Expert answer

Hi John,

There's a lot less going on in the exhaust aftertreatment of a modern petrol engine than the equivalent diesel so I suspect the diesel needs the warm-up more. It may also be due to the extra strain on the starter and battery due to the high compression of the diesel engine. When the oil is cold, the friction may be higher, causing a higher strain again. 

Either way, it's nothing to worry about.

Expert answer

Hi Lee,

It's only the 1.8 TDCi diesel engine from Ford that used that wet belt set-up, none of the others. The 1.8-litre engine was never offered in the Kuga.

Expert answer

Hi Keith,

You've not told us the model year, but if it's a 2010 car or older and it has never had its timing belt changed then it's likely to be a reminder to have it done. The belt in, for example, a 2010 Kuga 2.0 TDCi diesel, must be changed at least every 200,000 kilometres or 10 years, whichever comes first, so, even though yours has only done 106,000km, if it's 10 years or more old, the belt must be changed.

If you'v already had the belt changed, you'll need to bring the car to a garage with a good diagnostic computer so they can reset the computer for you.

Expert answer

Hi Ed,

OK, this one takes a bit of deciphering. I’m guessing that you mean you own two Mercedes-Benz models, both using the 2.1-litre diesel four-cylinder engine. I’m also assuming that you’re talking about the cost of motor tax, although the €290 figure is a little odd — did you mis-type when you meant either €280 (for Band B2) or €390 (for Band C)?

The discrepancy could be down to a number of factors. You don’t, for example, state which models you’re talking about — E-Class? C-Class? Coupe? Convertible? Estate? Do both cars have automatic transmissions? Are they both on the same size wheels? Were they both manufactured in the same year? There’s a huge variation in vehicle emissions and, if you’re talking about the gap between Band C and Band D, it takes only a single g/km of CO₂ to tip from one to the other. 

Expert answer

Hi Julie,

In many ways, diesel would be the safe bet, but with your 90km per day driving pattern, I’d suggest that you’re potentially an ideal candidate for switching to electric. Certainly, a current Kia e-Niro or Hyundai Kona Electric would do your five-day daily commute on almost one charge (although realistically you’d probably top it up much more regularly than that). As long as you have a driveway where you can install a home charging point (and a charging point at work would be helpful too), then I’d say it’s well worth looking at electric. The savings on fuel alone will help to balance out the cost of purchase. 

Expert answer

Hi Gino,

That Ford 1.6 TDCi diesel engine is one of the most common engines around, as it has also been used by Mazda, Volvo, Peugeot, Citroen and MINI. It has one major vulnerable spot and that is that sooty, gummy deposits can build up in areas that are supposed to be kept cool and lubricated by oil. If the deposits build up enough, they can block the oil passage and cause component failure — most commonly of the turbocharger. The best way to prevent that happening is with regular servicing (at least once a year depending on mileage) and making sure that you always use a high-quality grade of synthetic oil for the engine.

The 1.6 petrol engine, the 100hp version, is a much simpler unit and it’s pretty reliable, mostly because it’s a much older design. It won’t be as economical nor as punchy in its performance as the diesel, but if it’s reliability you’re looking for, it might be the better option. 

Expert answer

Hi Kieran,

Luckily, the 2016 Octavia 110hp 1.6 TDI has an exceptionally efficient engine in terms of NOx, and will only cost you an additional €480 or thereabouts. The rest of the VRT bill should be in the region of €2,000 or so, depending on what options are fitted to the car.

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

Taking the 1.7 CRDi diesel as an example, Hyundai recommends a 30,000km or 12 months interval for oil and oil filter changes. Along with all the usual checks on lights, levels, brakes, etc, Hyundai also recommends changing the brake fluid, clutch fluid and cabin filter at that time. 

Every 60,000km or two years, the air filter must also be changed, while the coolant should be replaced every 210,000km or 10 years.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

The NOx emissions of that model are 70mg/km, so you’ll have to pay an additional €450 on top of the normal VRT charge if you’re importing one. 

Expert answer

Hi Winstyon,

This sounds like your car has a very common issue associated with that engine. The fuel flow control valve, located on the high-pressure fuel pump, could be faulty and it needs to be replaced.