Bought a used car with incomplete history - what can we do?

My girlfriend recently bought a 2007 Audi A3 from a used car dealer seven months ago. The service history book states that the "toothed belt" (timing belt) was replaced at 44,000. The car has been making...

Buying a used executive car - what's best?

I am a weekend commuter and cover around 700 miles a week. I have a number of old back injuries and comfort is a priority for me. I don't have a huge budget, and have been running a 2006 BMW 5 Series which...

Protecting roof seals on a cabrio?

A few months ago you advised an SLK owner of a spray treatment to reduce the risk of the roof seals tearing when opening the folding roof. Please can you let me know what that product is - I recall it...

Changing spark plugs on a BMW

I've bought spark plugs to change on my BMW, only to find plug spanner does not fit. Can you please advise where I can buy the right fitting spanner?

Flood damaged car -should I change the auto gearbox fluid?

My car was recently flooded by a river up to the seats, the water stood like that for 24hrs before subsiding. I have got the car running and driving fine and all dried out, I've had to replace some of...

Kia Sportage - how often should I service it?

I have just bought a second hand kia Sportage 1.6 petrol in Spain and have been told by a Spanish kia dealer that the service is every two years or 30,000km. This seems a large interval to me. A UK Kia...

Emission control treatment - is it worth paying for?

My new Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi is going in for its first service and the garage has offered an Emission Control treatment for £24.95. Apparently this cleans the oil, improves emissions and increases mpg....

Should I change my brake fluid and coolant?

My Peugeot 207 is less than four years old has done 13,000 miles. It is due for service and the garage says it needs brake fluid and coolant change. Are either of these really necessary?

Excessive brake disc wear - is the electric parking brake to blame?

My 2012 Volvo XC70 has covered 34,000 miles and just had its second annual service. The dealer reports the rear disc pads as 75% worn, and the discs as lipped. Although the Volvo has done the miles, I...

Do I need these additives at my Mazda service?

My Mazda3 1.6 diesel is due for its second annual service shortly and has done 7300 miles. The garage says that Mazda recommends a bacterial cleanse of the ventilation system for £24.95 and a brake fluid...