9 replies to this topic

[Tamworthbay]

Went into my local halfords yesterday to try and pick up some plugs for my GT. they have changed the system and it now goes completely on the cars reg. I always use Champion RN9YC, if I use the NGK equivalent it fouls them within a week (I know not why). The stupid system won't allow you to order a plug unless you find a car that it was fitted to originally. After ten minutes of 'guess which car a RN9YC was fitted to' I got bored and gave up. The game involved me guessing a car then going on to ebay to find a pic of said car so i could get the reg plate to enter, talk about crazy. The annoying thing is they are only £4.50 for a set on trade, otherwise its a tenner elsewhere. Anyone else come across this? (Or know a car that ran RN9YCs originally).

[Leics1275]

It gets even more fun if you ask the staff, "Huh, what's an MG"

 

Sorry pal we don;'t do classics

 

I'm only twelve and only know corsas!!!

 

Etc,etc

 

Dave

[Tamworthbay]

To be fair the guy was pretty good, he was very apologetic and thinks the system is stupid but hasn't yet found a way around it. The stupid thing is we both know they do them. Its just the computer that is set up to be 'clever' being really stupid.

[Yams]

I work at Halfords,   There is a way you can order them in if it was still and orange and black store (They are undergoing a company identity change at the moment). They will have local suppliers in their area that they can order parts from which we don't keep on shelves. They can contact these suppliers directly and don't have to do it though the automated system. Even better yet they can check the stock files for that model of plug, and see if any surrounding stores have them in. However to order them directly from the supplier you'd need someone with a supervisor / manager role, and also for them to actually know that they are doing. Rare breed.

[Black.Ghost]

That seems absolutely ridiculous. What a pain in the arse. Can't you order some on eBay?

[Tamworthbay]

I can but I don't get a trade discount on eBay. PITA as you say. Its another case of someone thinking that they are improving the systems but making it harder for the staff and customer. I bet the person who thought of it doesn't work behind the counter......

[1984mini25]

A lot of places use the cars reg for spares, witch all well and good providing the car in question is as it left the factory.

[Tamworthbay]

A lot of places use the cars reg for spares, witch all well and good providing the car in question is as it left the factory.

True, its a dumb way of doing it and leaves no option for intelligence to have a say. Mine is exactly as it left the factory but for some reason it fouls NGK plugs of the equivalent rating. It seems a bit daft that there is no option just to search for an item someone wants to buy. Especially for older cars as many have a 'pet' plug that works well. I have been tipped off about a lawn owe that uses them (thanks Colin) so I will try that angle, bit if they ask for a reg for the mower I swear I will scream

[1984mini25]

I've personally found NGK plugs aren't as good as they used to be (keep fouling up for no apparent reaction) and depending upon what Haynes manual you buy/look at the earlier ones recommended Champion plugs and the later manuals recommended NGK plug

[Black.Ghost]

I think the reason they use the plates is for Joe Public who neither knows anything about or does anything with cars. "What model BMW do you have Madame? (Or Sir)" "Er it's a black S Class." Or something to that affect.

It's sad times really.