Electric vehicle experience to be aware of.
A couple of years ago my wife and I bought a new well-known and respected brand of hybrid car. We decided on a hybrid because of the advantages offered by electric vehicles coupled with the extended range of a petrol motor. It has been a gem of a car - until last weekend when it refused to start. No warning. No alarm. NOTHING. It just would not start. By absolute chance the local AA rep was across the road on a separate call-out. He was extremely efficient, explained the problem, and was able to start our car so we could get home. He then came to our home and fitted a new battery. It transpires that while the car is in the electric mode, the auxiliary battery is unable to be charged. As in conventional cars there is an alternator connected to the petrol motor, but not in electric. So, just a heads-up for hybrid owners: Be aware - save money, petrol and the planet by going electric, and be prepared for a great deal of inconvenience and annoyance and to pay out between $250 and $600 for a replacement auxiliary battery which could (and did) fail with no warning after about 35000 kilometers. Or just use the petrol mode. Maybe I'll just go and buy a horse.
Worst Xmas ever?
There's a a lot of planning that goes into Christmas day and sometimes things just don't go to plan. But it can be a good thing - a family mishap or hilarious memory that you can laugh about in Christmases to come.
Whether you burnt the dinner or were stranded at an airport...
Share your Christmas mishaps below!
THE MAHARA PLACE MID-WEEK CHRISTMAS MARKET IS ON TOMORROW
Come on down to the Mahara Place mid-week CHRISRTMAS MARKET which is on TOMORROW (Tuesday) from 9.30am until midday near the new library in Waikanae. SANTA will be making an appearance so bring the kids down. Fresh Fruit & Veg, Red Van Plants & seedlings, Fresh Flowers, Locally grown Avocados, Blueberries, Olive Oil, Yummy Local Waikanae Honey, Sewing Crafts, The Rawleigh's Man, Hand Made Mini Light Houses & Bird Houses, Good quality Bric-a-Brac, Records, Books, and lots lots more. Grab a coffee, visit the market and the local shops- you may find some good Christmas gift ideas. See you there...SUPPORT LOCAL!!