Those ' not so cool ' Aston moments

[yeti]

Ahhh, just remembered one... Had just been purchasing wine at Chateau Pommard in Beaune (2004 -earthy- and 2007 -needs a year- and some Puligny for Jockman's benefit) and had removed everything from the boot to get the wooden crates in. All good so far, pleased with my handywork and walked away smugly satisfied at the practicality. Sat in the car, pressed the roof button to hear quite a few crashes... had left the former contents of the boot and my pockets on top of the roof so phone, passport, clothes, everything scattered around.

Some Americans had gathered to watch the majesty of the Aston's roof being taken down... I think they were pleased with the show, but not for the right reasons

[peterr96]

yeti said:

Does it? That's good to know... I have started to do it on all the cars now after being forced to in the Aston. Glad to know it's a good habit!

It also means that if the previous driver left the car in 1st gear (as I always do) something like a wall does not get closer when you turn the key/press the starter button. This was also a practice invoked through my father having a Saab that you HAD to put in reverse gear to get the key out.
If on level ground we always leave the car, in gear, handbrake OFF. The handbrake never freezes on in cold weather then and you don't risk the chance to get uneven cool down on your disks if they are hot (which can cause warping). If on a hill I'd add the handbrake to the equation but always leave it in gear
So far as I'm aware leaving the car in gear when unoccupied and depressing the clutch prior to starting are very good practices. It also reduces the likelihood of one of the other "not so cool" moments mentioned above.

[FisiP1]

robsco said:

FisiP1 said:

TJB69 said:

Picking up my first V8V the helpful sales chap brought my new car out the showroom and left it running on the forecourt.

Me and the missus jumped in and headed north up the M6, stopping for fuel some time later I jumped back into car after paying turned the key and nothing.....

Messed about for over half an hour with everyone and their dog giving advice but to no avail.

Then it dawned.... foot on clutch when turning key

Edited by TJB69 on Monday 24th October 19:04

I swear that feature is just a cruel joke on people buying newer cars. Happened to me too.

Starting a car with the clutch depressed is the "correct" method - it reduces the load on the starter motor.

Yes, the problem arises on less refined systems, where only annihilating the floor partition with the clutch pedal qualifies as 'depressed', cue head scratching.

[Neil1300R]

williamp said:

my most embarassing aston moment was when I had first met this girl. We drove into the country for a wlak along a canal/pub lunch. I'd love to say that we were doing north of 130mph when I lost it, but sadly I had left the handbrake off and it rolled into another car..

They had minor bumper damage. I had new grill (2.5k), bumper, bodywork, respray... Aston wanted £18k for the work. I didnt use them, but after we decided to do the full respray, the additional bodywork, the new roof, the new.... the small accident went into mega money.

It was lovely when finished, though!

I always thought your most embarrassing Aston moment was turning up at DMS in that Aston shellsuit!

[tarks63]

Wife taking a DB7 Vantage Volante for a 2 mile test drive with the handbrake firmly on.

Female Aston Martin sales rep didn`t even realise till they pulled over and a cloud of smoke enveloped the cockpit.

Answers on a postcard regarding women and Astons please!!!!

On the other hand she has given me the green light to buy a DB9 Volante.