So, the motor I bought last year has been pretty much neglected since I made the move into town, mostly because I still can’t drive the poor thing. Lessons have been booked though, so it’s only a matter of time (before it gets wrapped round a daffodil).

Given the exceptionally harsh winter, it wasn’t a great surprise to find the bad boy often won’t start, especially as it looked like this at one point:

Whoops.

So, I’ve now discovered why it struggles to start so bloody often. You may not know, but there are different types of car batteries, identified by a three digit code.The higher, the better. If you were to go to Helfrauds and ask for a Mini battery, they’d sell you a 038, which is the only one on their list for a Mini. This is recommended by BMC/Austin/Rover for an 848cc engine. I have a 1275cc. According to Rover, this should have a 051 battery. You can see where this is going, can’t you?

Well, no, actually. I don’t have a Type 038 in my car. Oh no, you’re way off the mark. I currently have a 015. Yes. 015. Dyslexic battery syndrome? To be on the safe side, I’ve ordered myself an even bigger battery than recommended, a 063.

It does seem, though, that this is becoming a bit of a project, which I didn’t intend it to become. I keep seeing shiny things on ScottishMini (link to the right) and thinking “that looks ace… I want!”. It also appears the snow on top of the car and lack of ventilation has led to condensation discolouring the dash. Which is merely an excuse to replace the thing. Oh dear..

Before that, though, I need to fit a cigarette lighter (to power/charge the iPhone), and I want a Saltire roof decal. Hello, credit card.

In music news…

Aberdeen people! Check out The Deportees! They are most excellent! They’ve only played two gigs so far, but I can honestly say I’ve never heard so much buzz about a local band so soon. I’ve had the fortune to be at both their gigs so far, and they have another lined up for Sunday, at Tunnels. Be there if you can!

Some of my favourite bands have been releasing albums lately, so check out BRMC’s “Beat The Devil’s Tattoo”, The Courteeners’ “Falcon” and Blood Red Shoes’ “Fire Like This”.

On that note, I’ll leave you with the video for BRS’ last single, “Light It Up”. It’s near-annoyingly catchy: