HONEST JOHN EXPERT ADVICE

The dealer you can trust is on hand to answer your questions on car problems and consumer issues

STRANGE ROVER

Our BMW X3 2.0-litre diesel is nearly three years old with 28,000 miles from new and we plan to pass it on to the family. Our budget for a replacement is £50,000. We have looked at the Range Rover Velar and Volvo XC60 but are undecided on diesel or petrol. Which of these two would you recommend? JH

I’ve never driven a Velar but, beauty being in the eye of the beholder, I think it’s hideous. I wouldn’t get involved with any JLR diesels until the company has sorted them out. That leaves V6 petrols, maybe Ingenium petrols – or the XC60. I don’t like the XC60 to drive because of its remote steering, but the smaller XC40 T5 petrol works very well. Alternatively, take a look at the excellent new Honda CR-V hybrid.

FRESH HEIR

Can you advise on the reliability of the twin-clutch automatic gearbox fitted to the Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 180? SH

It’s not bad, but the clutch pack and transmission share the same fluid so the unit requires fresh fluid and a filter every three years or 38,000 miles, whichever comes first. Neglecting this regular maintenance can lead to transmission failure.

CLIMATE CHANGE

I have a BMW X1 2.0 Sport with run-flat tyres. Would you advise changing to conventional tyres? If so, what type do you recommend to give a softer ride? GY

You can go to 17-inch wheels with 225/55 R17 Michelin Cross Climate tyres that will give you a lot more comfort and get you through the snow. But you will then need to buy a space-saver spare and, if the car has

In the UK, 50 per cent of the electricity supply is still generated from fossil fuels. It has been calculated that the true CO2 emissions of the average electric car is therefore 50-60g/km CO2, but coming out of the chimneys at the power stations rather than from an exhaust pipe. Add that to the environmental impact of mining various precious metals for the batteries and the case for electric cars weakens.

But, of course, there’s big money to be made from the change.

MIAMI ADVICE

I am planning a holiday in Florida. The rental car I am being offered by the tour operator includes a collision

FROOME WITH A VIEW

valve-based tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors, you’ll need to swap them over. Try tyremen.co.uk for the new set of wheels.

FOSSIL FOOLS

I am intrigued as to the real environmental cost of switching to battery/ hybrid power. Are governments/auto manufacturers turning a blind eye to the environmental costs of manufacture and disposal? Do you think they are creating a bigger problem than they are solving? WW I have a 1995 Mercedes E200 with 113,500 miles. It has been regularly serviced and has been filled with semi-synthetic engine oil from new. There is a slight rattle from the engine compartment when the engine is idling; might it be general wear and tear or wear on the crankshaft pulley? I have had a new water pump fitted, but at what mileage should the timing chain be replaced? RL

When Mercedes used simplex timing chains, they needed replacing relatively frequently. But from the W124 model onwards the chains were duplex (double linked) and immensely strong. That said, everything wears out eventually so it’s worth getting it checked. The rattle is more likely to be from worn tensioners than a worn chain. Talk to Nicholas Froome, an expert on this model, via w124.co.uk. damage waiver (CDW), but no one can explain this to me. Is this the US equivalent of third party insurance? PD

You get third party insurance to cover any damage you do to others. A collision damage waiver normally covers you for damage to the hire car itself (like comprehensive insurance), but there may be an excess that you must pay in the event of any damage.

Q TIPS

I ordered an Audi Q2 last June for delivery at the beginning of October. Having found out it would be quite some time before it is made, I enquired about a Q3 instead – only to be told that it would take even longer. I have owned a variety of VWs for years but everyone tells me that the Q2 will be worth the wait. What do you think? AH

This is a massive problem for German manufacturers because of their large, complex model ranges. It is also causing problems for other manufacturers, because of the German firms hogging the limited number of testing facilities for the new WLTP emissions and fuel consumption tests that became mandatory in September 2018.

CHAPTER AND REVERSE

I have a 2015 Vauxhall Astra VXR with just one reversing light, which is quite weak. Could I fit a brighter bulb, or maybe even extra reversing lights? PS

Try activating your hazard warning lights or an indicator as you reverse. That’s what we used to have to do in the dark ages.

WALLET AND GRIMACE

I have just committed the cardinal sin of putting petrol in my diesel-engined car. Fortunately no harm was done, except to my pride and wallet. How about a

BONE IDLE

My car has been laid up for five months after I broke my ankle. I have kept the battery charged. What steps should I take before starting it again? CC

Check all fluid levels. Use very low revs at first and listen carefully for suspicious sounds from the engine – stop it immediately if you suspect anything wrong. If all is well, get an oil and brake fluid change, as well as a thorough check by an expert, carried out.

sensor located inside the fuel filler, with a warning light in the filler cap to indicate when the wrong fuel is being put in? Simple technology, and it shouldn’t be expensive if fitted during manufacture. Is this a good idea? PH

Most modern diesels have misfuel prevention devices already. I assume your car is older and doesn’t have one, so do an internet search for “misfuel prevention devices”.

BRIGHTEN RUCK

I bought a new VW Golf with a selfdipping rear-view mirror that is supposed to darken when headlights follow my car. It does, but nowhere near enough. It is unpleasant to drive at night due to dazzle from behind. VW says that the mirror is working and nothing can be done. Any ideas? TP

These mirrors are electrochromic (ie they significantly reduce the light that can pass through the electrochromic layer to be reflected by the mirror back to the driver). You might improve the performance of yours by adjusting the angle slightly downwards.

RIGHT, SAID THREAD

There is a thread on a forum about how badly one of the members has been treated when looking at cars at dealerships. Perhaps being female has something to do with it. They’ve been ignored when browsing the vehicles. Is this still a common problem? SB

Most car salespeople are on commission, but much of that is for selling finance, GAP insurance, body protection treatments and add-ons such as that. Buyers can complain to themotorombudsman.org.

FILLIP A FORESTER

When I contacted you for advice on a replacement for our Nissan X-Trail that was similarly capable of towing a caravan while also fitting into our garage, you recommended a newer X-Trail or a Subaru Forester. We have bought a Forester and are delighted – it is an excellent tow car. DM

Good news. Owners have complained that I never recommend Subarus, but your email puts that right.