MG5 - How We And The Car Cope With Winter

Another week in and around Scotland in our all electric MG5. This time in winter. Poor weather, cold temps and a lot of work. Also, if you're a vehicle technician in Scotland and fancy what we do, please get in touch.

[@chrishyde1216]

James is remarkable. He serviced our Leaf. He's highly skilled and professional, hard working and also gives time to chat. I don't know how he does it all.

[@Jamesandkate]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@john-c]

That’s some serious amount of graft James - hats off to you! I never realised you refunded customers when charging at their home - that’s a really nice touch! 👌🏻👏🏻

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks. In times gone by it was so cheap customers brushed it off, but times have changed and it's more expensive now. I'd feel I was taking advantage if we didn't remove the cost from their bills. That said, some do still brush it off. Also, your comment means you watched the whole video, so thanks for that.

[@john-c]

@@Jamesandkate genuinely a really good watch and fascinating to see the insight into a day in the life. Amazing how you manage to do all the work, travel in between jobs and film along the way plus everything else and editing on top. Thanks for making such great content and taking the time to reply as well. I’ll certainly keep on watching that’s for sure.

[@Timstravels01]

James you’re a legend. That’s incredible work you’re doing. As for the MG5 - what a machine!

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks, Tim.

[@martinweston8147]

These are some of my favourite videos on KZbin, all the things I like, EV, driving, mechanics, travel and people just being nice to each other

[@Jamesandkate]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@leejordanful]

Your work rate never ceases to amaze me, and in that bad weather as well. It’s tough being away from the family for so long. You definitely need another person to cover the North.

[@Jamesandkate]

Thank you very much!

[@judebrown4103]

My goodness you are a grafter James. Look after yourself, your mileage and hours worry me when you do these long trips. Seems like you definitely need a technician in Scotland as dedicated and skilled as yourself to cover the country. Stay safe my friend and I hope to meet you or a colleague down here in the Southeast later in the year, just hope we don't contribute too much to your exhaustion but we'll do our best to look after you. 👍

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks, Jude 🙏🏼

[@dougscott3089]

I really understand the logistics of ev driving in Scotland, I live 40 miles from Inverness & 70 miles from Aberdeen, I drive an MG5 Sr, it's two years old with just over 12000 miles on the clock, planning + zap map is essential. Scottish roads can be a culture shock to the English driver!! + the weather, the old joke about four seasons in one day holds true. Ķeep up the good work with the vlogs.

[@landyjokey]

Hi James great to see you out in the older MG5 up at Cumnock which is 5 miles from my house.Got the same MG5 as your driving in the video. Please keep us all updated with the condition of the older MG5 cars that you are running on the channel to see how reliable they are with the higher mileage. Thanks John Lorimer

[@Jamesandkate]

Hi John. 70k update coming shortly on the other MG5

[@georgepelton5645]

James, Your professionalism and dedication to your customers is inspiring. I look forward to seeing a recap on the MG5 (if not in the second half of this video), and a report on your new EV work vehicle.

[@Jamesandkate]

Thank you

[@jeffcartwright7270]

Loved the video, but that was a really really HARD work trip James !. Well done, but you DO need a more local EV tech that to look after our friends up in the Scotland area ASAP. The problem you have here is finding somebody here, with your high level of customer service and commitment to the job. What ever that trip earned you, it was totally deserved 110%. The work load demand for that trip was WAY over the top mate, given the time of the year and the poor weather conditions anyway. Keeping up with this high level of work load and the travelling involved has to catch up with you in the end. Again absolutely loved the video, but you need to throttle back a bit James, the girls are what is really important here at the end of the day. The travel time is WAY too excessive and very draining / stressful on the mind and the body. Who else other than you, would travel the distance you do, in order to carry out a 1 - 2 hour brake service ?. Nobody is the answer !. Please take good care and look after yourself and the girls.

[@Jamesandkate]

We're working on it 👍🏼

[@gramps6718]

Good work James, you’re a hero putting up with that weather🥶🤙👋

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks 👍

[@davidpearn5925]

You are a hero - on your knees in a northern winter out in the wind and rain in freezing temperatures. Best to you and Kate - and an early retirement from your torture.

