What's made you grumpy today?

[PuntoHowTo]

You really dont get it, nothing to do with the wear, that will have a small effect, that will be static though. The speeds changes drastically as you drive, any turning of the wheel creates big differences on the travelled ditance of each wheel. I can draw you and steven a picture with crayons if that will make it clearer.

I think Steven has answered this pretty succinctly, no need for you to get your crayons out, you can save them for colouring or whatever you do.

(just a little note on this attempt at an insult, if you are the one getting the crayons out, you are the one needing the crayons. The medium used to draw the picture has no bearing on the way it is understood, I'e I could draw a picture for my 2 year old, using the most advanced computer, he can still tell if its a car or lorry or whatever. however he is the one who needs to use crayons himself because of his tendency to draw on his hands or arms and he goes off the edges off the paper which marks the table..... that's why you need crayons If I wanted a diagram, from him, then I might be more inclined to give him crayons to use. So if you would like to draw diagrams feel free and if you need to use crayons to do that, well that's ok as well. Just try to keep it on the paper)

Yes, the rotational speed will vary, based on a whole host of things in relation to the movement of the car, especially turning, but as pointed out, the computers in the car know all this. They are somewhat more intelligent than you give them credit for I think there is an element of Dunning-Kruger effect going on in the way you analyze.

The fact if someone can make a algorithm to calculate and map the exact layout of a room or building based on reflected Wifi signals, then I dare say someone could come up with software that could give a pressure reading of each tire, based purely on the input from wheel sensors and other sensors in the car without a tire pressure sensor being needed and get a pretty accurate reading.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

I've got no idea about the Panda... @The Panda Nut can confirm as seem to remember his is a later car.

Thanks Steven, I'll wait for him to come along.

I think in reality for your usage i.e. buying new and keeping 5 or 6 years will probably never make a difference.

Our second car, which has been a Panda for more years than I can remember now, is always an older car. So, if we were to replace Becky with an Ignis, it certainly wouldn't be a new one. More likely one of the last ones that wasn't a mild hybrid. However I'm thinking we'd probably be better to stay with the "devil we know" and buy a later model Panda.

 

[vexorg]

someone could come up with software that could give a pressure reading of each tire, based purely on the input from wheel sensors and other sensors in the car without a tire pressure sensor being needed and get a pretty accurate reading.

While it is clearly beyond you to work out (I could do it!!), I was never saying it was not posisble, only that the tolerance must be significant for the pressure values compared to a simple battery device that can measure very accurately - hence better. There's a lot more to cars than monkey see monkey do when you see a light on the dash.

(Plus, we are brittish, its TYRE!!)

 

[PuntoHowTo]

While it is clearly beyond you to work out (I could do it!!),

Doubtful, you can't even deliver a simple insult without making yourself look silly.

I was never saying it was not posisble, only that the tolerance must be significant for the pressure values compared to a simple battery device that can measure very accurately - hence better.

Nope the tolerance as I explained above can be highly accurate to very quickly spot a puncture. wheel sensors can be prone issues like.... getting smashed to bits inside the wheel, getting blocked with debris or being destroyed by those nice tire sealant systems many manufactures like to ship cars with these days. So a pressure sensor is likely no more accurate or faster at reporting a problem than an ABS system, but if you disagree then post up some facts and figures, do some maths, get out your crayons and explain it. We would all be fascinated to know.

There's a lot more to cars than monkey see monkey do when you see a light on the dash.

^^^^ literally what we have been trying to explain to you.

(Plus, we are brittish, its TYRE!!)

It is a noun, the word can be spelt tire or tyre... 4

I however tyre of this conversation, or do I mean tire ?

 

[StevenRB45]

Thanks Steven, I'll wait for him to come along.

Our second car, which has been a Panda for more years than I can remember now, is always an older car. So, if we were to replace Becky with an Ignis, it certainly wouldn't be a new one. More likely one of the last ones that wasn't a mild hybrid. However I'm thinking we'd probably be better to stay with the "devil we know" and buy a later model Panda.

I should say having pilloried the Yaris due to my dad complaining about it.

The Auris has exactly the same safety sense pack as the Yaris.

It took me all of 10 minutes to set it up in such a way that it does what I want it do and doesn't do anything spurious (except of course the tyre pressure sensors).

