Can I alter the exhaust in my Land Rover Defender?
I have read that by removing the catalytic converter and the EGR valve from a TD5 Land Rover Defender, the car will perform better and be a lot more economical. There are replacement pipes and plugs available on the internet, for that purpose and it is MOT-approved. My question is: if I do this in Ireland, would my Defender fail the NCT test?
Cesar Pereira (Mullaghmore, County Sligo)Oct 2015 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Cesar,
Yes, pretty much an instant fail there. If you take out the cat and the EGR valve you're going to push your emissions readings up significantly. Please don't do it - that equipment is there for a reason.
Is low oil pressure a problem on an Opel Corsa?
I have an oil pressure problem on my Opel Corsa. Is ths a big problem?
Melissa Harding (Celbridge)Oct 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Melissa,
It's not possible to tell you what is causing the problem from afar, but oil pressure is critical to an engine's well-being so do not drive anywhere without getting it fixed. First thing to check is the oil level itself and top if up if needs be. If that doesn't fix the issue then get the car to a mechanic as soon as you can to look at it. Hopefully it's something small like the oil light switch itself.
Best of luck
How much is my Volkswagen Passat worth?
I have a 2002 Volkswagen Passat tested until May 2016, 1.8 petrol. Heated seats 6 disc CD changer, four new tyres, Comfortline model. How much is it worth?
Martin Keegan (Meath)Oct 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Only around €1,500 I'm afraid.
What can I do about my faulty i30?
Hi, I am Prince from Wicklow,
I bought a new Hyundai i30 1.6 diesel two months ago. Now the car has an engine noise, abnormal pulling and an air conditioning problem. It was admitted to dealer garrage for repair it twice within two months. That took a week each time, but it is still not perfect.
Now it is running forward without pressing the accelerator in second, third and fourth gear and does not slow down immidiately when going down a gear. And there is also some problem with the auto stop and start system. Plus its fuel economy is only 47mpg.
What should I do? Can I ask my dealer to replace this faulty car, and what are my rights?
Thank you
Prince
Prince Francis (Bray)Oct 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Prince,
That’s a tricky one. In terms of your consumer rights, you are most certainly entitled to a replacement car if this one is not up to scratch and the dealership has not been able to repair it to your satisfaction.
However, you’ll need to establish that there is a specific fault or faults with the car first. I’d recommend getting it inspected by an independent motor vehicle assessor (you can find them via a quick Google search) and get them to give you a full report on it. Then you need to bring that report to the dealer and demand that either the car is fully repaired (it’s still well within its original five-year warranty after all) or give you a replacement.
Let us know how you get on
Is it illegal to display an L plate when no learner driving?!
Is displaying an L plate when learner driver not in the car against the law??
I was stopped at a check-point a few days ago. As I was displaying an L plate the Garda asked was I a learner. I said no, it was for my daughter who was not in the car. He asked again why I had an L plate up. I explained again. He said it is against the law to display an L plate if I am not a learner. Asking if he was joking, he got annoyed. I asked if that meant every time she got into or out of car I had to put up/take down L plates. He said yes.
Completely impractical but can you confirm this?
Ruth Lavelle, Monaghan
Ruth Lavelle (Monaghan)Sep 2015 Filed under: learner
Expert answer
Hi Ruth,
Right, we've scoured the road traffic act and checked with the Garda press office and according to them, "there is no such offence." So you were right and your 'friendly' local Garda was wrong. Feel free to print this page off and drop it in to your local station...
Any updates coming for the Volkswagen up!?
How likely is it that the 1.0 TFSI engine from the Audi A1 will feature in the Volkswagen up! in the future do you reckon? Also, are there any rumblings on the grape vine of any facelift for the up!?
Niall Conneely (Galway)Sep 2015 Filed under: future engines
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
It already kinda does - the 1.0 TFSI is a turbocharged version of the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine found in the up!. As for the likelihood of the up! getting the turbo version, don't hold your breath. We're still waiting for the sporty up! GT and there's little market interest in Ireland for a small hot hatch no matter how much a small band of enthusiasts might fervently wish for it. There is an update and facelift due but Volkswagen hasn't announced an ETA for it yet.
Is the engine different in later Citroen Picasso?
Did Citroen change its 1.6-litre petrol engine from 2004 to 2007 in the Picasso?
Damien Butler (Galway)Sep 2015 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Damien,
No, it's the same EP6 model 1.6-litre petrol engine, with 120hp and CO2 emissions of 145g/km.
Is the 2005 BMW 3 Series economical?
Is the 2005 BMW 3 Series a good car in terms of fuel consumption? I'm looking at a second hand one.
Frances Ward (Dublin)Expert answer
Hi Frances,
If you mean a 320d diesel then yes, it's excellent. You should expect to get at least 45mpg in daily driving, a little more if you're careful.
If it's a petrol 318i or 320i then it'll be a little more thirsty but 35mpg on average should still be do-able.
Why is my Opel Astra slow to start?
Hi, my 2002 Opel Astra petrol takes a while to start. I got the igniton coil changed and the fuel pump and still it goes back to the same as before. Any suggestions appreciated.
Gerry Noone (Dublin)Sep 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
It's very difficult to assess such things from afar I'm afraid. It could be any number of things. Basically it comes down to spark, fuel and air, but of course, electronics also come into it, so a sensor could be faulty as well. The best bet is to bring the car to a good local mechanic to have a look.
Hope you get it sorted soon.
Has the Volkswagen 'twincharger' engine issues?
Hi,
Just read that the Volkswagen 1.4 turbo- and supercharged engines are giving problems. One UK Scirocco motorist says his Volkswagen dealer is replacing his engine. My Audi A3 is a 1.4 TSI. I think the new Audi A3 Saloon has the same engine. Have you any reports on the above ?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Sep 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi F D,
There does seem to be an issue with the turbo- and supercharged engines involving the timing chain and it seems to be because Volkswagen tried to stretch the service intervals too far. Now, your A3 may not have that particular engine, depending on the year and the engine power. The lower power 122hp version of the 1.4 TSI didn't have a supercharger, just a turbo so is simpler and doesn't seem to suffer the same issues. The more recent 150hp version also does without the supercharger, so the best thing to do is not panic - if you're concerned about the car, take it to your dealer, have it inspected and maybe insist on a more frequent oil change.