Merc on fire in AKL

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Merc on fire in AKL

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1488 posts

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#2978927 8-Oct-2022 12:00

Many car owners/drivers have no idea about their cars, apart from how to refuel them.

The spare tyre and jack location is a mystery.

Can I really dim the dash lights?

What is that dash light that comes on?

Would never think of reading the owner manual.

gzt

16997 posts

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#2978928 8-Oct-2022 12:09

Not knowing anything about car maintenance is common in some countries. It's rare in NZ not unknown. Regardless I'm sure the chap is a valued customer at the Mercedes dealership.

gzt

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#2978977 8-Oct-2022 12:22

Mehrts: Clearly they've never had to refill their blinker fluid..

It's surprising no modern vehicle manufacturers have decided on a wiper fluid jack that can be plugged in and filled externally. On top of that it really is a pain when it's the only reason to open the hood. When you think about it there are many technicalities to that simple fluid fill maintenance operation. Accidents must be common. Some vehicles have the filler in the driver compartment. That is better but there are issues with that too.

Mehrts

1055 posts

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#2978979 8-Oct-2022 12:30

Batman:
Mehrts:

Clearly they've never had to refill their blinker fluid..
Haven't come across a car that has blinker fluids though

Not sure if serious or sarcastic.

mkissin

388 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#2979008 8-Oct-2022 13:28

gzt:
Mehrts: Clearly they've never had to refill their blinker fluid..

It's surprising no modern vehicle manufacturers have decided on a wiper fluid jack that can be plugged in and filled externally. On top of that it really is a pain when it's the only reason to open the hood. When you think about it there are many technicalities to that simple fluid fill maintenance operation. Accidents must be common. Some vehicles have the filler in the driver compartment. That is better but there are issues with that too.

Allow me to introduce you to the Mercedes EQS!

Mercedes EQS Weird Quirk Alert: Washer Fluid Fill Is In The Fender (motor1.com)

Yours for the low low price of...a large house deposit :)

Batman

Mad Scientist
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#2979018 8-Oct-2022 14:43

Wow I didn't know blinker fluid is actually a thing

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Blinker%20fluid

A sarcastic term used to ridicule those who don't know sh1t about cars

Behodar

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#2979026 8-Oct-2022 15:33

Batman:

Wow I didn't know blinker fluid is actually a thing

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Blinker%20fluid

A sarcastic term used to ridicule those who don't know sh1t about cars

"Blinker fluid/fuel is not real".

What rubbish. Blinker fluid is definitely real; my mum has a bottle of it. Although for some reason the packaging calls it "eye drops".

Wise

Send money globally for less with Wise - one free transfer up to NZ$900 (affiliate link).

jonathan18

7413 posts

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#2979132 8-Oct-2022 16:29

Bung: One of the reasons he bought the car was that the upholstery matched his dogs. Perhaps it only got used on fine days going to the dog park. I do wonder how some car owners manage to earn the money to buy the car.

I’m guessing this may help explain both your points…

https://www.macintoshharris.com/about

shk292

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#2979141 8-Oct-2022 18:37

jonathan18:
Bung: One of the reasons he bought the car was that the upholstery matched his dogs. Perhaps it only got used on fine days going to the dog park. I do wonder how some car owners manage to earn the money to buy the car.

I’m guessing this may help explain both your points…

https://www.macintoshharris.com/about

Did they used to have a cooking show on NZ TV back in the 70s and 80s? Or was that someone else?

jonathan18

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#2979688 9-Oct-2022 14:50

shk292:

Did they used to have a cooking show on NZ TV back in the 70s and 80s? Or was that someone else?

Getting them mixed up with Hudson and Halls?!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_and_Halls

lchiu7

6467 posts

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#2979790 9-Oct-2022 17:30

gzt: Not knowing anything about car maintenance is common in some countries. It's rare in NZ not unknown. Regardless I'm sure the chap is a valued customer at the Mercedes dealership.

When my wife's car got a flat (luckily we saw in when it was garaged) I showed her how to change the tyre :-) And she did most of the work herself. When I took a video and sent to the kids (well I say kids but both are over) they were stunned. I am not sure my son, wno is an engineering grad with a ME, would know now to change the tyre in a car. So used to calling the towing service.

gzt

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#2979803 9-Oct-2022 18:07

With the passage of time I'd guess a generation in NZ have never seen a manual transmission. NZ was relatively late in that shift.

WyleECoyoteNZ

1048 posts

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#2979855 9-Oct-2022 22:06

I wonder if the fire had anything to do with the car looking to be lowered?

Looking at the photo from the NZ Herald, the rear tyre looks to be sitting inside the rear guard?

MikeAqua

7769 posts

Uber Geek

#2979954 10-Oct-2022 11:10

I know how the bonnets on my cars open. But if one caught on fire, I'd be getting out of there quick smart. I wouldn't attempt to open the bonnet. The fire brigade can crowbar it open if they like. It's insured.

On my boat I have made provision to get a fire extinguisher nozzle through the engine covers, without removing them. But that's different, in a boat I usually can't just get out and walk.

Mike

MikeAqua

7769 posts

Uber Geek

#2980637 11-Oct-2022 13:33

gzt:
It's surprising no modern vehicle manufacturers have decided on a wiper fluid jack that can be plugged in and filled externally. On top of that it really is a pain when it's the only reason to open the hood. When you think about it there are many technicalities to that simple fluid fill maintenance operation. Accidents must be common. Some vehicles have the filler in the driver compartment. That is better but there are issues with that too.

Call me old fashioned but each time I refuel, I like to check fluid levels. Engine and transmission oil, brake fluid and power steering fluid.

Obviously light BEVs don't have engine or transmission oil but I'm sure some/all of them still have steering and brake fluid.

Mike

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