Tuesday, September 24, 2002
Kam’s Column 24/09/02
Hello Again!
I’m sure that if you asked, the guys in the workshops would tell you that I haven’t been in the best of spirits this week because, as I am sure that you are all aware, Derby conceded another defeat. In fact, I recently saw the team’s manager while I was out shopping and was all prepared to tell him just what I thought when Mandy dragged me away to look at something else. It’s been a tough few weeks and my previous optimism is being replaced by a grim sense of foreboding. Still, there’s enough time yet to turn things around – isn’t there?
This week’s stories all revolve around a subject close to my heart (no, not my rib cage) – TOWing. I keep telling you all to check your Tyres, Oil and Water levels on a regular basis but some people just don’t listen and end up having to call for a tow (yes, I liked the play on words too!). The first case was a BMW 316I owned by Mr Wilcox (name changed to protect his innocence). Now, this wasn’t just any car – the BMW had previously belonged to his great-aunt and on the sad occasion of her passing, he had inherited it.
When the brought it into the workshop, the brake warning and service lights were lit on the dashboard.
“I’m sure that it is just an electrical problem, Kev,” he said. “The car drives perfectly and I haven’t done anything with it since you’ve got it for MOT now. If you’d be so kind as to carry out an oil and filter change as well I’d be grateful.”
The first problem with the car became apparent as I drove the car onto the MOT ramp – the brakes were so soft that the BMW nearly ended up as another wall-mounted trophy! Mr Wilcox had obviously become so used to them that he hadn’t noticed how nearly non-existent they were. At least I’m quick to grab the handbrake in times of crisis!
On stripping the brake system down, we found that, courtesy of a leaky rear cylinder, there was virtually no fluid left in the system! No wonder the BMW hadn’t liked the thought of stopping… Once we had replaced the cylinder and the shoes (no, not ours – the brake shoes had become contaminated by the leaking fluid) the brake warning lamp went out and all was well.
The next job was the oil/filter change. Or should I say, oil addition and filter change. The 316 needed well over 4-litres of oil to bring it up to an acceptable level. Quite how that engine had survived is a complete mystery to us all. This also cured the service warning lamp and needless to say, Mr Wilcox was delighted with the transformation when he collected his beloved “Betsy”.
Later the same day, Mrs Alman brought in her 2.8-litre diesel Isuzu Trooper – this time with four lights flashing! In order they were the oil warning light (cured by putting almost a full engine’s worth in), the brake warning light (the pads at the front were below the MOT minimum), the service light (fixed after… wait for it… a long overdue service) and finally, a timing belt change warning light. If only all cars would let you know when the timing belts needed changing – how simple would life be then?
It is a minor miracle that these two vehicles managed to survive until MOT time with the collection of potentially damaging and lethal faults, but they did. That isn’t to say that all cars will – but problems can be so easily avoided by checking your car over regularly. Keep an eye on the oil, water and tyres – if you don’t know what to look for then ask us and we’ll show you. Of course, items like brakes aren’t so easy to monitor as you do get used to their slowly worsening condition. But you should notice over time that your stopping distances are getting longer, and this is the time for action! Again, bring your car in to us and we’ll inspect the system for you.
Well, that’s it for another week. I’m off to find another long, difficult and fiddly task to do. It helps to think about other things than the current season tally…
Until next week,
