A long busy drive today. Queues of traffic in both directions through the roadworks and then there's the average speed cameras too.
Haven't driven it for a while but forgot how beautiful the scenery is. Snow capped mountains etc etc.
Just under 6hrs with decent mpg.
Tried to get fuel at Tesco on the A96 but it was sold out. Went to Morrisons at Dalmore instead.
No there wasn't someone in the bay next to them who was taking up space
anywhere I can name and shame them?
I've got faces, registration plate, and them fiddling with the cap.
I'd like to light them up like Blackpool tower to....protect.....other people
Based on the previous post where I've been lynched for using Blueprint parts and told I should buy the most expensive Oil filter, I've done some additional shopping just to see if the Reddit "experts" are correct.
I should caveat this with saying that this comparison is made on oil filters for a Toyota Auris with the 1.8 Hybrid engine. I don't deny that for other car brands the filter quality might vary.
I went ahead and bought some branded filters: Bosch, Hengst, Mahle, Mann
As far as I know, one thing you should be looking for in an oil filter is how much filter media it has.
In order to calculate that, I have measured number of folds, filter media width and outside diameter. Inside diameter has been considered the same between filters due to how it's being assembled in the housing(and lack of a proper tool to measure)
Number of folds:
2025 Blueprint = 54 (104)
2026 Blueprint = 44 (88)
Bosch = 43 (86)
Mahle = 37 (74)
Hengst = 49 (98)
Mann = 45 (90)
Filter media width:
2025 Blueprint = 51 mm
2026 Blueprint = 55 mm
Bosch = 48 mm
Mahle = 49 mm
Hengst = 50 mm
Mann = 43 mm
Filter media outside diam:
2025 Blueprint = 57 mm
2026 Blueprint = 61 mm
Bosch = 58 mm
Mahle = 56 mm
Hengst = 60 mm
Mann = 60 mm
Filter media inside diam:
2025 Blueprint = 28 mm
2026 Blueprint = 28 mm
Bosch = 28 mm
Mahle = 28 mm
Hengst = 28 mm
Mann = 28 mm
Filter media Area:
2025 Blueprint = 769 cm²
2026 Blueprint = 798 cm²
Bosch = 619 cm²
Mahle = 507 cm²
Hengst = 784 cm²
Mann = 619 cm²
Cost:
2025 Blueprint = £4.16
2026 Blueprint = £4.16
Bosch = £9.69
Mahle = £12.49
Hengst = £7.04
Mann = £7.62
Country of manufacturing:
2025 Blueprint = Unknown
2026 Blueprint = Unknown
Bosch = Bulgaria
Mahle = Austria
Hengst = China
Mann = Germany
Notes regarding build quality:
Bosch filter media is not centered compared to the top and bottom mounting surfaces.
Mahle filter has some molding flash on the seals which do pose a risk of coming loose.
Mann filter: the actual inside diameter of the edges of the filter is actually 27.5mm which makes it a bit hard to fit in the filter housing( that's why in the past I stopped using them)
My comments:
Bosch, Mahle and Hengst filter came without the plastic oil draining piece.
While my original post was made to "complain" about the reduction in quality of the Blueprint filter it does seem that you do get the most filter media.
I was quite dissapointed in the build quality of the Mahle which even though it's the most expensive, you get less filter media but also the rubberized seals have molding flash present.
I was impressed by the Hengst filter which even though is made in China is better built than the Bosch and Mahle.
I am perfectly aware that this is not a scientific method of comparison and unlike other people on this Thread I'm not trying to tell people what filters to use.
I've done this mainly for my general knowledge but also to ask the Brand Snobs to waste their own money and stop forcing their unfounded advice on people.
When I was a kid, cheap convertibles were everywhere. The VW golf had a convertible, peugeots, citroens.
These days everyone wants an SUV and I totally understand tastes have moved away from them.
But I cant help but feel something great has been lost. The great thing about convertibles is, with the roof down, it doesn't matter if you are in a Rolls Royce or a Peugeot, the roof down is the experience.
I know people will say 'we dont get the weather in the UK for them' But that's the equivalent of saying 'we dont get the weather to go walking' in the UK. If the weather is good enough to be walking in, then it's good enough to have the roof down.
And worst of all is that convertibles have gotten so much more reliable now that they used to be and the cars are safer than they were. Just as convertibles were about to reach their peak, people went off them.
There were too many great cars that the 20 picture limit was not enough in the first post! Fantastic turnout on the bank holiday!
I'm happy to replace filters and oil etc, I think it's madness to pay a mechanic to do something that straight forward.
But, I've always left it to the garage to do my brakes for safety reasons.
it's not that hard though? right?
would you do it yourself?
Some photos of my Nissan Blueturd with my mates 350z at caffeine and machine on Sunday 🫡
Hi all, I’m not very knowledgeable about cars and need some advice.
I live in the UK and I’m looking for a reliable family car on a limited budget. Budget is around 15K. I’m also considering used cars.
I’m unsure what type to choose. Petrol, hybrid, or electric? Are electric cars really cheaper in the long run? Or hybrids worth it?
Given a tight budget, what would you recommend? Also, which brands and models are the most reliable and low-maintenance?
Edit: I do have space to install a home charging point for EV
Mileage - 140k
1.6L engine size
Diesel
The only thing worrying me is the mileage. I’m a first time driver and only plan to keep it for a year or so and hopefully upgrade next year.
hi, just got a 70 plate VW polo with 60k miles. noticed it's making this vibrating noise when I accelerate in any gear but it's mostly noticeable between 15-30 miles when my foot does more then a light tap on the accelerator. someone told me it's a normal noise but to me sounds a bit odd but maybe it's BC my last car was a Picanto so had 0 power. thanks
which to get in ur opinion, am debating on second car around 5k. lmk please
MIL removed a baby seat from a rental car and has managed to do this, any way to repair or is it a replace job? (London) when she gives it back what are the chances they notice this / what charge will there likely be? TIA
Hi everyone, wondering if I could get your opinions before I make a purchase.
Been in the market for a used BMW 320d, with a FSH and fairly low mileage they are bulletproof.
I have come across a BMW approved used 320D Xdrive (G20) on a 2020 plate, with adaptive cruise control, fitted with the optional visual pack which gives is the adaptive BMW laserlight headlights and the M Sport pro pack. Full BMW service history and get all the perks buying from a approved used BMW with 12 months manufacturer warranty.
The car has done 67K miles and is up for £19K from BMW, would you jump at this offer or is it worth it to keep looking around?
Personally seems like a cracking offer, but I have always had PCP cars, so this is my first time dipping my feet into the used car market and it would be greatly appreciated for any help/opinions in the used car/BMW space.
Hi all,
How do go you around picking insurance?
I currently have a quote starting at £400 with a black box. Taking out all the black box quotes, I’m looking at 650.
There’s a few at the 600-700 range
- hastings (based on reviews here I know to avoid)
- people’s choice
- quote me happy
The known companies are quoting around 800-900
- AXA
- AA
- Admiral
Is the extra cost worth going with a more reputable brand assuming the product is the same? (I.e breakdown and courtesy cars etc)