Everyone who keeps a keen eye on their fuel economy will have their own way of checking their figures. Long term, the most accurate way is to log all fuel purchases and the mileage covered, and then calculate mpg by…
The Extra Mile
We return to the subject of automatic transmissions and their fuel economy, because the progress seen in recent times has been remarkable. Many manufacturers are now offering automatics that are far more economical than in times past, although the infamous…
The Extra Mile
Nearly 15 years ago, the concept of “car allowances” was launched by the government in a scheme designed to relieve companies of the capital investment and management costs involved in running large employee car fleets. It offered employees a viable…
Highway to heaven
If you’re struggling to think of something different for the motoring enthusiast that has everything, how about this tin of treats containing chocolate road signs. With 15 assorted designs contained in every tin, the chocolate is foil wrapped to look…
The Extra Mile
With winter fast approaching, and maybe even already with some readers by the time they read this, it’s time to think about how this sometimes cruel season affects our fuel economy. Referring to records of four varied vehicles we have…
Back to Basics – Car Manufacture – Body Finishing
If one part of car manufacture has improved more than any other in recent decades, it is corrosion prevention and painting, or finishing, of car bodies, and their various attachments. Rust is now rarely a problem that bothers us, which…
Kombi Spin-off
Dear Doctor Diesel, Reading the letters about the Kombi going in to limp home mode and your reply suggesting the diagnosis of a faulty turbo being wrong, I have to tell you our experience. We have suffered this with our…
Update on Krippled Kombi
Doc, I got the van serviced by Scotts Garage last week. It has done about 2,500 miles since we last corresponded, and has gone into limp home mode three times since then. Twice when pulling a half tonne trailer on…
Shuddering Update
Hello Doctor, I thought I would send you an update on my shuddering Insignia (Issue 330). I went to the garage that you recommended (Scotts of Dundonald) and they did a thorough check on the car. No fault codes appeared…
Cold Comfort
Could you please update me on the reasons why, as you preach, you shouldn’t warm up diesels in your driveway with the engine running, when the windows are frozen up, to clear the windows before you drive off. More to…