Telsown

Evening Steve, That’s the way to do it, straight for the jugular! It shows doesn’t it, I’m not a mechanic. I’ve been around cars for millennia but I know nothing when it counts. I’m always digging around cos I have this basic interest in all things cars. I could save myself a lot of time and ansk if I just logged in here everyday. At least I will eventually find the truth on most matters and learn something too. Thanks for all your input. Terry.

Hi Richard, I can see your thinking there and of course in the 50/50 scenario you are not wrong. It’s great having such a multitude of opinions when you are faced with a decision. That’s why we love our cars and clubs such as this are invaluable. Thanks for your input.

Hi Tom, Great! I too had a 1970 Peugeot 1.9 205 GTi (Red). What a lovely car it was too. I loved that car!!!! To be honest, probably wouldn’t touch a Peugeot today. I belonged to the Peugeot Sport Club and had experiences at Silverstone and the MIRA testing circuit in Leicestershire. Anyway, enough reminiscing. My current car has timing chain (for info). Just need to keep an eye on the tensioner but normally good for longevity, I think. Sound advice in your last paragraph. Thanks.

Hi Tom, Thanks for your input. I know, I have this dilemma every time I buy a new (but not new) car. I’ve never owned a brand new car so I am always buying someone’s hand me down. There is something that I have reconciled with cars, at sometime in the life of that car, someone is going to have to put their hand in their pocket and put right the wrongs. So I guess I am sceptical that not all car owners treat theirs as I do, it’s a fact. Just recently I took my car to a main dealer for its annual service + Haldex oil replacement & brake fluid replacement also. During a complimentary video inspection, the mechanic noticed signs of water in & around the thermostat housing. Having read lots of reviews of my car I was aware of the A3 having this weakness. I was unable to determine said leak on camera and was not offered to look for myself. Further along in the discussion I was all for getting the work done (reasonably big job) hence (and this is me talking) I was of the opinion that if we’re going in to replace the thermostat, what about the water pump? (not forgetting the car is coming up to 9yrs). Now you see how my mind works. Preventative maintenance! Am I wrong? What would you have done, I wonder? Whilst I was willing to go along with their (supposed findings) I had a gut feeling, you know the feeling when things don’t sit right. For me I was wrestling with the fact that after owning the car for less than a year, I had never needed to put a drop of coolant in. In the meantime, the garage had priced the job up (thermostat only replacement) at £1300. Yes I get to have a coolant change, never a bad thing. But, what about the water pump (9yrs old) and you don’t stop there, what about the hoses (again 9yrs old) subjected to immense heat. You can go on & on. So, what did I do, you ask? I took the car home. Because I now had all the facts. So you see, I can be sensible at times. I said to the garage that I cannot dispute the mechanics findings (after all he is a professional) but I am taking the car home. Since that day I have monitored the situation and to date (3 weeks ago) there has been no coolant loss. Of course my OCD has kicked in big time now as I cannot drive the car at all without physically checking the coolant level. To return to the original problem of leaking thermostat housing I don’t think there is a right or wrong decision to have the water pump replaced too. It just comes down to that little monkey on your back telling you what YOU would do when presented with all the facts. Personally, I reckon if there was a poll it would be 50/50. For me, I would have at least the water pump replaced too. I’m sure also that it would pay dividends at the time of re-sale. Hope you enjoyed my little story. On this occasion I’ve had a right result, I still have my money in the bank. Happy Motoring. Terry.

Clifford, Thank you, as ever, for your input. I remember too the ‘Italian Tuneup’ as it was named back then. Something I’m aware of even today in some areas of us older petrol heads. Terry.

Thanks Stevey Y, That’s exactly what I wanted, someone who knows what he’s talking about. I’ve always valued your input Steve. Thanks mate. Hope you and family are well. Lost my job at Jackanory so took up with CBeebies….. Terry.

