What caused the windscreen washer motor to fail on my KIA Sportage?

The water windscreen wash motor failed on an under-warranty KIA Sportage, which has been fully serviced since purchase with the same garage. They claim it is dirt that has caused it and charged me £146....

What is causing my Mazda 6 to burn oil?

I have a 2007 Mazda 6 with a 2261cc petrol engine, mileage 88,000. I have owned it from new and it has been serviced regularly by the local Mazda dealer. After a recent service I was informed that it is...

Is it necessary to change the gearbox oil in my three-year-old Ford Mondeo Sport?

My Ford Mondeo Sport petrol is nearly three years old with 17,000 miles on the clock. During my recent annual service I was told the car required a complete gearbox oil change, recommended by the manufacturers,...

Should I change the oil in my Freelander 2 before embarking on a 2000-mile trip round Europe?

We own an 18-month-old 150PS Land Rover Freelander 2, which was serviced at 12 months and 10,000 miles. We will shortly be six months on from the first service and 5000 more miles (90 per cent of which...

Which reliable five-door car offers reasonable fuel economy and performance?

My wife and I are looking to replace our ageing and ailing 5-door, 1.6 petrol Ford Focus. Happy with 'used' as opposed to new, as it will be mainly used by my better half for short journeys with the odd...

Why doesn't your column promote keeping older vehicles on the road?

I have been reading your letters page for many years, but have become increasingly frustrated by your toleration of the view that 'older' cars should be disposed of. Might I remind you that not all of...

Why are more people not replacing their headlight bulbs?

I am noticing more and more vehicles with only one headlight working. Driving home one evening last week I counted 1 in 12 cars had faulty lights front or back. Why are motorists are not doing simple checks...

Why do so many cars have blown bulbs?

I drive buses for a living. Over the last two or three years I have seen a noticeable increase in the number of vehicles with head/side or tail/brake lights with blown bulbs. Could it be that these particular...

How often do I need to take a DPF-equipped diesel for a long run?

We are looking to buy a diesel estate but have had conflicting advice on how often you have to take them out for longer, faster drives to avoid problems with DPFs. Is it twice a month or every couple of...

Why does the diff fluid need changing in my 26,000-mile-old Honda CR-V?

I have a second generation 2005 Honda CR-V 2.0ES. I felt a strange 'rubbing sound' on either full lock. After a diagnostic charge of £48 I was told the rear diff needed flushing out and a fluid change...