Should my new oil be dark?

When oil is supposed to be changed at a routine service on a diesel car, what colour should it be on checking the dipstick, bearing in mind it is supposed to be new oil?

Is this a warranty repair?

My automatic transmission needs a complete reconditioning. The gear box was dismantled at a specialist transmission place and they reported that the fluid was black, burnt, smelly & low. A full exam...

Used car gearbox problem

I've just bought a 36,000 mile 2008 Yaris with a new clutch fitted. I have to be almost stopped before I can engage 1st and, when cold, 2nd is difficult and crunches. Is there a known problem with the...

Engine flush and clean - worth it?

I am about to have an annual service on our Saab 43,000 miles always serviced, we have been offered an engine flush and fuel treatment along with a Saab 6 months warranty for an additional £150. (Annual...

Why does diesel drain into the sump on cars with a clogged DPF?

I read that you stated that modern diesels are unsuitable for successive runs from cold, which I fully comprehend, but how does diesel drain into the sump as a consequence?

What is causing my friend's Range Rover Sport diesel to blow its turbo?

You may remember I emailed you last week about my colleague's Range Rover Sport 2.7 diesel with a blown turbo at 104,000 miles. Well the turbo has been replaced but the garage has called him to say the...

Volvo V70 diesel engine query

Having already had engine problems with a Toyota Avensis 2.0 D4D, purchased new in April 2007 (lower engine replaced at 2 years old due to high oil usage - replacement did not resolve problem - plus EGR...

Mazda 6 oil consumption

Hi, I own a Mazda 5, 55 registration, about 82,000 miles run. It consumes 4ltrs engine oil almost every 1000 miles now. I checked for leak or smoke in exhaust but can't spot either of these symptoms. I...

Using mineral oil instead of synthetic - problematic?

What penalty or problems will there be if a car for which it is recommended that synthetic or semi-synthetic oil is used is given 'normal' oil on an oil change?

Self-serviced

I contacted you previously when I was first experiencing high engine oil consumption (Longlife) with my Audi A5, purchased new in July 2010. In the last two years I have had regular interchange with the...