[@thindo]

Funny as soon as you came back into England the Sun came Out☀️☀️☀️

[@Jamesandkate]

Very true. It's often like this.

[@thathairyguy]

The excitement of watching one of James' videos to see if your car is going to appear in it 😂 No joy this time, but I live in hope. Also James, it looks like I need to up my game with the food provisions. I'm just giving you tea and biscuits - you're getting pizza and all sorts elsewhere 😁

[@Jamesandkate]

Sorry, John. This was a different trip up. I'll get you next time.

[@jotruby7707]

WOW James, that was a fantastic video! You work too hard.! Hope you find someone in Scotland to cover. At least Mid-Wales will not be too far for you. Zoe is looking forward to your TLC in a few days.

[@K12beano]

Thanks for continuing to share your week’s adventures with us. So much information!

[@smaemurray]

What a fantastic professional service. Keep up the good work! 👍🏻

[@garyheavens2389]

Great video. I thoroughly enjoy your working trip videos. I am glad I work in a factory when I see you in this video.

[@roygardiner4002]

Another great week James, well done mate. Sorry we didn't see you for our Model S door lock repair but your colleague Paul did a great job in your stead, thanks again Cleeveleys!

[@jeremy1548]

Wow, you are a very hard working chap! Amazing dedication to the job and clear love of the result (if not the weather!). Hope the Scottish branch opens up soon! Best of luck my friend.

[@showme360]

Well done James excellent work under very difficult conditions, so good luck finding that technician, and thanks for point out that cell issue on the last job, its interesting that you can deal with that problem.

[@hibbs79]

Really enjoy watching these videos. 👍

[@Jamesandkate]

Excellent, thanks for watching

[@kevinmatthews2620]

Impressive, tbh i was amazed @ the amount of MG taxis in the Glasgow area, another good win for the MG brand, kudos on your work ethic & servicing @ customers locations :) :)

[@willielarsson9651]

Really enjoyable and interesting video. You should invest in the little pop up tent that telephone engineers use when outdoors

[@sheldonv8]

Can't believe how much you worked in the rain. . You need some kind of wind proof pop up marque. . Keep up the great work and good to see so many 5s out there.

[@dalroth10]

Another great video James and I can only echo what everyone else has said. You work incredibly hard, in all weathers and despite this you maintain a very down to earth approach with a very upbeat attitude. Incredible work ethic and your customers are getting fantastic service from a thoroughly decent guy.

[@jameshoyles4261]

Cheers James for the major service on my Hoyles Cleaning Specialists eNV200, as always a great job. It's all the little extra's you do having driven one of these vans many miles and know it's special requirements. Thanks again.

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks, James. Glad it passed the MOT ok.

[@rcosnett]

Great video, impressive car, impressive engineer 👌. Bob

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks, Rob.

[@magoo1uk2003]

As a Glaswegian I can confirm you do some amount of miles when you are in Scotland! Stay safe out there on the roads 👍

[@Jamesandkate]

Glasgow is like my second home now.

[@richardcorns8553]

Great video Dave... I mean James 🤪. Lovely to meet you, Kate and Florence on our recent holiday. Really enjoyed the chat. Keep safe and looking forward to future content. Pick our Model Y LR two weeks today. Super excited.

[@cawfeedawg]

James is like a bull in rut when it comes to EV diagnostics. Amazing to watch.

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks.

[@MrHemlock51]

You're an excellent advert for the MG5, it looks like a brilliant workhorse. I'm surprised you have to travel so far around the country just doing routine servicing that any competent mechanic could do. Only that last job actually involved electricity.

[@Jamesandkate]

You'll be amazed how many people won't touch an EV because it's an EV. Also, the convenience factor works for most.

[@adrianwhitehead1950]

Amazing hard worker, not sure how you do it, so we’ll done! Interesting real life showcase of EV ownership, including daily usage and also servicing. It’d not occurred to me how the ease of servicing opens up other maintenance options e.g. mobile. Great, honest and informative video.

[@neillgatley8770]

Ooh you fit dash cams as well. That's interesting. I think I need to give you a call as I am not convinced that I trust any old place with my new EV. Love the videos keep dry James

[@AliWade1971]

What a trip and workload (for you and the MG5). Will get in touch - got EVs in Pembrokeshire and would like to avoid taking them to main dealers!

