June 2013
Multi-point sequential injection or direct injection - two options shown. The former seems to give quite a bit better MPG. Are there obvious pros and cons to the two types? Read more
It's not rocket-science to realise that DSGs, whatever they're called, are more economical than the traditional torque converter + planetary gears automatic transmission - that's the whole reason they're being introduced.
Internet reports of DSG failures and problems are anecdotal, statistically inaccurate, like all problems that arise which get far more attention than the good ones.... Read more
I think most of the makers of traditional autoboxes are working hard at making them more economical - more gears allow increased use of converter lock-up so that it's only really in use starting from a standstill.
Josh Dowling is quite correct, as a motoring journalist he should have been shouting VW's problems from the rooftops as the issues are not exactly new. It took a fatal crash and a coroners inquest to generate the current outcry here is Aus. Thousands of disgruntled owners who have suffered problems with DSG failures and disintegrating 1.4 Twincharge engines have been haranguing the dealers with little success. VW have continuously ducked for cover and have finally been dragged kicking and screaming, by public demand, to take action. Rather than issue a recall, they trot out their PR spinners who in a full page newspaper advertisement state "... we understand that the recent (media) coverage has caused some concern for our customers ..." They still believe that the issues are a result of adverse coverage by the media rather than the litany of failures of their substandard products and their lackluster response to customer complaints over the past four or more years. Read more
It angers me that companies like VW are allowed to walk over customers in the UK and ignore defects they have to put right elsewhere in the world. And it's not new: 10 years ago I had a Mk IV Golf; generally a great car, but it had the defective plastic window glass clips. After having paid for two replacements, I wrote to complain to VW UK and to ask why they were not applying their generous US remedial policy in the UK. They didn't write back. Instead, an arrogant Milton Keynes girl telephoned me: she lied that the cars were different in other markets, and she told me that I was not a good customer (despite having had 3 new VW cars) because I wasn't using their dealer for servicing. The window clips were a cheap repair, but DSGs aren't and VW should be made to treat UK customers fairly.
??? Read more
Which discussion?
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The car has done 140,000 miles and forward gears engage correctly. Is this likely to be gear clutch or other problem? Read more
If it crunches when you try to engage it the clutch is the most likely problem, if it just wont go in could be a cable adjustment.
I normally access this wonderful site vias iPhone, why am I therefore continually exhorted to "find Jesus"? I have no interest in the chap, and, as far as I aware, he has no knowledge of the internal combustion engine or motoring matters!
What's going on? Read more
Just a minute,when he didi his 40days in the desert did he not VAUXHALL the way in and then VAUXHALL the way out?
...
Interesting article here about a prototype Volvo V60 with a mechanical flywheel-based KERS-type system in the rear axle, which can deliver an additional 80bhp for up to 8 seconds to help out the main powerplant when accelerating, etc.
The flywheel "charges" up to 60,000rpm under deceleration / braking, then can be engaged when accelerating depending on the driving mode selected.... Read more
The idea has merit with buses because:
1.)a very large proportion of the fuel energy is lost to active braking. The same is not true with passenger cars....
I'm off to the Isle of Man soon and am looking for some sensibly priced car hire for a week.
I'll be flying into Ronaldsway on a Sunday and am prepared to collect the car on the Monday (collection from the airport on a Sunday seems to attract a hell of a premium).
Anyone with any experience or advice?
Thrifty seems the best price, but they've got lousy reviews. Read more
You still after car? Mylchreests, Ocean Ford or Athol should be able to help.
Richard
ABS warning light comes on mainly after an hour of fast driving without touching the brakes. On other occasions when I brake I hear a graunching noise from the front accompanied by small jolts from the front as if the car was tripping over a step accompanied by the ABS light sometimes but not always. Now sometimes I can drive around local all week without any problems. I have gone to a Garage immediately after this has happened and the car has ben put up on a lift but the mechanics could not find any problem. Maybe the only resort is diagnostics at a Ford dealers. Read more
It is not often I investigate the option to use our beloved railways to make a business journey, but next week I have to travel to Devon and back in one day (from Liverpool) for a meeting. Total distance approx. 550 miles and probably a minimum of 11 hours driving time.
Estimated fuel cost in my van £110, train fare (Standard class) £262. Can anyone give me a valid reason why the train fare should be almost 250% more expensive than using my own vehicle? Read more
Poor woman, I recently travelled around Lancashire with a 'booked train only' ticket, but missed my booked train, and the ticket inspectors on the alternative trains did not bat an eyelid, but on Virgin Trains I have been denied boarding the 'wrong' train.
Train tickets are priced like air tickets.
Browse
The former is port injection and should normally give less mpg than Direct injection.
Carbon build up represents an issue with direct injection engines