maintenance and servicing | Ask Honest John

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Most recently answered maintenance and servicing questions

What is the average cost for changing the cambelt on an A3 2018 Sportback 1.6 petrol engine?

Does a Honda CR-V need specific engine oil?

I am thinking of buying a Honda CR-V 2018 petrol and keeping it for a long time. As such I would be getting the oil changed every six months or 5000 miles, however I have just been told that Honda engines...

Does the transmission oil need to be changed on a DCT automatic?

Have a 68 plate Hyundai i20 1.0 litre petrol with the DCT automatic transmission. It is not a torque converter automatic. Car has done approx 28k miles. Does the transmission oil needs to be changed and...

Do I have to use a genuine oil filter in my car?

What is the difference between a genuine Citroen/ Peugeot oil filter and a non genuine one, like Bosch?

How often should I replace the fuel filter on my car?

How often does the fuel filter on my MINI Countryman 1.6d 2013 need changing?

Does the transmission fluid need changing in my BMW?

I have a BMW 220d xDrive auto Active Tourer. It is 8 years old and has done 103,000 miles. I am advised by BMW that there is no requirement to ever change the auto transmission oil but a local autobox...

When should the cambelt be changed on my Peugeot?

I have a Peugeot 208 1.2 petrol. I was told the cam belt life was 100,000 miles - I have only done 25,000 miles in 8 1/2 years. What is the recommended life? I have been told that later 1.2 engines have...

Does my car need an oil flush when it is serviced?

My 2018 Suzuki S-Cross is due for an MoT and service. I have been quoted an additional £50 for an oil flush. At 35,000 miles is this essential or worth it? I’ve been driving for 60 years and am not familiar...

How often should I change the spark plugs on my car?

I have a 30,000 mile 2018 BMW X2. How often should I change the spark plugs ?

Is the Dacia Duster expensive to service and repair?

I understand that French cars are complicated and expensive to work on, often requiring specialised tools. Since a Dacia Duster is basically a rebadged Renault will it be cheap to buy but expensive to...