Should I stretch my car's legs regularly?
Thanks very much for your reply on fuel additives for a Skoda. In the normal event, it is probably the case that an engine doesn't get raced very often, and probably runs at fairly low revs most, if not all, of the time. Is there a benefit in running an engine, either petrol or diesel, from time to time at high revs and, if so, how often and for how long?
Your review of the Jaguar F-Type 2.0-litre was very interesting. I have one comment about the engine noise. There are times driving on a back road when it is a pleasure to hear an engine crackle and roar, but perhaps not always. I was driving along a long Spanish sea side resort behind an F-Type, where there were ramps and pedestrian crossings every couple of hundred yards. My thoughts were that one could quickly get tired of that roar every time the car started off again.
Perhaps, that's just me getting old and grumpy!
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Aug 2017 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
On the Jaguar front, first of all thanks for the compliment. As far as noise goes, I don’t think I’d ever tire of the F-Type’s V6 sounds, but that four-cylinder model is hugely impressive (and very refined) all the same.
As for running a car up and down its rev range, yes, it’s a good idea. Engines perform best (especially in fuel economy terms) when held at constant, low rpm (such as on a long motorway journey), but from a mechanical point of view it’s a good idea, once in a while, to stretch things out, warm things up, and get things moving.
How do I calculate VRT on a Countryman?
I'm looking at importing a MINI Countryman from the UK, but the revenue site doesnt even have that version under MINI, never mind the model. I'm asking if you know of a point of contact to get an approximation from before importing as I don't want to arrive at an NCT centre and get told that I owe something crazy.
Thanks
Pat, Slane
Pat Ryan (Ballina)Aug 2017 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
The Countryman is in the Revenue VRT calculator, but it’s in an odd position. You have to select Cooper, One, or First, then pick Hatchback as the body style and then once you’ve selected the usual petrol or diesel, manual or auto functions, you should find the Countryman models in there.
Worth using fuel additives in my Skoda?
Hi,
I have a 1.6 TDI Greenline 2012 Skoda Superb with 70k km up. An injector recently had to be replaced. I don't know why, possibly because the car is unused for a few months each year. Is there any benefit in using a fuel additive to prevent further damage and, if so, which?
I also have a 2.0-litre petrol turbocharged Mercedes-Benz C-Class (245hp) of much more recent vintage. Is there a benefit of using a fuel additive from early in a car's life? Is there any evidence that these products. work?
Many thanks,
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Aug 2017 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
The short answer is that there are some benefits to using additives, but they’re not a miracle cure. Some additives, such as Redex, STP, or Dipetane, can apparently help to reduce the build-up of carbonised particles of soot and burned fuel on the insides of your engine, which can lead to improvements in reliability, fuel economy and emissions.
That said, there’s little here that’s scientifically proven. The benefits of additives tend to be more word-of-mouth than provable fact, but there’s certainly no harm in using them and if you notice a benefit, well that’s all to the good.
I would suggest that you’re better off sticking to a strict service regimen, using original parts and a qualified technical, than relying on additives though. And of course, as you already know, diesels need to be driven regularly to stay in good condition.
When to change my Mondeo's timing belt?
When do I change the timing belt on my 2014 Ford Mondeo 2.2 TDCi diesel?
Peter Johnson (Cheshire)Jul 2017 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
Ford recommends a change every 200,000 kilometres or every 10 years, whichever comes first. We would always advise readers to make the change earlier than that.
Have you a new Mazda CX-5 review?
Have you done a review of the new Mazda CX-5 yet?
Mark Foley (Dundalk)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
We certainly have. Read Neil's first drive of the 2.2-litre diesel AWD version here.
Do I buy petrol or diesel in a new car?
I want to buy a new car but I am confused - do I buy petrol or diesel?
Taranpreet Singh (Jalandhar)Jul 2017 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi there,
There's no completely easy answer I'm afraid, but the rule of thumb is that if you're doing low to medium mileage (below 20,000km a year) and drive in town a lot, go for petrol. If you're doing 20,000km+ and mostly on motorways diesel is still a good bet, but it's worth looking at the latest-tech hybrids too.
Do I need xDrive 4x4 in a BMW X5?
Hi I currently drive a BMW 520d and am interested in buying a 172/171 BMW X5 2.0-litre diesel. There is a good price difference between the sDrive and the xDrive models. If I do buy the X5 I wouldn't be going off-road driving and wouldn't be using it for towing either. I would just be using it for normal on-road driving. I do about 20,000 miles/32,000km a year. I would like to know if you think that the sDrive model would be enough or would I need the xDrive for added stability for driving on wet or icy roads in the winter. I've never had trouble in my 5 Series, but then the X5 is bigger and taller.
Thank you.
Jane Walsh (Cork)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jane,
I would say that if you're driving as you describe then sDrive is fine, as not only is it entirely capable it's also much better from a point of view of running costs. For normal on-road driving it's perfectly good enough, and if you're worried about winter conditions then consider fitting some winter or all-season tyres.
Which 2008-2009 estate to buy?
What is the estate car to buy around 2008-2009 low tax brands? I was leaning towards Volvo.
Thanks
Mike
Mike Doherty (Cappoquin)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Back as far as 2008 and 2009 sadly you're missing out on the Volvo V60, which is a cracking car and very affordable to run. You could get a bigger V70 with the 1.6-litre diesel engine, but it's a bit more expensive. The smaller V50 estate might be too small for you.
Would you consider a Skoda instead? An Octavia Combi is hugely spacious, reliable, cheap to buy and cheap to run.
Which of these Toyota Avensis to go for?
Thinking of buying one of the two cars mentioned below:
2009 2.0-litre Toyota Avensis D-4D Luna four-door with 145,000km on the odometer or 2010 2.0-litre Toyota Avensis Strata with 87,000km on the odometer. The 2010 model is €995 dearer, but with a difference of 58,000km on the odometer it might be a better buy? Both are diesel. Other than a lower mileage, do you have an opinion which is better? Also what is the max mileage one can expect to get over the lifetime of this car
Many thanks. Marlen
Marlen Carvalho (Wicklow)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Marlen,
It's impossible for us to accurately assess a car that we haven't seen, but for a small premium such as that it could well be worth having the newer car. That said, one should never buy on age and mileage, but on condition and history, so go for whichever one is in better condition and which has the more complete service history.
As for potential mileage, if you keep a car properly serviced and cared for (Toyotas especially so) the sky's the limit...
What's wrong with our Peugeot 207?
Hi,
Our Peugeot 207 has a problem that the mechanics can't get right. When engage (D) Drive, it loses power even when you step on the accelerator. However, when you engage (R) Reverse, it has all the power.
What could be the problem?
Henry Buwembo (Kampala)Jul 2017 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Henry,
You've not told us which engine your car has, but there are a few known issues with the 207 that it might be:
- The catalytic converter can break up internally, damaging the oxygen sensor, leading to poor performance.
- Engine coolant temperature sensor becomes faulty, causing poor performance, especially when cold.
- Turbocharger failure (on diesel models) due to build-up of sludge in oil supply pipe.
I must admit, I don't think it sounds like any of those, but it does sound like an electrical issue with a failed sensor from your description. It's very difficult to assess such things from afar.
My advice would be to bring the car to a different mechanic as a starting point.