Questions from August 2010
My wife's nearly three-year-old 1 Series BMW needs four new tyres in the next few weeks. At the moment it is fitted with the original Bridgestone Turanza runflat tyres (205 55 r16 91v). Would you advise...
I have an Audi A4 2.0 FSI automatic, registered in September 2004 with 23,500 miles. It went for its annual service and MOT to a local Audi dealer and failed the MOT due to emissions. They said it needed...
Whilst driving my car I get a horrible whining noise coming from the front near-side area of my car. My initial thought was the bearings but I can't find anything to indicate that it is. Any suggestions?
Do you know where I can find a manual for a Renault Clio 1.9 DTI engine? I have been unable to locate one. I have the Haynes manual for the 1.5 DTI but it does not cover the 1.9.
My 2010 Fiat Panda has no markings on the headlight lenses with which to line up continental beam adaptors. How do I go about fitting them correctly?
I have just bought a T-reg Peugeot 306 and I am finding that there is not a lot of power for a 1.6 petrol engine. What could be the problem and what can I do to correct it?
I have recently lost the last key of my 2007 SEAT Leon Reference Sport and have been quoted by my local SEAT dealership, who did a job exactly the same a few weeks ago, a price of £1500. That seems to...
My father struggled through the Northumbrian winter last year, getting his car through the snow. He has decided that a 4x4 is a must. He's got up to £15,000 to spend, would like something not much older...
My Vauxhall Vectra B cut out whilst travelling. I tried to start the car up and it wouldn't start. The engine management light and 'spanner' light flash, then both stay on. I've changed the fuel pump and...
I had a bit of trouble changing my 2002 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6's timing belt as I didn't know to use a timing locking pin, but after putting in new valves, replacing the head and timing belt, the car starts...
My 2002 Citroen C3 1.4 HDI is running slow, suffers a loss of power, and won't go above 3000rpm. It starts easily but it won't tick over straight away. I have to hold the revs a little higher for a minute...
My 2003 Ford Focus' sump nut has rounded off. Is there a tool to get the sump nut off so I can replace it?
My 1992 Vauxhall Calibra has the brake system light and the alternator light coming on, and the worn pads light as well. The brake light and alternator light started intermittently and dimly, and now they're...
Can someone offer advice about my Peugeot 306TD? The car starts first time and runs well, with no misfiring or whistles, but there is no turbo effect whatsoever. When you floor the throttle the motor gradually...
When I change to second gear or third gear in my Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, there doesn't seem to be any power at around 30 to 40mph, so I have to rev the engine until the power returns. What do you think...
What is the specified automatic transmission fluid for a 2001 Ford Galaxy Ghia 2.8 V6?
I've just done a diagnostic test on a 1994 Nissan Micra and it came up with fault code 12. Could you tell me what this means?
My son purchased a car from a 'friend' several months ago and had to apply for the V5 which he duly received. The car was insured with his partner as the main driver and him as the named driver. They split...
Can you tell me if there is a problem with sensor lights on the BMW 118D? Mine is eight months out of warranty and I have the DTC and DSC light illuminated on the dashboard. I rang BMW and they say it...
My insurance renewal is due. My insurer is offering extras such as personal accident cover and legal services cover. Do I need either of these? I thought I remembered a few weeks back you writing that...
I have just bought a Rover 416 (1996 N reg) automatic with a Honda engine. I noticed a strong petrol smell inside the car when I filled it up fully and now whilst I'm driving I continue to smell it. I...
I am looking to replace my Vauxhall Astra with either a Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge or a Ford Ka 1.2 Zetec. The Ka is on offer in August for £8924 otr as opposed to £10,865 for the Fiat. Is almost £2000 too much...
I have a 2004 Honda 2.0 CR-V SE automatic (petrol) which I purchased secondhand (one previous owner) from a Honda franchise in 2008 with 17,500 miles on the clock. I am now thinking of selling the car....
I have a friend of the family who is on the closer side of 50. Last year he decided to start taking driving lessons, but due to various reasons he could no longer continue to do so. Unfortunately he bought...
