UPDATES
I must have a lucky star:
18 June 2009
I serviced the car for a change of timing belt at 16,000km because I have to go outstation early next month although I intended earlier to have it done at 120,000km. The mechanic said the timing belt was in such a bad state of affairs, he doubt it would have survived the trip to a highland resort.
22 June 2009
The car suddenly died while crusiing about 5km away from my mechanic's workshop. He came over and after a change of battery, I scooted off to the workshop where he confirmed the 5 years 9 mths old alternator had met its day. A new alternator was installed and 2 hours later I'm back on the road again. My, oh my, this must be my lucky day.
25 June 2009
A new set of silicone spark plug cables was installed after it was diagnosed the mild jerk over the week was due to a torn spark plug cable. While that was being installed, I noticed the lamda grounding cable (which I wouldn't have if not for checking this jerking issue) I customized came off its end which the mechanic helpfully fixed with a new contact end. All this happening before my trip outstation next month. Phew!
