Showing results in  FAQs [Show all channels]

Sort by: Relevance | Newest first | Oldest first

• OIL CHANGES: How often should I change the oil in my car? (FAQs)
  It seems that to allow for these long oil change intervals manufacturers raised the level of contamination and degradation acceptable in the oil.
• RUNNING-IN A PETROL ENGINE: What's the best way to run-in a petrol engine? (FAQs)
  Try never to rev to the rev limiter as the misfire this causes can damage the catalytic converter matrix. Don't change the oil and filter until the first manufacturer recommended change point, or the end of the first year. After that, if you intend keeping the car for a long time I still recommend more frequent oil and filter changes than the manufacturers or their on-board service indicators suggest.
• DIESEL v PETROL: Which is better for me?   (FAQs)
  Diesels are generally dearer to buy but in the past have held their value better. Though this may change. Over 2007/08 diesel fuel in the UK became about 10% more expensive to buy than petrol, but regained parity on 2009. Diesel automatics can lose a lot of the economy advantage due to torque converter losses.
• STORING A CAR: How should I prepare my car for long term storage? (FAQs)
  If it records darkness all is well. If it records light, you need to remove the bulb, Have the oil and filter changed. Make sure the coolant corrosion inhibitors have not degraded (they usually have after 3 - 4 years, so have the coolant changed). If the car has ABS, make sure the brake fluid has been changed within the past two years or the ABS pump could suffer internal corrosion from moisture absorbed by the fluid.
• GARAGE SERVICING: How can I find a reputable garage  to service or repair my car? (FAQs)
  Always supply a spray can of multipurpose lubricant at every service, and charge for it, of course. The Oil Filter Flanker Instead of changing the oil filter at a routine service, tell the fitter to simply give it a good clean over with a rag. It will look like new, the punter won't know any difference and the garage will save 15 minutes obtaining the new filter from stores and fitting it, plus, of course, the cost of the filter.
• AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS: What are the different types?  (FAQs)
  Direct Shift Gearboxes For example VAG's transvverse engine twin-shaft 6-speed manual transmission with a pair of oil clutches. Because the next ratio is always on the opposite shaft, it can be 'pre-selected' and changed to rapidly and efficiently, usually at no sacrifice in fuel economy. They work either fully automatically or with driver control by nudge shift or paddle.
• TOWING: Can you give me some general tips about towing?  (FAQs)
  They will have changed the automatic transmission fluid. Find out where to check the ATF and how to top it up. Buy a can of ATF. 
• MISFUELLING A CAR: What should you do if you accidentally put the wrong fuel in your car?  (FAQs)
  With a mixture of petrol and diesel the car will smoke, and it can burn out the spark-plugs. The diesel can make its way into the oil sump and raise the oil level while thinning it out. This can lead to a lack of lubrication for the engine – much like actually running out of oil. Diesel Cars: Petrol is corrosive in a diesel fuel system, attacking the rubber hoses and seals and the plastic fuel tank itself.
• DPFs: What are they and why do they go wrong? (FAQs)
  If complete regeneration is not possible within this period, the regeneration will be interrupted. Question: How does regeneration affect the oil life? Answer: On each regeneration or attempted regeneration, a certain diesel fuel amount is injected into the engine oil which reduces the oil life. If the "INSP" light in the instrument cluster comes on, the engine oil is exhausted and must be changed.
• LPG: Where can I get my car converted to run on LPG? (FAQs)
  UK LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) is wellhead gas, rather than refined from crude oil, and current estimates are that there is enough under the North Sea to last 40 to 60 years. Usually a petrol engined car running on LPG suffers a 10% to 20% increase in fuel consumption. If it uses significantly more LPG in comparison to petrol the reason might be the siting of a crucial part of the conversion, or it may be that the fuel stations are short changing the amount of LPG they supply.