So if you aren't considering one in the basis of my second hand annoyance perhaps test drive one as while it's not necessarily the most user friendly thing I suspect it's a bit easier than your Skoda and can be made to behave itself.

Beyond that it has all physical heating controls, no hybrid, manual handbrake and gears on none hybrid, rear drums, an engine with no turbo and a timing chain and is generally quite old school in it's way of doing things I believe they have a single mass flywheel (as does my Auris).

 

[PuntoHowTo]

while it's not necessarily the most user friendly thing I suspect it's a bit easier than your Skoda and can be made to behave itself.

Ohh this reminds me, @Pugglt Auld Jock there is a way to stop your car doing all the annoying updates. It is also likely recording all your driving data and sending it back to Skoda because of this, There is a way to stop it I just need to try and find the article I was reading it to remind myself how you do it.

Likely when you bought the car the dealership signed you up for a service that then enables them to do all this. The "updates" can actually be the car uploading information rather than downloading anything to your benefit.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Ohh this reminds me, @Pugglt Auld Jock there is a way to stop your car doing all the annoying updates. It is also likely recording all your driving data and sending it back to Skoda because of this, There is a way to stop it I just need to try and find the article I was reading it to remind myself how you do it.

Likely when you bought the car the dealership signed you up for a service that then enables them to do all this. The "updates" can actually be the car uploading information rather than downloading anything to your benefit.

Thanks Andy. Any info on this will be very interesting.

 

[irc]

Thanks Steven, I'll wait for him to come along.

Our second car, which has been a Panda for more years than I can remember now, is always an older car. So, if we were to replace Becky with an Ignis, it certainly wouldn't be a new one. More likely one of the last ones that wasn't a mild hybrid. However I'm thinking we'd probably be better to stay with the "devil we know" and buy a later model Panda.

Unless it's got terminal sill rot, surely keeping Becky would work out the cheapest option, even with the possibility of needing a rear beam replacement, assuming it is as tidy as it looks in photos.

(I've got an 10-plate Active Eco which I have now owned twice, been long-term loaned out to two different family members, been in a small shunt (repaired by me with secondhand parts), sat unloved for 6 months after the last loan, and its still been the cheapest-to-run car I've ever had. I'm in the process of putting it back into service just because its been so idiotically cheap to run. It may need a new beam in a year or so, but even with that it's been seriously good value for money. I might even splurge for some paint fixes on the lacquer peel if it goes straight through the next MOT again)

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Unless it's got terminal sill rot, surely keeping Becky would work out the cheapest option, even with the possibility of needing a rear beam replacement, assuming it is as tidy as it looks in photos.

(I've got an 10-plate Active Eco which I have now owned twice, been long-term loaned out to two different family members, been in a small shunt (repaired by me with secondhand parts), sat unloved for 6 months after the last loan, and its still been the cheapest-to-run car I've ever had. I'm in the process of putting it back into service just because its been so idiotically cheap to run. It may need a new beam in a year or so, but even with that it's been seriously good value for money. I might even splurge for some paint fixes on the lacquer peel if it goes straight through the next MOT again)

That makes a lot of sense irc. I'm just loath to spend as much as it may cost to put the beam in her when I can't do the work myself. On the other hand probably I should wait into the new year and see just how my health pans out when I'm fully recovered from the hip and in the mean time spend some time doing an in depth assessment of Becky with regard to long term keeping her. I really would like to do the rear axle myself, I'd enjoy doing it I'm sure. Problem is I'm just not sure whether my body's truely up for it.

You've made me consider it though so I'll not be rushing into anything soon and maybe even wait until we see what the MOT brings up.

 

[irc]

I may have mentioned it before, but usually I pre-assemble the rear beam (brakes, pipes, handbrake cables etc) before touching the car. (I usually have spare sets of rear brake assemblies kicking around).
Occasionally I farm out the actual fitting to a local garage, leaving them with just the 6 body bolts, damper bolts, handbrake cables, 2 brake pipes (and brake bleeding when fitting the new assembly) to complete the job (when I've already got something on my tilting ramp, or it's too cold for my hands to work - old age!).
It allows me to be sure that everything was properly assembled, with no time pressures, and all work takes place at bench height (except the final bit).
I even make up the long brake pipes ready, knowing that I will be replacing them as far as the join under the passenger seat. Saves a lot of hassle.

