Good news

[Alex M Grieve]

There are days when you just get lucky. I had one yesterday.

On my SL, I know that if I don't take it out every 10 days or so, the battery does not like it. Indeed, after a month of non use during terrible weather over Christmas 2006, the battery went flat.

I had an advisory on rear tyres at the MOT on the car last December. They did not look that bad to me - even wear across the tread, 3mm tread - so I employed watchful waiting.

I decided to change the tyres yesterday. I started the car in the garage, but it was reluctant, although it started first turn after a bit of hesitation.

I drove it round to the front of the house and went off to do other things.

When I hopped in to go for tyres - nothing. Dead battery. I jump started it with the S Class, so that was quick and cheap.

I zoomed along to Kwikfit. They confirmed the death of the battery and fitted a new one. They also agreed to match the price I wanted for the tyres of my choice, and had them in stock. With the new battery, I went off and had an enjoyable lunch with Dosco. Had the tyres fitted on the way home.

So the good news is:

• I got maximum life out of the tyres (2mm) and changed them at a time of my choosing
• when the battery failed, it was at home and I had the means of restarting
• it happened in daylight on a sunny day when I was not in a hurry
• Kwikfit fitted the battery and had me on my way within 45 mins
• Kwikfit then greeted me by name when I returned although they were having a really busy day
• they fitted the tyres within 40 minutes and I was off again - poorer, but in good spirits.

And the epilogue? I have the full history of the car. The evidence is that I changed the original battery yesterday (fitted 1994).

How much better does it get?

 

[roadhog]

Hang on a minute, I thought you were Scottish?

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Hang on a minute, I thought you were Scottish?

Well, you're right but when I said that the battery could not have failed, as it was only 25 years old - they gave me a funny look.

Nor would they say to whom I should take it back!

 

[hawk20]

Great day Alex. Nice to get some like that. What did the tyres set you back?

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Great day Alex. Nice to get some like that. What did the tyres set you back?

I chose Continental Premium 2 Contact, as on my other car where they have been a great success. £250 inclusive for two.

 

[hawk20]

I chose Continental Premium 2 Contact, as on my other car where they have been a great success. £250 inclusive for two.

For two? That is an amazing price? (unless you have 12 inch wheels or something!)

 

[Alex M Grieve]

For two? That is an amazing price? (unless you have 12 inch wheels or something!)

225 55 16 - standard wheels (8 hole MB alloys) and tyres. The rears on the SL seemed to last around 20,000 - they were on when I got the car. Fronts are still at 4 mm across the tread and look fine.

 

[Blobcat]

Alex, if you have power available in your garage then I would look at investing in a battery optimiser. I have one for each of the bikes and it means that the batteries are always charged and ready to go. The Honda used to kill a battery every year, now it's on the optimiser it has had the same battery for 14 yrs and it starts first push of the button.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

it has had the same battery for 14 yrs and it starts first push of the button.

So did mine, until yesterday Russ. I'm afraid I don't have power in that garage and it is about 50 yards from the house.

I take the point though. The tractor mower sits alongside the SL and manages fine. If either was reluctant I would jump start it with the other.

 

[Miffy]

Get a Solar trickle charger

 

[100%Bitch]

Well, you're right but when I said that the battery could not have failed, as it was only 25 years old - they gave me a funny look.

Nor would they say to whom I should take it back!

Was your battery fitted 10 years prior to your car being produced then?

Sounds like creative accounting to me. :roll: Actually, it's no wonder they gave you a funny look. :lol:

 

[*Thumper]

Is this, short arms, long pockets syndrome ??

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Is this, short arms, long pockets syndrome ??

Short arms, no pockets and a sealed sporran.

 

[turbopete]

Short arms, no pockets and a sealed sporran.

you can take the man out of scotland, but not scotland out of the man

 

[littlebrooklyn]

Short arms, no pockets and a sealed sporran.

I've never seen inside a sporran, how about you take a pic and give us all a quick peek

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I've never seen inside a sporran, how about you take a pic and give us all a quick peek

This is a traditional question asked of all kilt wearing Scotsmen. The answer is yes, but you will have to do your own research.

(Can't take a pic as it is dark in there and flashing is forbidden.)

 

[Dosco]

I've never seen inside a sporran, how about you take a pic and give us all a quick peek

No No No please NO:roll:, here's you smiting the male fraternity for innocent remarks that might just, but only just, be misconstrued and you want to go firkeling about in that last vestige of male privacy - a tad kettle and black comes to mind here young lady:roll::roll:

 

[television]

I've never seen inside a sporran, how about you take a pic and give us all a quick peek

Just come to a meet wearing shoes with mirrors on

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Just come to a meet wearing shoes with mirrors on

I think I'll reflect on that one Malcolm!

 

[television]

I think I'll reflect on that one Malcolm!

You are quite safe Alex as the reflection will be reversed