LenT

I never had much time for McDonnell when he was a Labour MP and attempting to defend the actions of the Labour Party. But I find myself more in agreement now that he appears to be more inclined to attack the Party now that he is no longer an MP! Just wondering which of us has shifted their position the most?

I admit that I may have come across as somewhat critical of the new Government’s cessation of the WFA payment to most Pensioners. But in the interests of fairness, I should admit that both MrsT and myself are receiving increases to our State Pension on account of becoming eighty. We’re currently deciding how to spend the extra 25p a week. Any suggestions?

This morning’s blustering attempt at a defence by Angela Rayner on Laura Kuenssberg’s show was a further embarrassment. A classic example of how - when you find yourself in a hole - it’s best to stop digging!

Well while you’re waiting for an NX300h owner to come up with any model specific ideas, here are a couple of general suggestions. Apart from the very sensible ideas you already have, I wouldn’t dismiss the more obvious. A steering wheel lock such as the Milenco is a very visible deterrent - and second only to the considerably more expensive Disklok in its effectiveness. A dashcam front and rear is an essential. They are not just security aids; they resolve insurance claims and provide supportive evidence in the event of a traffic incident. It should be wired so that it goes into Parking Mode when the ignition is switched off. Should you consider CCTV for your Home, I can recommend the Eufy products. Car and catalytic converter thieves tend to target likely vehicles. So although they may balaclava up for the actual job, they try to be less obvious when driving around and thus easier to spot. In any case, no thief is going to enjoy being lit up by security cameras! And I’ve seen video footage of unmasked intruders reaching up to cameras to push them away - but not before they’ve just provided a perfect full face shot! You could check that all the car’s glass is security etched - and make a record of the number. Likewise the catalytic converter can also be security marked. I hope this helps!

Excellent choice! I would have had them at my last tyre change but my Lexus wears different sizes on the two axles - and Michelin only made one of them at the time. Only downside is that they are directional, so you can only swap front and back - and not diagonally. Hopefully, you’ll have no problems with the TPMS when the time comes.

Are they Lexus dealers, who I would expect to know about the TPMS? Actually, Matt, all tyre manufacturers and fitters will recommend that the newest tyres go on the rear axle. You’re right about tyre rotation. Some folk - myself included - run tyres down to 3mm and then replace the set. That’s because I either run Asymmetric or Directional brands that can only be rotated fire and aft anyway. The argument against rotating is that it equalises wear and forces the replacement of all four, which is not always financially convenient.

As I mentioned some posts ago, when I approached the then appropriate Ministry to do that, I gathered that it appeared to be a process which they were not equipped to conduct and which would incur the recruitment of another squad of civil servants and ultimately cost more than the potential savings. It was suggested that if I didn’t want the money I could give it away to a charity of my choice. As that was what we were already doing, I ended our dialogue. So it did puzzle me that Reeves’ attempt to deflect criticism was to propose the creation of a 256-question Means Test which no doubt would also incur similarly startling administrative costs and negate any possible savings!

Unfortunately, Steve, you sound exactly like Ratchel Reeves’ next target! 😢

It seems that this has been a topic here a few years ago! The gist seems to be that these PHP units are explosive, one-time devices that are designed to pop the hood on impact to protect pedestrians. And then they are replaced. The fact that one unit was extended could mean that it had been activated, was faulty or badly installed. Either way, giving it a bang may not be such a wise move. I hope this earlier post might be useful!

I’ve found HMRC very helpful, Malcolm. Occasionally they call me to remind me about some bill I’ve forgotten to pay. I have to say that - for Civil Servants - they are very happy to spend a lot of time with me taking me through the payment process. Most obliging! 😉

To be fair, Paul, your fist may not always be available when someone needs it. 😊 However, I’ve just checked under my car’s bonnet and I see the corner tube that you mean. I’d noticed them before but never considered what purpose they might have. So thanks - I’ve learnt something useful today - which I can’t say about every day!

Well spotted, Paul. Not something that came to mind as a possible cause, I must say. I expect that wind noise at speed is also reduced - a clue for others who may have the same problem in the future, maybe?

I expect that will involve yet another 243-question application form! And how many Applicants will lose the will to live before its completion?