 

[portland_bill]

That makes a lot of sense irc. I'm just loath to spend as much as it may cost to put the beam in her when I can't do the work myself. On the other hand probably I should wait into the new year and see just how my health pans out when I'm fully recovered from the hip and in the mean time spend some time doing an in depth assessment of Becky with regard to long term keeping her. I really would like to do the rear axle myself, I'd enjoy doing it I'm sure. Problem is I'm just not sure whether my body's truely up for it.

You've made me consider it though so I'll not be rushing into anything soon and maybe even wait until we see what the MOT brings up.

The rear beam is much easier to remove and refit than it looks. Disconnect the brake cables and hoses, and the ABS sensor wiring, support the axle, disconnect the rear shocks and refit the wheels. Let the wheels sit on the ground, which will take most of the weight of the beam. then remove the six bolts holding the pivot brackets to the car. It will try to drop of course, but with little force. With the front end of the beam off, you can remove the wheels again, and drag the whole thing out. Most difficult bit for me was getting the hubs off, as the nuts had grown onto the studs. Most of the studs came out. I'd bought new studs and nuts, so removed all but one stud, and fitted new ones. One just refused, so the threads got cleaned up and re-used.
As said in all Haynes manuals, refitting is the reverse of removal. The front pivots need tightening with the suspension in normal compression. Difficult but the big bolts need to be left loose until the brackets are bolted to the car. The Fiat manual gives a dimension of hub centre to wheelarch, best done without springs, otherwise jacking it lifts the car instead. Or load the boot with tools.
Lots of time on your knees of course.

 

[irc]

Lots of time on your knees of course.

And there's my (second) big problem, or rather the process of getting up from ground level after being there for more than a couple of minutes.
(The first being reduced shoulder articulation, which gets worse in cold weather.)
I find it much easier for me to work at bench height for all the fiddly stuff.
This "getting old" stuff is a pain, although I guess the alternative is worse...

 

[vexorg]

Doubtful, you can't even deliver a simple insult without making yourself look silly.

Don't turn this around because you and your little girlfriends are too moronic to realise. The fact you'd be able to write your name in anything beyond crayon seems like a miracle. Keyboard just must be pure luck with the random finger bashing.

StephenyRB46 can't cope with a flat battery, so you are in good company...

 

[StevenRB45]

Hold on I'll just get my wheel balancing equipment and tyre mounting machine.

Seems I totally forgot I left them in my other trousers.

So to be clear a battery that doesn't need to be there is flat...it's annoying it made me grumpy because it's in the sodding tyre I can't change it without specialist equipment. Because it communicates with the cars ECU and cannot be confused with one fitted to another car in transmission range it must be paired to the car via more specialist equipment.

All to provide something that is easily provided by other means...via a system that would need none of this.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Thanks Steven, I'll wait for him to come along.

Our second car, which has been a Panda for more years than I can remember now, is always an older car. So, if we were to replace Becky with an Ignis, it certainly wouldn't be a new one. More likely one of the last ones that wasn't a mild hybrid. However I'm thinking we'd probably be better to stay with the "devil we know" and buy a later model Panda.

What??? You in the pub??

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Don't turn this around because you and your little girlfriends are too moronic to realise.

Was there more to that sentence?

The fact you'd be able to write your name in anything beyond crayon seems like a miracle. Keyboard just must be pure luck with the random finger bashing.

A few days ago I had to explain to you what cancer was.... I recon I could write my name down, Let me give it a try.


David...... no thats not it. I have a think and try again.

 

[The Panda Nut]

r

Thanks Steven, I'll wait for him to come along.

Our second car, which has been a Panda for more years than I can remember now, is always an older car. So, if we were to replace Becky with an Ignis, it certainly wouldn't be a new one. More likely one of the last ones that wasn't a mild hybrid. However I'm thinking we'd probably be better to stay with the "devil we know" and buy a later model Panda.

There is no wheel mounted stuff, so ABS and ecu controlled. A bit low sensitivity I feel as tyres seem to get as low as 5 psi before the light comes on.