I have shortlisted two cars - a 2007 Ford Fiesta Zetec with 18,000 miles and a 2007 Nisan Tiida with 35,000 miles. Both are the same price. Which one is the best buy?
I have a 2008 Range Rover TDV8 Vogue. Which tyres can I fit that are suitable for offroad use in mud and snow, whilst at shoot meets?
What are the best small and most economical cars with automatic transmission?
Does my 1.8 Mazda MX-5's MZR engine have a dual mass flywheel fitted?
Last year I purchased an Alfa Romeo 159 TI from new. I was travelling 50 miles to and from work each day. Initially the car was near perfect and I certainly had no complaints. In January this year I changed...
Have you any info regarding "What's Bad" about the Peugeot RCZ? I imagine the lack of rear seat space is the biggest snag. Also which engine would you go for?
I was driving my Ford Galaxy diesel on the motorway at around 70mph when it just lost power, and now there is loads of white smoke and maybe a slight bit of blue smoke mixed in with it on start-up. When...
I own a 2003 Volvo XC90 D5. Sadly it's not the most reliable of cars, and it does seem to suffer from frequent annoying little faults. I'm seeking an independent Volvo specialist who won't charge the earth....
I 'm thinking of downsizing from my Toyota RAV4 (01/2004) diesel and quite like the Toyota Urban Cruiser. I do about 6000 miles pa and you say the diesel is the better model, so if I give it a 25 mile...
I have a 2002 LPG-converted Subaru Impreza Saloon with 120,000 miles. It is serviced regularly. Recently, when turning left, it has started to emanate a clack-clack-clack sound which increases in rapidity...
On Wednesday I went to a well-known workshop to get my 2007 Volkswagen Polo's tyres replaced. They said I only need to replace the front offside tyre. I remembered that last time my tracking went straight...
Your review on the above suggests that non-runflat tyres are fitted. The BMW brochure states 17-inch runflats are standard. Please confirm the reality as I am interested in purchase.
We have been advised to change the cam belt on our Honda Civic 1.6 VTEC. It is nine years old and has done 36,000 miles. Would you advise this and would you advise using a Honda dealer at a fixed price...
We are led to believe that a shortage of drivers exists. Is this true? I've spent a lot of money gaining my Class 2 licence and hopefully my Class 1 soon, but the information I get from agencies is that...
I am about to head off to the south of France with the family in our BMW 530i Sport Touring (2003) and have seen the tyre pressure on the door saying 2.8 bar front and 3.3 bar rear - assuming heavy load,...
Since purchasing the above vehicle in May of this year, I notice that when pulling away from standing the engine almost stalls unless I increase the revs. It's difficult to balance the car and the acceleration....
Can you tell me if I have been wasting my money putting Shell V-Power petrol into my Toyota Auris?
How can I replace my 2003 Honda Civic with something just as roomy, quieter and more comfortable, yet still economical? She loves the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, but I say it will be too expensive to run. I...
I have a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E220 CDi Estate, which I love, bought for its boot space to carry a disabled scooter, and also because our immediate families live at opposite ends of the country, so long journeys...
I have been looking at the Alfa GT last special edition. If I kept it for a few years, the costs of buying a soon-to-be-replaced model would lessen and the car is packed with features and remains a thing...
What can I do to make my 2001 BMW 330i model more economical?
I have a Volvo S80. Sometimes, when I push from second gear to first, it gets brushy or stiff. When I stop the engine and put it in reverse, it clears. Why?
Can a 2006 Ford Mondeo run on 50 per cent diesel and 50 per cent bio diesel?
I just bought a Volkswagen Golf GTI and I have a warranty of either 3000 miles or three months. Trouble is, the garage serviced the car before I bought it and changed the timing belt and pulleys. It is...
On all three occasions I have driven my 2008 diesel Honda CR-V on motorways in the fast lane, and have experienced immediate power loss and have had to cross into the hard shoulder. On every occasion I...
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