Questions from February 2012
The temperture guage is not working. I have just had a coil pack fitted and the guage was working before this was fitted.
I have had my track rod ends replaced 11 months ago,and they have gone again. Am I covered by a warranty at the garage that replaced them as they are less than 12 months old?
I have been offered a Vectra 2004 2.0 DTI estate with just over 100,000 on the clock. I have 2 young kids so this would be perfect as I have a passat just now and it is getting quite tired.
The guy that...
In your report on 20th February about the new law that make carrying breathalysers in France compulsory, did you know that AlcoSense has launched a new single-use breathalyser - the AlcoSense Singles?...
As the owner of a 2011 520D BMW touring automatic I only do about 5000 miles a year mainly City driving. I see advertisements for removal of DPF, is this a solution to avoid impending major problems?
I bought a 7 month old Avensis in February 2007 and was disappointed to find it had been hire car and e-mailed you with my concerns. Your response
"Why not? They are usually the best run-in cars you can...
I own an S-Class S320 CDI, 2002, 85k in good condition. When cold it changes from 1st to 2nd gear with a bang. It's OK when warm. How do I sort this? Would changing the gearbox fluid help?
Please can you help with the following decision. I am looking to buy a Mercedes W211 E-Class V6-engined saloon. I know the post-2006 facelift cars are the best ones, but should I choose petrol or diesel?
I...
I think that I have been clocked doing just under 70mph in a 50mph zone. What are the likely penalties - would it be a standard £60 and 3 points or more?
Interesting to read the answer to the LR Discovery tyres question....
My D3 was factory fitted with Pirelli Scorpion P zero M&S tyres.
I've had the tyres changed twice now, first time at approx. 28k for...
I have recently bought a 3 year old Fiesta 1.6 petrol engine with 9000 on the clock, is there anything I should get double checked i.e brake fluid, oil, timing belt etc?
Any info would be appreciated.
I am getting myself a little confused over the diesel/petrol debate. I realise that you need to do more mileage to benefit from diesel but did not realise that there were numerous items in the car which...
Why don't manufacturers provide a clip or similar simple device for securely holding parking tickets on the dash to avoid them being blown off or disappearing below the windscreen?
Hi can you tell me if diesel engines use more diesel in the cold weather?
My economy has dropped from 55mpg in the warm weather To 46-47 Mpg in the winter.
Hi my window washer jets dont work iv check the fuses and iv checked the pipe they is no noise coming from the pump either
Car judders in first when taking off.
I can aleviate this by using higher revs than normal and slipping the clutch. Reverse smooth as silk and once rolling no problems in any other gears.
Could it...
My Ford Mondeo on a 53 plate has an intermittent misfire. Sometimes drives fine, Sometimes doesn't. Any idea what could be the cause?
I have a BMW 3 Series Convertible which needs new rear tyres. Currently fitted by BMW with Continentals.
Rear wheel size is 255/40R17 94. You have recently been recommending Michelin Pilot Primacy HP...
Is it illegal to only have one headlight?
There are so many cars with only one headlight and if its the drivers side along a dark lane they can be mistaken for a motorbike.
The police should get active...
As we do 25,000 miles each year, a couple of years ago we bought a 5 year old Citroen C4 diesel for £5000 with 61,000 miles on the clock.
Now, after almost 50,000 miles of pretty much trouble-free motoring...
Looking for a smallish car that is very comfortable.
Don't mind about sportiness or handling at all. Would rather have something that is comfortable like the Prius, and Volkswagen Golf size.
The Prius...
I own a Santa Fe auto diesel 2011.
Despite almost constant use of the ECO button the fuel consumption continues to rise. Originally it achieved 39mpg and now some 28,000km later it has risen to 27.1mpg.
Normal...
What year were DPF filters introduced and what age Mondeo or Passat cars do not have them fitted?
I was considering buying a Lexus IS250,nearly new for £23000.
However I have been increasingly put off by comments concerning the Low Profile Tyres(225x45x17) and their adverse effect on ride quality...
Instead of motorists rejoicing that a debate over road fuel prices was triggered by a petition signed by just over 100,000 people, we should be looking upon this as the greatest show of public apathy ever....
