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."
I need a bit of help with my tyre pressures...
Hi guys,
My tyre pressure is usually 30psi all round and car is almost always empty and without passengers. I've to do a drive of about 350km round trip soon with three passengers and a fully loaded boot. Mostly motorway. Should I up the tyre pressures all round and to what, please?
Also, after a recent puncture the garage told me I should keep the spare at 50psi. This sounds ridiculously high and potentially dangerous if you needed to put the spare tyre on in an emergency where you couldn't check the pressure. Would be glad of any tips, thanks.
Elaine Edwards (Navan)May 2015 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Elaine,
We'd suggest you up your tyre pressures all round by 2psi if you're going to be carrying that many more people, but as we don't know what type of car you have it's best to follow the manufacturer advice. There's usually a diagram showing the correct ratings either inside the fuel filler flap or on one of the front door frames - visible with the door open only.
It's not unusual for tyre fitters to recommend putting a higher pressure in your spare, but really we'd say that's too high. Stick to 40psi if it's a spare that's not easily accessible and checked often, as it will likely lose pressure over time. If, however, it's easy to get at, keep it at the right pressure and check it monthly.
Hope that all helps
What is the market value of a 2007 Volkswagen Passat?
What is the market value of a 2007 Volkswagen Passat, 165,000km, 1.9 TDI. two years' NCT, full service history, four new tyres, new battery?
Niall O'keeffe (Nenagh)Apr 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
Probably around €8k retail or €6,500 - €7,000 as a trade-in.
What tyre pressure should my Kia Rio be at?
What is the correct tyre air pressure for a Kia Rio 1.4 petrol?
Josephine Dooley (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Josephine,
Our database shows that, if your car is fitted with 195/55 R15 V 85 sized tyres then the correct average pressure is 2.1 bar or 31 PSI.
This information should be displayed on your car somewhere - either inside the fuel filler flap or on the door frame when you open the door.
Hope that helps
How reliable is the 2011 Nissan Note?
How reliable is the 2011 Nissan Note?
Liam O'Brien (Swords)Mar 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Liam,
Generally speaking it is reliable, but there are a couple of things to keep an eye out for. Electrical problems can usually be traced to an engine management system fault. It can often be fixed by a software update but sometimes the whole black box will need replacing.
Rear seat folding hinges can jam and door locks can give trouble too. Oh, and if it's an SVE model beware of tyres - they're an odd specification and can be hard to source.
Should all my tyres be the same?
Hi, I recently bought a second hand car and noticed one of my rear tyres is a slightly different size (245/45 R18) to the three other tyres (245/40 R18). I am due an NCT in March; can you tell me if this would contribute to a fail? Are there any other downsides to this? Car rides and handles perfectly.
Thanks, Andy K (Kildare)
Andy K (Kildare)Mar 2015 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Andy,
It's only a small difference but it could well be a reason for failure. The NCT says that having tyres of differing size or specification is a fail point.
It would be worth your while getting that odd tyre swapped out for one the same as the others. Even with that small difference in the sidewall, the way the tyre reacts and the way heat builds up in the tread is different so while the car might fee fine, its reactions in an emergency situation could be suspect.
I know it's an annoying expense, but honestly, tyres are pretty much the most important thing on the car. Better to make sure they're right.
Should I replace my BMW 520d with an Audi A6?
I would like to know if you think the Audi A6 2.0-litre diesel 2014 model is a good car. I am in the market for this kind of car and currently drive a BMW 520d, but I don't know if I should go for the same again as I'm a bit worried about rear-wheel drive in the winter and because Audi is more competitive on price at the moment. I've driven an Audi and liked it but are there any problems I should know about?
Thanks.
Mike Ross (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
The A6 is a cracking choice - reliable, frugal, stylish and hugely comfy, but it's not as sweet to drive as the 5 Series. That said, it is more spacious and if you can track down an Avant estate you'll have one of the best looking cars around.
If you're concerned about driving on snow and ice there are two avenues you should explore, no matter which car you go for. One is to look into fitting either winter tyres (which you'll need to swap back over to normal tyres in the spring) or all-season tyres, such as the new 'CrossClimate' one from Michelin. Better again, go on a winter driving techniques course. BMW runs one at Rally School Ireland in Monaghan and the skills you'll learn there would get you through even the worst blizzard, no matter which set of your car's wheels are driven.
Further reading:
How can I up my Almera's performance?
Hi guys, I have a 2007 Nissan Almera 1.5 SXE; are there any parts I can get to make it have a bit more power? Would it be possible to get a turbocharger installed in that model or K&N filter? Don't know if it's possible.
Thanks, it's so sluggish and I can't afford to insure anything bigger at the moment.
Michael Shannon (Daingean)Feb 2015 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
Well, if you can't afford to insure anything bigger then a turbo's a no-go. Legally, you have to inform your insurer of any modifications made to your car, and if an increase in swept capacity is a no-go then no insurer is going to let you strap on a turbo.
A K&N filter or similar would be fine though and should readily be available for an Almera. While you're at it, why not put the turbo budget to a proper service, some high-quality oil and new tyres? All far better options for improving performance and nothing that will bother your insurance provider.
Should I change older tyres?
If my tyres are older than six years what should I do?
Sean Ryan (Waterford)Feb 2015 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
Short version? Change them. At that kind of age, regardless of mileage, tyres start to get damaged and worn out. Get some new ones.
Mercedes-Benz GLA or CLA?
Mercedes-Benz GLA or CLA? Both the same price, but which is the better car? And is the 1.5-litre engine too small for that size of car? It's getting really expensive by the time you go up to the 2.1-litre versions.
Any advice?
Aine Nerney (Dublin)Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Aine,
CLA for my money. The GLA is nice, and obviously a bit more practical, but it doesn't feel special enough to justify the price tag.
The CLA on the other hand looks terrific and is really sweet to drive. The small diesel engine is fine - not the quickest ever or anything but it'll do and a realistic 65mpg will make up for any straight-line deficiencies.
One thing - make sure you spec the smallest wheels and the tyres with the deepest possible sidewalls. The CLA rides pretty hard and big wheels with low profile tyres make it really uncomfortable.
Further reading: