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Honest John Ask Honest John » February 2012
Trending topics in February 2012
automatics buying diesel particulate filter diesels dual mass flywheel feedback fuel economy insurance large cars legal issues new cars owning reliability repairs selling small cars technical issues used cars warranties wheels and tyres
Questions from February 2012
The temperture guage is not working. I have just had a coil pack fitted and the guage was working before this was fitted.
I have had my track rod ends replaced 11 months ago,and they have gone again. Am I covered by a warranty at the garage that replaced them as they are less than 12 months old?
I have been offered a Vectra 2004 2.0 DTI estate with just over 100,000 on the clock. I have 2 young kids so this would be perfect as I have a passat just now and it is getting quite tired. The guy that...
In your report on 20th February about the new law that make carrying breathalysers in France compulsory, did you know that AlcoSense has launched a new single-use breathalyser - the AlcoSense Singles?...
As the owner of a 2011 520D BMW touring automatic I only do about 5000 miles a year mainly City driving. I see advertisements for removal of DPF, is this a solution to avoid impending major problems?
I bought a 7 month old Avensis in February 2007 and was disappointed to find it had been hire car and e-mailed you with my concerns. Your response "Why not? They are usually the best run-in cars you can...
I own an S-Class S320 CDI, 2002, 85k in good condition. When cold it changes from 1st to 2nd gear with a bang. It's OK when warm. How do I sort this? Would changing the gearbox fluid help?
Please can you help with the following decision. I am looking to buy a Mercedes W211 E-Class V6-engined saloon. I know the post-2006 facelift cars are the best ones, but should I choose petrol or diesel? I...
I think that I have been clocked doing just under 70mph in a 50mph zone. What are the likely penalties - would it be a standard £60 and 3 points or more?
Interesting to read the answer to the LR Discovery tyres question.... My D3 was factory fitted with Pirelli Scorpion P zero M&S tyres. I've had the tyres changed twice now, first time at approx. 28k for...
I have recently bought a 3 year old Fiesta 1.6 petrol engine with 9000 on the clock, is there anything I should get double checked i.e brake fluid, oil, timing belt etc? Any info would be appreciated.
I am getting myself a little confused over the diesel/petrol debate. I realise that you need to do more mileage to benefit from diesel but did not realise that there were numerous items in the car which...
Why don't manufacturers provide a clip or similar simple device for securely holding parking tickets on the dash to avoid them being blown off or disappearing below the windscreen?
Hi can you tell me if diesel engines use more diesel in the cold weather? My economy has dropped from 55mpg in the warm weather To 46-47 Mpg in the winter.
Hi my window washer jets dont work iv check the fuses and iv checked the pipe they is no noise coming from the pump either
Car judders in first when taking off. I can aleviate this by using higher revs than normal and slipping the clutch. Reverse smooth as silk and once rolling no problems in any other gears. Could it...
My Ford Mondeo on a 53 plate has an intermittent misfire. Sometimes drives fine, Sometimes doesn't. Any idea what could be the cause?
I have a BMW 3 Series Convertible which needs new rear tyres. Currently fitted by BMW with Continentals. Rear wheel size is 255/40R17 94. You have recently been recommending Michelin Pilot Primacy HP...
Is it illegal to only have one headlight? There are so many cars with only one headlight and if its the drivers side along a dark lane they can be mistaken for a motorbike. The police should get active...
As we do 25,000 miles each year, a couple of years ago we bought a 5 year old Citroen C4 diesel for £5000 with 61,000 miles on the clock. Now, after almost 50,000 miles of pretty much trouble-free motoring...
Looking for a smallish car that is very comfortable. Don't mind about sportiness or handling at all. Would rather have something that is comfortable like the Prius, and Volkswagen Golf size. The Prius...
I own a Santa Fe auto diesel 2011. Despite almost constant use of the ECO button the fuel consumption continues to rise. Originally it achieved 39mpg and now some 28,000km later it has risen to 27.1mpg. Normal...
What year were DPF filters introduced and what age Mondeo or Passat cars do not have them fitted?
I was considering buying a Lexus IS250,nearly new for £23000. However I have been increasingly put off by comments concerning the Low Profile Tyres(225x45x17) and their adverse effect on ride quality...
