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Original poster

Not to know what whether or not my car has alloy wheels

189 replies

Rascalls3 · 01/07/2014 18:41

Just been told off by the Green Flag operator because I didn't know if my Mini had standard or alloy wheelsBlush Apparently ( he said ) that as I hold a driving licence I should know ALL about my car!!!! Interested to know how many ladies out there know what a alloy wheel is. My lovely car mechanic has told me that I am the proud owner of four alloy wheels!

OP posts:
IfYouCouldSeeMeNow · 01/07/2014 18:43

I know what alloys are.

I thought that was fairly common, to be honest!

At least you know now.

Stinkle · 01/07/2014 18:44

Yes, I know what they are and I know that I have them

Watercolourfootballs · 01/07/2014 18:45

But if you don't know where you have alloys or not would I be unreasonable to assume you also don't know how to change them?

You should know how to change a tyre if you have a driving licence really.

Charlieboo30 · 01/07/2014 18:45

I know my car has alloy wheels but then I only bought it new four months ago and it seemed to be a 'selling point'. I couldn't care less. I also know that I must not lose the little case with the locking wheel nut in as apparently that's very important!

I also knew my old Clio did not have alloys as I fitted new hub caps. What a fun hour that was...not!

StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes · 01/07/2014 18:45

I know my car is purple Blush

TillyTellTale · 01/07/2014 18:47

Well, I don't actually have a car, but I know what an alloy is in general parlance. I will, of course, be googling to see if there is a special motoring definition Grin, but right now, I would pretty much assume that most cars have wheels made from an alloy.

Pure metals are a bit pliable and bendy, and you don't want your wheel bending, do you? Needs to be hard and weight-bearing.

Charlieboo30 · 01/07/2014 18:47

watercolourfootballs - I haven't a clue how to change a tyre. Will contact the DVLA tomorrow to see if they want my licence back..

On a serious note, my car doesn't even have a spare tyre. It's just got that repair foam stuff. No idea what to do with that either!

ToAvoidConversation · 01/07/2014 18:48

Yes my car has alloy wheels and surely if you are driving a car you should be aware of its wheels Hmm Wtf "how many ladies"... Ridiculous question.

mum11970 · 01/07/2014 18:49

Yes I know the differnce between alloys and normal wheels, they don't look anything alike.

MaryBennett · 01/07/2014 18:50

I'm hoping mine HAS 4 wheels!

TheFairyCaravan · 01/07/2014 18:51

I know what they are.
I know we have them on both cars.
I know DH lovingly washes them weekly otherwise something bad will happen to them apparently.
I haven't a clue how to change a tyre!

TillyTellTale · 01/07/2014 18:52

Okay. Have googled. I'm right and wrong. All wheels do seem to be made from alloys, so far, but not all are called alloys.

Apparently alloy wheels are ones made from a magnesium or aluminium alloy. As opposed to standard ones made from steel, which is actually also an alloy. Hmm

WashingFanatic · 01/07/2014 18:53

Short of the colour and the fact I know it drinks petrol rather than diesal, I couldn't tell you anything about my car.

FluffyPiggle · 01/07/2014 18:53

Mine has a steering wheel and air freshener. Don't ask me about practicalities it's what mechanics are paid for XD

TillyTellTale · 01/07/2014 18:55

Do you know whether your house/flat/bungalow's light fittings have bayonet or screw fittings?

TinklyLittleLaugh · 01/07/2014 18:56

I have put petrol in my diesel though. Twice Blush

moobaloo · 01/07/2014 18:56

Yes I know, but I am a bit of a petrol head tbh...

I also know what an EGR valve is and when I had car issues and that flagged up on a diagnostic the mechanic said "bet that's all over your head isn't it?" I was furious! Just because I was a heavily pregnant 21 year old female - no reason to assume I wouldn't know! I now use a different mechanic who is not so condescending. Men!

TinklyLittleLaugh · 01/07/2014 18:58

Bayonet fittings, screw fittings..... I have DP people to deal with that sort of thing for me.

CMOTDibbler · 01/07/2014 19:02

Yes, I know what they are and whether the cars have them. I can also change a wheel, check oil and do basic car maintenance stuff. Past that it goes to the nice men at the landy garage

Original poster
Rascalls3 · 01/07/2014 19:08

I am relieved I am not the only clueless driver out there then. I know longer have to know how to change a tyre ...I don't have one, just one of those foamy pumps. I learnt today that the foam is fairly useless as,surprise surprise it comes out the hole. It also costs £50 to replace on top of the cost of the tyre. Best just to get car recovered to a garage as I did if you need to.

OP posts:
SelectASweetBreadTwist · 01/07/2014 19:11

I know what they are, that my car has them and where the 'key' for the locking wheel nuts is.

Original poster
Rascalls3 · 01/07/2014 19:12

Oops.. typo.. no longer. Not as clueless as I thought. I forget I can check the water/ oil levelsSmile

OP posts:
startwig1982 · 01/07/2014 19:13

My car had alloys and I know how to change a tyre. Never actually done it but apparently standing on the wrench to undo the nuts is the easiest way.

HauntedNoddyCar · 01/07/2014 19:15

Slightly baffled at how you can't know tbh.

HauntedNoddyCar · 01/07/2014 19:17

Start yes gently bounce on the wrench to get them loose.

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