Believe it or not, the Mk4 SEAT Ibiza 1.4S model doesn’t come with boot or glove compartment lights.  Not long after purchasing the car, I found a lack of light in the boot on a winter’s evening a bit of a problem.  My SEAT dealer wasn’t very forthcoming about how they would go about fitting a boot light, so I resorted to carrying a little torch in the boot.

Recently I came across a couple of articles in the discussion forums at http://www.seatcupra.net about the very same issue.  One forum member had posted up the VAG part numbers for the lights, the switch, the connectors and the wires and also provided the essential details of where to tap into the positive and the switched negative in the vehicle.  Another provided a step by step fitting guide with photos.

Great stuff.  I ordered the parts from my SEAT dealer last week and today I picked them up and fitted them.  Because the parts are geniune VAG and fit into previously blanked off holes in the glove compartment and boot, the whole installation looks tidy.

It’s only a small modification, but it’s going to be really useful.  Thanks guys.

Why is it that so many drivers either don’t use their indicators, or use them incorrectly?  Just how difficult is it to move a little stalk on the steering column whilst you drive along the road?

Driving through town the other day, I spotted a driving instructor’s car travelling behind me with a few vehicles behind him.  There was only the driver in the car so he wasn’t giving anyone a driving lesson.  We went over a couple of roundabouts and turned left and right a few times, and not once did he bother to indicate.  If he had followed me into the supermarket car park, I’d have gone up to him and asked him why he thought he was exempt from rule 103 of The Highway Code.

I’ve noticed that police drivers often don’t indicate either, shouldn’t they be setting an example to other road users?  Can I prosecute them for not driving with due care and attention?

I had to make a brief visit to the Gloucester store today, so out came my faithful TomTom Go 500 satellite navigation gizmo.

I met with the usual traffic jams at the end of Greyfriars Bridge where the Highways Agency are continuing work on the new Belmont Roundabout layout as a consequence of the new Asda Superstore.  Those roadworks have been dragging on for months now, and everyone who passes in and out of Hereford by that route will be pleased when it’s all finished.

The rest of the trip was straightforward until I got to the outskirts of Gloucester where I met with yet more traffic jams and long lines of road cones.  A lane of the dual-carriageway had been closed off.  I’m not sure why, as there didn’t seem to be that much evidence of anybody doing anything.  It’s frustrating sitting in a queue going nowhere fast and added extra time to the journey there and back.  I made a mental note to myself; don’t ever be tempted to get a job as a delivery van driver.

It’s already coming up to a year since I bought my Ibiza.  Last week the car started telling me that it would like a service by displaying a little spanner icon in the mileometer.  A few days later I received a letter from my local SEAT dealer inviting me to book the car in with the service department.  I suppose I’m going to have to sort something out soon.

I’ve received docs from the DVLA about renewing the tax disc too.  I’ve just used their online renewal service, which was quick and relatively painless.  It’s much better than trudging into town and queuing up at the Post Office with my V11 form and insurance certificate.  There is a £2.50 fee for paying by credit card and as I’m already having to pay £120 duty for a 12 month licence I opted to pay by Switch for no extra.  Apparently the disc should arrive by First Class post within the next five days.  Then I’ve just got to make sure I don’t lose it before the beginning of next month.

At some point in time between yesterday morning and this morning, a new 10 mph sign has appeared next to the lane on the edge of Widemarsh Common - I presume it’s been put there by the council.

There only seems to be one sign, half way along the lane where the footpath into the city centre starts.  The area is always well used by pedestrians, both young and old, and dogs, so it does seem a good idea to try & slow vehicles down.  Not sure if anyone will take much notice though.