Timing chain rattle – do I need to replace it?

The timing chain on my 2002 BMW 318i has begun to make a rattling noise. It has 146,000 miles on the clock and I rely on it for my daily travel. Should I replace the chain?

What should I check when buying a used Vauxhall Corsa?

I am looking to buy a Vauxhall Corsa that is 10 years old. It has a full service history, two owners and only 27,000 on the clock. A friend has advised that I should avoid the car if it hasn't had a cam...

Automatic gearboxes and towing - what do I need to know?

Could you tell me what I need to look out for on my Volvo XC60 when towing a 1500kg caravan? The car has the eight-speed automatic gearbox, will I need to fit a gearbox air cooler and change the gearbox...

Mazda 3 - full service history vs full dealer service history?

I have a Mazda 3 which will be three years old in February and out of warranty. I would like to get the car serviced by an excellent local independent garage. Obviously this will mean not having a full...

What's the best method for running-in a new EcoBoost?

I'm due to collect my new Ford with the EcoBoost petrol engine. Do new cars still have a running-in period? Is there anything to be careful of with this type of engine?

Is an engine flush really worth £30?

I have a two year old Hyundai i20. When I take my car in for servicing, they are quite insistent that it is necessary to flush the engine with flushing oil (cost £30) before refilling. However, if I use...

Why is my Volkswagen Touran using so much oil?

I have a 2013 Volkswagen Touran 1.6 diesel with 13,000 miles on the clock. Recently the car has been giving me some problems. A while ago it was emitting a strong oil smell, which turned out to be a split...

Is super unleaded worth the extra?

I have just bought a used Ford Focus (2015 model) with the petrol EcoBoost engine. The dealership said they recommend using super unleaded. Is there a reason for this or is it just sales talk?

Brake caliper failure on Honda Civic

I have a 2012 Honda Civic with 25,000 miles on the clock. The other day I went to my car only to find that it had rolled down my drive and into my garage door. I obviously thought I had forgotten to put...

When should I change the transmission oil in my Toyota Yaris?

We bought a Toyota Yaris automatic (2001 model) with 22,500 miles on the clock that had been serviced regularly until last year. It's now done another 8000 miles :my question is when is it best to change...