IN OUR GARAGE

After the new light bar was fitted, wipers and a full winter service, Deux Smurf was ready for action. Sadly we’re still under lockdown, so apart from the odd commute and the weekly shop, life for the old girl has been quiet. I even forgot her 25th birthday on the 1st February - I know, I’m a terrible owner!

However, her MOT was looming, so a date was fixed in the diary for her annual visit to see Simon at Horwich M.O.T. Station. She always gets excited when he tickles her undercarriage!

Another year and another pass, but this time with a few advisories for the odd suspension and steering bush.

I have to admit, I thought something was amiss the last time I took her on a proper run. During the hour or so drive to York to visit Russ from Ardventures, she’d gained a slight wobble at certain motorway speeds, and her steering felt a bit vague. I later noticed that not only did she have a slow puncture in her near side front tyre, but there was a nail embedded in one of her other tyres, too, so they’ll both have to get fixed this month.

Something else I want to get sorted this month is a new stereo. It’s funny how you get use to things not working, I think it was around 3 years ago when Muddy Madam went to adjust the volume and the whole thing packed in. Of course I’ve always blamed her for breaking it (I didn't, love MM), and since then I’ve used my iPhone to listen the the radio or playlists, which isn’t ideal.

The trouble is there’s such a huge choice, and every time I start to search for a replacement I get overwhelmed and move on to something else!

I must pull my finger out and buy one, and whilst I’m at it, I’ll also fit the TTI TCB-560 CB that I bought from www.patterson-electronics.com a few years ago!