December 2015
Good Morning, I am new to the forum and would be gratful for any advise on a situation that occurred recently.
My teenage son has a paper round which he generally does on his trek mountain bike, he delivers down a street where people do have drives but also park on the pavement. Whilst delivering to adjoining properties he left his bike on the pavement outside one of them, a neighbour the other side reversed her car back past her drive and theirs (they arn't huge drives) and caused a fair bit of damage to my son's drive - she told him to let her know how much it cost.... Read more
The VW software recall is an accident waiting to happen. I have asked VW several times to tell me how they test that durability hasn't been compromised and they won't give a straight answer. Unbelievable. Other manufacturers are saying that the whole point of gaming the system is to improve reliability. And now governments are getting annoyed that VW aren't deploying the so called fix (that doesn't improve real world emissions and could damage engine) quick enough. You couldn't make it up! Read more
Struggling to decide between new (well, probably year-old) car options, so I'm hoping for some (educated) opinions.
Any thoughts on whether either of these is a safer bet than the other?
a) Skoda TSI... with a turbo that could spell trouble at some point (would have the remainder of a 3 year warranty)
or
b) Toyota hybrid... with battery, CVT and fancy hybrid system that could spell trouble at some point (would have the remainder of a 5 year warranty - extensible to 8 years on the battery if serviced by Toyota).
And what about the much-lauded but apparently problematic DSG transmission option on the Skoda? Is it likely to be sound on a recent (say 14-plate) Octavia (7s dry clutch variant, is it?), or still likely to be bad news? Read more
Avant: The auxilliary battery powers the electronics only. Starting is performed by the traction battery via one of the two generators.
How far (in mm) over the maximum mark on the dipstick would the oil level have to be in order to cause PCV problems and what symptoms would the driver notice whilst driving? thanks
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Once again, a question you have asked - and had answered - numerous times.
Ford manual claims 35mpg on urban (town)driving. I am finding it hard to get 28mpg!
... Read more
You have probably over filled the engine oil level.
Evil. But I like it !
I have a 52 plate BMW Compact originally owned by Mrs M from new which has now done 90k miles. All in it costs about £400 a year in spares and maintenance which is reasonable value for a known car compared with buying another one.
Recently the aircon has started making intermittent whirring noises sometimes varying with engine speed. Turn the aircon off and all is silent. Heater works fine.... Read more
Many thanks both. Seems there are a lot of potential things to look at. I think I will give my local garage the first port of call as they have always fixed for me rather than replaced.
I live in a heavily populated BMW area and have yet to see a 2 Series coupe on the road. Is this a marketing clanger or a potential rareity?!
I am curious because Mrs M has a 3 coupe which although she loves it to bits will ultimately need to be changed.... Read more
Ah yes, the Standard Vanguard - one of the most inspiring names ever to grace a car. Sadly, because of the quality of early post-war steel, most of them rusted away, but the engines would have lasted forever.
I have recently moved from the Scottish Borders to Somerset and am downsizing cars from a Sportage (14 plate) to a Kia Venga. I have a complete set of 5 winter wheels for the Sportage which I hope to sell. Apart from the Sportage, would you be able to help me with what other cars these wheels and tyres are suitable for?
Tyres are W310 215/70/R16... Read more
They should fit the Hyundai IX35 as far as dimensions go but you (or the buyer) would need to check that Kia and Hyudai TPMS valves are compatible. Despite being the same company there is no garantee.
Car temperature reaching max diagnosed needing new thermostat and water pump. Alternator also cracked. No engine test done. Paid for repairs. Few days later, same problem with temperature gauge and diagnosed head gasket blown, after engine test. Advice needed for not paying for duplicated work, guide for hours to be paid please that would avoid duplication.... Read more
Agree.
Only the one Smart (which incidently I love to drive) and two Mercs. All go to the same dealer garage for servicing etc that I've used for 25 years....
Also how far (in mm) over the maximum mark on the dipstick would the oil level have to be in order to cause oil seal leaks and aeration of oil problems i.e. for the crankshaft to come into contact or be immersed in the engine oil?
Would it need to be at least 25mm or more? What symptoms would the driver notice when driving?... Read more
You've already asked this question, using slightly different wording. And it has been answered too.
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Police will take no action over cars on pavement if enough space is left for people to pass.