Can any one help, i've replaced the bulb... nothing, I've checked the connector plug and that's fine still nothing, all the other sidelights work. Can anyone give any pointers on what it could be?
I have a 59 reg old shape Subaru Legacy Boxer diesel, the 5 speed model. It's done 80,000 miles but has started, when cold, shuddering when moving off in first gear. It also is a bit jerky and shudders...
Looking at buying a Volkswagen Polo 1.2, are there any common faults?
My wife and I test drove a 2 year old Prius today. Lovely car but very bad smell coming from passenger side, where my wife sat. Neither I nor the salesman could smell anything. We bought another Prius,...
Does the 1998 2.1 engine have an interference head.
On tests on this site the overhanging engine design at Volkswagen/Audi is criticised. How does it affect driving?
My daughter had her bag stolen from her local gym. Her car keys were in the bag and the car was subsequently stolen. It is a 51 plate Toyota Yaris previously owbed by her grandmother in excellent condition...
Do you know if there are any legal restrictions to fitting, and using, hydrogen generating devices to private vehicles? If not - do you know if there any Government grants or promotions?
I'm buying a car with a budget of £2,500 - Advice has been to buy Japanese in this price range do you agree? What do think of the Nissan Primera? They look good value for money and there are some excellent...
I am interested in buying a second hand car - a Ford Focus 2004 automatic with 90,000 miles on the clock. What problems or issues should I be aware of?
Thinking of selling my 15k 2009 (09) Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge for £7k to help with my finances. Should I buy a small car around the £2k mark, or should I lease a similar car (engine size, mpg etc.) for 3 years,...
I have 2010 Honda CR-V auto and would like to change to something similar but with 6/7 seats. I am retired and tow a caravan MTPLM 1500kg.
My Audi A6 has done 62k miles. Registered April 2007. I'm just about to have it serviced and the Audi specialist garage says at 5 years or 75k I should have my timing belt changed. Should I? In the service...
I have a MINI but need a larger car for fishing so looked at a small van (Nemo, Vauxhall Combo) and find them nice to drive, inexpensive and convenient for other tasks. However, when doing airport runs...
Can owners swap cars of similar value, without any cash changing hands and avoid paying tax on the transaction?
I have an immaculate 1949 Rover P3 which I have owned for over 30 years and which is insured on an agreed value basis. The car has the original registration which has a retail value of around £4000-£5000...
I am looking to buy a car, but i can't decide to buy new or used? EVERYONE at works says buy used, 3 year old car can cost 40% less but a new car i will lose 20% of the value as soon as i drive it off...
I have been trying to buy the correct fascia to enable my broken CD/Radio to be replaced. I had beed given a new cd/radio and installation costs as a Christmas present. Halfords (supplier) tried three...
Do you have a view regarding advertised magic 'pens' that purport to remove scratches and road chipping marks whatever the colour or type of paint your car has, or are these pens only any use for very...
I bought new a 2011 Kia Carens diesel three weeks ago. In the first week I couldn’t get fifth gear so the garage dropped the gear box to correct . Two or three weeks later the problem returned with 1st...
In your summary of the Volvo V50 you state as a 'bad point' that diesels are expensive after 3 years. I have a 40 month old Volvo V50 2.0 diesel with 22k miles and and no problems so far. I need to decide...
Instead of motorists rejoicing that a debate over road fuel prices was triggered by a petition signed by just over 100,000 people, we should be looking upon this as the greatest show of public apathy ever....
I have a 2005 Jaguar X-Type 3-litre 4-wheel drive with 14,000 miles since new. I am very pleased with the car, but the road noise is rather high and the tyres are coming up for replacement. I wonder if...
Do you have any experience of using "Snow Socks" when conditions are slippery and snowy? If so, do you recommend using them?
I have just heard on the radio that car insurance premiums have gone up by 35 per cent in the last two years. The usual excuses are trotted out: more people claiming for injuries, young uninsured drivers,...
Your recent answer about the changing of pollen filters query struck a note for me. When the throughput of fresh air in the cabin is reduced, the danger of drowsiness is dramatically increased. And, of...
 

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