Atif

I too had this sound coming just after the mechanic replaced my car cooling fan , for which he of course removed the radiator. However, it seems to have gone so hope this was just a temporary issue.

21 hours ago, Barry said:

Searching for Lucozade original flavour in Dubai. Used to have a small handful of shops I could get it but they only stock orange flavour now and won’t order original flavour because not enough people buy it. Can order from UK but shipping prices and import taxes make it almost 20 dhs for a bottle. 

If anyone sees it around, would really appreciate knowing where. Preferably bottles. Cans have a weird taste. 

Barry, some experiences are only possible in the place of origin  . I hope you are able to get the original flavor , else keep it for the time you visit Britain ( another reason to go back more often). I too miss some things that I haven't been able to enjoy locally specially the UK Fish n Chips . Never got the same flavor here, although I am not really aware of any place except the London Fish and Chips in the malls here but that is no where near the ones I enjoyed in UK. If anyone knows of a place that sells the authentic Fish n Chips please let me know.

Congratulations @Javier M!

https://m.khaleejtimes.com/uae/dubai/can-you-jump-a-red-light-in-dubai-if-an-emergency-vehicle-is-behind-you

42 minutes ago, Rahimdad said:

Just like I can't remember half the phone numbers of my family and friends since mobile phone has all of them stored. Similarly with adaptive cruise control we would loose our sense of braking. Let the kids learn it the hard way.

A good point...and one I think will also apply in autonomous driving.

I have always wondered why Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)  is not a compulsory requirement in all cars. None of my cars ( Pardo 2014 and Camry 2006)  has it, although I am aware the more expensive cars do have them ( Mercs.)  Most people will state that it is the cost that prevents it but I would like to know if it is more expensive than the air-bags installed in most cars ? I can only assume that the front sensing system may be expensive .

While sitting next to new drivers ( like my son and daughter) the first thing that I have to watch out for is the judgement of the braking distance. A large percentage of accidents on our roads are due to this misjudgment . With high speed urban driving even an experienced driver may have faced emergency braking scenarios ( I have). 

I believe that electronic sensors like most electronic components are getting cheaper so why the delay in this option. Even if it may have some negatives consequences , it should be available in all cars even if it is has optional activation switch.

Perhaps those who have ACC or know the cost can comment about the hurdle that stops the manufacturers from installing this life saving device.

I am a regular user of cruise control while driving, both for ease and felt it seemed more fuel efficient.I engage it at any opportunity where the speed is over 60 KM/HR and traffic is flowing. 

I do however keep coming across failed cruise control instances on the roads. In fact, I  came across the following advice in Gulf News after the last incident locally:

https://gulfnews.com/uae/what-to-do-if-your-cars-cruise-control-fails-1.2275388

I wonder what is your view about this. Do many people use cruise control?

On 10/16/2019 at 11:04 AM, Emmanuel said:

@Atif As it is an intermediate level drive, I think you signed up for the wrong event. Hope to see you soon ! 

Yep I  sure did...I thought it was for expert level 😉😂. 

No worry..now left..

I suggest taking some test drives first before a final decision. Of course that would be in the latest models but you should be able to get an idea of the comfort level and engine performance.  

On 10/7/2019 at 7:17 AM, Gaurav said:

So true, one thing lead to another always.

The worst it that once you go shopping for parts/tools you end up buying things that you don't need or may already have!

I love going to ACE and hate it when I end up buying the items nearest to the cashier.  😀

On 10/6/2019 at 6:07 PM, Barry said:

Where do you go for a good view of the stars? That’s one thing I miss from home. In the city you’re lucky if you can see Venus and maybe 3-4 bright stars. At home I go out my back door and I can see the Milky Way clearly. On a good night you can get a glimpse of the northern light. 

http://hiddengemblog.com/2018/11/stargazing-at-al-quaa-desert-darkest-spot-in-uae/.   
A 2018 article.

On 10/5/2019 at 8:08 PM, Gaurav said:

No fuel station engine oil quality matches the international brands like: Mobil 1, Castrol or Shell. Period.

