December 2020

brum

Things seems to be getting more farcical by the day.

www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/dec/18/lorry-dri...n... Read more

Avant

Brum, the OP, has asked me to close the thread.

I'm happy to, since although it started with a connection to motoring, it doesn't seem to any more.

William James Byrne

Any help. I have a Vauxhall zafira 56 plate which has developed a ticking noiy which only starts at 8mph but does not continue as the car slows down to 5mph It's got louder over time But is not there at all when the car is idling or when I put foot on acceleration any advice

Buts... Read more

RonBR

I'm wanting to fit a new tow bar to the above car. The bar will only be used occasionally so I'm interested in a retractable or detachable bar.

1. When not the bar is not in use, and detached or retracted, given that the C class is a luxury vehicle, which arrangement will look better?... Read more

bathtub tom

About fifty-odd years ago, I came out of a shop to find someone had completely boxed me in. I used my horn and went into the local shops to try and find out who owned the car behind me, to no avail. It was only after I started using my tow ball (with some malevolence) on the obstructing vehicle that the driver appeared out of a shop I'd previously asked in.

Trilogy.

www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry-news/dieselgat...l Read more

focussed

Tidal is predictable but uncooperative (look up tide tables)

Can you explain this?

Tides are predicted astronomically. The times and heights of high tides and low tides are regulated by the phases of the moon, which do not necessarily cooperate with the requirements of electricity generation.

Alex Rankin

The time is fast approaching for me to ditch my Nissan Note for something a little roomier, more up to date (and a little punchier). I would really appreciate any advice on what to consider.

Looking for a 5-seater, have a budget of £5000 and would need to handle a mix of motorway/town/country roads and the commute.... Read more

madf

With regards to diesel, £5k is a price point where you are going to have relatively modern diesel engines, i.e, complex, and with emissions equipment like DPF filters to worry about. Because of this complexity, not only will servicing cost more, but if something goes wrong on it, the cost to fix it is going to be considerably higher than with a simple naturally aspirated petrol, possibly to the extent of effectively writing of the car. So you should be very wary of going diesel unless you do the mileage to justify it, or tow something heavy (and so need the torque).

While I take the point about expensive repairs is routine servicing more on diesels. I suppose the oil change interval might be shorter and therefore be needed more frequently. But then plugs don't need changing and coil packs seem to be a regular issue on modern petrols. ...

Alex Rankin

Just had an MOT on my Nissan Note. It's come back with an advisory (amongst others) stating 'oil leak, not excessive; sump porous and corroded'.

Could anyone recommend if this is something to repair urgently? ... Read more

Andrew-T

The car originated from Scotland which I've been told is something to be wary of as the savage weather has a habit of corroding the hell out of the underside. It's by no means the only problem with rust that I've had.

Sumps have to withstand mild impacts from road debris - unless there is a sump-guard. Steel ones usually start life with a coat of paint which should prevent corrosion for some years at least. If corrosion becomes serious enough to reach porosity, I suggest that an impact could have unfortunate consequences. Best have a look for peace of mind.

Tungstentrout

Seem to have an issue with the fuel tank swelling up - can this be reversed. The bolt holes for the front cowl don't line up anymore. Is there a sealer that can be applied inside the tank to prevent this? Read more

craig-pd130

Is yours one of the models with the plastic tank? It seems a common problem as ethanol content creeps up. There are several tank-liners / sealers which claim to be impervious to ethanol, you could try one of those.

Flowliner is popular in the UK, probably worth checking it's suitable for plastic tanks.

Roy Brown

Hi, I have a MK4 Golf which makes a rather embarrassing squeak when turning at low speeds. I have tried to recreate the sound when the car is at idle with the bonnet open, but it only makes the noise when driving.

It is definitely a belt noise, but how do I determine if it is the Aux Belt, the tensioner or the Alternator pulley? The belt looks fairly new, the writing is very easy to read and clean... Read more

John F

With the engine running, spray the belt liberally with water. If the squeak goes away, it's the belt squeaking. If not, it might be a squeaky failing bearing of something the belt drives. But it still might be a failing bearing stiffening up causing the belt to slip and squeak. Belts shouldn't squeak. In the old days of non-automatic tensioners and loose belts it was common to hear a transient screech after start up when the dynamo had to work hard briefly to recharge the battery.

dazzabeezer

Hi

After a mid size auto. Budget £6k... Read more

blindspot

nissan note 1.6 auto . good value secondhand.

Lee Capell

hi could I have code for V055675 please cheers Read more

FP

The S/N V127665 should have the code

4857.