Thanks Steve, At the moment my car runs pretty good but its coming into its 9th year with 45k on the clock. As always with a secondhand motor you never know what’s gone on before. Having said that the services that have been carried out are spot on. The unknown is what fuel has been used. Personally, I use Shell V Power at every fill. The dilemma for me is that at 75yrs this is probably going to be my last ‘baby’. Always been a bit of a petrol head and always used preventative maintenance. I can’t help it, it’s just the way I am. That’s why I’m researching this. According to those people of similar like mindedness the ‘insider maintenance brigade’ who want to get 150k + out of their cars. They are not following the standard service regime, rather they use the ‘Severe Service intervals’. Of which this Walnut Shell Blasting would be carried out at 40k intervals. Not ever having seen with my own eyes the problem we are dealing with I’m a bit hesitant. Not quite there yet, even though it seems to make sense.

Sorry Clifford, As I understand, it is a process of removing carbon build-up from intake ports & valves. This would be for the GDI (Gasoline Direct Engines) of which mine is.

Hi all, Was just putting this out there. Has anyone personally experienced this on either their own car or someone they know that has. Your comments too as to whether this is something that will almost certainly be needed carried out on most direct injection engines, or so I’m led to believe. Terry

Morfit update: Normality resumes. Yes, all is well and comfy with yet another slight adjustment and we now have that sweet-spot. Not only that but I have not felt I’ve needed to adjust anything this week at all. I will though have a reset using the E-Pump (perhaps fortnightly) just to keep its plumpness and just to add that the actual position of the cushion on the seat it has not moved despite the climbing in and out of the car. I don’t even think about it now, it’s there and it’s doing the job I was hoping for. I guess I’m at that point of, would I recommend or not. I’m going to give two answers. No surprise there I hear you say! Probably from a financial point of view I would not, albeit, I have gotten over that initial hit in my pocket. On the point of quality, ease of use and lumbar support/comfort I am without remorse with my purchase. I’ll finish up by reiterating a comment I made earlier: You have 30 days to try before contacting them for a refund should you not be happy. I think there is little else I can say on the subject. I hope I have given a fair and subjective account of my findings. For those in need of lumbar support I hope you find what you are looking for. Lastly, to say thanks to all those that have shown an interest in my endeavour. Terry.

Morfit: Update. Tis laughable you know, here was I telling myself and all and sundry that why would you alter something if it was right. But, as you know I promised to give a full and unbiased opinion. So my last report I stated that you are advised to reset (10 times) to get that ‘sweet spot’. *Spoiler Alert* So after 48hrs it appears all is not so comfy! I wished I hadn’t tried resetting, don’t get me wrong, it was still comfy but after resetting the angle of my seat to which I then set about resetting the Morfit cushion I failed to find that ‘sweet spot’. Damn & Blast! Certainly getting my money’s worth. @ £129.00 Guess I need to justify it somehow. Ha! Ha! Ha! Terry.

Morfit: Update 2/7 This relates to checking position every trip, 10 times. Initially I quoted why would you bother adjusting something if it was suitable but I realised that for the purpose of the exercise I did do just that. In a way I was happy that I did this. It gave me the opportunity to readjust the seat upright to different angles. So I adjusted the seat angle from what I did set it to originally. I then followed the original setup sequence and it gave me the opportunity to readjust the ‘’Morfit at different seat angles. Quite honestly, imho, the cushion gave me the support I was looking for. So no change there. Just to add, that the instructions mentioned, as you would assume that it can be moved between different vehicles or the same vehicle but on the passenger seat, then of course it doesn’t stop there, what if you wanted some support in your favourite chair indoors. Today I also charged the E-Pump by way of USB-C connector. Straight forward enough. So, to date, no problems, worthy of sending it back anyway. Oh! And by the way, the company does give a one year warranty against defective parts and workmanship. And indeed give you, if, in your opinion, the ‘Morfit’ back support does not reduce your driving-related back pain they will reimburse the purchase price provided you make contact within 30 days of receipt. There you go. Win-Win! Terry.

