New boots?

Today's repair and maintenance session had mixed results - the oil and filter have been changed, but the offside CV boot is in a bad way.

First up, Dad and I drained the oil and swapped out the oil filter, then replaced the old gunge with a mix of 5W40 and 15W40 that should be more suitable for the cold weather ahead. It certainly runs better with something more like oil running through the engine and gearbox.

While the sump was draining, we took a look at the brakes and CV joints. The brakes look like they've been replaced, and the driver's side CV joint looks like it's been recently regreased. The offside must have been overlooked, for the boot is badly split - it's the obvious source of of a low whine I noticed on the motorway this morning. 

What are the options? I should replace it, but that would be expensive with only 10 days to go. The alternative is to pick up some super Duct Tape on Monday morning and repair the boot, then refill it with grease and hope the repair holds. I've got to get a new wing mirror and air filter anyway - just hope there's a decent motor parts store open in Wolverhampton on Monday morning.

Sunday's a bulbs day - fog lamps, sidelights and rear lights. Then a vacuum to get all the straw out.