It's that time of year again, and I don't just mean that Christmas is around the corner, but it is testing time for our Hyundai. As in previous years we booked it in to the ITV testing station near Orgiva and as in previous years we drove there yesterday in sunshine with blue sky above. But unlike other years, the mountains of the Sierra Nevada were absolutely snow-free. In fact I was so surprised that I forgot to take a photo to compare it with!
December 10th 2014.
Imagine that picture without any snow and that's what we saw yesterday. So surprising. But we have - so far anyway - had a very dry and warm winter. I'm sure it'll rain here and snow up there some time soon, we generally reckon on it being colder and wetter around February and March time.
That wasn't the only surprising thing that happened yesterday though. Our Hyundai is now 12 years old, although with low mileage and it hasn't had any problems. New tyres due to wear and tear on the pista but still with the original battery etc. The beginning of the test are oil check, exhaust emissions, seat belts and tyres and things, engine on, engine off, lights on, mainbeam, indicators etc. Then on to the rolling road for the front brake test. So far so good. Move forward please for the rear brakes, John started the engine - no. Dead. Tried again, it turned over but wouldn't start. "Don't worry" she said and called for 2 colleagues who pushed the car forward sufficiently for the rear brake test, then pushed again till we were over the inspection pit where they check the suspension (I think).
With one final big push we were out into the car park and had sufficient movement for John to pop the clutch and the car started! I went back in to collect the paperwork, didn't really believe that we could have passed but we know that if you fail, then you have to wait at the end of the test run while they tell you what is wrong.
"Here's your 2016 sticker, and your paperwork, and I think you need a new battery."
Understatement of the year!
Stopped at the mechanic on the way into Cadiar, he had a battery but the terminals needed changing over to fit our car so we agreed to return this morning. Then he found the battery was a little bigger in size so had to adjust the mounting plate. But we didn't have to wait long, maybe 20 minutes or so, paid the €93, and that should do us for another 12 years!
A quick look out the window just this moment at the sunset... some gorgeous colours.
Glad to hear your car passed the inspection and only needed a new battery. What a shame you did not get a chance to take a picture of the mountains without snow, that would have been an interesting one to see. But those sunset pictures are great. They really are golden and beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing!
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