Hi Ian, Like most of us in our lifetime have had or will have a sore back. When I was young and fit I was working for a brewery delivering their barrels. Some of which were wooden and held 56 gallons. So you can see, a lot depends on technique but to establish that technique takes time and of course pain. After the brewery job I became an owner drive in road haulage driving for hundreds of thousands of miles. More importantly, it was not good for my posture, in fact, it has now become my leading thought when trying to look after my aches and pains having now retired. I guess that’s what has led me on my latest quest, the posture of the lumbar when sitting. This does not just apply to your car seat. But in your car you cannot just get up immediately you feel achy, ok you can stop and have a stretch. So the idea I had in mind was to look after the posture before it went out of alignment. Hence the purchase of the ‘Morfit’ lumbar cushion. So, long story short, I am/have invested in my posture. Yes I exercise which keeps the body moving (is what we were designed to do). But when sitting for any length of time we cease up. Just to bear in mind, this will not cure a bad back, imho. However, it could just take the edge off of a sore one. Disclaimer: Sorry, I feel I should say something here. I do not and have not any association with Morfit UK. That I do not receive any monetary benefit or products in kind based on what I have to say regarding their product/s. This is based on my own personal experience. Whilst writing I had better fulfill my promise and give you all some feedback. Having gone for another drive today it was not so much on, how does my lumbar feel, rather it was a case of I was not aware of the cushion. It was as though it just felt like it was part of my seat and unlike a cushion from my house I did not have to re-adjust every two minutes to find that sweet spot. There is more in getting the most out of the ‘Morfit’. (1/7) Find the best fit: For the first 10 trips, it’s a good idea to practice resetting the ‘Morfit’ every time you go out for a drive. I know, bit of a faff. (Just my opinion). But if like me you find it to be comfy, then why would you bother? There are a further 6 points in the booklet, I will go through them in order but if you get fed up with me rattling on, let me know! Or, I could skip the details and write a summary after a month maybe. Your comments would be welcome. Anyway, I’ll leave it there and will be back to give some more info from ‘out in the field’ soon. Terry.

Hi Ian, Can’t say I blame you. Having parted with my money I felt the least I could do is share my experience. There’s an old saying, ‘’A fool and his money are soon parted”. Just hoping I don’t have to eat those words. But I’ll happily ‘take one for the team’. Keep watching. Terry.

You’ve probably heard of the saying ‘be careful what you wish for’. Well, I was/am that person. After what can only be described as an extensive search, I may have found one. Like most things in life, you don’t always get to try before you buy, albeit if it doesn’t live up to the manufacture’s claims you can ultimately send it back. I am not totally sure on the law here but I think you get 30 days. So, here we go, I’ve waffled on enough. It’s called the ‘MORFIT’. Wait for it! It’s £129.00 There is a cheaper one though, the standard is a mere £99.00. So guess what, I’ve gone the whole hog and bought the all singing all dancing £129.00 version. Having just fitted it today, I cannot yet recommend it! To be honest I’m not sure that at £129.00 I could ever recommend it. Basically, it’s all about my perspective vs yours. The best I can say is, watch this space and I will give you some feedback. Initially, I would say it is well made and is not an ugly addition to my drivers seat, blends well with my cloth seats. I spent an hour driving around today with no negativity. I’m sure it can be improved upon but first impressions I am happy. As I say, I’ll give you more feedback over the coming days/weeks. Watch this space (if you dare)! Terry

It’s one of those things that we normally only do every 4-8yrs. Changing of Battery that is. But how useful is an Auto Memory Saver. Has anyone had a use/or not of this battery changing aid. Of those who have found it useful which one would you recommend. Your opinions please. Terry.

Hi Matt, Thanks for being that voice of reason. I think it’s in our DNA to want to tinker with our cars from an early age. For me, at age 74yrs, that hasn’t changed. Long may it last, I say. We all need something to make the heart flutter amongst all of the other menial duties of life. Good to chat. Terry.