Incidentally I would still buy another Panda. The 319 is marginally less fun some how, but more grown up and better engineered especially in the brakes and tyre wear departments. Im nearing the 100 cars owned mark, and I have driven a pretty enormous total milage over the years. The Pandas seem to have been more reliable than just about anything else and both the purchase price and running cost wise are right up there for value. The 319 is different to the 169 but I still love them. Im hoping the one that replaced our Seat Leon keeps its part of the bargain as it has a tough act to follow. If you do look at a newer one the POP has no central locking or air con but are really cheap and there are some really nice ones out there. The easy spec is solid and the only losses from the top lounge spec one are the alloys wheels and side door protection. Our 2016 and 2017 cars dont have the flat spot that the 2014 car suffers, Post 2015 you get ESP traction control and hill holder. (Useful for gammy hips). The 319 does not seem to suffer tyre wear issues of the 169 and the brake are not as prone to rusty disc syndrome.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

r

There is no wheel mounted stuff, so ABS and ecu controlled. A bit low sensitivity I feel as tyres seem to get as low as 5 psi before the light comes on.

Incidentally I would still buy another Panda. The 319 is marginally less fun some how, but more grown up and better engineered especially in the brakes and tyre wear departments. Im nearing the 100 cars owned mark, and I have driven a pretty enormous total milage over the years. The Pandas seem to have been more reliable than just about anything else and both the purchase price and running cost wise are right up there for value. The 319 is different to the 169 but I still love them. Im hoping the one that replaced our Seat Leon keeps its part of the bargain as it has a tough act to follow. If you do look at a newer one the POP has no central locking or air con but are really cheap and there are some really nice ones out there. The easy spec is solid and the only losses from the top lounge spec one are the alloys wheels and side door protection. Our 2016 and 2017 cars dont have the flat spot that the 2014 car suffers, Post 2015 you get ESP traction control and hill holder. (Useful for gammy hips). The 319 does not seem to suffer tyre wear issues of the 169 and the brake are not as prone to rusty disc syndrome.

Thanks for all that. I'm aware of the reported problems which beset the earlier 69hp engines - there was even a TV program about it, was it Watchdog? - and I haven't read much about how the problem was sorted out - if it was actually sorted out. So it's very useful to hear that neither of your's have the problem as it will be a newer one we'll be looking for if we decide to buy one. Do you think looking for one with hill hold, esp etc would be a good way to make sure I don't end up with one with the earlier engine problems? How does the flat spot feel if I were to drive one - ie. is it on pulling away at low revs or is it there throughout the rev range or what?

The POP attracts me because of it's simplicity. We're not at all worried about having alloys - in fact Mrs J prefers steel wheels as she's very good at kerbing rims. I do like the door protector trim though. In the end, if we do look for one, it'll be vehicle condition above all else that will be the main factor.

Does the POP have a height adjustable driver's seat. Mrs J is one of the "vertically challenged" people of this world so a height adjustable driver's seat is pretty much a must have for us.

 

[porta]

Thanks for all that. I'm aware of the reported problems which beset the earlier 69hp engines - there was even a TV program about it, was it Watchdog? - and I haven't read much about how the problem was sorted out - if it was actually sorted out. So it's very useful to hear that neither of your's have the problem as it will be a newer one we'll be looking for if we decide to buy one. Do you think looking for one with hill hold, esp etc would be a good way to make sure I don't end up with one with the earlier engine problems? How does the flat spot feel if I were to drive one - ie. is it on pulling away at low revs or is it there throughout the rev range or what?

The POP attracts me because of it's simplicity. We're not at all worried about having alloys - in fact Mrs J prefers steel wheels as she's very good at kerbing rims. I do like the door protector trim though. In the end, if we do look for one, it'll be vehicle condition above all else that will be the main factor.

Does the POP have a height adjustable driver's seat. Mrs J is one of the "vertically challenged" people of this world so a height adjustable driver's seat is pretty much a must have for us.

The pop doesn’t have height adjustment, at least, it doesn’t on the mother-in-laws. I find that the little extra height suits me, and I’m not short, as it supports the thighs better

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

The pop doesn’t have height adjustment, at least, it doesn’t on the mother-in-laws

Damn, that's a pity. I won't give up on one though without getting her to sit in it just in case it works ok for her. Mind you, not even at the stage of definitely going for it yet. I suspect that if Becky passes her MOT in Feb we'll just carry on with her as she is.