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• Bmw 318TDS Touring 11 Oct 2004 (Forum)
  My Bmw was registered in 1998 It has only covered 30k and has had regular oil changes every 6-9 months (as per Hj's recommendations) with Mobil 1 semi-synthetic and serviced while still having 2-3 service lights showing.The car has performed excellently with no problems.My question is would the car benifit from an additive?
• MX5 Engine (remember that one?) 28 Feb 2002 (Forum)
  Anyone remember the poor maiden in distress over the ceased engine in her MX5? There was much debate over liabilty & the changing of oil etc. but after prolonged negotions with Mazda I am VERY pleased to tell you all that they have agreed to replace the engine free of charge. Viva la consumer! Many thanks to all those who offered support, advice & G&Ts.
• Omega Hot starting problems .... 3 Sep 2001 (Forum)
  It always starts, but sometimes only after 2 or 3 attempts with the key. Its midway between (10,000) mile services and I had the oil/filter & plugs changed a week or so. Any ideas/comments? Regards ........... Robert
• Audi variable servicing 11 Dec 2000 (Forum)
  HJ I wondered what your respected view was on the new Audi variable service intervals? I just bought an S3 and don't feel comfortable about waiting 2 years or 20k until the first oil change. I average only 6-7k a year. Am I a luddite or is this the way of modern technology? Colin PS Great site, singing your praises over on the Audi and import newsgroups.
• Any - Turbocharger Care 1 Dec 2021 (Forum)
  I recommend changing oil at least once per year or at 8-10,000 miles. I also recommend a flush at each change (I use Comma Flush Out which is readily available). If you like the convenience of these devices that suck oil out of the dipstick hole, then drain from the sump at least every third change.
• Mazda 6 SL 2008+ - Mazda 6 Handbook - Should be amended/revised 16 Mar 2010 (Forum)
    Many of us have had this happen with no DPF warning light, or that is will suddenly come on flashing even though the DPF has been regenerating. And a lot of us check out oils every week as it says in the handbook. When i asked Mazda UK about checking oil levels, i mentoned so if in one week i were to do 1,500 miles which is surley possible how often would i have to pull over onto the hard shoulder to check my oil levels... they could not give me an answer.
• Skoda Roomster - ATF filler 26 Nov 2019 (Forum)
  Please can anyone help??? I went to do an oil change on our Skoda Roomster and managed to drain the Automatic transmission fluid by mistake.  I only lost about half a litre (if that) before I realised my mistake and put the plug back in but obviously now it needs putting back in.
• Renault Kangoo II combi (2004 - 2008) - 20 1.5 Hesitation on accelaration 8 Dec 2009 (Forum)
  1.5 dci runs perfect at high speed motor way but sometimes in traffic upon setting off or moving up a gear some steady driving hesitates for about 2-3 seconds then picks up but somes for a couple of seconds beeen doing it for the last 6 weeks over 4k miles fuel fliter changed & oil changed & filter, new air filter & had two lots of injector cleaner added having looked at forum earlier somelse has reported the air temperature sensor may be at fault does the 1.5 have the same!!!
• Ford Fiesta (2000 - 2002) - 00 1.3 OHV two snapped plugs 31 Jan 2008 (Forum)
  i have a y reg 1300 ohv fiesta i have only had it a month when i went to change the plugs were rusted in as the socket will not fit on the plug with that much build up of rust i think they must have not been changed for a few years. I cleaned a load of rust away and used penetrating oil but when i tried to take them out 2 snapped all that was left in the head was the thread off both plugs can i use a easy out or anything else as i do not want to take the head off any help please
• Citroen Saxo (1997 - 2003) - 1999, 1.1, gearbox noises 30 Jan 2008 (Forum)
  My only problem is that I think the gearbox bearings have gone. When I lift the clutch I get a rattling noise which goes when I depress the clutch. I have changed the gearbox oil which didn't help. Basically what is my best option, if I sell it no one will really want it due to the gearbox being on the way out. Are my only other options to get a reconditioned box put in, or I can just change the bearings.
