Ask a Shiter

[barefoot]

Spindles won't change front camber and if I read that right, the back hasn't been changed.

What's less good about it, oh naked footed one? Traction, handling, everything?

I figure it's got to be something to do with weight distribution.

It's very much as before, rides softly, handles ok, obviously looks cooler*

But in snow and mud, where it was once good, it is hopeless.

It's very odd.

[sierraman]

If you are selling a car that's uninsured, then when a test drive comes along, do you just ask them for proof they have insurance that covers driving another car eg fully comp? Or does the car itself have to be insured for someone to drive it?

[Station]

Could of died today...

 

In a Citroen Xsara going downhill, indicate for my turning, brake. Then 'pop' from the front somewhere, then shoot past my turning as no brakes....

 

If you really stamp on the pedal you just about have rear brakes but the pedal is still hard and no fluid loss so must be an internal seal on the master cylinder surely??? Not looked yet too wet and dark

 

It sounds like it, it's now sucking air in through the master cylinder, or is just not pumping anything at all. They're easy to repair, four bolts hold it onto the servo, and a circlip holds the whole sprung mechanism together, it's a satisfying job to do at the sink.

[The Moog]

If you are selling a car that's uninsured, then when a test drive comes along, do you just ask them for proof they have insurance that covers driving another car eg fully comp? Or does the car itself have to be insured for someone to drive it?

Continuous insurance rules mean that it has to have insurance and tax otherwise it is sorn and shouldnt be on road.

[Stroller133]

If you are selling a car that's uninsured, then when a test drive comes along, do you just ask them for proof they have insurance that covers driving another car eg fully comp? Or does the car itself have to be insured for someone to drive it?

I Suspect that this a bit like the A-framing question and hours could be spent arguing either way. Over recent years all my insurance has specified in the wording that the "other car" needs to be insured, so for me, now it's quite clear. However in the past when the certificate just said I could drive Any other car not belonging to me, I would have driven it regardless of whether the vehicle was insured. A friend disagreed and always claimed it needed to be insured by the owner too, if you leave it on the public highway after driving it, it would no longer covered once you leave the. This made some sense I suppose.

[Richard]

It just isn't worth the risk of having a car on the road that isn't on the MID. The police impound first and ask questions later.

[sierraman]

Plus a fine, points, headache etc... I was enquiring as I'd looked at a car I could potentially make a few hundred on. However that plus the mouth breathers coming back whinging about this that and the other puts me off.

[The Moog]

I Suspect that this a bit like the A-framing question and hours could be spent arguing either way. Over recent years all my insurance has specified in the wording that the "other car" needs to be insured, so for me, now it's quite clear. However in the past when the certificate just said I could drive Any other car not belonging to me, I would have driven it regardless of whether the vehicle was insured. A friend disagreed and always claimed it needed to be insured by the owner too, if you leave it on the public highway after driving it, it would no longer covered once you leave the. This made some sense I suppose.

There was case law that stopping even to pop to shop was considered the continuous journey so was still insured 3rd party.

 

But as Richard stated nowadays it isn't worth the grief arguing about it. Computer is always right.

[DSdriver]

Could of died today...

 

In a Citroen Xsara going downhill, indicate for my turning, brake. Then 'pop' from the front somewhere, then shoot past my turning as no brakes....

 

If you really stamp on the pedal you just about have rear brakes but the pedal is still hard and no fluid loss so must be an internal seal on the master cylinder surely??? Not looked yet too wet and dark

Glad you lived to tell the tale. I thought conventional braking systems worked diagonally to prevent such an occurrence. Much prefer the LHM system meself, takes fluid from steering, then suspension before dissing the brakes.

[cort16]

Mrs C opened the passenger door of her a2 for the first time the other day and found a mushroom farm growing on the bottom of the door.

I just went out give it a bleaching and when I opened the door a load of water sloshed out. I recon there's water getting trapped in by there by the door seal used to keep the water out from the outside. Good job it's aloominum or there'd probably be a manky great hole there now.

 

I've not got any idea were it's coming in. Any ideas? I've google it but can't find anything obvious.

[Pillock]

Normally though, the door seal is towards the inner edge of the door, so water can slosh up the gap between door and sill but won't get any further. Shouldn't be anything to trap it in there. Can't seal the outside of the door I wouldn't have thought as the water that makes it past the window weather strip usually comes out the bottom of the door.

 

On the plus side, free mushrooms.

[Station]

What are those A2's like to drive? I've liked one for a bit.

[anonymous user]

The Caddy's wipers are driving me nuts, they go on when they feel like it. Sometimes when I'm indicating or turning the steering wheel, other times when I'm driving straight along the road. Does it sound like an earth problem?

Daft question, do the wipers work through a relay? My one Volvo 240 had fun when the relay was playing up, either they wouldn't work at all, or you couldn't switch them off.

 

P.s. I know yours is a van but when I read Caddy I think Cadillac,

[spike60]

Has anyone used DVLA form V888? It's the form to find out info held by DVLA on vehicles and I have recently bought a car and wouldn't mind knowing who/where etc. What do I need to put on the form for " what information do you want and why?" and " how are you going to use the information?" Presumably "cos I'm a nosey bastard" won't be good enough!

