Trending topics in December 2013
Questions from December 2013
The very interesting cover story in a recent Daily Telegraph Motoring about the design and clarity of UK road signage, prompts me to observe, that, with the exception of motorways, road signs of all varieties...
I responded to yet another tragic young driver road traffic crash last night (see www.basics.org.uk). On reflection today I'm wondering how this can be made less likely to happen. Knowledge, skills and...
My BMW X3 2.0 xDrive has covered 48,500 miles since new and is still running on the original Pirelli Scorpion STR 235/55 R17 99H tyres, which I am about to replace with the same specification of Pirelli....
In your October 12 column you responded to a query about a car scraped while parked on private land. You recommended that the owner should ask the DVLA for the other car keeper’s details. I found myself...
Arnold Clark has confirmed that a new Diesel Particulate Filter for my Fiat Sedici 1.9 Multijet diesel will cost £3300, plus fitting. Is it cast in gold? What are your thoughts on a DPF being professionally...
Recently I read a road test that devoted an astonishing amount of column inches to "connectivity" ie the facility to play an iPhone, MP3 player, or similar through the car's ICE system. So far as I am...
My brand new Toyota Auris hybrid Icon has flattened its 12v battery twice in the first 300 miles, after being left locked (with nothing left on) in a garage for three days after runs of over 100 miles....
I was the passenger in a car and we were approaching a roundabout, with the choice of three lanes. An extra-long lorry and trailer chose the middle lane and we then went into the third (right) lane. As...
The handbook for my July 2002 Ford Focus states there is no point in using petrol of a higher octane than 95. Presumably fuel constituents have changed considerably over the last 11 years. So is the handbook...
I'm looking at the Mazda 5. From what I can see the 2.0i 150PS is from 2012 onwards? Would it be fatal if I considered the 1.8i petrol? Should I automatically be looking for a deal or, as I am being picky,...
My diesel Vectra will need two new front tyres soon. With the approach of winter this seems a good time to consider cold weather tyres or all-weather tyres. Would it be safe and legal to have cold weather...
I have a Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI CR140 SE plus with 225/45 R17 Michelin Sport 3 tyres. I am really disappointed with the poor mileage I get, with the front tyres lasting only 12,500 miles if I am lucky. I...
I own a 2012 Citroen DS4 Sport, which is equipped with 225/40R19 tyres. The price of replacement tyres appears very expensive. What would you advise?
I recently purchased an ex-demo 2012 Audi Q5 with 2-litre diesel engine and S Tronic gearbox from a main dealer. I'm finding the gear changes are very noticeable at low speeds, and that the car feels unresponsive...
The new Audi S3 Sportback ticks every box for us, from trips to Scotland in winter to carrying a large double bass, except for the ride, which gives us backache. There is a Magnetic Ride Control option...
Are DPFs a legal requirement? What do you think of ECU-Flash's DPF removal service, please?
Why does insurance cost so much? Let me tell you. I was involved in a minor bump with a parked car. No damage to mine, and only door skin and window glass to his new Mazda 6. I was willing to pay and not...
Thank you for your recent pointer to ECU Testing (www.ecutesting.com) to fix my Jaguar XKR ABS pump circuit. My total outlay for the repair, carriage and VAT was £196, plus carriage costs and refitting,...
Last year in November I fitted non-premium Sailun Ice Blazer winter tyres to my Freelander 2. I didn't take them off and drove around Europe in hot weather through last summer, all told 14,000 miles since...
Recently my wife’s six-year old KIA Picanto would not start, so we called the AA. The patrolman who turned up diagnosed a dead battery. He said that he had a replacement in his van and would we like him...
The ride in our 2010 Mondeo Titanium diesel estate is quite harsh for my wife who has a bad back. Could I improve the ride by fitting different size wheels and tyres and what tyres would you recommend...
My 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan with 39,500 on the clock had a service and MoT in July at the Volkswagen dealership from which it was bought. The report said that it needs four new brake discs at a cost of £500...
My wife bought her BMW 523 SE Touring automatic in August 2000. Since then she has carefully cherished it, had it regularly serviced, done only 90,000 miles and recently fitted new tyres. She has finally...
I had my 2007 Alfa Romeo 159's air conditioning checked for the first time since new, and the engineer said they took out 260 cl and replaced it with 430 cl. He did not know whether the old and new gases...
I recently took my Renault Clio 1.2 Extreme into my local Renault dealership for a minor service and its annual MoT. I was advised that the air conditioning unit required a service, and, as it would be...
