Why aren't car software updates provided to independent workshops?

James Foxall's article about servicing struck a chord with me. My Volvo S40 is now out of warranty and I plan to take it to my local independent for its next service, partly for cost reasons and partly...

Does having servicing done by an independent garage void your warranty?

Can you please tell me what the actual position is if your car is under warranty and something has gone wrong but your servicing has been carried out by a non-franchised Garage.

How often should ix35 oil be changed?

My daughter bought a March 2012 Hyundai ix35 a few weeks ago with just under 13K miles. The sales person and the service book says services every 20k miles or biannually. When I asked regarding oil...

Buying a used car with patchy history - bad idea?

The used car I want to buy is within mileage limits for servicing but out of time (servicing is 20k or 1 year) - it was serviced at 20k 1 year 9 months ago. It is nearly three years old and now has 25k...

When do I need to change the cam belt on my 08 Fiesta?

I have a 2008 (08 Plate) Ford Fiesta Style Climate 1.25, with 34,700 miles on the clock and a full dealer service history. When do I need to change the timing belt? Also do I need to replace the tensioners...

Why doesn't Vauxhall's service plan include brake fluid?

I wonder why a pre-paid Vauxhall Servicing Plan would exclude brake fluid? I've spoken to Vauxhall "Customer Care" whose attitude was that it is a matter between the car owner and franchise. I've spoken...

Do I need to double up my Focus' service schedule?

Ford advises annual services at 12K miles. Is it worth carrying out an interim service at 6 mths/3K miles? My car, a Ford Focus, only does 6K miles/year and was wondering if oily bits really get bad...

I think this is why copper grease works well to prevent metals bonding together.

Further to the recent comments from readers about metals becoming bonded together (principally aluminium alloy wheels and iron hubs). Harking back to my school chemistry lessons, the problem is that any...

Keeping my Jeep healthy

I have just bought a 1997 Jeep Cherokee, 88,000 miles, fsh, etc. My first task will be to take it to my trusted mechanic for a thorough service. In addition to a "service", what else needs to be done to...

Should I continue to have my Mercedes-Benz C180 serviced at the main dealer or go independent?

I have now nearly reached the three-year point on a Mercedes-Benz C180 that I bought from a main dealer at six months old with a three-year warranty and two free services. These have now been had and I...