Can I pump the oil out of my engine rather than use the drain plug?

I am considering using an oil pump to remove old engine oil via the dipstick hole instead of the more traditional method of jacking up the car and draining from the drain plug. Are there any drawbacks...

I think older cars, like my 2003 Jaguar S-Type, are excellent value for money.

I read with interest the letter from ‘MH’ with regard to older luxury cars being value for money. I purchased a 53 plate S-Type Jaguar, 4.2 V8 model for just less than £7000 about two years ago from ‘CarGiant’...

Mercedes-Benz servicing

I have just purchased a nine month old C180 auto and just wondered if what I have been advised to have servicing carried by Mercedes to protect future value of car by as much as five hundred pounds than...

Why was I asked to pay for an oil top-up when my BMW 1 Series is covered by the BMW service deal?

You recently mentioned high oil consumption of BMW 4-cylinder petrol engines. I bought a BMW 1 Series convertible this year. A couple of months ago the oil warning light flashed on and, as I was local...

Should I change the transmission oil in my Volvo V70 automatic?

I have a 2003 Volvo V70 2.4 auto which has done 110,000 miles. Apart from being a little clunky in the morning the auto box is fine and smooth. However, the Volvo forum is emphatically of the view that...

Should I have the timing belt changed on my Volvo S80?

My Volvo S80 D5 was delivered in Dec 2003 and has done 80,000 miles without a problem. The Volvo service book says after 96,000 miles or eight years I should change the timing belt. Should I have the belt...

Why are my Citroen Xsara's brake discs wearing faster than the pads?

I have a 2009 Citroen Xsara Picasso (1.6i petrol) and recently took it for its second service. The dealer has informed me that the brake discs are worn and need replacing even though the original brake...

My Freelander 2's autobox failure should have been prevented by a recall but I wasn't notified - what should I do?

Further to my earlier correspondence regarding autobox failure on my August 2007 Freelander 2 at 35,000 miles, the Land Rover dealer wanted £3500 to fit a new box and £2300 up front to buy it. The dealer...

Does my 2005 Ford Mondeo have a dual mass flywheel?

I have a 2005 Mondeo 2.0 diesel with 180,000 on the clock. It has been a great car and the only expense apart from brake pads and discs was a new alternator. I want to keep the car for another two years...

Should I use the main dealer for my service?

My wifes 2010 Aygo is due 20,000 ml service. Shall I use a Toyota dealer - pricey at £200 plus - or a decent independent I know? Will it affect my warranty or resale value using a non official garage?