GR86 New owner questions!

[matt_had]

Hi everyone, I'm picking up this beauty on Friday so happy to be joining the club!

It will be my first more performance car (part-ex'ing a 9 year old 116d!) and I have few questions before I pick up the car on Friday and start using it properly.

1. As I will only be driving it ~2 times a week, often one fairly short drive and one longer, I think I will need to keep an eye on the oil level much more than I do on my current car. Is checking it every 2 weeks about right? I think just sticking with the standard oil weight should be ok too.
2. In terms of fuel is it important to get the premium fuels? or is the standard E10 or Tesco Momentum ok?
3. I've ordered a faraday pouch for the keys and a steering wheel lock for a visual deterent. Any other security recommendations?
4. I think it is still using the Michelin PS4S but read they're maybe not the best in the winter? Is it worth getting some new boots as the temperature starts dropping?

Any other advice for a new owner welcome. It has been enjoyable reading the forums and trying to get as much knowledge from you all as possible!

 

[GRMatt74]

Hi everyone, I'm picking up this beauty on Friday so happy to be joining the club!

It will be my first more performance car (part-ex'ing a 9 year old 116d!) and I have few questions before I pick up the car on Friday and start using it properly.

1. As I will only be driving it ~2 times a week, often one fairly short drive and one longer, I think I will need to keep an eye on the oil level much more than I do on my current car. Is checking it every 2 weeks about right? I think just sticking with the standard oil weight should be ok too.
2. In terms of fuel is it important to get the premium fuels? or is the standard E10 or Tesco Momentum ok?
3. I've ordered a faraday pouch for the keys and a steering wheel lock for a visual deterent. Any other security recommendations?
4. I think it is still using the Michelin PS4S but read they're maybe not the best in the winter? Is it worth getting some new boots as the temperature starts dropping?

Any other advice for a new owner welcome. It has been enjoyable reading the forums and trying to get as much knowledge from you all as possible!View attachment 32706

Regarding fuel I don’t use anything other than super unleaded and generally Momentum.
As for tyres I would consider a swap to something that is better with water and colder temps just for the winter.

 

[Alex-GR86]

Regarding fuel I don’t use anything other than super unleaded and generally Momentum.
As for tyres I would consider a swap to something that is better with water and colder temps just for the winter.

Another vote for Momentum, I’m still on the original PS4s and can confirm that below about 7 degrees it can get quite interesting. That’s not a problem, you just need to adjust. Welcome!

 

[matt_had]

Regarding fuel I don’t use anything other than super unleaded and generally Momentum.
As for tyres I would consider a swap to something that is better with water and colder temps just for the winter.

Another vote for Momentum, I’m still on the original PS4s and can confirm that below about 7 degrees it can get quite interesting. That’s not a problem, you just need to adjust. Welcome!

Thanks both. As I live 2mins from a Tesco then Momentum sounds good!

 

[GRMatt74]

Thanks both. As I live 2mins from a Tesco then Momentum sounds good!

Third party tests have shown it’s just as good as the premium fuels like V Power.

 

[Dal3D]

My oil use is non existent = maybe don't worry?

A momentum fan here too - although used Esso supreme on occasion without issue. Also used it on my Focus RS for 8 years and been fine,

faraday pouch -yes!

 

[IGZ]

Using a Faraday pouch is fine, but ‘switching off’ the key signal is also worthwhile. When pressing the ‘lock’ key and holding down, pressing the ‘open’ key twice at the same time switches the signal off, to the point of being unable to open the car with key in hand without pressing ‘open’ again.

Though probably unnecessary, I keep both sets of keys in a Faraday box when not in use, but have got in the habit of doing as described above whenever I get out of the car. As a result, I’m not entirely sure whether I’m totally wasting my time with the Faraday box, but it provides some peace of mind either way…

 

[Renzokuken86]

Will vouch for Tesco Momentum 99 as well. I filled up with BP Ultimate a few times at the Gretna services in my old car and noticed a massive reduction in MPG and a sluggish feel. Perhaps they had a dodgy batch of petrol but will be steering clear regardless. Gotta get those Clubcard points anyway!

 

[ZN8]

Welcome to the Zoo Matt!

1. Fortnightly oil check is good practise but probably not necessary, some cars use oil others don't so it's definitely worth keeping an eye on.
2. Shell power, Esso Supreme or Tesco Momentum are all top juice. I'd go for those, if they aren't available regular Shell or Esso would be fine.
3. Faraday pouch only for me.
4. For a sports car the grip threshold is lower than you think in the current conditions, the combination of a relatively narrow tyre, LSD and stiffer spring rates on the rear means it can be a bit lively, It might be worth considering having something else for the winter.

 

[matt_had]

Thanks for the information everyone. Car picked up and took the scenic route home! Now to get familiar with it and have some fun!

 

[bf1_irl]

Good luck with the new car & enjoy!
If budget / space & tools allow, I would recommend a spare set of rims with Michelin Cross Climates for winter.

Another vote for Momentum & V-Power (get more miles from V-Power according to the dash when comparing fill ups but probably down to level of heavy footedness)

 

[Vistalite]

Good colour choice. I use mine each day and don't see the need to change tyres, I just drive according to the conditions.

 

[MorrisM]

Good colour choice. I use mine each day and don't see the need to change tyres, I just drive according to the conditions.

Same here - still on the original treads and didn’t have any tyre trouble last week when the temps hit sub zero.

 

[GRistopher]

Welcome to the Zoo. I hope you're enjoying the car.

We all fuss over the oil on here but so long as you're checking it fairly regularly I wouldnt worry about it. Maybe have a top up bottle in the garage.

You've probably realised by now that you need to give the car respect in the wet. Especially when cold. It can be used year round - maybe not in snow though.

Hope you're having fun with it

 

[matt_had]

Done a first couple of hundred miles and the only way I can describe it is "like a bit go kart"! Exactly what I was hoping for when purchasing! I'm starting to learn the little sounds and feelings too.

Not braved turning off any of the assists yet but can definitely feel how easy it is to light up the rears coming out of a tight junction or two. Maybe save that for the summer!

Now it's time to get cleaning all this road grime off!