• citroen xsara.replacing brake pads (ABS) 22 May 2007 (Forum)
  hi its me again, thanks for all the advice on the oil leak problem re citroen xsara 2.0. hdi most of your advice was spot on well done all . now I wish to change the brake pads all round I have it on stands and wheels off however I left the motor trade 20yrs ago when (abs) was just begining to appear so i am not over familiar with the operation and servicing of them other than to proceed with extreme caution I only wish to change the friction material can i do this without disturbing the (abs) system and how do i proceed ?
• Renault Servicing 6 Mar 2006 (Forum)
  Renault have confirmed that it does not need to go to them, but needs to be done at a VAT registered garage and use genuine parts - highest price I have had for the service which is basically an oil change, a pollen filter change and a general look over the car is £205! Anyone in the Birminghma area had a similar experience? Cheers!
• 3.2 did Shogun auto box? 20 Jun 2005 (Forum)
  Dealer ship wants £560 to service! So I am going to a good independant. My question is the auto fluid is due changed, would it be worth while going to an autobox specialist to get it properly flushed with the correct tool,because i know you cant do a complete change cause half the oil remains in the torque convertor?
• MGF : spark plugs ? 7 Jan 2005 (Forum)
  Sounds silly, but I'm serious. I have a MGF Trophy 160 SE which is due for a service having done nearly 10k. The oil has been changed along with the filter, but I now wish to change the spark plugs. The handbook states the type and gap but where are they? Not visible from the top access envelope, no apparent inspection panels behind the seats, or under the parcel tray, or from the boot.
• servicing a Ford Focus 20 Aug 2004 (Forum)
  My Focus 1.6 Zetec is just about 3 years years old, 33,000 miles and due it's first MOT and 3 year service. From what I can gather the 3rd service is classed as 'major' and includes change of plugs. For the second service which appears just to be changing oil & filter and checking/topping up of fluids I just took it to a local indepependant (not ford specialist) and he seemed to do an ok job at an ok price.
• One less reason to be upset... 18 Mar 2004 (Forum)
  Front exhaust pipe - Plated for now as access was a doddle with the front hub out of the way, may need changing shortly. Still leaking a bit of oil, but I think I'll keep it for a little longer, especially as I have had to change the PS pump recently! Hugo
• Audi service garage rec. East Anglia. 23 Sep 2003 (Forum)
  I've got a 7 year old A4 2.8 (V6 30V). I'm looking for a competent garage to perform an 80k mile service (includes cam belt change). Any recommendations, preferably in East Anglia? I used to use our local franchised dealer but always felt they were stitching me up. Not only were they expensive but I caught them charging for things they hadn't done and they failed to complete even basic tasks (eg oil change) competently.
• Will I break HF's beloved Astra? 22 Sep 2003 (Forum)
  HF is worried that I am steering her car towards an early grave, but I believe that as long as the cam-belt is changed soon, and the oil and filter are changed every 3,000 miles then everything in the garden is rosy. Your views would be appreciated (as always). And, in case you're wondering why I don't use my own car, look at the "Horrible Cars" thread over in discussion, or click on my profile.
• notchy gearbox 20 Sep 2003 (Forum)
  Sorry to bore those who months ago replied to this thread,however got a new Suzuki jimny which after 2000 miles still has a gear change like a tractor,had it back to the dealer who claim its driving fine....Is it safe to try mobil 1 synthetic gear oil in this? They have never suggested it,and dont plan to tell them...I'm aware of the warranty situation.I'm no expert though know enough to realise it has a gearbox which connects to a transfer box,so surely the change should be smooth.I must admit it has got a bit easier over the last two weeks,should I give it more time?
• A4 Tdi cambelt/MOT 26 Jun 2003 (Forum)
  Would I be covered? Car has been maintained to manufacturer's schedule plus intermediate (5,000) mile oil and filter changes. Thanks Pat