maintenance and servicing | Ask Honest John

Ask Honest John

Most recently answered maintenance and servicing questions

How can I tell if the clutch in my car is failing?

My automatic car is slow to change gears when cold - what is the problem?

I have a problem with a BMW X5 3.0d. When it's cold it seems to be very slow to change gears. However when I get to the top of the street all seems to be okay. Is there a quick fix?

How much should a Toyota MR2 power steering pump cost?

I have been quoted by a local nationwide service centre £1700 for the supply of a new SW20 power steering pump assembly for my 2005 Toyota MR2 - can this be right?

Is my local Jaguar dealer liable for the repairs costs of my F-Type?

I have a 2013 Jaguar F-Type, which I have owned from new. The car developed a misfire and was transported back to the main dealer by the AA. The dealer diagnosed two spark plug failures and changed all...

Our 2003 BMW 3 Series is consuming a lot of oil - do you know what's going on?

We purchased (privately) a 2003 BMW 3-Series 1.8-litre petrol automatic in late 2016, with 49,000 recorded miles. It has a stamped BMW Service Record, full MoT etc.The BMW had, prior to our purchase, three...

What's the best grade engine oil to use in my car?

My petrol-engined Toyota Yaris Verso runs happily enough on 5W/30 semi-synthetic oil. It returns about 1600 miles per pint of oil. With 135,000 miles on the clock, would the engine benefit from an additive...

I've seen a car with 104k miles on it for sale for £1000, should I buy it?

I've seen a 2006 Peugeot 307 for sale for £1000. It has 104,000 miles on it. What do you think?

Is it better to have a service before an MoT?

Can you please tell me what the advantages and disadvantages are of having a service before or after an MoT?

Are service plans a good idea?

How often should I get my van serviced?

I bought a new Renault Trafic and have had it serviced at a locally trusted garage who said it should be serviced at 18,000. It's now due for its first mot and second service at 36000. But the main dealer...