Battery goes flat if the key is left in

why does the battery go flat if the key is left in the ignition even though the switch is in the off position?

Private Comapny PCN

Received a PCN from Parking eye for overstaying in a carpark by 8 minutes. I had visited dentist on a sit and wait emergency appointment and 2 days later received the PCN. Like a fool (and I realise now)...

What MPV for seven?

I'm looking to buy a bigger family car. Ideally we would like to have 5 proper seats with the pop-up style rear seats which turn it into a 7 seater (it's fine that these are small as they will mostly...

Can you recomend a reliable manual tyre pressure gauge?

I use 3 modes of transport: a small van (tyre pressure 35psi) a motor scooter ( 25 & 30psi) & a cycle (80psi). I have tried 3 different tyre pressure gauges:- an analogue one; a small hand digital one...

Why do insurers act like they do?

Dear Honest John To say I don't really like insurers is an understatement. We pay them to take on our risks then they'll find any and every opportunity to trip us up and avoid paying out when the needs...

Downsizing from a Renault Scenic

I have had two Renault Scenics but now want to downsize. Must be automatic and, as I have disabled passenger, I need a higher seating position than a normal saloon or hatchback. I rarely carry more than...

Replacing a Bongo

What would be a good replacement for my wife's Ford Freda (Bongo variant) with sliding doors, at least 7 full-size seats, but an improved ability to get into car parks? Difficult decision, but the Bongo...

Car won't start sometimes and is full of condensation.

Have left the car only twice for 7 & 5 days and it failed to start both times , been checked out by Volkswagon who can't identify any problem. Also have ongoing problem with excessive condensation, also...

Porsche 996 collapsible spares single use?

I am being told by my Porsche dealer that my 996 Turbo's spare (collapsable) tyre cant be collapsed back into its original pack/shape and put back into the front-boot having been used once. I had a flat...

My parking charge has gone up because it was dated wrong

Following your recent advice over a Parking Charge Notice I received , I decided that I should pay the charge of £60, when I went on to the website to pay, their system showed the charge was now £120,...

I want a genuine part fitted under my insurance claim.

I want an OEM replacement windscreen but insurance company want to fit a cheaper aftermarket windscreen as the car is nearly 4 years old. As it's a Mercedes-Benz I am saying no, due to auto lights and...

What should I look out for when buying an S40?

I am going to be looking at a 2004 Volvo S40 1.9D manual with 22,000 miles on the clock, backed-up with a Full Volvo Service History and all the paperwork. It is a 1-owner car from new and has been owned...

A reliable small auto?

Due to budget restrctions I am looking for a cheap to buy (say £4000) cheap to run automatic, which will be driven about 800 miles a week, possibly more, mostly on motorways. Because of high mileage it...

Why is there no 2.4-litre CR-V in the UK?

Any clues as to why Honda has chosen not to offer the CR-V with the 2.4Litre or even the American 2.5Litre option?

What fun car?

Thinking of buying a fun car - Mazda MX5, Toyota MR2 or MGF. Spending between £2000-3000. What's best?

Rights with a faulty

A relative bought a Hyundai i10 from a dealer near Portsmouth 18 months ago and was persuaded by that dealer to change it after 12 months - this one is now nearly six months old but she has had it on the...

Petrol or diesel executive car?

I do short journeys, mostly up to 4 miles, with occassional long journeys. I like BMW 5 Series or maybe C-Class estates and prefer 6 cylinder engines. My dilemma is this: Will diesel engines inhibit and...

Best tyres for a Scenic?

Please can you tell me what are the best tyres to put on my Spanish LHD Renault Scenic? It is a 1.5 Dci comfort. I seem to have what I think is too much road noise. The local Renault garage has checked...

Should I buy my company Audi A3?

Should I buy my company car? I am changing jobs and will have have to return my leased A3 sportback diesel (170) SE back to the compancy and pay an early termination charge of around £2k or I can buy it...

Buying a car for winter

My husband is looking to replace our current S-Max with a car that will cope with snow and ice. He is looking at the Land Rover Discovery. We don't necessarily need 7 seats any more. Is there anything...

Selling with a warning light at auction

I plan to sell my car at an auction. It was bought new, however, it's always had issues which the dealer or an authorised garage were unable to find or resolve. I even involved Toyota GB but their inspection...

Potholes

I recently suffered £900.00 of damage to my trike after hitting a deep pothole near where I live. I wrote to the Council explaining what had happened and attached a copy of the bill from the repairer,...

What economical car?

I have just moved house and we are using our cars differently. I need to replace out city runaround, an 03 plate fiesta with 150k on the clock with a decent motorway car. I need it to be economical, so...

Which tyre for my Fabia?

I need to get new tyres for my Fabia (165/70R14 T81) and would like to buy the tyres with the best potential for high mileage. At the moment the information is pointing to Michelin Savers or maybe Bridgestone...

What large luxury estate?

I am looking to buy a used large luxury estate (eg Mercedes E Class) that also offers ease of access to front passenger seat. I have a budget of up to £30k. I would welcome your suggestions.

Is this car a good choice?

Is a Honda Accord 1.8 x-reg, 22k, full service history, leather upholstory, a good "risk"

Does my VW California have a DPF?

How do I found out if my 2011 VW California 2.0lt Diesel is fitted with a DPF?Because I am trying to sort out the recommended engine oil.

