My Volkswagen has suffered EGR failure

The EGR system has failed on my 2009 MK6 Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDi at 38,900 miles. It has been diagnosed by a Volkswagen dealer (Heritage) and they quoted £1387.80 to fix. The dealer contacted Volkswagen...

Renault Kangoo warning light

My van is a Renault Kangoo (2009) with 80,000 miles on the click. It was last serviced 10 months ago at 75,000 miles. This morning when I started the engine an amber symbol of a car came up pointing to...

Why is my Astra blowing smoke?

My Vauxhall Astra is blowing smoke and the engine management light has come on. I have been told that its the EGR valve. Its been cleaned out properly. But isn still smoking and juddering. Do you think...

Can I expect DPF problems if I buy a Jaguar XF or XJ?

I am considering the purchase of a secondhand Jaguar XF or XJ about 3-4 years old, but from reading your various concerns about particulate filters, I am also concerned. My annual mileage is no more than...

I have just exceeded 150,000 miles in my 2006 Skoda Octavia diesel with no major problems.

My 2006 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI PD Estate has just completed 150,000 miles, 145,000 miles in my ownership plus 5000 as the dealer’s demonstration car. The only major expense I have incurred was for a dual...

I'd like to buy a Golf, but should I go for petrol or diesel and are the DSG automatics reliable?

I want to change my 10-year-old BMW for a hatchback with automatic transmission such as the Golf or Focus. The Volkswagen dealer is trying to sell me a 2.0-litre diesel, but I would prefer the 1.4 TSI...

As a petrochemist I concur with your comments on the effects of driving habits on DPFs and EGR valves.

As a petrochemist specialising in engine lubrication I have to agree with your comments entirely. It's not commonly known that driving habits have an effect on vehicle reliability, and short journey "shopping...

Disabling EGR valves?

Several companies advertise products that modify diesel cars to disable the EGR valve. This is acheived either by means of a software update or a blanking plate. In the case of the latter, I believe there...

Problems with Vauxhall Astra 1.9 CDTi SRI

I'm looking for some advice in regards to my wife's 2008 Vauxhall Astra 1.9 CDTi SRI. Seven days ago the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve was replaced by my local Vauxhall dealer after the emissions...

What's causing a misfire on our Ford C-Max?

I have a Ford C-Max 2.0 diesel (80,000 miles, around 53/54mpg), which has always been main dealer serviced by the book. It suits us well and goes very well except that, for over a year, it has suffered...