Revs drop without warning on my Vokswagen Polo

I hope that you might be able to help with an intermittent problem on my partner's 54-plate Volkswagen Polo with around 80,000 miles. The engine will cut out, or the revs drop dramatically, without any...

Water ingress into the driver's footwell

My 2002 Honda Accord Executive driver's footwell fills with water. I have removed the pollen filter, but the problem persists.

Help with DVLA please

I passed my driving test in 1986, but DVLA say it doesn't have a record of that - how can I prove that I did?

Should I change to Third Party to drop my premium?

I've just bought a 2001 Jaguar-X Type. I paid £2000. My age 63, full NCB, and this is my second car (the first is an XKR). I'm insured with LV, and I'm paying £500 for the X-Type's insurance (two children...

What coolant/anti-freeze to use in my car?

I own a 1994 Honda Civic, and I think I need to top up the coolant in the engine as the tank next to the radiator is hovering around the minimum level when the engine is cold. What type of coolant do I...

Where do I stand with the AA?

I had cause to call out the AA because my car wouldn’t start on the morning of 12 October 2012. The patrol diagnosed the problem as a flooded engine and decided to remove the spark plugs. The Patrolman...

Why is my named driver's 'incident' affecting my premium?

I arranged insurance with LV for my new car. I asked for two named drivers to be added. Was asked if they had any claims or convictions, and the answer was no. However, there was an 'incident' sustained...

Am I doing enough mileage for my DPF?

Will weekly runs of 20 miles out, two hours rest, and 20 miles back be enough to burn off diesel particulates. The rest of the week the car does 8-10 miles daily, and once a year 1500 miles, with 10 days...

Does my car have a DPF?

My car is powered by a Volkswagen 140bhp diesel engine, code BRT. I need to know whether this engine has a DPF. The reason is that the oil is Volkswagen-spec 50501 if not, but 50700 if it is. Seems to...

Tyre sealant - do you recommend?

I understand tyre sealants (Air-Seal, OKO, Ultraseal, Slime) are preventative and will instantly seal a small puncture, and the seal will remain good for the life of the tyre. What is your view, please,...

Diesel freezing in the Alps - how can I avoid it

My car, a Mazda 6 TS2 Diesel 2.2, is kept in the Alps during the winter at a height of 1300 meters. In February for two weeks, the temperatures ranged between -19c and -10c. The first part of any journey...

Is an early transmission fluid change necessary?

Mercedes-Benz is recommending that the automatic transmission oil and filters are changed at 37,500 miles, It's a 55-'plate CDi C-Class Coupe. Is this really necessary? It will cost around £220, and this...

Renault Lemon - how do I get my money back

I bought an Espace from CCS Garage, Chapelhall, Airdrie. I paid £3500 and was assured it would be fully inspected before going out. Problems arose from day one, with locks not working, rear wiper missing,...

Buying a medium family carto replace my MINI

I have a MINI Countryman, and need something larger and comfortable, sporty but smooth. Had a current SEAT Leon DSG diesel, with no DPF before, and want something slightly larger. The Audi A3 appeals,...

Will V-Power benefit my car?

I have a 1999 Honda Civic 1.6-litre Aerodeck automatic. Can you please tell me if Shell V-Power works with automatics, and if so how long do you need to use it for it to take effect?

Buying my first car - which would you choose?

I would like to buy my first car. I have to choose between: Ford Focus 1.6 (2009) vs Opel Astra H 1.6 (2009) - or Ford Fiesta 1.4 (2010) vs Opel Corsa 1.4 (2010) Which car I should choose in each category?...

My oil smells of petrol

I have just noticed that I can smell petrol from the oil filler cap and dip stick. The car is running perfectly and mpg and temps seem fine. Am I worrying about noting or does the car just need an oil...

I'm after a hatchback/tailgate protector

Can you please give me the name of the maufacturer/supplier of the Hatchback Tailgate protectors that protect the car's bodywork when loading/unloading the boot? I have a 2008 Audi A3 and I know that...

Mazda 3: airbag warning light reset

I've read in your column that it's worth disconnecting the connector and reconnecting, to reset my airbag warning light. It's under the passenger seat - stupid question, but where? And how do I get to...

Driving in a high gear at low speeds - a question

I have been reading more reviews about driving in a high gear at low speeds to achieve fuel economy. I have tried this since and can happily plod along at 30mph in 5th gear (manual) on a reasonably level...

Personal Injury claim after claimant's insurance company admitted liability

My wife car was struck heavily from behind, causing it to be off the road and requiring around £7000 in repairs. The other driver's insurance company contacted my wife by phone before she had even got...

Out of order pay and display meter

I received a parking ticket yesterday in a private car park. When I arrived the only pay-and-display machine was out of order, so I did not get a ticket. When I returned, there was a ticket on the car...

Fiesta fuel pump has failed. Help please!

It's a problem with a Fiesta that's been left standing for four weeks while the owner was away from home. Now, the fuel pump is not running for 1~2 seconds when ignition turned on (and car will not start)....

What's causing the flashing glow plug light on my Mondeo?

The glow plug light on my Ford Mondeo 2.0LX 115PS TDCI 2003 (53) is continually flashing. I've had the glow plugs replaced, but the light still flashes. It takes about 15 goes to start in morning and once...

Are the police now using mobile speed cameras at night?

Travelling North along the A34 approaching the Pear Tree intersection Oxford at around 7.30pm on 18 November, I witnessed a lot of traffic braking violently up ahead. An accident was very, very close to...

Garages can't trace the rumbling noise my Polo's making!

