, but I couldn't get a good deal on silver or grey on my new one so opted for a metallic red instead.

 

[proactive]

JHL motors?

The place behind it.

 

[Thehooperman]

Out of interest, what do people do for cleaning their car? I currently run it by the Asda wash when I can be bothered, and generally end up with water on me because the pressure washer breaks through the driver window seals. Considering something a touch more friendly now that I'm getting a car that's a bit pricier and want to keep it looking nice.

Try closing the window after you've paid the attendant

I usually use the Asda one for a quick wash and the guys by the side of Tesco's or by the Island if I need the car valeted (once a yearish).

 

[Trumpet]

Pretty much the same here, Asda guys most Monday mornings and a valet at the island two or three times a year.
Reckon the Asda wash is possibly the best value for money in Stafford.

 

[c0tt0nt0p]

When the Tesco express recently got refurbed they removed the auto car wash and put in a coin operated jet wash....5 different cycles so you can pick and choose what you do...(countdown clock before your money runs out)

 

[Cue]

I daren't use the Tesco Extra one, given they move the car. I'm not sure they'd know what to do with a Leaf.

Speaking of, I hope to god I never have to drive manual again - I'll probably stall at every stop. In an ideal world, hopefully nothing petrol/diesel ever again but who knows how kind my insurer will be if anyone takes a chunk out of my car.

 

[Gramaisc]

I'm constantly impressed by the sheer sturdiness and reliability of modern manual gearboxes, clutches and drive-trains.

A lot of modern drivers change gear with a level of violence that would have had them regularly walking a couple of miles back home if they had a Triumph Herald.

 

[Kickstart]

Hi

Manual gearbox to me is a requirement. Have an MX5 and went for the sport version specifically to get the 6 speed gearbox to play with. Smoother with double declutching.

All the best

Katy

 

[proactive]

I daren't use the Tesco Extra one, given they move the car. I'm not sure they'd know what to do with a Leaf.

Speaking of, I hope to god I never have to drive manual again - I'll probably stall at every stop. In an ideal world, hopefully nothing petrol/diesel ever again but who knows how kind my insurer will be if anyone takes a chunk out of my car.

I switch between auto, single speed and manual boxes all the time, it's never proven to be a problem so far.

 

[Kickstart]

I switch between auto, single speed and manual boxes all the time, it's never proven to be a problem so far.

We used to have a Renault Clio Zoom. This had a conventional 5 speed gearbox but no clutch pedal (there was a clutch, but it was operated automatically based on what the driver was doing with the brakes, throttle and gearbox).

That was fun to watch people drive for the first time. They tended to get 20 yards and then stop very violently.

Natural action when changing gear is the driver stamps on the left hand pedal. On this the left hand pedal was the brake pedal

All the best

Katy

 

[Gramaisc]

We used to have a Renault Clio Zoom. This had a conventional 5 speed gearbox but no clutch pedal (there was a clutch, but it was operated automatically based on what the driver was doing with the brakes, throttle and gearbox).

That was fun to watch people drive for the first time. They tended to get 20 yards and then stop very violently.

Natural action when changing gear is the driver stamps on the left hand pedal. On this the left hand pedal was the brake pedal

All the best

Katy

It can be 'fun' (in a clear space) to get people to brake intentionally with their left foot - the difference in dexterity levels is very marked.

Make sure everybody in the vehicle has belts on....

 

[proactive]

We used to have a Renault Clio Zoom. This had a conventional 5 speed gearbox but no clutch pedal (there was a clutch, but it was operated automatically based on what the driver was doing with the brakes, throttle and gearbox).

That was fun to watch people drive for the first time. They tended to get 20 yards and then stop very violently.

Natural action when changing gear is the driver stamps on the left hand pedal. On this the left hand pedal was the brake pedal

All the best

Katy

Dad had a Citroën CX back in the late '70s with a three speed gearbox like that. C-matic it was called, officially. Utter shite is what he called it. It lasted 6 weeks before he swapped it for a manual version.

 

[Cue]

I switch between auto, single speed and manual boxes all the time, it's never proven to be a problem so far.

Experience thing, my dad does the same - manual and EV, but he's had 35+ years of driving experience so it's ingrained in him. I'm just coming up to 2 years so it's a lot easier to "deprogramme" so to speak. I stalled a few times after my 5 day stint over New Year's so after a longer period I'll probably forget altogether.

 

[stoofer34]

7 speed DSG Auto for me

S

 

[proactive]

7 speed DSG Auto for me

S

Much prefer a good torque convertor auto box. Just as good on the go as a DSG nowadays but a damn site easier when parking.

Ultimately though my preference is for a single ratio box, making gear changes unecessary.

 

[Kickstart]

Dad had a Citroën CX back in the late '70s with a three speed gearbox like that. C-matic it was called, officially. Utter shite is what he called it. It lasted 6 weeks before he swapped it for a manual version.

The c matic used a torque converter rather than a conventional clutch.

The Renault system used a conventional clutch, just the clutch was actuated without a clutch pedal. Similar systems were used by Saab on the 900 Sensonic and Fiat on the Seicento Citymatic.

The system worked very well. We had the car for about 100000 miles (it did get a replacement clutch in that time) and even trying to confuse the system I only got it to misbehave once.

Advantage was that you got a manual car (including economy of a manual) without the need of a clutch pedal. My better half was on crutches at the time so a conventional manual wasn't really an option.

Renault dealer did manage to fry the control unit for the transmission though.

All the best

Katy