[@gavinrbeckett]

Just had the last service on my plan from Kia and seriously considering switching to you guys for future services on my Soul EV 64 😁

[@ianlove3]

Thank you for sharing.

[@Jamesandkate]

You're welcome

[@ElectricMikeEV]

I so wish I had James energy levels 🤣 Great stuff mate will see you in the summer for my Env200 hopefully

[@Jamesandkate]

They're running lower each visit. It takes a week to recover.

[@GregAnslow]

James you serviced my wife's Zoe. Fantastic job. Looking forward to getting my Ioniq done.

[@Jamesandkate]

Excellent. See you soon for that

[@TheEVside]

Great vlog mate hope you and family are good

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks pal. All good here. Hope you're keeping well yourself 👌🏻

[@avidviewer1]

I really enjoy these videos, James. Thanks so much. Never before has a multi-storey been such a welcome sight! But I was worried sick when you were jacking up that blue MG5 - please, please, please can you get yourself some high-viz for when you're working on the road? 👍😊 Oh, BTW, if it helps at all, Musselburgh is pronounced 'Musselborough'. Great video. Thanks again!

[@Jamesandkate]

The multi-storey was a god send. Apologies for decimating the Scottish place names

[@avidviewer1]

@@Jamesandkate I thought you made a pretty good job of it, actually. Just wait until you get a booking for Tighnabruaich 😂🤣😂

[@iBackBeat]

Tough job man, respect!

[@Jamesandkate]

Thank you.

[@iBackBeat]

@@Jamesandkate You’re welcome!

[@samuelbarford2249]

Always enjoy your videos James. Puts confidence in buying an EV when I eventually get round to it

[@stevegascoigne1482]

Some of the most intelligent and interesting commentary on EV anyway on the 'net.

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@StuartDWright]

Very interesting. Liked.

[@alanjenkinson7812]

Incredible efficiency considering all the motorway miles

[@Jamesandkate]

It's doing really well. It's a great machine for sure.

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

Omg what a week. I will be intouch next week James as my leaf needs a 15k service again in about a month. Best wishes

[@Jamesandkate]

Hi Trevor. We have a long waiting list, email asap to get it booked.

[@scotspie501douglas7]

great planning to get them all done from the bottom of the country to the top

[@royd63uk]

Loved this video can we have more please. Cant you get a portable canopy for when you need it?

[@kiae-nirodiariesencore4270]

Looks like the MG5 is replacing the Toyota Prius as the go-to car for taxi drivers. I wonder how long it will be before we start seeing high mileage ‘legends’ from these cars?....like the Prius taxi driver in Austria who got to 1 million km. Perfectly doable in an EV I would expect.

[@Jamesandkate]

We have a few customers close to 100k in theirs now. Won't be long.

[@stanfoyle8453]

Brilliant video. You are a hard working guy. What happened to the leaf in Leeds. Did he get it sorted from the seller?

[@Jamesandkate]

He got a full refund 👍🏼

[@neilfletcher8311]

Crikey James, you don’t half earn your corn! You must be knackered after a week like that. Will definitely use you for servicing if I buy my own EV, rather than leasing, as I do at present. The MG5 is great value for money.

[@scottelkington7661]

Great video again. Does a major service on a 24 kWh Leaf include the reduction gear oil change if it's due?

[@Jamesandkate]

It's extra. £55+vat. Brake strip is included

[@neilbissett1240]

Top notch as ever please be careful on main roads while serving especially as it’s really dark and raining finally what dash cam do you recommend mate 🤔😎

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks. I fit loads of Nextbase 612GW's and some Blackvues. There are plenty of other good ones though

[@craigrogers7344]

Would love to hear the outcome of the final Nissan leaf story? As always I love your dedication to your work, and would happily join your crew if I had the skills.

[@Jamesandkate]

He's posted a reply to this video actually. But he was offered a full refund for the car 👌🏻

[@simonhackett4471]

Crikey, mad stuff. You obviously do a good job and care about what you are doing, but that mileage and the weather....thats rough!