Two garages have returned my P-registered Polo (65,000 miles) saying they cannot trace a combination of heavy rumbling/vibration from the rear of the vehicle - particularly when stationary. The exhaust...

Replacing the brake hose on my Focus

I need to change front brake hose for mot, dont have manual questions are: 1 What size spanners required? 2 For bleeding brakes do you have to do all or just front brakes? 3 How much brake fluid is required...

Fitting winter tyres - will a pair do?

I would like to fit winter tyres - which are good ones, and should it be all four or will just two do?

Downsizing to a Focus (not a Fiesta)

Many thanks for the reply the other day about downsizing from a Vauxhall Zafira to a new shape Fiesta. Your advice most welcome but the wife has thrown a spanner in the works, and now quite fancies a 2008...

I'm looking for a used MPV, estate or van. Which should I go for?

What should I buy to replace my Renault Grand Scenic diesel? I only need to transport myself and wife mostly – but I also need to carry bulky and dirty stuff, occasionally. I used the Renault Scenic with...

Any suggestions for a car my tall daughter can drive?

My daughter is trying to find a car to learn to drive in. She is 6ft 4in, but has 38in long legs (most tall men have 33in legs). She is currently in a Toyota Prius - and she is squashed into the cabin...

Replacement Steering rack faulty refitting charges who's liable?

My Daughter's 2008 Ford Fiesta required a replacement steering rack as the original lost fluid. A replacement from Ford was around £380 plus fitting, but I was able to get a reconditioned unit from a motor...

Failure of cruise control

Driving with the cruise on for 60-65 minutes, I stop for a stretch, which takes around 10-15 minutes. Back on the road cruise control will not set, and it takes around 25 minutes before I can set it again....

Shell V Power fuel with Ford Powershift

I read your explanation on how to benefit from Shell V-Power yesterday. Following your recommendation I've been using Shell diesel in my Ford Kuga 163ps with Powershift since new (now 18k miles) and a...

My Ford Fiesta doesn't have matching tyres

Five weeks ago I bought a used 2005 Fiesta from a Ford Dealer. I have just noticed that one of the rear tyres is rated for winter, and the others all summer. Could this be dangerous under heavy braking...

What used medium familly car would you recommend?

We love our Ford Fiesta, but the arrival of more grandchildren requires a slightly larger vehicle with similar mileage. What can you recommend.

Is this Kia valuation about right?

I have been offered a 2005 Kia Sportage 4WD with 45,000 miles on the clock and FSH for £4700 at an independent dealers. Does this vehichle have a chain drive and is the asking price too high?

Excess road noise in my Mercedes-Benz

I have a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI. It has done 19,000 miles and has newish Continental Tyres on 16-inch alloy wheels. I feel the road noise on anything less than a near perfect road is not what should...

Belt renewal - what do you advise?

I've just bought an Alfa Romeo 147 Alfa JTD 120 8-valve. It's an 07-plate with 52,000 on the clock, and full service history. I've read that belts and water pump have a habit of failing well before the...

Can a 2012 Honda CR-V be fitted with 16in wheels from 2006 model?

HJ has frequently maintained that downsizing the wheel for a winter tyre is a good move. My wife's new Honda CR-V SE+ DTEC has 17x6.5in rims with 5x114 stud holes, shod with 225/65 R17. I want to put...

Buying a Honda Civic - petrol or diesel.?

My 2005 Honda Type S has covered 200k without hitch. The 2.0-litre chain cam engine is perfect. I do 25-30k per year, mostly motorway, and I am thinking of getting a replacement Honda Civic as the dealer...

Replacing my E200 Mercedes-Benz with a newer diesel version.

I am considering replacing my W124 Mercedes-Benz E200 estate with a newer post facelift W211 E-Class estate. I was wondering if you think an older car with lower mileage or a newer car with higher mileage...

Vibrations in my daughter's Fiesta

My daughter has a 2010 Ford Fiesta. When accelerating, between 50 and 60mph, the car judders (a bit like poorly balanced wheels). If she releases the accelerator, the juddering stops - which it also does...

Should I service my Jetta DSG or not?

Should I wait for the service indicator to give my 59-plate Volkswagen Jetta 2.0TDI DSG, or should I just service it anyway? It has covered 32,000 miles, and was last serviced in March this year by the...

The timing chain has jumped - can I get any goodwill?

The timing chain has jumped on my VW Polo 1.2 2003 model at 38K miles. VW customer services UK have refused to contribute to pay for repairs as a goodwill gesture, even though the timing chain jumping...

Driving a Mazda MX5 in the winter - should we fit cold weather tyres?

My son (aged 22) will be driving an MX5 this winter in rural Norfolk. This is his first experience of a rear wheel drive vehicle. Have you any tips that I can pass on to him and suggestions for recommended...

Is a a 58-plate KIA Cee'd fitted with a DPF?

I am looking to buy a 58-plate Kia cee'd 1.6 CRDI LS estate. It will mainly do daily trips around town for 15 mins or so, so we are put off by the diesel particulate filter info on the internet. I asked...

What are the tyre pressures for my Polo

I'm having a little difficulty finding the correct tyre pressures for my wife's Polo. The manual's pressures do not relate to those shown at the filling station. Have looked around at various sites and...

My accident repair is not good enough

I had a light accident in my Jeep in a tight country lane, and the damage was restricted to the rear o/s door. After insurance company issues, the car was delivered to their preferred repairer. All well...

I'm looking for a new car to replace my Astra

I currently own a Vauxhall Astra CDTi (120) - it's lovely but is seven years old and needs to be replaced. I am currently considering a Ford Focus or Nissan Qashqai. I like a car with a bit of thrust,...