Nick Jeffery

Surrey, UK @npjeffery @npjeffery

At the time of writing this column it feels as though it’s either been raining most weekends or bitterly cold. Roll on spring! I commute into London on the train during the week, so only really get a chance to use the cars at weekends. It becomes a neverending cycle of rotating the cars, making sure each gets a good run out and the inevitable clean before it’s back to work!

What’s changed recently is the performance of the battery on the Turbo, which seems far less resilient than the others. I can’t determine how old it is, but more than two weeks without turning the key means it won’t unlock without the alarm going off… and then it won’t start!

Then I remembered I’d previously invested in a Porsche CTEK trickle charger, which plugs directly into the cigarette lighter socket. It actually works a treat, and I’m kicking myself now for not putting it to good use sooner!

The other recent issues are more bizarre. The driver’s heated seat on my Turbo developed a fault last summer where it would turn itself on at will.

The on/off switch in the centre console was replaced last July, and all seemed fine until recently when the problem reoccurred. I explained everything to Paragon Porsche, who were able to accommodate me at short notice. After an initial investigation the fault was determined to be the relay under the seat, which needed to be removed to replace the offending unit. I am pleased to report that has cured the problem, which was worrying and a real distraction while driving.

I regularly use Autoglym products, especially its shampoo and conditioner – usually the one-litre bottles. However, Mrs J treated yours truly to a 2.5-litre bottle a while back which has been sitting in the garage while I finished off the smaller bottles. When I used the larger bottle for the first time I noticed a really odd and unpleasant odour. Someone suggested it’s because it was ‘out of date’ or that I should have shaken the container more vigorously prior to use, but that didn’t solve the issue. I’ve now consigned it to wheel-washing duties and replaced it with Autoglym’s Ultra High Definition Shampoo, which is more expensive at £18 for one litre but smells amazing, produces a thicker foam and, to my eye, a much better quality finish.

I often organise meets and drives out with like-minded enthusiasts and ensure I get out in the cars every weekend. I have attended various events including Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble in the Turbo, some local classic car breakfast meets at The Black Swan in Ockham and the Riverview Cafe in Forest Row in the Carrera 4S, plus I am a regular at the London Region Porsche Club GB monthly meet ‘Out East’ and at Caffeine and Machine in Ettington near Stratford upon Avon.

I’m determined to spend more time behind the wheel of the GTS this year as the Carrera 4S remains my go-to Neunelfer, and I need to ensure the mileage is balanced between all three cars in accordance with my Porsche Club GB policy with Chubb via Lockton. I moved the cars to the PCGB scheme last June as I was attracted to the agreed-value basis of settlement and additional benefits like PCGB track day cover and overseas breakdown cover.