[@Jamesandkate]

We like to provide a good service.

[@paulc3625]

Hi James 🖐. Another great vid m8. Just out of interest, how do you plan your jouneys from customer to customer - via the built in satnav, Android Auto or other? Seems you have a lot of info to hand when moving around the country and charger network.

[@Jamesandkate]

Hi. I book them in order and navigate using ACP. Works a treat.

[@andrewscott4728]

Hi James, very interesting content…. I have an MG5, older style, which I picked up last September and now has 2500 miles, it is a great car. I had an issue with the HV battery warning on the dash, the main dealer said the car needed a software update to the battery management system, which they did and the problem has not returned. However during your services how do you manage software issues, especially if the car needs an update? The dealer said they do this automatically at service intervals…. Your thoughts would be interesting :)

[@blobstrom]

Amazing work ethic as always. So with the last LEAF do you free up the seized caliper carrier or just replace it?

[@Jamesandkate]

Always free them up 👌🏻

[@dannyjones296]

Great video James, in regards to the swapping of front and back tyres, is there any issues regarding the tyre pressure sensors? Or is just a matter of remembering that if the front reports a problem, it's now the back? Thanks

[@Jamesandkate]

We simply mark the original wheel position on the inside of the rim, and then it's fine to rotate back to front.

[@annekecornee]

Poor James. You should put a pop-up shelter in your car (if there's space for it)

[@Jamesandkate]

I do have one, but when its windy it's blows away

[@annekecornee]

@@Jamesandkate That damn British weather... ;-)

[@wilmorej]

Another great video, thanks! Question -- you have discussed changing the reduction gear oil in all EV's as well as lubricating the brake caliper slide pins in Nissan Leafs. Neither of these maintenance items is addressed in my 2022 Leaf manual, so I am wondering at what intervals you recommend performing them? (FWIW, I drive about 7,500 miles a year, mostly in the city.)

[@Jamesandkate]

Hi, we dontue RGO at 60k for 24/30kWh Leafs, but the 40/62kWh could do with it at 30k as they seem to wear quicker.

[@wilmorej]

@@Jamesandkate Thanks!! How about the slide pins? Is that still an issue with the 40/62 KWh cars?

[@RB-lt8kt]

You work very hard pal, respect. Are the services you do similar to dealer service ? You obviously have a good mechanics background.

[@Jamesandkate]

We cover more than the dealers but we know the common issues to look for 👌🏻

[@RB-lt8kt]

@@Jamesandkate That is worth knowing especially about brakes.

[@tooflesstesla]

Love your videos. At 14:08 for the Model S, seeing as there is a a bit of "lift [in front] and excessive play [at rear]" is it ok to wait another month to sort it out? Also, I guess parking propped up on the pavement is not recommended?

[@Jamesandkate]

Yeah, they'll be ok. Realistically, it would pass an MOT, but I'm not a fan of play in any suspension components so I like to get them changed.

[@chargeheadsuk]

James you are a trooper mate! #evtrooper

[@jonathancullen1337]

3.8 m/kwh is not bad for cold and soggy day....

[@Jamesandkate]

It's a real trooper. Pulls it out of the bag when we need it.

[@Joe-ud2hb]

Hi James, you get through some amount of work 💪 How often do you change the reduction gear oil in an Eniro? Keep the videos coming.

[@Jamesandkate]

About 60k will do it. Pretty similar for most EV's

[@Joe-ud2hb]

@@Jamesandkate Tks for that James, how goes the MY? I test drove one last week & was impressed, am tempted to move from the Eniro with the price reduction, it seems Tesla have sorted the build quality issues & rumbling sounds on motorways - have ye been on any long runs with it?

[@TheMisterB2u]

What we charging costs,time spent on the road(and away from home),hotel bills is it a viable business and can one person sustain that work load on a weekly basis? All kudos though for showing us you work week and environment,but you need work closer to home in the long term James!

[@Brian-om2hh]

I wish more EV doubters - who often claim EV's are difficult to service - would watch James in action.

[@Jamesandkate]

Me too.

[@stevezodiac491]

Can he service my Nissan leaf Teckna 30kwhr 6.6 charger with 30k miles and being less than 7 years old back the three battery bars and 25% capacity it has lost after being looked after well and disprove the massive reason I am an EV doubter ?

