Henning (2014 VW Passat, 1.6 TDI Bluemotion)

[Arragonis]

I was reminded to check the tyres on Henning, I have a feeling they may be original or the fronts have been replaced with OEM (miles is 14.5K but they look very new).

They are Continental ContiSportContact 5's, size is 235/45 R17 W. A bit of googling suggests that is a LRR tyre so I might have to take the ratings for it into consideration when it comes time to change.

I would welcome tyres experts to chip in here with opinions on these.

I might not go for the same thing though, not entirely convinced they grip or handle well. Not driven them in the wet yet either. But not due for replacement in a long while hopefully.

By comparison Mrs A's Octavia is running Michelin Primacy HP 225/45 R17 W - we know these are original as we bought the car with only 3K miles on it - previous owner was Gordon Brown from Fife - turns out it isn't THAT Gordon Brown from Fife...

These really do grip though - I was being "buzzed" by a moron in a Civic Type R this morning, but when I didn't brake through a 270 Degree turn he was no longer so close behind, and a bit upset.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Pondering a sump heater for the winter

That's a good idea. The faster your engine reaches the optimum temperature, the more you save fuel. BTW have you ever considered a coolant heater?

[Arragonis]

Both will need some planning. One limiting factor is the warranty as Henning is so new - its kind of nice if something stops working but also limiting in terms of what I can do, I had the same problem with my Aygo which was only 6 months old.

I'd be interested if anyone from colder climbs (calling Vekke) to know if the models sold there have anything special I can adapt.

[Piwoslaw]

Have you seen DEFA part #412711? It is for Passat (2010 - ) w/ 1.6 TDI. If this isn't OEM approved, then I dunno what is.

[Arragonis]

Minor update.

Firstly I cleared my garage and have sold / am selling some older stuff away, so a sump heater will be on the list soon from the filthy proceeds. I have to allow some money for repainting and maybe a storage chest of some kind though on orders from SWMBO.

Secondly I booked Henning into a local service place. Long story slightly shorter the dealer group that I bought him from appeared on a TV consumer type program as having sold a dodgy motor, which amazingly they agreed to replace once the TV program got involved.

That tapped I decided not to trust the dealer's assurance that Henning had been serviced - he had 13.5K miles when bought, the interval (IMHO) is 10K. So I booked him into my local specialist for an oil & filters change plus a scan (checkover).

They did all of that and he came up clean, but they noted that the steering wheel wasn't straight so he got an alignment as well.

Initially I though this was overkill but on the drive home I have to say it was well worth it - the left front was toe-ing in far too much compared to MF spec.

The steering was heavy before - but "positive". Mrs A's Octavia (same but smaller car underneath) also has heavy steering but Henning's was heavier which I put down to the larger car.

Now the steering is as light as Mrs A's with much more fell.

Secondly the car sits more securely at speed on the straight ahead.

And finally the coasts are noticeably longer than before - I can now accelerate out of the car park at work and get to the end of the road in one pulse even though it is uphill.

The service also seems to have perked him up a bit in terms of performance too.

Current tank is ~450 miles with an estimated range of ~350. The range drops quickly now but hopefully a 700 mile tank. That tapped I have an offer from a supermarket for 5p of a litre for a tankfull which expires on Friday - so he may get filled up sooner

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

And finally the coasts are noticeably longer than before

Also, in the long term, tyres will have less wear.

Isn't it amazing how much difference aligning the wheels can make?

[Arragonis]

Yes very much an improvement.

Henning has been hauling cr@p to the dump today, several trips and an average of 55.3 on the on board display by the end. Impressed as the weight was about the same as carrying 4 additional passengers and all driving was urban in heavy traffic.

Might even fill him up next week as we have a discount offer from the local supermarket on fuel.

[Arragonis]

OK filled up and a slight increase, I entered the old receipt again by mistake at first which was confusing. Next target is 800 miles in a tank.

[Arragonis]

Might just make it to 800 on this tank

[320touring]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Might just make it to 800 on this tank

Good work!

I now have an OBD2 cable an tuning software so I think this tank in mine will be low

that figure looks spot on tbh. I've yet to get the Octavia to 700 on a tank- although I can maybe remap for economy too