Ask Honest John

Most recently answered maintenance questions
We bought our Yeti 1.8TSI 4WD new in September 2010 and have been absolutely delighted with it. We bought a Monthly Service Plan at £15.57 per month to cover the first three services. I requested a schedule...
Several years ago I purchased a 2008 Golf Plus 1.4 TSI. When I purchased the car I was adamant that I wanted a chain cam system as a result of the problems with belt cams. The Volkswagen dealer assured...
Plastic and nylon timing belt pulleys in VAG 1.4 and 1.6 16v engines have been an area of concern for many. We all know that the plastic pulley wheels/bearings are more likely to fail than the belt itself....
How do you rate the Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 163PS compared with the 2.0 TDCI 140PS version as regards reliability, value for money, known problems, maintenance, DPF reliability, etc.?
We drive a RHD 2009 Ford S-Max that we bought new when we lived in UK. It has now completed 73,500 miles. When should I have the cam belt/chain (not sure which) changed? We really like this car for its...
Following the recent mentions of silicone grease in your column, it is also an excellent lubricant for the rubber seals in a metal folding roof. After a few years the seals dry out, resulting in a lot...
Thank you for recommending the Mondeo 1.6 EcoBoost. Your review advises "1.6 EcoBoosts need idling from hot before switching off otherwise oil in the turbo bearing and oil feed to the bearing can carbonise....
I have owned a Peugeot 407 HDI 140 SW for four years and I thoroughly enjoy the car. Servicing has always been done by the excellent local Peugeot agent. I took it in today for 50,000 interim service;...
I have a 2002 Volkswagen Golf GT PD 130 that has now done 205,000 miles. I bought it two years ago from a family member who had owned it since new. It's been well cared for and I have every receipt. Its...
I have queries on two issues on which you have advised several times. Firstly you have warned that a turbocharged engine should be left idling before switching off to enable the turbo bearings to cool....
 

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