Speedometer

[Alex]

Is there any reason why the speedometer on my car changes overnight ?
Nobody else is driving it.  I come home, glance at the speedo and see I've done say 16 miles.  Next morning when I get in the car the whole mileage is showing i.e. 150,000 or whatever it is - I can't remember the total mileage for my old banger.   It puzzles me.

[Mups]

Perhaps you've got the same spook who turned on  klondike's  ceiling fan.   

[klondike]

I'm guessing that it switches from total to trip mileage when the various systems in the car power down after you turn it off. I don't know why but modern cars down don't just shut everything down when you turn them off. If you want to find the "dark current" that's the battry drain when the car is turned off you need to wait half an hour or more to get a reliable figure.

[Raven]

Cars are far too complicated these days, and that comes from the mechanic who looks after our vehicles. I agree with him, there's no need for computers and sensors ect, in a car. The older ones were much easier to fix and by yourself.

[Scrumpy]

I prefer my reliable old motor..I think the more gadgets one has on a motor the more problems..

I don't know much about motors.. computers..or politics..
Simple life for me..

[Mups]

Cars are far too complicated these days, and that comes from the mechanic who looks after our vehicles. I agree with him, there's no need for computers and sensors ect, in a car. The older ones were much easier to fix and by yourself.

I agree with this.   The more and more gadgets they put on them, there more there is to go wrong.

Up until just over 20 yrs ago,  I always had Morris Minors, would you believe.
I had a little white saloon car,  a green pick up with a canvas cover, a green Traveller with the wooden slats on the sides,  and I seem to half-remember a 4th one, but not sure now.
I luv'd them.  

[klondike]

One thing I will say in defence of modern cars is that they are far more fuel efficient and far more reliable than in days of yore and their performance and comfort is much higher.

I distinctly remember that when planning a "long distance" trip to the seaside from here - a staggering 100 miles minimum to the nearest resorts such as Hunstanton or Skegness - I would give the car a thorough look over the day before setting out. There was a full toolkit in the boot along with the bucket and spades. In truth that toolkit was always there. On such an adventurous expedition there was maybe a 50% chance that the toolkit may be needed. That is just laughable these days.

Modern cars break down much less often apart from normal wear and tear items. Of course when they do for anybody that hasn't kept up (like me) knowing where to start and having the necessary diagnostic kit means I don't even try.

BTW - I just looked it up and the Morris Minor was last made in 1970 so if you were still driving one 20 years back it was 30 years old.

[Mups]

Well Yes,  I can see your point about breakdowns,  but  on the old Moggies there wasn't much to go wrong.   And even if it did,  it would probably only be something anyone with a little knowledge of engines could mend.
I can honestly say,  none of my old cars ever let me down,  not once.   
Mind you,  I probably didn't go far because I am worse than useless at finding my way anywhere.    I could get lost in Tesco's car park!

Nowadays most people can't fix their own cars because they need equipment they don't have,  nor the diagnostic knowledge and tools either.

[GrannyMac]

My inlaws had Moggies, my OH learnt to drive in one.  He used to work in them with his dad.  No chance of that on today's cars.

[Alex]

My car is too old for a computer I think , is it possible the battery disconnects itself then reconnects after it's had a rest ? 

[klondike]

If it doesn't have wheels that go round to show the mileage it has some sort of computer. If the wheels move round on their own when it is turned off then its time for a new speedo.

[Ashy]

And make sure there isn't a hamster in the works.

[Scrumpy]

My SIL has a nice motor.. On the inside doors is a panel with buttons.. When I sit in the passenger seat I press number 2 and that adjusts my seat to how I like it.. It is already set..
 
Unlike my old motor you have to get out to let people at the back get in..
I then have a bugger of a time trying to put the driver's seat back into the position it was.. I've had to drive sitting up as straight as a rod.. 

[klondike]

When I sit in the passenger seat I press number 2

That's a bit prone to misinterpretation 

[Scrumpy]

That's a bit prone to misinterpretation