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• OIL CHANGES: How often should I change the oil in my car? (FAQs)
  After the first year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, I recommend using either a good semi-synthetic oil such as Texaco Havoline 5w/30 (Ford dealer 'bulk' oil), or a fully-synthetic such as Mobil 1, and changing it every 5,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first
• RUNNING-IN A PETROL ENGINE: What's the best way to run-in a petrol engine? (FAQs)
  Modern petrol engines are built extremely 'tight' so they need a bit of wear during the first 10,000 miles for the piston rings to bed properly into the bores. Leave factory fill of oil for the first year or 10,000 miles. An early oil change to fully synthetic can prevent this happening
• DIESEL v PETROL: Which is better for me?   (FAQs)
  Diesels are generally dearer to buy but in the past have held their value better. Though this may change. Over 2007/08 diesel fuel in the UK became about 10% more expensive to buy than petrol, but regained parity on 2009. Diesel automatics can lose a lot
• STORING A CAR: How should I prepare my car for long term storage? (FAQs)
  the oil and filter changed. Make sure the coolant corrosion inhibitors have not degraded (they usually have after 3 - 4 years, so have the coolant changed). If the car has ABS, make sure the brake fluid has been changed within the past two years or the ABS pump could suffer internal corrosion from
• GARAGE SERVICING: How can I find a reputable garage  to service or repair my car? (FAQs)
  can of multipurpose lubricant at every service, and charge for it, of course. The Oil Filter Flanker Instead of changing the oil filter at a routine service, tell the fitter to simply give it a good clean over with a rag. It will look like new, the punter won't know any difference
• AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS: What are the different types?  (FAQs)
  . Direct Shift Gearboxes For example VAG's transvverse engine twin-shaft 6-speed manual transmission with a pair of oil clutches. Because the next ratio is always on the opposite shaft, it can be 'pre-selected' and changed to rapidly and efficiently, usually at no sacrifice in fuel
• TOWING: Can you give me some general tips about towing?  (FAQs)
  suggest that you ask them to check the box over and comment on fitting an oil cooler and extra fan/fans Ask for quote and if it “goes over the top” have it done. You will not regret it. An eight week trip in the South & S.W. of France is to be enjoyed not to be spent worrying over every
• MISFUELLING A CAR: What should you do if you accidentally put the wrong fuel in your car?  (FAQs)
  , in a thin oily coat which inhibits sparking and combustion. With a mixture of petrol and diesel the car will smoke, and it can burn out the spark-plugs. The diesel can make its way into the oil sump and raise the oil level while thinning it out. This can lead to a lack of lubrication for the engine
• DPFs: What are they and why do they go wrong? (FAQs)
  the oil life. If the "INSP" light in the instrument cluster comes on, the engine oil is exhausted and must be changed. Failure to do so could damage the engine. MORE INFORMATION FROM http://www.tdciforum.co.uk Catalysed Diesel Particulate
• LPG: Where can I get my car converted to run on LPG? (FAQs)
  UK LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) is wellhead gas, rather than refined from crude oil, and current estimates are that there is enough under the North Sea to last 40 to 60 years. Usually a petrol engined car running on LPG suffers a 10% to 20% increase in fuel consumption. If it uses significantly