Hiring a car in Italy - confused.

Two ladies wish to hire a car from Perugia airport. We have tried several sites but are very confused about the insurance. We cannot afford to pay too much but do not want to end up with a bill for damages...

Buying a repaired Cat D write off?

I am considering buying a Fiat Panda 1.1 eco 2009[59 plate] with 6k miles only CAT D repaired Insurance write off. Question is - are there any drawbacks and how much is it actually worth? Seller is...

Wheel wobble on CR-V - a thank you

I asked last month for some help with a wheel vibration situation on my CR-V. After taking your advice and swapping tyres around front and back also eliminating one tyre at a time. I found two tyres...

Injector issue with a 1.6 Passat diesel?

Car just over 3 yrs old, under 40,000 miles. Two fuel injectors are faulty. This is not the model subject to a TR, so what chance getting some goodwill out of VW given age and low mileage?

Failed DMF on a Mondeo

I have a Mondeo 2.0 Titanium X TDCi, registered in 2008, I have had the car since new (July 2008) and have been the only driver. The car has just had its Dual Mass Flywheel and clutch replaced as they...

Adjusting Megane headlights?

How can I adjust the headlamps on my Renault Megane?

MG cooling issues

Could you please tell me why the water keeps boiling in my MGZR 160? It doesn't do this when driveing only when stationary

Is this fuel economy normal

I bought a 2006 Mondeo TDCI. It's running perfectly and has just had a major service. I'm only achieving just over 120 miles per 1/4 tank and thats on motorway doing 70-80 mph in 6th gear. Trip computer...

Should I use the 'Hyundai First' service in case of an accident or theft?

I have just bought a new Hyundai ix20. I see that in the event of an accident or vehicle theft I am strongly advised to call ‘HYUNDAI FIRST’ before contacting my insurance company. Are you aware of any...

I want to replace my Yaris with a car with a larger boot - what do you suggest?

I am a lady in my late sixties who plays a lot of golf. In 2005 I bought a new Toyota Yaris 1.3 and it is a very practical and reliable little car, perfect for short trips. However, to fit my clubs and...

I need a new company car for high mileage driving - what do you suggest?

I do about 25,000 miles a year and I need to replace my 250,000 miles V70, which will be very, very sad. I could go for a company car (a manual Insignia) but I don't really want to be in a car scheme....

Thanks for recommending SureSell to sell my Fiat Panda.

I would like thank you for your excellent advice on how to sell my Fiat Panda. Suresell sold it for £3500 net of their charges and it was hassle-free. I received the cheque yesterday. Thank you for your...

Excellent service from Norton Way Honda.

I recently bought a Honda CR-V from Norton Way Honda of Letchworth Garden City. Rarely have I had a customer service experience that exceeded my expectations, but this was one. After the sale was concluded...

Is the DPF on my Jaguar clogged?

My Jaguar regularly shows a red dashboard warning saying the diesel particulate filter is full. I'm told I should, at some point since the previous time it happened, have driven for at least half an hour...

Are engines becoming more efficient or not?

I recently bought a Hyundai i10 1.2 for my wife. It is an excellent car but only returns 42mpg compared to the stated 61mpg, less than my old Triumph Spitfire (47mpg) and early Ford Fiesta (44mpg). The...

Will my running costs increase if I trade in my 1.6-litre Volvo C30 for a 2-litre version?

I currently own a 2009 Volvo C30 Drive SE Sport 1.6-litre diesel on a three year plan with 9000 miles per annum, which finishes soon. I am considering replacing it with a new C30 SE Lux which has a 2-litre...

Why is Mercedes-Benz currently pushing its Euro 6 compliant engines?

Mercedes-Benz seems to be actively promoting its Euro 6 compliant BluTec diesel engines in favour of the established Euro 5 CDi Blue Efficiency versions with, for example, its revised ML-Class announced...

Is it worth using a diesel additive in my Volkswagen Passat?

I drive a 2007 Volkswagen Passat 2.0TDi 140 SE saloon. Could you please advise me if using Millers Diesel Power ECO MAX fuel additive is worth the expense? I normally fill up with Shell diesel but I do...

Which is the best wheel option for a Land Rover Evoque Si4?

I have ordered a Land Rover Evoque Si4 auto 4WD. This normally comes on 20-inch wheels, but there is a 19-inch wheel option. I argue that smaller wheels with larger tyres will give a softer ride and be...

What's the point of an extended warranty?

If an 'extended warranty' does not cover wear and tear replacement, then what does it cover on a 12-year-old car and is there any point in me paying for this warranty?

What is causing my Ford to 'whine'?

On taking ownership of this car almost a year ago I noticed a soft whine that varied with engine speed. Not being used to twin clutch boxes I took it to the local Ford dealer for confirmation that disaster...

Why was my friend prosecuted for picking up a blind lady from a disabled parking bay?

ES wrote that he was exceeding the limit of 50mph by 4mph (8 per cent above). My neighbour received a fixed penalty for driving at 32mph in a 30 limit (6.67 per cent). Another neighbour received a Thames...

Are Honda HR-V and CR-V 4x4s suitable for towing?

I often tow a trailer with a 2000 1.8-litre Vauxhall Vectra but I feel that a 4x4 might be more appropriate for the task. A local motor trader has a range of S, T and V-reg Honda 4x4s for sale from £1000...