[nacho man]

Is there a American version of Parkers/honest John type thing were I can while away my days reading American car reviews from the 90's.

[cort16]

What are those A2's like to drive? I've liked one for a bit.

 

They're pretty good. We've got the 1.4 with 75bhp so not fast but definitely okay. The 1.6 Fsi is pretty quick but prone to a few issues and the 1.4 diesels are able to do mega mpgz. The thing I find weird about it is it's so light. Going around corners or roundabouts there's hardly any understeer as there's just no weight in them. The interiors are nice too and all oily bits on the 1.4 is VAG parts bin. I did oil, plugs, air filter, new egr valve and 02 sensor and it was 140 quid for the parts.

[fatharris]

Has anyone used DVLA form V888? It's the form to find out info held by DVLA on vehicles and I have recently bought a car and wouldn't mind knowing who/where etc. What do I need to put on the form for " what information do you want and why?" and " how are you going to use the information?" Presumably "cos I'm a nosey bastard" won't be good enough!

I filled one in about six months ago.

 

I bought a SAAB without a V5, or any paperwork at all really. The "dealer" gave me the sellers previous postcode which wasn't the right one, which meant that whilst we were potentially applying for a V5, the car couldn't be used for up to six weeks.

 

I filled in a V888, and asked for confirmation of the registered keepers' address. I even supplied a picture of the car and a pic of the VIN plate.

 

They sent a letter back saying it wasn't a reasonable request and refused to help.

 

A week later, I found a subsequently friendly dealer who took it in PX for a Rover 220D and we've lived happily ever after.

 

Fuck DVLA, they're a bunch of unco-operative, unorganised arseholes, and the closing down of their local offices just serves as a reminder of how bad it is.

[Station]

It's taken two months to get a log book on the Corsa with just the green slip - I had to make an etching of the vin plate (!) and they are saying it will be processed on the 4th December. I bought the car off Shadow on here and he was selling it for his friend I think. I had to provide previous owners address, how would I know that?

Take your time DVLA.

[Asimo]

Is there a American version of Parkers/honest John type thing were I can while away my days reading American car reviews from the 90's.

Yep.

 

Also Consumer Guide for new cars. I have a few old copies in the mag. rack in the loo.

[nacho man]

Cheers just ordered a couple of copies

[drum]

Time to try and get my sister's land cruiser through its mot again. On the list of things to do is a front wheel bearing. How difficult a job is this and any tips like needing a 30 ton press?

[Matt]

It's taken two months to get a log book on the Corsa with just the green slip - I had to make an etching of the vin plate (!) and they are saying it will be processed on the 4th December. I bought the car off Shadow on here and he was selling it for his friend I think. I had to provide previous owners address, how would I know that?

Take your time DVLA.

 

That doesn't bode well... I applied for a V5 recently with no part of the existing V5! A letter from the registered keeper stating that they want to transfer with signatures from both parties will supposedly suffice. I'm not holding my breath.

[D Spares & Tyres]

I'll be fine, the only way you won't get a v5 is if the registered keeper disputes it

 

Even if they ignore the dvla's letters you will still get a v5

[stephen01]

If you have to start a car with a screwdriver will it still pass the MOT?

[scaryoldcortina]

Depends on the age of the car, and if the screwdriver is small enough to not interfere with the driver's controls.

[LC Torana]

Here's a stupid question - I've never driven in snow and almost certainly never will.

 

Would putting four "space-saver" wheels/tyres on a car help traction in snow?  I know it would not be legal, but would it work?

 

I ask purely as a thought exercise.

[NorfolkNWeigh]

Here's a stupid question - I've never driven in snow and almost certainly never will.

 

Would putting four "space-saver" wheels/tyres on a car help traction in snow?  I know it would not be legal, but would it work?

 

I ask purely as a thought exercise.

The narrowness would be good in fresh snow but the lack of decent tread and unsuitable compound wouldn't.

These might look like space savers, but. I'm guessing they're quite sophisticated studded tyres.

A couple of years ago I had a puncture in the snow and had a 275 on one side and a 135 space saver on the other. The spacesaver would sit slowly spinning on tick over.

[tooSavvy]

^^^ ... Aixam on ACEEED

 

TS

[bub2006]

M6 toll question. Tonight on way back from Cannock I accidentally ended up on the m6 toll. Slightly annoyed I'd have to pay £5.80 but hey ho. Anyway get to junction to come off and there us no other cars at all or in sight. All lanes had a red traffic light bar one green light. Now having never used toll road before I believed red lights mean lane closed,green open. Anyway on approaching I noticed the barrier was up and sign said toll paid. I waited a couple if minutes but barrier didn't come down and no one was around so I drove on. Now I know there is cctv or so it says but did I actually do wrong? Will I be ok or do I get prepared for toll police smashing me back door in and punching me in the tits before thrown in the cells ? Await with anticipation. Thanks

[MarvinsMom]

on the m6, is the toll road free after say 9pm?

 

or did i make that up?

 

maybe i dreamt it....