A test drive tells you a lot, but you can only really assess the condition of a used car once you’ve also checked the bodywork, chassis, brakes, service history and fault log. An inspection commissioned by the buyer helps you make an informed decision before…
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In a manual car, the gears often stick in a way that provides the first clue as to where the fault lies. If only one gear is sticking, the suspicion falls on different parts than when all the gears are stiff. Also…
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A drive joint usually makes a knocking noise when turning because the joint surfaces of the outer drive joint are worn. The noise is often heard during a tight turn when the driver is pressing the accelerator at the same time. It is advisable to have the knocking noise investigated before the wear progresses…
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The first signs of a turbocharger fault may include a new whining noise, a loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust, or the engine entering fault mode. However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean that the turbocharger is faulty. The same driving feel can be caused by a cracked turbo hose,…
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A car overheats when the cooling system is unable to dissipate the heat generated by the engine efficiently enough. The temperature can rise whilst driving, in traffic or when the engine is idling, and the symptoms may be caused by, for example, the thermostat, the water pump,…
Read the article → For many enthusiasts, the electrical system and charging of a classic car are the parts that “almost always” work – until they don’t. Often, running problems, occasional stalling or poor starting are not caused by the engine but…
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Servicing electric and hybrid cars at a multi-make garage often raises two practical questions: what can be done in exactly the same way as before, and which aspects require particular care due to the high-voltage systems. On the Kirkkonummi–Espoo route, the driving profile is…
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When the windscreen mists up and a sweet smell drifts into the cabin, many people immediately suspect the worst – and sometimes the cause really is the heater core. However, the problem may also be caused by issues with air circulation, a blocked fresh air filter, …
Read the article → Misfiring and jerking in a petrol car may seem like a minor nuisance, but it’s worth taking it seriously as soon as the symptoms recur. Jerking, stuttering or an uneven idle can be caused by simple wear and tear on parts (such as…
Read the article → The smell of exhaust fumes or a rattling noise coming from the engine compartment is one of those symptoms that shouldn’t simply be dismissed as “left over from winter” or “just the sounds of an old car”. Often, the underlying cause is the exhaust manifold, a flexible joint or another part of the exhaust system…
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