How are DPFs damaged by repeated short journeys? Our 2000 BMW 320d has done 180,000 miles without fault.

Regarding latest EU emission regulations for diesel engines, could you please give us more information on the subject of the particulate filters being adversely affected by repeated short journeys? I have...

Should I use a diesel or petrol car as a driving school vehicle?

I am a driving instructor and I do about 700 to 800 miles per week. My question is, would a diesel car be better for me? At first glance at my weekly mileage the answer would seem obvious, but here are...

How can I minimise damage to my Jaguar X-Type 2.2D's dual mass flywheel?

It is apparent that the dual mass flywheel and clutch is known to give problems with some drivers (including myself) with the Jaguar X-Type 2.2D, but this would not appear to be the case with the 2.0D...

Why don't salesroom staff do more to inform customers about the need to regenerate diesel DPFs?

I’m no great fan of the EU, but I think your reply to GR of Warrington blaming them for the clogging of particulate filters was a bit off the mark. Yes, the EU called for better street-level air quality...

I've had no DPF problems with my Nissan Qashqai diesel over 20,000 miles, despite using it for short trips.

I owned a Nissan Qashqai Acenta 2.0 DCI Turbo for 31 months during which time it covered 20,000 miles. It averaged 40mpg (according to the computer). At no time did I have any issues with the DPF. At each...

Please recommend an economical, easily-accessible car capable of driving over rough tracks?

Would you be kind enough, please, to recommend a car that will do approximately 10,000 miles per annum, and will last for the next ten years, will do at least 10 miles per litre in mainly rural and small...

What's the minimum annual mileage I should cover in my Land Rover Freelander 2 to avoid DPF problems?

I notice that you have mentioned the need for new diesel vehicles to do a yearly minimum mileage when fitted with a particulate filter. The other week you quoted "15,000 miles per year'". No one mentioned...

What's causing a 'graunching' noise to come from the front of my Volkswagen Golf?

I have a 2003 Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDi. When I depress the accelerator, I get a kind of intermittent grinding noise coming from the front of the car. The noise stops as soon as I take my foot off the accelerator,...

Is dual mass flywheel failure a common fault on Peugeot diesels like my 307 GLX?

I've recently noticed a metallic rattle on starting up my 2003 Peugeot 307 GLX 110 HDO with 68,500 miles. This was diagnosed as spring rattle on the flywheel so a new flywheel was fitted under warranty....

Why is my Renault Laguna's clutch rattling?

The clutch on my Renault Laguna has now developed a rattle. Any ideas what this could be?