Can I put Ford Kuga wheels on my S-Max?
Can I fit 18-inch alloys from a Ford Kuga (7.5J x 18) to my Ford S-Max (7J x 17)? I know that my friend's Ford S-Max 1.6 TDCi has 18-inch wheels from Ford, and it's a 2013 S-Max, which is the same shape as my 2011 model.
Matt Graves (Yanworth)May 2015 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Matt,
We asked Ford for an official adjudication on this, and here is the response:
"Each vehicle/wheel has a specific offset and wheel width regardless of tyre size. The 7.5J x 18 referenced for the Kuga wheel means that that wheel is 7.5 inches in width and the S-MAX referenced is running 7J x 17 meaning the wheels originally fitted were seven inches in width. Therefore, the answer from Ford is no - we would only recommend like for like replacements."
My Ford Focus has to be full of diesel to start!
I have a 2009 Ford Focus. If I don't keep it full with diesel it won't start. Could it be the pump in the tank or one of the injectors?
Martina Houlihan (Co Mayo Ireland)May 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Martina,
That model Ford Focus TDCi has no pump in the tank, so it can't be that. The only thing that we can think is an issue with the fuel filter or its housing, perhaps letting in air. I'm afraid the only thing for it is to bring the car to a good mechanic to assess. Best of luck,
Is the Ford Fiesta TDCi more economical than the Audi A1?
Which car is the most fuel efficient: the Audi A1 1.4 Sport petrol or the Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.6 TDCi?
Elizabeth Evans (Llanwrtyd Wells)Expert answer
Hi Elizabeth,
Ok, there's a simple answer and a not-so-simple answer. The simple answer is that the Fiesta is more economical. Going by the official figures, you'll get 78mpg on the combined cycle from the Fiesta (and that's for a model without the stop-start system fitted) and 57mpg from the Audi (that's the 125hp engine with a manual gearbox and 16-inch wheels).
Now, the not-so-simple bit. It depends on how and where you drive. If you drive mostly short journeys and mostly in town, then the diesel is not going to give its best, and that 78mpg figure is pure fiction anyway. I'd say in daily driving you'll probably get closer to 55mpg. The Audi, if driven with a bit of care and attention, should easily get 40mpg, even around town. So there's a gap, but it's not so big as you'd think.
The reverse is true if you're doing lots of long journeys at a steady motorway cruise. The Fiesta would come into its own and you''d probably squeeze 60mpg, maybe 65mpg from it. The Audi probably wouldn't get much above 45mpg, maybe a bit less, doing such journeys.
When do I change my Ford Focus timing belt?
When is the timing belt to be changed on a 2010 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 TDCi diesel?
Kevin Vivash Burke (Llanwrtyd Wells)Apr 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
Official guidelines are 125,000 miles (201,000km) or every 10 years. We'd recommend being more cautious than that.
How much to tax a diesel Ford Focus?
What is motor tax on 1.6-litre diesel Ford Focus 141 please?
Thank you
Eileen
Eileen Bergin (Cork )Apr 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Eileen,
The Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi hatchback emits 95g/km, putting it in Band A3 for tax, which currently costs €190 per annum.
My Ford Focus smells of burning oil...
My 1.8 TDCi Ford Focus smells of burning oil...
Craig Isherwood (Trs4 3hg)Apr 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Craig,
Best to get it along to a mechanic pronto, though before you do, check the oil level and top it up if it's low before you drive anywhere. It's likely there's an oil leak within the engine bay, though it could well be leaking oil into the cylinders too if there are larger issues so best to have it checked by a professional.
Is the Skoda Octavia TSI a good option for me?
Finally time to change my 2004 1.8 TDCi Ford Focus Estate. With 233,000 miles done, I think it has earned its keep. But what to replace it with? I only do about 20,000km now a year so dont really need the diesel though the torque is good for overtaking. I do need a decent boot as I fill it most weekends. Budget max €13,000. Interested in Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI in hatch or estate. Is this a reliable engine and does it have enough power for overtaking? Generally only me in car and occasional towing of 500kg trailer also done.
David Doran (Trs4 3hg)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
I'd say you've already picked out the ideal car - that Octavia 1.2 TSI is magic. Plenty of oomph, very economical and should have enough grunt to haul that trailer. One thing though - at 500kg, that trailer is getting on for the maximum braked towing weight of 610kg, so if it's an unbraked one it might be worth trading it for a braked version, just to keep some margin for safety.
How much to tax the Ford Galaxy?
How much is the car tax for six months on a 2.0-litre Ford Galaxy?
Helen Corvenieo (Kildare)Feb 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Helen,
If you mean the current model, with the 2.0-litre 140hp TDCi engine, then that has emissions of 139g/km of CO2, putting it into Band B2 for motor tax, which has a six-month cost of €155.
Looking to change to a Skoda Octavia. Thoughts?
Hi,
I'm going to change my car this year to a Skoda Octavia 08/09 model, but I was wondering if you could recommend any other reliable lower end road tax and economical diesel family cars. Been driving 2002 Volkswagen Passat for last 10 years.
Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Aisling,
You won't go far wrong with the Octavia. Get the 1.6 TDI and you've got a potential 55mpg car with lots of space and terrific build quality and reliability. If you're looking for alternatives, then there's always the Volkswagen Golf (mechanically the same as the Skoda but less spacious inside) or the Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi (terrific to drive and good value but poor standard equipment and they're tight in the back).
Are the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotions really economical?
Need suggestions for a very economical used diesel. I currently have a 1.8 TDCi Ford Focus averaging about 50mpg. Are the BlueMotion Golfs actually getting high 60s to low 70s mpg?
Brian OC (Wexford)Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
There's a serious, serious issue at the moment in the chasm between what the car makers claim you will get in economy terms from a car and what you actually get in real-world driving. There are changes to the official testing regime coming down the pipe, but the car makers are resisting that with all their lobbying might as it means that their CO2 ratings will go up too.
In the meantime, and this is based purely on personal experience, a Golf BlueMotion should get close to 60mpg in daily driving, and you may even crack the 65mpg mark, though 70mpg is probably not going to happen, being realistic.
Further reading: