Ask Honest John

Most recently answered technical issues questions
Can I put something into the washer bottle in my Ford S-Max that may unblock the windscreen washers? They have stopped working and I was wondering if there's some kind of flushing agent I can use?
My Volkswagen Golf has just had its major service done at an authorised dealer. However I now find that: a) The steering wheel is slightly to the left when I drive in a straight line b) If I keep the...
For winter tyres on my 2010 Audi A3 1.8 Tfsi Sportback I use 16” rims with 205/55 Continental Wintercontact TS830’s. In summer I switch back to the original 17” rims with Pirelli P Zero Rosso 225/45 tyres...
We bought our August 2011 Passat in Feb 2013, second hand from available car. It was still under warranty and we took out an extra 2 year extended warranty. Within months the boot would not shut and...
Are there any diesel engines where the regen fuel is not injected directly into the engine on the exhaust stroke? To my mind a DPF should ideally be as close as possible to the exhaust manifold and have...
My car has been inoperable for two weeks now. I had a total power failure. RAC and local garage tested battery etc. - all normal. Once stripped back it transpires that the connection between the positive...
We have a Skoda Octavia Estate diesel (1999) with a water leak in the front passenger foot well. We have had the car since 2001 and it has been serviced every year at 10,000 miles. We can hear water gushing...
What's your advice regarding retro fitting of cruise control? I've found a firm who clam that this is feasible, but am a little worred about safety.
I take delivery of a new Audi A4 1.8 TFSI next week. Mindful of the oil consumption issues I would like to know your though on how to run this engine in. It seems you suggest that higher revs need to be...
Can I replace standard 55W dipped beam H7 bulbs with 100W?