what rates of break wear are reasonable on a vauxhall insignia

Car serviced in Oct 2011 with front pads reported as 25% worn rear pads 10% worn. This was at 15,763 miles. Now at 22,658miles front pads are 70%worn and rear needs new discs and pads. Is this reasonable.

Why has the motor trade changed from mechanics to men in white coats?

I have attached an advert for a motor mechanic in the early 1960s that shows how the motor trade has changed to white coats and computers.

Do the plugs in my 2004 Audi V6 saloon need to be gap adjusted?

For the past four years, I have enjoyed completely trouble free motoring from my 2004 Audi 2.4 V6 saloon, thanks entirely to the superb (and modestly priced) servicing care received from my local independent...

Why are the rear brake discs on my Renault Koleos wearing faster than the fronts?

I run a Renault Koleos Privilege 150, and a cracking car it is. I can't think why they stopped selling it. It recently went for its first MoT and I was surprised to be told that the rear brake pads needed...

When will my 2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI start costing money?

I am in my eightieth year, a lifelong petrol-head and still enjoy driving my 2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI with about 50,000km on the odometer. I am concerned about future maintenance costs. When will it start...

How should I change the battery on a modern car?

Can you please provide me with appropriate advice and guidance on what precautions are advised and methodology applied when replacing the battery on modern cars with sophisticated electronics, such as...

Should I service a car before selling it?

My father passed away very recently and because he had been unwell since the start of the year had not got around to servicing his three-year-old Freelander 2.2 diesel. I haven't yet decided whether...

Can I pump the oil out of my engine rather than use the drain plug?

I am considering using an oil pump to remove old engine oil via the dipstick hole instead of the more traditional method of jacking up the car and draining from the drain plug. Are there any drawbacks...

I think older cars, like my 2003 Jaguar S-Type, are excellent value for money.

I read with interest the letter from ‘MH’ with regard to older luxury cars being value for money. I purchased a 53 plate S-Type Jaguar, 4.2 V8 model for just less than £7000 about two years ago from ‘CarGiant’...

Mercedes-Benz servicing

I have just purchased a nine month old C180 auto and just wondered if what I have been advised to have servicing carried by Mercedes to protect future value of car by as much as five hundred pounds than...