Ask Honest John

Most recently answered road noise questions
Very good recent article about comfy cars, which has prompted me to seek your advice. I recently purchased an X-Type Jag that has 17-inch alloy wheels, fitted with Michelin 225/45ZR17 Pilot Sport tyres...
My current Honda Civic is due for change & I'm wondering which of the current similar models (Focus, etc) are the quietest, especially in respect of road noise. The Civic is great on good surfaces but...
My Lexus RX400h (2007), has recently developed a severe case of road noise which increases to a quite unbearable level by 60mph. The front tyres are new since Jan 2011. They are "Far Eastern" in origin...
I have a new Audi A3 sportsback 1.4 TFSI SE. It's fitted with Bridgestone Potenza REO40 205/55R16 tyres. There seems to be a high level of road noise when we go 40mph or higher. Would different tyres...
Do you know whether a "service bulletin" regarding suspension geometry has been sent to Skoda dealers? I have owned a new Skoda Octavia 1.4 TSI Estate auto for a year and the road noise is really bad....
Can we have decibel comparisons at 30 & 70MPH on all new cars? The extra noise in smaller cars is exhausting over longer journeys and with a radio at a level we can hear at speed I wonder just how high...
I am about to change the complete set of tyres for my Porsche 911 993. I currently have Contisport Contact N1. Assuming all the N-rated tyres from all the big manufacturers are of roughly equal performance...
I have a 2007 V70 that has developed a rumble on the left side of the car. It sounds like a suspension issue, quiet on smooth roads but rumbles on uneven surface. I've looked all round but can't see any...
My 2007 Toyota Avensis 1.8 petrol is very noisy, making a rumbling noise on even slightly rough roads. It is on 16" wheels and the noise was apparent with original tyres and still is with new Bridgestone...
I have a 2005 Audi A3 Sportback with a 1.6 FSI engine. I recently heard a noise that I thought may have been a wheel bearing. A mechanic checked and found the bearings OK. He suggested that the noise was...