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Dave Pollard

Car Clinic: Is there a better tyre sealant than the one supplied with the Mazda6?

Published 17 July 2017
By Dave Pollard
I’ve not had good reports about the tyre sealant supplied with my Mazda6. Is there a different spray that would not mean the tyre needed...
Car Clinic: What do I need to know about Paris car emissions rules before driving there?

Car Clinic: What are the Paris emissions rules?

"I am driving to Paris and have heard of new anti-pollution rules in the city. Do I need to do anything before I set off?"
Published 04 July 2017
Audi TTS - Car Clinic: Does my car need its scheduled service if I've not put many miles on it?

Car Clinic: Service needed if I've not driven far?

"I’ve driven my Audi TTS only 1,800 miles in 18 months but the service light has appeared. Do I need an oil service or can I go on a bit longer?"
Published 04 July 2017
I’ve just attended a speed-awareness course and now want to set up my TomTom sat nav to warn me when I am exceeding the speed limit. Can I do this and how?

Car Clinic: Speed camera alerts on a TomTom

Q. I’ve just attended a speed-awareness course and now want to set up my TomTom sat nav to warn me when I am exceeding the speed limit....
Published 30 January 2017
Car Clinic: Why have my alloy wheels turned black?

Car Clinic: Why have my alloy wheels turned black?

The alloy wheels on our 2014 Ford B-Max turned from silver to black shortly after purchase. Why?
Published 01 December 2016
Car Clinic: How can I stop my car windscreen from misting up?

Car Clinic: How can I prevent windscreen misting?

The windscreen in my Vauxhall Corsa mists up badly in damp weather and takes ages to clear. What can I do about it?
Published 14 November 2016
Car Clinic: After clearing petrol out of my diesel car's fuel system, should I pay for optional additive?

Car Clinic: I put petrol in my diesel car...

When I put petrol in my diesel Audi A5, Fuel Doctor drained the tank. I declined to pay £20 for an additive to prevent “dangerous fumes..."
Published 07 November 2016
Car Clinic: What caused warning lights when using a space-saver spare wheel?Car Clinic: What caused warning lights when using a space-saver spare wheel?

Car Clinic: Space-saver warning lights

Q. When I used a space-saver spare wheel on my Citroën DS4...
Published 26 September 2016
Car Clinic: What's the best portable sat nav device?

Car Clinic: What's the best portable sat nav device?

Q. My boyfriend and I plan to travel around the UK this summer in our campervan. To avoid squabbles, we need a (reasonably priced) portable sat nav...
Published 18 July 2016
Car Clinic: What should I do about leaky seals on my car boot?

What should I do about leaky seals on my car boot?

The seals on my car boot let in rainwater. Any suggestions, short of a new seal?
Published 18 May 2016
Jaguar XF

Why does my car's steering wheel vibrate when I'm stationary?

When my Jaguar XF diesel is stationary or turning at low speeds, the steering wheel vibrates and the steering feels spongy. What is causing this?
Published 22 March 2016
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

Can you drive a car without a valid MoT?

The MoT certificate on my wife’s car expired while we were away. How can I take it for its test when I can’t drive it without a valid certificate?
Published 07 March 2016
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

Should I pay £100 for optional Ford recommended treatments...

My Ford Kuga is due for its second annual service and Ford is recommending optional services such as a bacterial cleanse of the ventilation system....
Published 15 July 2015