Ask Honest John

Most recently answered maintenance and servicing questions
When warm and idling, I can hear a whining noise from the engine of my 2014 petrol Ford Kuga 1.6 2WD. This happens with or without clutch depressed. It disappears at other revs.
My Daewoo Matiz feels sluggish in first and second gear. It jerks and I hear the exhaust knocking, what's the issue?
I have a B8 Audi A4 Avant diesel which has done 80,000 miles. My garage is recommending an engine treatment called Terraclean and I'm aware that there can be big bills on a high mileage diesel. Are these...
I've owned my 2012 SEAT Leon SE Copa 1.6 TDI DSG for just over 1 year now. At the beginning of the month a light came on indicating a fault in the emissions control system, which was immediately followed...
I have a 2006 diesel SAAB 9-3 Convertible that showed a 'limited performance' message from engine management and then the brake lights flickered. Although the engine management warning light comes on I...
I'm looking to purchase a 2013 Renault Megane GT 1.5 DCI. It has 67,000 miles on the clock and looks in good condition. What are potential problems, and is it worth £7000?
I'm looking at buying a 2008 Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi, 133,000 miles on the clock. It's priced at £2650 and I'm looking at it this week. What things should I be looking for which should have been changed already...
Since having the emissions fix on my Volkswagen Passat, I noticed the fan running for twenty or so seconds after I had switched off and locked the car. It sounded so loud and I've never noticed it before.
I have recently had the E189 emissions software update on my Volkswagen Golf VI 2.0 TDI. On the way from London to Cornwall the glow plug warning light started flashing and the car went into limp mode....
My sons petrol 2011 Renault Clio 1.2 has ended up in the garage this week after performing more and more sluggishly over the last seven days. The mechanic reported that there was virtually no compression...