I expect that warmed you up a bit Steve. 😊 Fortunately, Starmer and Reeves are not Lexus owners and so will not pick up on your interesting way of staying warm in Winter. A bit of vigorous, outdoor activity - coupled with a few extra layers of sweaters and/or cardigans - should render additional monetary payments unnecessary. Certainly better than having us idling about watching daytime TV - and with the possible added benefit of hastening the reduction of Pensioners in the first place! What’s not to like?

Personally, Paul, I’d be inclined to now name the Dealer involved. It may be that other contributors have had similar experiences and that yours is not an isolated instance. In which case you will have a stronger case for action to present to Lexus.

Can’t argue with the sentiment - and it’s certainly appropriate - but the statement: …government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” was by President Abraham Lincoln as part of his Gettysburg Address in 1863 at which time Keir Hardie was only seven! However, were Hardie alive today, this might be a more appropriate quote! https://images.app.goo.gl/YmDPNB9PuCzST8uHA

I almost dozed off looking at your pictures ….but suddenly I wondered if they were on the same axle? As you say, they appear asymmetrical in tread- in which case one of them is the wrong way around. The outer tyre wall will be marked ‘outside’.

Well I was not surprised that this was The Plan all along. I soon noted that no Labour shadow minister could debate the forthcoming Election without emphasising their commitment to the ‘working’ population. I gathered that I - as a retiree living off savings and a pension - was therefore no longer regarded as ‘working’ and probably a drain on resources. It would seem that the possibility that I had spent a ‘working life’ contributing to the creation of our Society did not appear to be a factor in Labour’s estimate of whether I should continue to exist in it!

It might be worth reminding your MP that when he comes up for reelection, how he voted will come under scrutiny. In 2017 Labour’s own review of the then Tory Government’s proposal to cut the WFA argued that it could result in the deaths of nearly 4000 pensioners. If they were right then - and turn out to be right again - telling his constituents to ‘get over’ the cold-related deaths of their pensioner relatives will not have been a good career move!

This is precisely the experience of our neighbours. They’ve been trying to sell for some months and despite good viewings they’ve had no offers. Potential buyers did indeed decide to wait to see what the new Government had in store for them. Our neighbours have now taken the house off the market until the new year. Not a good time to be an Estate Agent, I guess.

Excellent questions Malcolm! Unfortunately, it’s not often that individuals who have created successful, rewarding careers in science, industry, retailing, banking, farming, engineering and such like, can be persuaded to give that up for a life in politics. I suppose one can contrast the progress of Corbyn and Starmer. The former was never more than a political activist; the latter was a lawyer and Director of Public Prosecutions. - and became Prime Minister. So it seems to me that Selection Committees have to seek out mature candidates with the kind of background that will change the face of politics in the UK and - most importantly - aggressively market these qualities as a direct contrast to the shallow youth offered by the competition! I’m sure other ideas will come to mind in due course! 😊

I think this is very much at the heart of the problems faced by every Government. But at General Elections voters tend to vote for Parties and not so much individuals - and their choice is determined by Selection Committees. In the end it must be the responsibility of voters to demand some real world, relevant life experience and expertise of the candidates.

Well you never know your luck Bernard. She might well stand for quite a lot!

I see that Chris has already provided a link to an excellent Auto Express article that explains that. In fact I think you’ll find that information on most tyre manufacturers’ websites. Here’s another article about the dangers of mixing tyres… https://www.oponeo.co.uk/blog/mixing-tyres The problem with mixing tyre makes is that even if you’ve exactly matched the size, you’ll be faced with different tread patterns and - less obviously - different compounds. The result will be that the tyres will respond differently and unpredictably to the road and driving conditions. This may well be an unhappy experience! The other problems to watch out for are fitting asymmetrical tyres on the wrong sides and directional tyres rotating the wrong way! Astonishingly, it does happen! Frustrating though it must be, it’s always best to fit the same tyres all round - and put the newest on the rear axle if just replacing two.

Welcome Nathaniel. You’ll find a few discussions here on the merits of the Ghost system - and others - and I think they’re generally regarded as a good investment. My contribution is not to discount the value of the old fashioned, highly visible steering wheel lock. Of course, you may already have one. But if not than I can recommend Milenco. https://www.milenco-outlet.co.uk/security/milenco-high-security-steering-wheel-lock-yellow.html Apart from that, it will be interesting to compare the reliability of the Evoque and the Lexus as you’re planning to hold on to it for a while.