Ask Honest John

Most recently answered technical issues questions
My neighbours (who are both old age pensioners) purchased a new Vauxhall Meriva in 2004 from a local franchised dealer, who has carried out all subsequent services on the car. To date the car has covered...
I'm looking to replace my current car with a diesel BMW - either a 330 or 335d. Having read of potential problems with dual-mass flywheels, is it something inherent in the design (and hence affects all...
I have had problem after problem with my car not starting. If I disconnect the battery every night and reconnect, or disconnect when I am not using it then reconnect, it starts every time. I have had it...
I have a 2003 BMW E39 525dSE auto Touring that appears to have a problem of overcooling. It can take up to 10 miles to reach normal working temperature, summer or winter. At that point, descending hills...
I have an 04 Ford Focus Estate automatic and for the last 6 months of last year the red warning light kept coming on and it would sometimes alternate with the yellow ABS light. I had the car fully serviced...
I seem to remember that some time ago you commented on the fact that many European cars were suffering from broken suspension springs because of poor manufacturing problems. Is this correct and can you...
In terms of fault occurrence, my Jazz is the most unreliable car I have ever owned. After a few hundred miles, the fuel consumption worsens by 10mpg or so. I discovered by chance that using high revs (6,000...
You state that in lower temperatures diesels use more fuel. What is the thermodynamic basis for this statement? I find it difficult to figure out why this should be. I have thought of the following: 1)...
We are soon to purchase a new Mark VI Golf TSI. What is your opinion of protecting the car with Auto Gleam LifeShine? In your opinion does it do what it says on the box and is it worth the cost to have...
I own a 2004/54 Nissan Micra, which has done 13,500 miles and was chosen as a retirement car. I thought being English/Japanese it would be reliable, but I went to start it and the management symbol was...