I keep a 10-year-old Rover 45 garaged abroad. I have fitted a simple battery isolator, and even after five months away it still starts first time on reconnection. The only problem is that I have been unable...
I run a 2009 Peugeot 308SW 1598cc petrol. I have been very pleased with it, apart from the fuel consumption which has never exceeded 40mpg even on a long run, including motorways. I only do about 5000...
Whether dealers try to force regeneration of DPFs or Eolys fluid top-ups, at some stage the DPF will need either replacing or cleaning because of a build-up of ash inside. With trucks, we find it's between...
I own a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C320 CDI, an exceptional vehicle in my opinion. It is fitted with a Harman Kardon Logic-7 radio and also an HFP Module to connect via Bluetooth to my HTC phone. This worked perfectly...
Recently I needed to return urgently to the UK and consequently I arrived without pre-booking at the Calais Eurotunnel terminal late at night. I was charged £175 (which was converted to Euros then reconverted...
Unfortunately my wife now needs a wheelchair. We are both pensioners, although I work part-time as a community nurse driving 8000 miles a year. What is suitable car or estate with a low tailgate for wheelchair...
My daughter (a lawyer) is seriously thinking of buying a Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG. Is there anything she should know about the car and what wheel/tyres would you recommend?
Can you recommend any product that will protect aluminium wheels against the effects of the metal in brake dust on new wheels? On my last Volvo three of the four wheels had seized onto their hubs due to...
I am 90 years old, exceptionally fit and have driven accident-free for 65 years. Where may I get a professional assessment of my driving abilities and, if necessary, remedial training?
I have a LHD UK-registered 2006 5.7 V8 Chrysler 300C Hemi in Spain with just 1300 miles on it. A LHD specialist has made an offer to buy it and meet me in Spain to conclude the deal. Before I travel out...
I have been very satisfied with my Subaru Outback 2.5 automatic. It's an excellent car, but slightly too big for my driving now. I am not keen on the XV car as its finish is a bit ‘tinny’ and seats uncomfortable....
I recently bought a Honda Jazz, twelve months old with 12,700 miles, from a reputable Honda dealer. I was told by the salesman that the car had one previous owner. It was not until I received the new registration...
My wife and I both retired recently. We drive a 2003 Audi A3 and a 2004 Audi TT 3.2. Both cars are showing signs of ageing, such as engine management “lightitis”, high road tax and poor fuel economy. Our...
I live in Suffolk on the coast and my 2001 Volkswagen Golf sits outside, doing a relatively small mileage. I suffer with problems of heavy frost on the windows, which takes some time to remove and, very...
On visiting my student daughter at Sentinel Towers accommodation at Leeds University on Saturday 12 October, I parked in a nearby carpark. The gate was open, the kiosk locked and un-manned, and signs stated...
My wife has 1996 Ford KA, mileage 53,000, which has been well maintained, currently doing less than 2000 miles a year. It passed its MoT last April, but has on previous occasions needed some welding work....
In June 2011 I bought a Fabia vRS new from SMC Skoda Exeter. At the second service, with 12,000 miles, I mentioned the high oil consumption plus the fact the car had gone into limp home mode after some...
I would be grateful for your comments regarding the "niggles" I'm having with my 2011 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 Match. On one occasion in July I turned on my ignition only to realise that the display that can...
I purchased my Fiat 500 diesel Multijet in April this year. It's about five years old. According to the service history, the oil was changed in October last year. The flashing oil light came on in May,...
I am just about to get a new company car and have been given two choices: Volvo XC70 or Subaru Outback - both 4x4.
I prefer the Subaru personally (mainly due to looks and no "old man" image). For my job...
I am having some problems with my Mazda6. The starter motor won’t turn over when the key is turned, but the battery is fine and charged. The car bump starts no problem. Any idea what’s wrong?
Three weeks ago bought an ex-demo Toyota Prius from a Toyota dealer that was advertised as having heated seats included within the specification. I specifically asked about this at the point of sale...
I own a 2006 BMW X3 2.0d Sport, which at 53,000 miles has suddenly lost all power. At the time it lost power, the car was towing a car and caravan.
I took the car to a BMW main service centre and ask...
I am thinking of buying a Lotus Elan M100. Can you offer any advice as to what I should look out for?
I am going to look at a 2006 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI PD Laurin + Klement. It has done 70,000 miles. What should I look for in relation to servicing, what big jobs need doing and common problems?
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