Are there any precautions I should follow with regards to turbochargers on stop-start engines?

As I am contemplating buying a car with Renault's TCe 90 engine I have read with interest your recent comments on overheating turbos and would appreciate your advice on some points. Does carbonising build...

Why aren't Volkswagen customers told about timing belt changes when they buy a Golf or Polo?

I am writing to thank you for the reply you gave to CS of Woodstock recently relating the changing of a camshaft belt on a Volkswagen Golf. My wife owns a Polo which is six years old and has a mileage...

I recommend paying extra for a roof service on Volkswagen's Eos.

After writing to you last year I was concerned about buying my Volkswagen EOS 1.4TSI. However, I am delighted with it and have no regrets. The short-term inconvenience of some winter condensation is more...

Can you recommend a warranty plan for our 3-year-old Skoda Yeti?

We bought our Yeti 1.8TSI 4WD new in September 2010 and have been absolutely delighted with it. We bought a Monthly Service Plan at £15.57 per month to cover the first three services. I requested a schedule...

Does my 2008 Volkswagen Golf have a belt cam or a chain cam, and how should it be maintained?

Several years ago I purchased a 2008 Golf Plus 1.4 TSI. When I purchased the car I was adamant that I wanted a chain cam system as a result of the problems with belt cams. The Volkswagen dealer assured...

Why do plastic/nylon timing belt pulleys need to be changed so often?

Plastic and nylon timing belt pulleys in VAG 1.4 and 1.6 16v engines have been an area of concern for many. We all know that the plastic pulley wheels/bearings are more likely to fail than the belt itself....

How do you rate the Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 163ps against the 140ps version?

How do you rate the Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 163PS compared with the 2.0 TDCI 140PS version as regards reliability, value for money, known problems, maintenance, DPF reliability, etc.?

When should I change the timing belt / chain in our Ford S-Max?

We drive a RHD 2009 Ford S-Max that we bought new when we lived in UK. It has now completed 73,500 miles. When should I have the cam belt/chain (not sure which) changed? We really like this car for its...

Silicone grease is an excellent lubricant for the rubber seals in a folding roof.

Following the recent mentions of silicone grease in your column, it is also an excellent lubricant for the rubber seals in a metal folding roof. After a few years the seals dry out, resulting in a lot...

Should I idle my Mondeo 1/6 EcoBoost turbo even after short trips?

Thank you for recommending the Mondeo 1.6 EcoBoost. Your review advises "1.6 EcoBoosts need idling from hot before switching off otherwise oil in the turbo bearing and oil feed to the bearing can carbonise....