[@hughmarcus1]

The big problem is that most EVs are still getting serviced at the main dealerships. That means people are paying through the nose.

[@anastigmatix4119]

I would buy this car just for the MG name tag, so '50s classic so cool.

[@Jamesandkate]

Stick another badge on the front 🤣

[@sinjinsmythe1]

Excited to see James coming over to Ireland for some mobile services in March, including my Leaf! If you are watching from Ireland and need work done on your EV drop James an email.

[@Jamesandkate]

Can you order us some better weather please?

[@sinjinsmythe1]

@@Jamesandkate the rain is definitely warmer in Ireland 😂

[@ianlynch2507]

Great work James, I see one of the MG 5 cars the rear washer pipe had popped in the drivers A pillar. How on earth did you get at it. I have exactly the same problem and want to sort it without going back to the dealers if possible. Did you take of the A pillar plastic or get at it some other way. Thanks in advance.

[@Jamesandkate]

You have to remove the drivers A pillar trim. It's tricky, but doable. Pop a cable tie around the pipe when reconnected 👌🏻

[@thomasbroker69]

Surrey that’s covered by warranty?

[@willielarsson9651]

Lol when there's a burgh in the town name, the g is silent :)

[@IvanLayton]

Earned you're money that trip, don't envy you.

[@Jamesandkate]

It was a hard week, but good fun too.

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

No way James will ever work on one of my cars. Never going to happen. It's not James. It's just that I live in Canada.

[@Jamesandkate]

😂😂😂😂

[@JulianScott1]

Would be good to hear more about the battery degradation on these various MG5's. I am considering getting one used, but would want it to last me a solid 12-15 years / 100k miles to make the initial outlay worth it (I've never spent a lot of money on a car before). From your experience with the cars do you reckon that's achievable while still retaining a decent range?

[@Jamesandkate]

These are still high 90's, although I haven't checked for a while. I'll do a 70k update on the oldest one soon and include the pack SOH

[@JulianScott1]

@@Jamesandkate thanks! Looking forward to that video.

[@thomasbroker69]

James any chance you could team me what the Dashcam make is? I searched on Amazon ordered what I thought was the right one, only to discover the camera was on the wrong side as I was already to fit it today..is it the Wolfbox?

[@ElectricCarAustralia]

Hi James, bring your mobile EV Servicing business diwn to Australia. Better weather and no competition 👍🔋⚡☀️. You need some high vis gear for working on road/carpark in overcast weather, stay safe.

[@richardalford4437]

In your opinion do you think the new facelift mg5 would make a goo taxi ? Thanks

[@ivanhartley4378]

what was or is the final milage since you have had the mg5? and what has it needed?

[@Jamesandkate]

This one is currently on 55847 miles. The older one is on 67k

[@johnobrien403]

When we get a ev we will book you. John

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks, John.

[@KrisFox_]

Hi James, only just started watching your video’s do you just service EV’s or do you do plug-in Hybrids as well? You look like a proper professional and i’m getting a Hybrid soon!

[@user-my9mp1ih4e]

What a Trojan warrior !

[@cloggsy1971]

Horrible weather! I’m surprised you aren’t wearing high-viz, especially when working out in the centre of the street 😬

[@bdeithrick]

When you don’t look out the window, what you wear is irrelevant

[@ohyesitsme]

Bonkers 😁

[@gerlund-garage]

Where to buy a rear view mirror like the one you have in the MG5 ?

[@Jamesandkate]

Amazon

[@garywilliams5675]

Great video as always, love going along with you for the ride. Now I’m asking Kate this question, as I’ve asked James twice now and he has never got back to me. I drive a 2021 MG5 long range and what I’m looking for is a Diagnostic Scanner to keep in the car at all times, the reason being is that I’ve seen on KZbin, that some MG5 owners are having trouble at charging points with on board computer throwing up a fault, disabling the car from moving, until the fault has been cleared, so please can you recommend a Diagnostic Scanner for this use? All the very best, Gary

[@Jamesandkate]

I only know the Autel that the company uses with the mobile vans. As a handheld, apart from the app and dongle for Android, there isn't much else.

