Ask Honest John

Most recently answered technical issues questions
Just as a matter of interest: I was cleaning my FIAT 500 this week and, horror of horrors, saw “dreaded orange pinprick spots.” My car has been treated and cleaned by hand on a regular basis. Having owed...
Before too long I could be looking to buy a new car. My ‘normal’ private purchases are Mercedes/Audi/BMW. For each of these I have (to me) a major concern: the absence of a ‘proper’ spare wheel. The systems...
I am coming to you for some advice as an avid reader of your column. My sister purchased a Saab 9-3 TID Sport (150bhp) in January of this year. From the day she collected it she has experienced problems...
I've contacted you before regarding my Astra estate (regarding a hand brake ratchet problem - now fixed) and I'm sorry to question you again but have a niggling question about the turbo. In 1st and 2nd...
We own a small 1,100cc Hyundai i10 – and are very pleased with it. It has just had its first service (1 year old), but we have only covered about 4,500 miles in the first year. We will be travelling...
One to add to your database. About two weeks back as I was slowly driving out of our drive onto the local side road when I head a loud bang. I stopped the car, (a late 2005 SAAB 9-3 convertible) got out...
I have recently taken delivery of an Audi Q5 2.0 Tdi STronic and whilst delighted with most aspects of the car, fuel consumption is disappointing. I've done several long journeys, mix of motorway, A &...
I bought a new model Skoda Superb and took delivery on 1st December last year. Model is 2.0 Elegance with the 170BHP CR engine. I live in Welwyn Garden City where the roads are in a scandalous state. We...
I would appreciate your advice regarding my car battery. My car is a Honda Civic Type R with satnav etc, etc bought as a demonstrator from a Honda dealer. The car was first registered in March 2008 and...
I wonder if you can advise me about a problem with the screen wash system on our Colt. The car is a 1.5 D-id, 5 door and is now nearly 2 years old and for the last few months we have been getting a strong...