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Hi Juliana,

We don't know of any common issue with the Insight, so it's probably a protection mechanism for the battery. We get a lot of similar queries, which prompted us to write the Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature - well worth a read.

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Hi Janie,

On the parking sensor issue, it just seems to be a bit of a quirk with the Audi Q7 that to get the front sensors on when moving forwards, you have to press the parking sensor switch, although they do, as you point out, come on automatically when you select reverse. We’re not sure why this is, but it might be worth a visit to your dealer to see if there’s some finicky bit of software code that can be re-set to activate them automatically at low speeds.

As for the stop-start system, if could be a few things. Obviously, there may be a fault, in which case get the car booked into your dealer for a check-up. Or it could be that you’re doing a lot of low-mileage, short runs, which aren’t allowing the engine and other systems to get fully up to temperature. Stop-start isn’t a simple on/off system — it’s controlled by the engine management and that won’t let stop-start activate if it thinks that the engine hasn’t warmed up enough (stopping and starting a cold engine can be damaging) or if it has detected that you have a lot of high-energy drain systems (air conditioning, demisters etc) running. Try and analyse your driving the next time you go out and see if any of this fits. If not, head for your dealer. 

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Hi Stephen,

OK, the theory goes that a car registered between January and July 2008 will automatically switch to the CO₂-based system at its first renewal if, and only if, it’s beneficial to do so. In other words, and this is according to the Motor Tax office, it’ll stay on the old system if it’s cheaper to do so.

According to what you’ve told us, your car should have switched to the new system no later than June of 2009, but needless to say it’s possible for it to have, for some reason, slipped through the net. I’d think a quick chat with your local motor tax office should sort it out either way. 

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Hi Annelize,

I'm afraid that's too complicated to illustrate on this page and, actually, it's recommended that several special tools are used when changing this engine's timing belt. If you do not have those, we suggest you invest in a workshop manual for the car, pay to access a service such as Autodata or give the car to a good mechanic to do the work.

Expert answer

Hi Silvester,

We have got so many questions from readers about non-functioning stop-start systems (from all makes and models) that we put together this guide to help you get to the bottom of it:

Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

Expert answer

Hi Afeez,

I’m assuming that’s a 1.6 HDI diesel model? If so you need to watch for excessive black smoke from the exhaust, which could indicate a blown turbo. Check too to see if the diesel particulate filter is working properly — if it’s a low-mileage car (and that is quite low miles) then it may not have been driven regularly enough to keep the filter clean, and they’re expensive to fix and clean. If it has air conditioning then that needs specific servicing so check that has been done and, if you notice that the car pulls to the left at higher speed, then it might need new front tyres. Other than that check that all switches and buttons are working properly, and that the car has a full and complete service history.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

The Tiguan and the Ateca are, essentially, the same car, so you may as well get the SEAT, as it’ll be the cheaper of the two. There’s virtually no difference in terms of the way it drives nor the interior space and quality. The 3008 is an interesting alternative though — arguably more stylish inside and out, but it feels subjectively less roomy, and it may not be as solidly reliable in the longer term. Worth taking into consideration though. 

Read our reviews below:

Peugeot 3008 reviews

SEAT Ateca reviews

Volkswagen Tiguan reviews

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Hi Anthony,

You should be fine, actually. Your 3 Series should (emphasis on SHOULD) be worth around €22-25,000 as a trade-in, and a 171 4 Series Gran Coupe starts at around €30,000-ish, so adding €10k of change-up budget should put you in the right ballpark. Ditto the A5 Sportback, although you will find examples of both on a 171 starting with a €4 rather than a €3… Shopping around a bit should do the trick, though. Both cars are excellent choices, and go for the Audi if you want maximum reliability.  

Expert answer

Hi Tracy,

I'm afraid without knowing exactly which car you have, this is impossible to diagnose. You should bring the car to a good mechanic or auto-electrician.

There are many reasons for a stop-start system to not always work. Read this question and answer on that subject for instance.

Expert answer

Hi Thomas,

It’s possible. If your car is the 2.0-litre 140hp TDCi saloon with a manual gearbox, then its CO₂ emissions should be rated at 156g/km, which would give you a motor tax bill of €570 a year. However, if it’s the automatic version, then the CO₂ rating jumps to 189g/km, and that’s a €750 bill.