While crossing the Forth Road Bridge today I started to get what felt like a vibration then a noise like a deflated tyre. There was nowhere to stop and as it got worse I finally made it to the hard shoulder at the start of the M9 link. A quick check confirmed it was not a tyre and I realised it was the exhaust that had failed (the vibration fooled me). I had to carry on down to the first off ramp then rejoined on the other carriageway as I headed for home. It got even noisier and I was worried the exhaust would break and come down onto the road. I left the motorway at Rosyth and pulled into a KwikFit, but they would have to get the part in. I then continued home to Kirkcaldy and went to the KwikFit there. They could have got the part in in about half an hour but wanted £120 (£250 if they had to replace the back box). As I have the part in my garage (bought for £25), I declined. A local garage would fit my bit, but couldn't fit me in until Tuesday. Eventually I reached my mechanic son-in-law, but he has no gas for his torch until Monday, so the car is laid up until then. I am working on Monday, so will take the car and the exhaust parts with me. One of the garages we sell to is very good in that he will pick your car up from the TMS depot, use TMS parts (of which I get staff discount), then return it when repaired. Otherwise I will have to wait on S-I-L getting his stuff together.
The surprising thing, that caught me unawares, is how quickly it went from a snuffle to a fully ruptured exhaust. If it hadn't been for my impending MOT I would have probably ignored the snuffle and not bought the exhaust last week!
It always happens at the weekend!!!