[@LiberalLoser]

Musselburra I think you mean!

[@Ainanleo]

Hi james do u recommend mg5 61kw to private hire drivers ?

[@adamnuttall5714]

Got to say.. I miss my MG5 51kwh.. part exchange it for an MG4 in October.. no where near as efficient

[@tryhardfpv5351]

Do you have any heating on to get 3.9 m/kwh?

[@Jamesandkate]

Always. The only time the heater goes off is during summer. I can't be dealing with getting cold at my age.

[@lukehebb]

9:58 - yeah the scottish grid is amazing. Many days are spent at 0g/kWh its just a shame its taking national grid so long to build out the infrastructure to get that clean energy to the rest of the uk!

[@jcfallows]

Respect James! I really don't know how you do it? Is it really that profitable to do what you do with the miles you cover? I would use a pro pop up gazebo while you are in Scotland. At some point you could probably do far more EV'S In a garage close to home surely. I've been following you & Kate since your first leaf days ❤️

[@davidpearn5925]

Watched you at work and now need to see a chiropractor for the pain YOU experience.

[@Jamesandkate]

😂😂😂😂

[@pm8465]

Take my hat off to you, many others would have cancelled in that weather. Noticed that both the Tesla and the Leaf brake discs have the same wear markings. Is this a common case on EZ's or are the discs from same manufacturer and poorly made.

[@Jamesandkate]

It's very hit and miss, but yes, EV's lack of brake use can definitely shorten their life. Our MG however has perfect brakes.

[@therealjpster]

My local tyre shop refused to rotate the tyres on my MG5 as they didn’t have to kit to “reset the TPMS”. I assume any basic scan tool can do it, or is there a secret option on the dash?

[@fanfeck2844]

I wouldn’t have thought each wheel is registered to a particular hub and needs reset, but I stand to be corrected.

[@johnmcconville6055]

I had a ZS EV and got some winter tyres fitted.The garage inadvertently swapped the rear rims.Then I picked up a puncture but TPMS was showing a deflation on the wrong side.Mind you the large bolt,flat tyre and TPMS warning gave the game away.I guess that if you are aware that the rims have been swapped then it should be ok but not ideal .

[@Jamesandkate]

No tool needed. Simply mark the wheels original location and change them. Only rotated on each side, not across the beams.

[@williamarmstrong7199]

James how is your MG5 holding up? Mine is a std range with 90,000 miles on it all good so far.

[@Jamesandkate]

90k. That's awesome. Is it a taxi??

[@williamarmstrong7199]

@@Jamesandkate yes, std range. One of the 1st to come into the country. Been in use as a taxi for 25 months now. It will pass 91k today.

[@williamarmstrong7199]

My old Taxi is a 2014 Mitsubishi PHEV @ 300,000 miles. The battery is a bit reduced in range. Lol do you know if the 17KWh battery pack is compatible with the old 12KWh pack? Any idea how much a battery swap would cost?

[@FeeneyStephen]

Hello James, I have been looking at a new MG5 but I am worried by the cost of charging per kwh rising. What is the average you are paying on the road?

[@Jamesandkate]

We're using Fastned at 48p but mainly charging at home for 7.5p. Costs will decrease in August for Public Rapid charging 👍🏼

[@welshtesla3319]

What needs servicing generally on these EVs? I have a Model S and other than tires never had any service in 4.5 yrs and 55k miles.

[@Jamesandkate]

Definitely the brakes on the S and X. Watch my other video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnLCc2d3nLmgmdk and look what happens to them. The S and X share calipers and discs.

[@nathanmitchell9459]

James, could you please look to do a short tutorial video on how to set up and drive an MG5 to achieve the miles/kWh you are achieving. You are getting 3.8 in the winter and 4.5+ in the summer. How? I'm getting 3.8-4.2 in summer and about 2.8 in winter. Please help us mere mortals understand how to drive/set the car up more efficiently. Please!

[@Jamesandkate]

I'm not really sure what I could add to it. It's just done 174 miles home from the south cost at 3.8mpkWh and 2 degrees. Maybe I have a lucky car but Paul does better than me in the older one.