Do you have any idea of prices? I got a quote of Aed170 for 1 gallon Mobil,just for the oil. 

A lot of light pollution around. My last visit to Qua was good but light pollution is catching up wherever infrastructure closes in.Using the light pollution map is very important. 

I expect ADNOC to be world class but yes I will re-consider opting to a synthetic one possibly Mobil. ADNOC stations have been convenient places too so I have been using them for my older car but now with my Prado I want to ensure that it lasts well in the off-road stress condition.

Thanks for your advice,Mikhail.

The side-view mirror clips on to base of the mirror assembly, at least in my Prado 2016 it is easy to remove and install. Fortunately the motor mechanism was not damaged.

I park my car in an open plot where the presence of police has increased since the last few incidences after my car got broken into. I was just reminding all to avoid leaving attractive belongings in the car over night as we all tend to become relaxed in this generally safe environment. Just be cautious and try to park nearer to a well lighted roadside or parking space.

Recently, I was advised to have my Camry 2006 engine steam washed. In the past I have stuck to the advice of not allowing Diesel used to clean the engine and undercarriage. The rationale behind this is that diesel will attract sand and mud to stick, making it worse in the long run. Apart from this the agency service never did this. However, I have faced instances of deliberate use of diesel even after instructing the car wash guy not to.

My question is this, what is the best form of cleaning if being done on a very dirty engine and under carriage?

It's good to see that you guys had a smooth ride with a good crowd. I was sad that I could not make it. @Rahimdad bhai the thermos was ready for a fill with Karak Chai, the boot was loaded with the compressor, soft shackles and kinetic rope, the hummus was in the fridge and the radio fully charged...the only thing that was set incorrectly was the alarm😒..

While I dreamt of getting stuck on the first dune and pouring tea for my brothers-in-arms (Carnitybros) you guys were already rolling through Maliha. Cannot put into words what it felt like when one is looking forward to sliding on the dunes and waking up with sunlight on the face.

Anyways, I will finish the humus and hope to join the next ride.

5 hours ago, Rahimdad said:

Thanks for bringing this to our attention @Atif bhai. I hope all sorts out for you. This is very sad, but while there are some youngsters who are doing it just for thrills, there is a real threat of robberies and thefts taking place. Like @Gaurav bhai has pointed Dubai Police are pretty vigilant and doing a great job to keep Dubai a safe place.

https://gulfnews.com/uae/dubai-police-foils-car-theft-attempt-1.66817801

BTW @Atif bhai are you coming in your Prado or Camry tomorrow?

Which ever is leftover in the morning but prefer the Prado 😀

41 minutes ago, desertdude said:

I don't even leave loose coins visible in the car and if there is something I put it in the footwell and cover it with the floor mat

P.S how come car alarm didn't go off?

It's my old Camry. 2006. I don't think it has an alarm. Infact my Prado Sideview mirror was removed too in the same location. This time I reported it to the Police.

What is your view about the quality of engine oils being sold by ADNOC when compared with other international brands. I am going away from agency service for the regular servicing of my vehicle so wanted to know if semi-synthetic oil offered at ADNOC is safe to use for my Prado. 

Just wished to remind everyone that its not a good idea to leave anything of value in the car overnight. My car was broken into as there was a FedEx envelope left by my daughter inside. Fortunately, it was empty. However, they tried to open the fuse box too for some reason.

Another reminder, don’t leave your car engine ON unattended even if the key is with you. Although this happened in a neighboring country where my brothers BMW was taken for a joy ride while he was collecting his laundry. Insurance refused to compensate too. He was lucky though as two weeks later the Police were reported by a gentleman about an unidentifiable car parked outside the persons home.

A friend of mine found it beneficial to have the comprehensive test. In his case he made a verbal agreement with the seller that if any serious fault is identified in the test he will not buy the car and the seller will refund the AED 350. This worked in two cases where faults were identified but in one of these the seller refused to accept that his car has had an accident and left without reimbursing my friend. Anyways, eventually he did find a flawless SUV.

Not even a RAV 4?