Ask Honest John

Most recently answered short journeys questions
I know that a/c reduces fuel economy, but what would achieve better fuel economy - to set a higher temperature and higher fan speed or to set a lower temperature and lower fan speed?
At present, I own a 2015 Renault Captur 1.5 dCi. I use it for short runs around town, with the occasional 50/75 mile trip. My son tells me I would be better with a petrol Captur. Do you agree with him?
I currently own a 2007 BMW X5 with 155,000 miles on the clock, which I'm looking to change. I used to do over 20,000 miles a year, but more recently this has dropped to about 10,000. I use it to tow a...
We're looking for a petrol automatic SUV/crossover with good mpg and fully spec'd for short daily use, with occasional long journeys. We are looking at the Volkswagen Touareg, Hyundai Tucson and Honda...
Does a creamy substance on the oil cap indicate head gasket problems?
I have a Mazda MX5 1.8 which has done 21,000 miles since I bought it new in 2005. Last week its third battery (27 months old) was completely flat. I had driven it on country roads for about 30 miles, seven...
I currently have an Audi A6 TDI 190 and I'm nearly halfway through my PCP. I'm considering swapping for an A4 Avant, but is the TFSI petrol (252 Quattro) a good choice over the 190 diesel? I do 12,000...
The emissions fix was done on my 2010 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI in January 2017 and it now drives very differently. The DSG gearbox changes up into seventh gear much earlier than before (at around 40mph)...
I bought a brand new diesel Volkswagen Golf in January. There was a series of minor problems at first; tyres at the wrong pressure, pulling left, a burning smell next to the front passenger wheel arch,...
Four years ago you suggested looking at an Audi A7 BiTDI. I've loved the car and managed to find a 15 month old SE with tech pack, comfortable seats, rear a/c, etc. It's now done 36,000 miles (25,000 with...