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Questions from December 2020
I need to buy some new tyres. The current tyres have a speed rating of H. Is it a bad idea to replace the two rear tyres with some that have a speed rating of V (as they seem to be cheaper)?
I have a Nissan Qashqai (2012 model). The car key is well and truly stuck in the ignition. Can I still lock the car with the key in the ignition? Any advice on how I can free it?
When did last non-hybrid petrol Honda Jazz go on sale?
I have contract leased through my company a Ford Transit Connect Double Cab - (I have two kids and quite often need to put them in as well as deliveries). I now need a larger van and am looking at the...
I am confused about the cam belt change schedule on my Dacia Duster 1.5 diesel. I was advised to change the cam belt and associated parts- at 60,000 miles. But the manual states a change at 100,000, what...
Can you tell me what the speed ratings mean on a set of tyres?
I own a 2017 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTI SRI NAV. The engine light is on and going in limp mode. It shows codes: P2453, P2452, P244A, P226D. Can you tell me what is wrong with my car?
Are there any electric vehicles which can safely tow a caravan of 1500kg? I currently have a Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 diesel which is a superb tow car - can anything electric replace it at a similar cost?
What's the best Volkswagen Transporter type van with eight seats? We have bumpy road occasionally and transport large items so seats coming out would be good, too.
I am recently married, in my early 30s and with a newly acquired lurcher puppy. My wife and I live in London, but often frequent our my family's farm in Suffolk. We are both environmentally conscious and,...
I have a budget of £22,000 for a used or new SUV. It must have an automatic gearbox with a petrol or hybrid powertrain. The boot size must also be at least 550 litres or above. Other requirements include...
How long should a key fob battery last? I have had five new sets of key batteries in 2.5 years. Is this normal?
I own a 2013 Ford C-MAX. Recently, it has started to show a 'child lock malfunction' message on the information display. The key fob no longer locks or unlocks the rear door (driver's side) and the power...
I want to buy a MINI Countryman. Can you tell me which model is best - Cooper S or Cooper?
I have a Kia Rio that has a turbocharged engine. I was always told that after a long journey you must keep the engine running for a minute or two (in order to allow the turbo to cool down). Is this still...
I want to buy my daughter a new car. Can you recommend something that's reliable and cheap?
A friend of mine was advised by his GP to give in his driving licence because of sight problems, or his licence would be taken away. He has done this but now has an electric mobility scooter which he can...
I'm seeking a reliable hybrid (possibly electric) SUV 4WD that is sufficiently comfortable, economical and powerful to use chiefly for lots of 600-mile journeys on motorways. I don't really know where...
I've just taken delivery of my replacement company car, a Skoda Superb 1.4 IV. I had a long trip to make so pulled into a motorway service station. I downloaded the app for the Ecotricity charge point,...
My daughter is a student living away from home. She owns and insures her own car, which remains at our home address during term time, this being her registered insurance address. She does visit home every...
I need to downsize my car. I'm thinking of going electric. The longest round trip would be 200 miles. I also need to have a passenger car for my grandchildren.
I sold my Cat C car and was honest about it. I have the written transcript. The buyer asked if her mechanic could check the car over and I agreed. I said it was a good idea to be completely sure. She didn't...
I bought a 2014 Skoda Citigo (22,000 miles on clock). The clutch failed after 3 weeks of owning it. The clutch plate is shredded. Dealer is claiming it's 'fair wear and tear'. Should they pay for a replacement?
I've done a lot of reading by various car writers on the subject of EV range and how it differs a lot from the makers' figures. The thing I'm more interested in is, on average, how much does using air...
I currently drive a Land Rover Discovery 3 (2004), which I'm looking to replace. I need something with a big boot for 2 large dogs and capable of towing a caravan. I love my Discovery not only for its...
Is 58,000 miles on a 2010 Volkswagen Golf diesel excessive? Should I leave it well alone?
What’s the best way to (reluctantly) sell my blue, one owner, 2004, 2.2-litre Z4 with 50,000 miles and FSH in great condition.
Every car I've bought in the past from a dealer has been taken for a test drive, to get used to the size of the vehicle or simply to make sure it sounded and drove okay. Buying direct to home seems to...
I have a new car and want a dash cam with parking mode. Is it possible to have one that doesn't need hard wiring? I'd prefer it to run on aux socket, but would it stop working when I turn off the ignition?
I privately sold a car 3-4 weeks ago. Now they've come back with a huge bill saying the clutch has gone even though it was serviced three weeks before. It was sold as all okay with no advisories. Who has...
Are PCP/PCH deals available on pre-registered cars?
I have a vehicle with a 2016 registration, which is currently in the £0 annual road tax bracket. I'm planning to export this vehicle to Cyprus, where I will be working for around 3 years. At the end of...
What's the best way to protect the windscreen from frost and snow?
Yesterday I fitted four new CrossClimate tyres to my Volkswagen Golf SV. The original tyres were rated at H. The fitter had fitted three H and one V rated tyre. Today, the tyre alarm went off after 30...
If I break a speed limit on the same road, crossing from one county to another, will this be one offence or two?
If I'm given a price for a repair and then given a higher price four hours later when most of the work has been done, is that legal?
I've inherited my father's old Lada Riva 1200. It's rusty and hasn't run for 14 years, but it was owned by him alone since new and the actual one on display at the Motor Show the year he bought it. It...
I have a 2011 Jaguar XK convertible. The road tax is in excess of £500 a year. Is that correct given the age of the car? I thought the tax decreased after a number of years. Thank you.
Can you suggest a reliable SUV under £9000 that will hold its value over 5 years? I live in Bristol so was leaning towards petrol.
I'm looking at classic Italian autos. Currently living in Italy so I have some access. I like the Lancia Appia models from the late '50s to early '60s. I like the size, styling and room but am not very...
My wife has just had an operation and has been told by the surgeon that she must not drive for six months. Presumably, the hospital will notify DVLA so that her licence is suspended for that period. Are...
Can you recommend a hybrid car with high seating?
Can I safely use my 6-year-old full-size spare tyre? It was purchased for my car when new in 2016. The DOT code is from early 2015. I just wondered about the safety aspect. Although, the Continental tyres...
In the new year, I'm going to buy a Skoda Octavia. I have a budget of around £7500 and will be looking for the cheapest running costs. Can you advise what model/price I'm likely to find, please? Thank...
Are electric cars able to tow caravans and trailers?
I wrecked a tyre and alloy wheel on my Volvo V70 in March. The pothole was marked with a faded white line but I couldn't avoid it. I claimed but Hampshire CC have rejected my claim as they have no record...
I'm an engineer and if I were designing an electric vehicle, it would have an electric variable speed motor in each hub, some onboard electrical charge storage, an intelligent hub to manage and deliver...
I've been a Honda Jazz obsessive for the past 10 years, but now equipped with two little people, a dog and far too much stuff to lug between stays with the in-laws, I'm craving that little bit more space...
I have a budget of £5000. I'm looking for a reliable Ford Connect Van with relatively low mileage (100k max). Roughly, what are people paying for them?
I'm looking to replace my 2005 Nissan X-Trail for a modern version of this type of vehicle, but have been unsuccessful. My criteria are petrol, capable of handling rough terrain and slippery surfaces,...