I have a 2005 Jaguar X-Type 3-litre 4-wheel drive with 14,000 miles since new. I am very pleased with the car, but the road noise is rather high and the tyres are coming up for replacement. I wonder if...
Do you have any experience of using "Snow Socks" when conditions are slippery and snowy? If so, do you recommend using them?
I have just heard on the radio that car insurance premiums have gone up by 35 per cent in the last two years. The usual excuses are trotted out: more people claiming for injuries, young uninsured drivers,...
Your recent answer about the changing of pollen filters query struck a note for me. When the throughput of fresh air in the cabin is reduced, the danger of drowsiness is dramatically increased. And, of...
I'd like to buy a small manual car, mainly for town use and a short commute, which will also be used occasionally by my 22-year-old daughter, and possibly by my 18-year-old son for learning. It must be...
I'm interested in purchasing either a brand-new 1.6 petrol Ecoboost Grand C-Max or a nearly new 1.6 diesel Grand C-Max. Both are the same price at £16,500. I can't decide which one to go for. I know that...
I am going to need to replace the original tyres on my Volvo XC60 D5 AWD after 19,500 miles. It is currently fitted with Pirelli Zero Rosso 235/60 R18 V103. My Volvo main dealer says that these tyres are...
Your warnings on the failure costs of turbos, DMFs and DPFs mean that the very features that reduce fuel usage and emissions raise the risks of high repair costs. I note the Fiesta Econetic does not have...
I just tried your suggestion of www.satnav-updates.com but they don't do CDs for Lexus. Mine is a GS450H 2007 SE-L model (LHD, Spanish reg), with 2006-07 software. Any other suggestions?
I am soon to take delivery of a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 163 Titanium. Should I be concerned about the 'dual mass flywheel', DPF, and belt cam? I am not too worried about the DPF due to the type of trips it...
I wonder if you could advise me on the best 4x4 to tow a horse trailer and two ponies? Whatever we buy will have to be used for my work and as our family car, so it needs to be as economical as possible....
With regard to your answer to the correspondent AH, Sheffield who was planning to drive to Germany, I don't know if you're aware of the fact that a great number of urban areas there have been designated...
Thank you very much for the website: www.satnav-updates.com. I have received the 2011 SatNav DVD within two days. My 2005 Primera T-SPEC has now, for the first time, an up-to-date DVD. This is a great...
In your recent reply to DP's classic MB query you recommended that he should definitely consider acquiring a Mercedes-Benz 1993-96 E320 Sportline Convertible. Where are they all? I've seen several ads...
I thought that the attached correspondence from Norman Baker would add to the debate. I had raised the points discussed in your letters column directly with my MP and he has followed this through: it would...
I had an alignment problem with a car I bought from CarGiant, which I had fixed independently, then wrote to CarGiant. The response was:
“Thank you for your email and sorry that you have had to report...
Runflat tyres were fitted to my car on the false premise that they were superior. Aside from maintaining stability in the rare event of a blowout, the disadvantages seem to outweigh the advantages by a...
In a recent letter to the DT editor the writer maintained that garages ruined cars. A wet car put in a cold garage deteriorates far more quickly than it will if left outside. He claims that it is the electrical...
Further to your recent columns regarding the relationship between the BPA and the DVLA, and the Protection of Freedoms Bill, I have received the attached letter from Norman Baker via my local MP (Gregory...
I would be grateful if you could provide advice on the following issue I am having with Mercedes-Benz. I purchased a B-Class from the used approved scheme five months ago. Recently, whilst washing the...
I have a Golf TDi that I have owned for just over four years, my third Golf, all of which have been totally trouble free. I have never experienced this in any of them or any other car for that matter....
I was somewhat perturbed by your comments in last Saturday's DT in response to a reader who had taken out a new policy with his former insurer. If what you say is true: that a car written off in its first...
I have had a few disagreements with friends and colleagues concerning the fitting of two winter tyres only during the British winter. Personally I consider this dangerous but I am not in the majority....
Vince Cable wrote to me: “The Protection of Freedom Act will make it illegal to clamp vehicles on Private Land. It should end the activities of "cowboys" who have exploited people who have parked on Private...
I am a slightly older person, currently living in France. I have been making email enquiries into buying a new LHD BMW X3 (as you probably know, they have a specialist export/diplomatic/local authority...
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