Thank you Matt, I do understand what you are saying and I am always conscious of NOT planting the accelerator, rather I try to just build my speed gradually. Of course I’m sure it is probably something I need to practice more. I like to go for the odd spirited drive in manual mode which allows the engine to stretch its legs, so to speak, rather than poodle around in low revs causing our friend ‘Mr Carbon’ to do his worst. Of course sport mode is often used too as it too has the desired effect. The car itself is always set to Dynamic mode. I have often read that replacing the air filter for one that flows more efficiently (cone for example) could help but then there are so many different mods to choose from but which of them really work. To be honest, I believe even the manufacturers struggle with this phenomenon. Anyway, thanks for your input. Terry

My car’s manual states that the Max Torque (Nm at rpm) is 320/ 1500 - 4200. (2017 A3 2.0 TFSI 140kW, quattro). Based on those figures, does my turbo start to spool-up at 1500rpm up to 4200rpm. Or is it from the get go. I have not had the car very long, consequently I am still trying to get the best out of it. I feel I’m in need of further understanding how to get the best the car can deliver whilst maintaining reliability and good health. I want to have fun but not boring motoring!! Cruising rpm and acceleration rpm range would be helpful. More so the latter, really. Basically, I’m not feeling it, what I mean is, I’m not understanding turbo lag or more importantly the turbo threshold. Is my ‘power band’ between 1500 to 4200 for example? Could you please help me, help my car? Terry

Thanks Ian, yeah! Likewise am waiting for someone that has gone ‘through the card” so to speak to save me having to do it, lol. As an interim solution based on what was available to me, I am currently using a microfibre drying towel, (lge). Surprisingly very, very soft and once folded a few times it does fill the hollow in my back. With a few personal tweaks to the seat itself, jobs a goodun! For now, anyway. Might be a bit hot in the summer!! I’ll keep looking. Terry

I know there are many lumbar supports (drivers seat) on the market but I was hoping that someone has taken the plunge and found one that relieves this problem. Unfortunately it’s not something you can try before you buy. I’m sure it is a common problem. Being able to have a more suitable driving position and for all round comfort would be a blessing. I’ve tried different cushions around the house to no avail. Your input is most welcome. Terry.

I concur Clifford, Having recently purchased a new battery I did have some teething problems which I later found out was to do with the battery not being fully charged. With hindsight I should not have assumed a new battery would be fully charged, quite the opposite in fact and perhaps good practise is to fully charge a new battery no matter what! I do recommend the CTEK MXS 10. Although pricey, I feel its about the best for any battery that you would ever own. Terry

Love the detail, I’ve got a nasty feeling this might be coming my way. It’s permanently open at the moment but if it locks itself I will be back to this post to help me with the solution. Nice One! Terry.

Hi all, This fault code relates to the Tank lid Activation and was flagged up when I scanned the car using the OBDEleven. I have just manually tested the locking mechanism and unfortunately it is not locking when I lock the car. The good news it’s not permanently locked. Your comments are most welcome. Thanks. Terry. Just realised I’ve posted in wrong forum. Should have been A3 8v forum.

Hi Gareth, Yes, I am aware of the adaptation and replacement of new battery. But I’m only aware! Or rather I’m thinking…..Be Aware!!! I am/have been swatting up, so to speak. I would like to have a go, never one to shirk my responsibility so to speak. Seriously, though. I would like to go for it once I’ve got it in my head, whether it goes to my brain is another thing. I’m making notes and will have them beside me when I plug the OBDEleven into the car. Battery should be with me around Wednesday but I’ll not go until I’m ready. I mean, how difficult can it be to change a battery. Ha! Ha! Ha! We’ve done loads in our lifetime haven’t we???? I’m hoping for back-up should I need it………!? Speak soon. Terry.