THREAD:
We have a client who is returning to the NHS soon (as many are). Sadly, finding her a car right now is near impossible as dealers are closed and most our staff are grounded (their protection is paramount).
So our plan was a simple one. We’ll lend her an old Volkswagen Golf we took in part-exchange before the restriction hit. It’s not as if we can do anything with the Golf right now anyway! No charge, of course.
To avoid public transport the plan was that I’ll drive my own car in to work first thing, collect the Golf, drop it off with the client and @jamesb2492 will meet me at the client, run me back to work and I’ll drive home again. Simple, right?
I thought I would seize the opportunity to take my 2007 Jaguar XJ for a run. Last time I tried it wouldn’t start but clever me brought our jump-start pack home with me last week so getting it going would be easy.
The Jag just would not start.
Not a huge problem. In my pocket I also had the keys to my 1991 Saab 900 Turbo (shows the faith I had in the Jaguar!). I’ve had the Saab for 3 1/2 years now, it’s showing it’s age but it has proven to be super-reliable.
Guess what???
It started first time. (It always does.)
My journey in to work is about 20 minutes with no traffic and as always I enjoyed it hugely as the Saab is nothing short of awesome. Usually.
On a 50MPH stretch of road it suddenly dies... and won’t restart. I put my hazard lights on and somehow coast to my usual exit. I come to a stop outside a building yard and a very nice guy helps me push it somewhere I can leave it.
Here it is. Not the best place to leave a car.
The only real option to get to work now. Walk. Should be around 20-25 minutes. (To be continued.)
Arrived at work! All the things I wanted to do before I left have gone out the window. Let’s grab the keys to the Golf and go! (Not even going to wipe it down 😔.)
Oh crap... must remember gloves and mask! Promised the client.
OH, DOUBLE CRAP! I completely forgot that this Golf needs two new front tyres. Cannot lend it to the client like this!!!
Praying that my usual tyre place is open. Only one way to find out. (To be Continued.)
My luck is turning!!! Wembley Tyres are open. Their fitting two new front tyres now and I should be on the road in 10 minutes.
Done! Off to South London. (To be continued.)
Done!! Emergency free loan car delivered to an NHS worker. Good deed for the day done.m!
And here is @jamesb2492 to pick me up and take me back to the office. First time he’s been out in a week!
Made it back to the Saab... still doesn’t want to start!
And @TheAA_Patrol are on their way!
Help has arrived!!!
So... turns out the Saab suddenly lost the live feed to the fuel pump. Which means no fuel to the engine. The awesome @TheAA_Patrol is doing a temporary fix to get me to a garage.
And... we’re done. Saab at the garage for repair. I’m heading back to work to grab another car to take home. But most of all, one more NHS worker gets to drive around as she needs. It may not make a huge difference but every little helps.
THREAD ENDS
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