Complete Car | Search Questions

I think RWD cars should use winter tyres!

Why are winter tyres not mandatory on rear-wheel-drive cars? I’m on my second Mercedes and know to switch to winter tyres each year. I rarely see other rear-wheel-drive cars doing the same yet such vehicles are uncontrollable in icy conditions - much worse than front-wheel drive. This is a serious safety issue not just for owners but other road users. I can guarantee someone will get killed if action is not taken. I suggest campaigns but also really dealers have an onus to notify buyers. Perhaps you could highlight as well.

Thanks

Sean

Sean Burgess

Mar 2018 Filed under: tyres

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

I agree to a certain extent with this, but not completely. Rear-wheel-drive cars with their engines up front (as with your Mercedes) really struggle with traction in icy conditions, but front-wheel-drive cars are no better when it comes to braking and turning in the same conditions so if such a law was to be brought it, it really should apply to all cars, as winter tyres provide much more grip whether you're accelerating, braking or turning.

However, despite the crazy week we've had here in Ireland with snow and ice, long term weather stats clearly show that we don't get enough cold weather in most parts of Ireland (i.e. the temperature below seven degrees C) to warrant forcing everyone to change to winter tyres. Above seven degrees C, winter tyres are not as good as all-weather/summer tyres and they wear much quicker.

The Irish motorist already feels hard done by in terms of taxation and running costs so I don't think any government would bring this in here, but to be honest, I don't think they should, either. It really should be up to the individual. And that's coming from someone that has expereinced how brilliant winter tyres can be. Other opinions area available...

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.

Anything to do to my Audi A4 TDI?

Hi guys.

I have a 2012 Audi A4 2.0 TDI. Currently 125,000km on the clock. Nothing has been replaced apart from tyres and anything done by Audi themselves during the three regular services it has had. Does any part(s) need replacing now at this point with the mileage and age?

Thanks, James

Paul Paris (Dublin)

Apr 2017 Filed under: servicing

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

If the car has a full service history and is in good condition, then in general we’d say there’s nothing much to worry about. At 125,000km it’s well within the lifetime of all its major components, and if the history is solid then so should be the car. Just make sure that it has had a timing belt replacement, or at least an inspection of the timing belt.

Correct tyre pressure for my Ford Fiesta?

What is the correct tyre pressure or a Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi manufactured in 2004?

Paul Codd (Morden)

Nov 2016 Filed under: tyres

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

It depends on the wheels, but assuming you have a 175/65 14-inch tyre, then you need 31psi of pressure on the front tyres and 26psi for the rears.

I'd like a new car that is really comfortable.

Hi,

I have just been reading Neil Briscoe's article (June 2016) about Citroen's new suspension system. I take it Neil wasn't too impressed. I have a 2003 Citroen C5 that is a fantastically comfortable car. It will have to be replaced sometime unfortunately. Because I have spine injuries I would need something that is the equivalent in terms of a smooth ride.

What do you think the chances are of finding same?

Thanks

Clare

Clare McLoughin (Tullamore)

Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Clare,

Well, if I gave the impression that I wasn’t too impressed, then that’s not quite right as we haven’t yet driven a new Citroen model equipped with the new Advanced Comfort suspension system. It won’t go into production until next year (2017). We have just driven the new Citroen C3, which has a very impressive ride quality on standard springs and dampers, so the omens for the new system are good.

As for current cars with really good ride quality, the trick is to stay well away from anything with a sports kit or big alloy wheels. Avoid anything that has an M Sport or AMG-Line or S line badge, and anything with wheels bigger than 17 inches or with really low profile tyres. I’d say if you’re replacing a Citroen C5 (lovely car, hugely underrated) your best bet for something with truly soothing ride comfort would probably be a current-shape Volkswagen Passat, which also has really good, supportive seats. Again, stay away from big optional alloys and you should be fine. A Toyota Avensis is also worth trying.

I have a troublesome Toyota Avensis...

I'm having a lot of problems with my 2010 Toyota Avensis: problems with front tyres wearing; opening the boot and the doors. These are all problems with the 2010 model. Is Toyota standing behind and fixing all these problems?

Pat Murphy (Ballina)

Aug 2016 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

Well, it’s impossible for us to comment on an individual car that we haven’t seen and don’t know the history of. Toyotas tend to be very reliable and well made, and the Avensis especially so, but no car is entirely without its issues and much depends on maintenance, care and attention to detail. Have you tried contacting your Toyota dealer? Did the problems occur within the original warranty period? Does the car have a full and complete service history?

What do you think of the Volvo S80?

Can you please give me an opinion on the Volvo S80 from 2005 to 2010?

Joe Mcelwee (Galway)

Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

A hugely underrated car, the S80. Big, comfy and mostly very reliable. As ever with something that started out in life as an expensive model, don’t buy anything without a full service history and check carefully for any electrical gremlins. They’re also sensitive to knocked-about suspension, so check the tyres carefully for any uneven wear and tear. Other than that, reliability is pretty decent. The bigger diesel engines can be expensive to run, but if you go for the 1.6 diesel you’ll have a car that’s really frugal and not all that under-powered.

Any advice on 2007 Volkswagen Touareg?

Any advice when looking at a 2007 3.0-litre auto diesel Volkswagen Toureg with 150,000 miles on the clock?

Dan Haslam (Coleraine)

Nov 2015 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

To be honest, the Touareg is not the most reliable thing around. It suffers from electrical maladies and the air suspension is prone to failure. The timing chain on the V6 engines can also be fragile. The front brakes are a bit on the small side for a car that big and heavy so check under the front for damage too. Check for a thumping sensation from the automatic gearbox when changing gears and the centre differential can be weak so listen for whining or rattling noises. They chew through tyres as well, so check for uneven or excessive wear.

What age of tyres can fail the NCT?

What age of tyres can fail the Irish NCT?

Gearoidin Ni Chonduin (Thurles)

Nov 2015 Filed under: tyres

Expert answer

Hi Gearoidin,

The NCT checks for condition and tread depth mostly and will fail on those items and if the tyre is not the right specification for the car. There is a note in the NCT manual, however, for the tester to advise the owner if the tyres are more than six years old. Most tyre makers recommend that, even with very light use, you should not use a tyre that's more than ten years old as the internal structure starts to break down.

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.