maintenance and servicing | Ask Honest John

Ask Honest John

Most recently answered maintenance and servicing questions

Hyundai i30 1.0 T-GDi - does it have a timing belt or chain?

Can tell me if my 2018 Hyundai i30 1.0 T-GDi has a cam belt or a timing chain?

Can you recommend a reliable family car for £1000?

I'm currently looking for a second car that can double up as daily transport for short local journeys and taking the family and dog on local outings. We're a family of four I'm looking in the price range...

Is there any point in servicing a low mileage car?

My MoT is due next month and a year will have passed since its service. Due to Coronavirus and personal reasons, it has only done 965 miles. Is there any point in having it serviced?

I've had my car serviced by the dealer every year. Should they help with a big repair bill?

I purchased my Nissan Juke in August 2014. It has been serviced by the dealership every year. On my latest service, I was told the noise I was experiencing was due to the gearbox - which needed replacing...

A mechanic poured in too much oil. Should the garage fix the issue caused by his mistake?

A mechanic said he poured in three litres of engine oil - which was too much and the car over revved. Now brakes won't work. He said he poured in too much as the oil measuring case was broken and not reading...

Why does my air con make a grinding noise when I first turn it on?

I own a 2019 Suzuki Baleno. If the car has been sitting for a couple of days, the air con makes a grinding sound when it's first turned on. From then on, the air con just makes the usual click sound on...

When does a timing belt need replaced?

When should you change a cam belt and water pump?

When should I change the timing belt on my 2003 Mazda MX-5?

I have a 2003 Mazda MX-5. The timing belt was changed in 2013 and the recommended change is every five years or every 50,000 miles. It has now done 94,000 miles. I could do with changing the car but worried...